|
I usually use a
combination of 3 different cameras as I
think the variety of perspectives gives
exciting results. On the water, I use 2
cameras - a handheld camcorder which I keep
in a dry bag between my legs in the cockpit,
and a specially designed waterproof
pencilcam system. The pencilcam fixes to my
kayak via a suction pad mount and an
adjustable pole. It's an incredibly flexible
system because the pole rotates and extends
and I can easily change the set-up so that
the camera is really high, or really low and
points forwards, backwards, sideways or
anything in-between. There's a remote
control which stops and starts the camera
and means that I can start filming at any
time no matter how rough the conditions are
- I just have to take my hand off the paddle
for half a second to push the red button!
The pencilcam is very wide angle and doesn't
have a zoom. It's ideal for close-up action
shots but not so good for pretty scenic
shots, smooth pans or anything that you want
to zoom in on. I use the handheld camcorder
to cover this gap. I don't usually use a
waterproof housing for it as these typically
are bulky, and steam up or get drops on the
lens. I get more reliable shots and better
sound without a housing, but I have killed 2
PD100s over 4 years! If I think there's a
chance that I might swim on a surf landing
or launch then I put the camcorder away in
it's dry bag in my day hatch!! On land I use
my best quality camera ( usually a High
Definition Sony Z1). This has a much better
plug in microphone and more adjustable
settings. It would be cumbersome to use on
the water and too expensive to risk
breaking!
I used to use a minicam system made by
"Extreme Vision Systems" but they are no
longer specialising in these systems.
www.evs-co.com
For New Zealand I am using a Sony HC3 high
definition camera on the water and a new
minicam system made by Chris Fenton from
“Dream Team TV”. Chris has made and designed
the system based on units he’s made to film
powerboat racing.
www.dreamteamtv.co.uk
|
