I'm constantly working on ways to improve video footage shot from moving boats or Jet Ski's. I've written a script for my camera program to stabilize extremely shaky footage, and I'm happy to say it works fantastic considering the boat is moving at 25 - 30 kph and the camera is hand held in a fig rig.
This next short video sample is a split screen format with the original footage on the left and the Stabilized on the right.
Cheers Rambo
My new Camera Rig for shooting from a Jet Ski
Saturday, January 03, 2009
/
Posted by
Rambo
/
comments (4)
This is what i’m using to shoot Karel Jr with from the Jet Ski. Purpose built for shooting Hi Def from a Jet Ski, with 7” external framing monitor, remote control zoom/record with TOSLINK fibre optic extender,1080i Hi Def Cam 2hr recording to SD Card, 4 hrs external battery pack. Comes with waterproof covers for the cam, monitor and remote.
Don’t be fooled by the little cam, it’s basically just a big Hi Def Bullet Cam, no moving parts and an awesome optical stabilization system.
A 12v battery in the bum bag runs the big monitor and the Cam. It has an 8.4v regulator in line to the HF100 and full 12v to the monitor.
The base of wheel has a 3/8 adapter to take a Gyro Stabilizer, but at $2500 …… well have to sell some DVD’s first. But i hired one and it’s awesome. It spins at 20,000rpm and trying to turn the wheel is like fighting a Formula 1 car around a corner, but dead steady footage even when the jet-ski bounces.
The monitor is already splash proof, the cam has a clear WP bag with glass port and the remote has just a clear bag (Not shown). It’s not for IN water only ON water. The cam bag had to have a breather as it generates heat, but that’s no problem. It’s definitely more versatile than a shoulder mount and more stable.
On mild days when there's little chance of getting the Cam wet, i just put a ziploc bag over the Cam with a hole for the lens and a small breather hole cut in the top of the bag. There is a UV filter for protection and a rubber band keeps the bag in place around the filter. Other times i put the Cam into a housing i adapted from an Everready 6v waterproof torch and mount that to the tripod head with the quick connect tripod mount.
The cam is secured inside the housing by foam inserts.The Canon HF 100 fit's perfectly into the area where the battery was and i have replaced the original torch lens with a low iron glass. Cables are routed thru a small rubber port in the torch housing to connect the extn monitor, extn power and fibre optic remote cable.
That is about prototype 10, i keep changing it all the time. I have clip on mounts for duel lights, external shotgun mike and a laser pointer and the best thing is, all the cam controls are available with both hands on the wheel and that is important for steady footage.
I suppose i should explain the Laser pointer. It helps train your coordination to keep a steady position even when bouncing around on the back of a Jet Ski. You aim it at say a white area on the hull of a canoe and try and maintain the spot in the monitor, especially when zoomed in. It also allows you to take your eyes off the monitor for a while, knowing that if you hold the spot, you have the framing you set up.
How it's made
The wheel is made from flexible 25mm poly pressure pipe and joined at the bottom with a copper "T" piece and riveted together. The Tripod head fits over the single end of the "T" and is also riveted in place.( The Slik tripod head still works as normal and the whole wheel will attach to a tripod just by screwing it on to the normal tripod screw mount via an adapter thread on the bottom of the wheel)
A car steering wheel cover is then stretched over the pipe for looks and to hide all the cables. The monitor clamp is adapted from a bike handle bar mount that comes with a GoPro Camera kit i had. Car DVD Monitor mounts will also work.
As i only use the Monitor for framing not focusing (i only use auto focus), the Sony DVD Car Accessory monitor is sufficient for my needs. Actually, its very good resolution and has good brightness controls. It's connected via av (composite) and works in playback or record mode.
I use the remote control to steer the Jet Ski while facing rearwards. .... Only kidding. I engage a driver and i sit facing the rear and shoot both sides and rear. Also turn around and stand and shoot over the drivers head. The wheel gives great stability control and you can access the remote with both hands on the wheel. You can see some footage here.
http://rambos-locker.blogspot.com/20...er-video1.html
That was my first time using the wheel, I have got better since and when i use the Gyro, it's steady as a rock. Requires good team work and communication between the Jet Ski driver and the Cam operator ..(me)
UPDATE
Ok, here are the pictures of version 12 ..whew. Will i ever leave this thing alone.
