RedKite

I've just bought one (a HC3). I'm getting it set up with a mounting, rollcage etc today and I should jump it in the next few days. I'll let you know how it goes for me.........

Hi Spot - nice one. Any idea when your report will be up? Regards Red Kite

Spot Thanks - I'll monitor for your reply in case any good ideas spring to mind. I see what you mean about the viewing screen. I'm going to put a 'roll cage' on the camera and design a little gizmo to hold the screen shut - if not it will flap around in freefall as you say. Nothing's ever simple!!! Regards Red Kite

Hi Spot Nice to see those jump numbers rising! I bought myself an HC3 yesterday and I am in the process of deciphering the instruction booklet. I am going to top mount it on a flat top. The on/off switch is in a good position and easy to locate. As you know, there is a clear red 'recording' light on the front. Although I had intended going the cameye route, now I have the camera I would prefer to utilise the LANC for taking stills which you can do while the camera is recording. I note your comments about attempting to do this with the LANC. If this is not possible, would there be some way of remote operation for the camera 'still photo' switch. Reaching around to press it is clearly not an option. Regards Red Kite

Hey Spot Thanks for your reply. A lot of so-called 'experts' find it difficult to change their mind or vary their original opinion once they've given one. You obviously don't have an ego problem on that score. You've taken some considrable trouble over this issue in doing 2 tandems(?) to compare the cameras and provide us with the visual result. I am personally very grateful for your input and I wish you luck with your AFF when you do it. (With an open mind like yours - no problem!) Thanks again. Red Kite

Hi DSE Accepting that all cameras have their respective faults - out of ten, how big a no-no do you consider the HC3 to be for skydiving use? (I'm trying to seperate imperfection from totally inapproprite here.) Regards Red Kite

I've found a wholesaler which is putting out the Sony HDR-HC3 for a very good price. Before I jump in feet first.....any negative feedback to report out there?

I'm just starting out camera flying. I've bought a new carbon fibre flat top helmet . I like the spec of the PC 1000 but an experienced camera flyer has advised me that there is a problem top-mounting this camera as it has a 'docking station'. From the way he describes it, it sounds as if the docking station cannot be mounted easily which means removing the camera from the helmet to download each time and then resighting for the next jump. Before I write off the PC 1000 as my first camera, does anyone know the problem and a solution please? Thanks Red Kite

Thanks for the advice gentlemen - it is very much appreciated. Do you consider "bootey's" a pro or a con on a camera suit. This is all hypothetical, but I anticipate that I will restrict myself to filming small flat formations and when the time is right, Tandems. Also, I'm a little confused about the wings. Looking at 'Tonysuits' , the sort of flying I anticipate doing would seem to lend itself to either the 'A' or 'C' wings. I will ask Tony his view in due course but comments from experienced Camera-Flyers is part of the learning process for me too. Thanks Red Kite

Steve That sounds good advice. How many jumps did you make at each stage and would you identify some steps as being bigger than others. Also, would you recommend jumping the wing suit with nothing at all for a few jumps at the beginning?

Old Git My apologies - you're right. I have put some more details in. Red Kite (probably even Even Older Git!)

I have just bought my first set of camera gear - an FF2 with a PC1000. Could you experienced people out there give any overall safety advice - things to do and not to do. I suppose I'm asking for people to tell me how they were 'caught out' through inexperience. Thanks Red Kite