I need a video camera. Help!

[MarAzul]

I want a video camera to mount on the mizzen mast just aft of the cockpit. I think I want this thing recording all the time except when I change or download the memory card. My son will arm me with a shoulder mounted one with all kind of features for some special shots, but I need one that can survive salt spray, outside recording all the time ( 3 months) during a run around the southern Ocean.

What should I get? I know nothing of this stuff, I always relied on some one else to do this work. I haven't got a clue what I need but I want enough video so I can stop in at Carmel, look up Clint at the Hogsbreath or
where ever. Maybe I can get his help to make a better movie of an ancient mariner at work then that bozo
Robert Redford did.
Need Help!!

 

[3RA1N1AC]

 

[3RA1N1AC]

Not sure about sea worthiness but the goPro seems to be the go to for most of these types of things. Lots of options and what not for cases, mounts, lenses, etc. And going to need a hard drive to record it all too. Somewhere not full of sea water.

 

[MarAzul]

the goPro seems to be the go to

This thing? Ok thanks.

130 Bucks? Good quality video?
I guess I an put couple of these to work.

Yeah, the computer(s) stuff is in the boat. with a few Terra bytes of store. A computer will be operating most of the time, keeping the track recorded. I see this camera uses 32GB card.
Wonder how long that records? Or can I hook the camera up for directs feed to the computer for continuous download?
4 hours? and thats longer than the battery?
Ah! more to do.

 

[speeds]

AFAIK you can't have it directly downloading to a PC as it records. Mine doesn't work that way in any case. I've used mine for motorsports in the past which I guess is a similar application. I thought I could have it going to my laptop rather than onboard memory but was not able to achieve that. There may be some way to hack it but I haven't looked into it.

You can have it hooked up to external power via USB but in my experience, I guess depending on your record quality, it will drain faster than it charges. I think the longest I had mine running for was 4 hours. Also if you intend to keep the waterproof case on it I don't think you can have a cable plugged in simultaneously.

I would not recommend using the WiFi option as it is a power pig. Ditto for the remote and the smartphone control option.

It will give you very nice quality video. The standard lens is convex and will provide for a wide and visceral image. It also takes very good photographs but does not zoom and has no on-board viewfinder. You can use your phone but it is unwieldy to handle both devices at once.

For continuous high-quality recording you might be better off with a more standard camera or webcam. GoPro's are great for individual sports and such where having a PC connected isn't an option but if you can run a USB from the camera to the PC for power and long period recording that might be the way to go. Obviously the GoPro is much more rugged than a typical camera so if you have it mounted in the line of fire that is something to consider.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

What he said!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

You should look into a GoPro and also some sort of a multi camera security system. 4 cameras on the deck pointing in different directions might be kinda cool if you want to document your journey.

http://www.costco.com/surveillance-systems.html

I'm thinking security system because those cameras are designed to be outside for years and they all feed into one device.

 

[MarAzul]

I guess is a similar application

Yeah, I think we are talking the same thing. I guess I really don't need it recording all the time and 4 hours is more than good enough.
But only if I remember to turn it on. That might be hard when something else got my attention.

 

[MarAzul]

I'm thinking security system

I kind a like the idea of USB surveillance camera available anyway for when it's real nasty and I want close the boat and pull my ears in. Still be able to see what's happening comfortable from
the Nav seat in front of the computer. Music time, perhaps Under the Southern Cross by Richard Rogers, Bolero, or a ballad by Willie Nelson.

 

[MarAzul]

Thank you all for the input.

I am thinking the big Cannon Camcorder supplemented with a GoPro portable mounted and aimed where I need at the moment and a fixed Mizzen Mast mount USB surveillance camera will get er done.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Thank you all for the input.

I am thinking the big Cannon Camcorder supplemented with a GoPro portable mounted and aimed where I need at the moment and a fixed Mizzen Mast mount USB surveillance camera will get er done.

If the boat trip doesn't work out you'll have enough camera equipment to start directing porn.

Brenda does Bandon!

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

GoPros are a little frustrating to use. For long term continous shots, it'll be pretty worthless as you'll run out of memory card or battery.

Home surveilance equiptment will give you grainy pictures I'm pretty sure, you can try it out, but then you'll have all kinds of wires and sit everywhere.

I'd try to get an HD webcam hooked up to your computer directly in a custom enclosure that protects it from the elements.

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

If the boat trip doesn't work out you'll have enough camera equipment to start directing porn.

Brenda does Bandon!

Captain Marzy And What The Parrot Saw

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Captain Marzy And What The Parrot Saw

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[South East]

I have 3 GoPro cameras and they work really well. Like said above you can plug it in directly for continuous power. There is also an HDMI output on it to feed live if your computer has an HDMI in for recording. It might take a little mod of the case for this but it can be done. You can also set the recording settings so you can do 720 @ 30fps to capture longer or even go SD to hold more. There is also a continuous function where it will record over the previously recorded stuff when it reaches the end. This would allow you to just leave it running and then stop it if something good/horribly bad happens. I have the 3+ black and 2 of the 4 Silvers. They are basically the same except a few settings. The best part of the 4 Silver is it comes with a viewfinder screen on the back to frame shots. I would recommend this unless you really want to shoot in 4K which the 4black will let you do at 30fps.

 

[donkiez]

gopro is my recommendation as well, it will take some doing to get it set up for long term shooting but as stated it can be done. Check out this reddit subform to see what gopro's can do. Also gopro has free video editing software on their web site that is really easy and fun to use.

http://www.reddit.com/r/gopro

Im not sure if you are into this kind of stuff but have you thought about getting a drone? You can hook the gopro up to it and get some fantastic 3rd person air footage on your boat. Something like this.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

gopro is my recommendation as well, it will take some doing to get it set up for long term shooting but as stated it can be done. Check out this reddit subform to see what gopro's can do. Also gopro has free video editing software on their web site that is really easy and fun to use.

http://www.reddit.com/r/gopro

Im not sure if you are into this kind of stuff but have you thought about getting a drone? You can hook the gopro up to it and get some fantastic 3rd person air footage on your boat. Something like this.

Cool idea! Also, maybe a RC submarine type contraption? Even just a long pole maybe? to get underwater shots, if you see dolphins trailing or a whale or whatever. Neat.

 

[donkiez]

Cool idea! Also, maybe a RC submarine type contraption? Even just a long pole maybe? to get underwater shots, if you see dolphins trailing or a whale or whatever. Neat.

You mean like this?



Gopros are really cool, they have a wifi function that allows you to see in real time on your phone what they are recording. My buddy uses it to fish, he ties it to his line and drops it to the bottom to see whats going on down there. I just tie mine to my dog for a laugh. Wifi function is limited though and drains the batter fast, for drones you can get some long range stuff on them and use them for exploring the area.

 

[MarAzul]

get some fantastic 3rd person air footage on your boat.

Hey, that is some cool stuff! Although I don't know if I could do it single handed. I can't quite imagine, running on the face of a big Southern Ocean wave, doing some where around 20 knot with the controls of 60 foot sailboat in one hand and drone /camera in the other. I might have to get those shots with crew aboard.

 

[MarAzul]

Well, my brother is pushing me now. He has a launch crew set to come 6/15 to get this boat in the Ocean. Looks like I am under the gun.