RossDagley

I'm asking this for a friend, so any assistance would be helpful. A friend wants to start jumping camera, but does't know what camera to buy - new or used doesn't matters so much, but this will be their first camera. They will probably be using a cookie MXv helmet, with a sidemount box, although that isn't set in stone. The do only want to jump a sidemount though - that much is set in stone. The question is, what camera to buy? I jump a PC1000 myself, but they're really getting very hard to find now - I've searched ebay etc, but can't find one... Is there much in the way of sidemounts now (new cameras)? I really don't even know where to start looking. Most people I jump with (and my friend jumps with) are still using PC1000's, PC105's, PC120's, etc, etc. What would people generally recommend if looking for a new camera? The budget isn't that important - probably upto £450-500 ($800), but i guess ease of use is the most important feature. I'm completely confused by the array of options available now. Thanks for any pointers on where to start looking.

Have you actually dropped Cookie an email to see if they've got an old one kicking about still in stock? Worth a pop.

thanks for the info, but i think thats a different problem. Thats related to the camera staying on all the time (no auto shutdown) because of AI Servo mode focus tracking with the remote enabled. I'll experiment on the ground a little i think, but it's sure weird that this doesn't happen in the tunnel. thanks for the pointers so far. I'll keep fiddling. I did manage to get some nice shots though - well, nice for my first ever skydive with stills I'll post in the "post your best shot" thread though

I've just started to jump my 20d (top mounted on a MXv) and it's behaving weirdly. Anyone got any ideas why? The camera is exposed (no protection from the elements) and is connected via a regular bite switch. The only "different" thing I've done here, is when I got the bite switch it was the jack-pin type (for the 350, 400 etc) not the one for the 1d, 20d, 30d etc) so I modded it as per http://www.adrenalens.com/d60remote.htm It's got lots of hours in the tunnel in all orientations (belly, head down etc) and has never failed. The problem is when I turn it on in the plane, if I don't take a shot every (say) 10-15 seconds, it seems to switch off on it's own. Pressing the shutter on the camera or the biteswitch makes no difference - I have to turn it off and back on on the switch on the back manually. The only things I can think of that are different to the tunnel are the temperature and the pressure - I'm jumping in Spain right now, and it's about -15 to -20 on exit. Could this be the problem, and would some form of camera protector help this? Speaking of which, I've seen a few form-fitting rubber camera protectors that look like they're a "skin" on the camera - can someone point me in their direction? Cheers. Ross

I've heard several reports now from a few different people that SkyVenture Alcanteria might be opening to the general public *soon*. It's a rumour that wont die Anyone have any more information?

ok cool. I had my mxv factory fitted with the flatlock, and would have taken pictures of the install and measurements if you'd needed them. Pleased you got it sorted

For stills?

Not a lot i suspect when it's all done "in house"

I have both a cookie (MXV with BB-PC1000 and top mount) and a bonehead mamba. The cookie has about 100 jumps on it now, and perhaps 50 hours in the tunnel, whilst the mamba has >1000 hours in the tunnel. Both appear to have excellent durability, but are built for different purposes (one's a full face for starters...) If it's an open face you're looking for, I would highly recommend the cookie. The customer service is second to none - just pick up the phone and find out. The build quality is excellent, and the products always look fantastic. Say no more.

quite. Move along

How long's a piece of string?

This answer your question.

I'd take usable, full speed, flying volume/space (say, to the tops of the windows x width?) over sheer speed every day for 99% of all flying. Size matters And it's not like we've not hit 195mph with flyers flying in Bedford - I guess it's nice having the luxury of both

Well, the hyeeye is a lot smaller than the cameye so it's not like you've got a huge hole to cut, but sure, I see what you mean. I'd rather not cut at all of course, but realistically, there's no real downsides. It wont be visible, and if I ever pass on this helmet, it'll be with the box, and the next person will be in the same situation.

hehe yeah. I think thats the case with any LANC mounted on the right of the camera cameras, if that makes sense. Unless of course, the box was mounted on the right of the helmet Shipping to me now is a cookie blackbox on an MXV for a PC1000, so I'll be able to tell you how cookie did it (factory modded) - I'm guessing its gonna be the same "cut a hole in the helmet and box" method...

does this help? http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1609363;search_string=pc1000%20cameye;#1609363

Talking only about canon, as thats where my experience lies, I'd say you decision will be based on a couple of factors - price being the biggest one. Canon run a range of IS lenses that will help to reduce shake blur at lower shutter speeds, but these are not always required at higher shutter speeds. For me, the choice would be something like the 100-400L or the 70-200L with a 1.4 TC optionally. This should give you a fairly nice range. Both have IS (optional on the 70-200). The 2.8 version of the 70-200 will allow you to shoot in slightly lower light without compromising on your shutter speed so much, so that might be an advantage... Remember however, you're actually not going to need that crazy high a shutter speed at all - 1/400 or 1/800 is plenty. IS isn't going to help much here. The lens is going to be dependant on the height you'll be shooting from also - here in the UK for example we have a minimum height of 1500ft over built up areas - so to single out a house you'd need a longer lens than if you're shooting a playing field (500ft minumum) from 500ft.

Hey. Maybe I overreacted to someone trolling for an aggressive response. If so, I apologise. It was 1am ish when I posted that, after a busy, long day, and like a fish with bait, I guess I "bit"

Yes I'll go back to that DZ - if there's an issue with me posting a safety related video on a public forum for discussion as to how to stop it happening again, and the DZ object to that discussion, it's not a DZ worthy of jumping at. I've already spoken to the TI since this was posted - he didn't have a problem with it - whats your beef sunshine? Interesting you comment on "stolen" footage also. You've clearly never seen any of my videos. It's pretty easy to hide behind your keyboard eh, making accusations you can't substantiate. Whatever. Whats done is done - I'm over it. Keep your chin up son.

It's me isn't it...

I've only ever seen it with RW coaching - typically the Danish/Swedish actually, althugh some of the millitary groups go "mass" coaching too. I think it's a bad idea for freefly personally. I'm sure someone will try it - just not at Bodyflight. It's always the spotters/instructors final call as to what they'll let happen in there based on their own comfort - for me, two coaches plus two wannabe sit-flyers would be too many (mostly due to the increased windspeed and randomness of travel direction I guess...)

Generally, no. A single spotter is more than capable of keeping the fighting troops apart Normally we only allow it when the students are of reasonable level, and we know and trust the coaches, who generally remain netwalking rather than flying. The coaches understand this, and generally only do it once they've done a bit of one-on-one anyway. It does work out very cost effective I guess.

The way some camps are run here have two coaches in the tunnel, coaching two separate students at the same time. Fall rate, turns, forwards backwards etc. Just not so much side slides It works well, though can be a bit of a headache for the spotter

I've had four boogieman suits (three tunnel suits, and a jumping suit) including a ZP suit. The build quality is exceptional. - Very tough, and Fabien is open minded enough to take your opinions onboard (tunnels kill suits). I'd either get another boogieman ZP suit or an Oragaun (sp?) net time - I jump my ZP suit mostly at the moment, even though I shouldn't - I like the drag.

God I hope not I think you meant 2USD=1.03GBP