The HF100 is fully "dunk" proof now and the case looks less like a torch housing with the handle removed and painted. For on land shots, i just remove the glass screw on front and replace it with one with no glass.
The Button on top is a waterproof cable gland adapted to work as a power button to turn the Camera on and off. so now most all the controls are available from out side the case.
There is a tripod quick release mount fixed to the base of the housing for easy removal.
Cheers Rambo
Permanently Preventing Fogging of the GoPro Lens
Friday, January 02, 2009
/
Posted by
Rambo
/
comments (13)
I'm currently testing a few permanent solutions to fogging internally of the "Wide Angle" GoPro Lens. Nothing peeves me more than excitedly loading the days footage into the PC, only to find 40mins of it is engulfed in fog and useless, especially as i know there were some hooten' runs on it.
Here is what I'm testing and why it will work.
Protective Vents provide continuous airflow in sealed housings without allowing contaminants to enter because of the proprietary expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane in the vent. This unique ePTFE membrane has a low surface tension, so it repels liquids, such as water, oil, and surfactants, as well as preventing dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the housing.
You will need to drill a small hole in the case (about 3mm, i will be able to give you the tested location) and glue or press fit one of these little vents in the picture below. The alternative is to drill the same hole size and glue a stick on piece of the vent fabric over the hole. I like the first option better as it's permanent but just have to be sure there is no interference with the cam in the case.
I will have some feedback on the results in a couple of days. But test so far indicate it is a bloody ripper.
Cheers Rambo
These are the GoPro Wide Camera angles I've selected for the Karel Jr shoot in Perth World Cup in Western Australia on the 17th Jan 2009. I will also be shooting Hi Def from a Jet Ski.
I think they are good angles. What do you think?
Cheers Rambo
Labels:
BulletCam,
Camera,
camera mounts,
GoPro,
mounts,
oc1,
video
I think they are good angles. What do you think?
Cheers Rambo
This is from the DVD of the race that i shot entirely with unmanned Gopro cameras with delay timers. The footage follows the race of 3 of the top crews …. NorthCliffe Open (the eventual winner) ……… Outrigger Australia Open (2nd) ………….. and Mooloolaba Masters (1st Masters, 5th overall) who i paddled with.
Many changeovers are featured and techniques of the great steerers.
You will probably recognise some of the names like Danny Sheard, Pete Dorries, Travis Grant, Mike Mills -Thom etc. who have all competed and won either open or masters at the Molo Hoe.
A larger and better quality version will be upload later, this one up now is 20 mins long and a 60mb download. The video is highly compressed to limit download size. The original is HQ.
Hope you enjoy it.
Cheers Rambo
I have started a GoPro User Forum for people interested in getting the most out of their Cameras. All the topics are covered..
Questions, Problems and Observations
Tips, Tricks and DIY Customizations
Trade, Exchange and best deals
Video Showcase - Your Videos
Editing and Software - Tips
Etc ....
Swing on over and join up and get some great info
http://goprouser.freeforums.org
Cheers Rambo
I've been a busy boy these last couple of weeks modifying and customizing a batch of GoPro Cameras incorporation wireless remote control and 2 types of delay timers in preparation for filming the Hamilton Island Cup. As i will also be paddling in all the events, i need to be able to have most of the Canoe Mounted Cams turn on and record at different parts of the course automatically, except the radio control type which will be controlled from the support boat.
This is what i have so far.
Have now finished and on water tested all three modified versions.
The first picture is obviously the remote control version. The transmitter has a range of 1km LOS and the four buttons have the following functions.
A - Powers Up/Down the GoPro and steps through menu.
B - Record On/Off and sets menu choices.
The second picture is the delay timers Type 1 and 2.
Type 1 will turn on the GoPro and activate record 5 seconds later.
Type 2 will turn on record only but it has AA Batteries in the box instead of AAA so will last 5 hours plus.
Both can be delay set from 1 min and up to 5 hours.
All totally waterproof and can take some rugged treatment.
There are 6 R/C type and 3 each of the delay timer Types.
Suction cup Mount
Velcro Mount
Manu Mount (front or rear of OC6 Mirage Outrigger canoe)
Roll on Hamo …. Haahaaa.
Cheers Rambo
My latest wireless HQ SuckerCam.
This little baby i made to suction mount onto any flat or curved surface, like an OC6 front or rear deck or as i have just done, behind me on the “Peggie OC1”.
It has 520 line Bullet Cam with 10 hour battery and Digital Recorder in the Pelican box. The picture quality is awesome. I have 2 lens for it, 127 degree wide angle and 90 standard. Weight is around 3LB.
This thing sticks like a leech, and after huliing big time yesterday in big surf, never moved. I do attach a lanyard just in case though.
Watch the video from the SuctionCam mounted only 3 ft behind me.
Would be good for Advertising eh. Anyone want to sponsor me? Hahaaa.
This is what i did to my GoPros. It will the fit on to any 1/4 inch camera tripod or accessory mount, make it more versatile. Just superglue the threaded adapter onto the rear.
Not a big fan of the HelmetCam as it gives jerky footage, but it can be useful.
And RalphCam of CourseI also built a Rotating/Panning motor that will rotate my cams on any mount using a remote control. Watch the video to see it in action.
Cheers Rambo
Labels: BulletCam, Camera, camera mounts, GoPro, mounts, Oc6 video
The last part of this small video shows a different camera angle, it needs to drop down about 300 mm and tilt up slightly, then i believe we will have the ideal behind paddler position. The quailty is quite good considering the footage is compressed down from 240 meg to 4.25 meg. The original played on a full size TV is perfect.
Just waiting for that big bump day, i know it's coming and i'll be prepared.
Stay tuned
Rambo
Here is the new tripod mount i have made for the Hurricane. It is completely adjustable from 1 - 1.5 metres high, the head rotates 360 degrees and tilts up and down, i can lay it back or lay it over to the ama so it shoots the paddler side on or from the rear or face it rearwards to capture the paddlers behind me. I'm also attaching a mouth operated record on/off switch, so i can control it by biting on it.
The whole thing stays permanently attached to a spare iako and only needs the seat track screw removed to dismantle it.
I have also put a hood on the waterproof housing to shade the lens and this has improved the picture quality out of sight. I can now shoot video at a closer angle to the sun without exposure problems.
I've shot some footage and am impressed, the perspective is perfect. Sound is still a problem as every vibration is transmitted to the mic even though the housing is mounted too 50mm foam.
Footage will be up shortly.
Cheers Rambo
Click on pic to enlarge
A short video to test GoPro3 in low light conditions. The camera was mounted on the Iako of my Hurricane just as the sun was setting, i was interested in how this little gem performed in low light conditions. The quality is remarkable considering the video was converted and compressed on my computer and further compressed by the hosting site. The original played on a full size TV is comparable to any average consumer video camera. I'm impressed. All i need now is good OC1 surfing conditions and a subject to point it at.
I can see lots of fun things to do with this baby, standby for some action soon.
Rambo
NEW MODEL GoPro3 - 3 Mega pixel Video and Still Camera (click to enlarge)
I have ordered this little Waterproof Still & Video Camera for trial. It's cheap ... $AU 220 delivered and if the reports from a fellow gadget lover are correct, this is a little beauty and far exceeds it's previous little brother. Here are the specs ....
This will be perfect for using on the OC1/2 or OC6, and apparently it takes excellent underwater video and stills as well. No conversion needed to upload to a computer for editing, just plug in to a USB port and the files are loaded straight to your desktop ready for editing in TV quality resolution.
I'm hoping to receive it before the Nationals so i can give it a good workout and post a review here later in the week.
In the mean time check out the Quality in this 10 sec video shot with the camera, it also records sound.
Standby
Cheers Rambo Labels: camera mounts, GoPro
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)