DSE

HC5/7 are 100% identical in terms of optical elements, stabilization, zoom. So, if you're getting jumpy vid (could someone post a clip, please?) with the HC7, you'll see it in the HC5, and HC3 as well. I'm not a head-downer, but did badly shoot a few sitflys over the weekend, including myself corking a couple times, didn't see it. Just a suggestion; remove the Raynox for a jump, put a UV on, see what happens.

since it'll probably get moved... Are you maybe thinking of 3 Sisters or Totem Pole in the park? Totem Pole was used in the "Eiger Sanction" starring Clint Eastwood, way back in the day. If you're thinking of climbing, be sure to apply for a permit early on. Serious penaties if you get caught climbing without a guide and permit.

that's great, yet Zee's post doesn't offer anything on the "how." I'm not expecting grips on the tandem; that's pretty well beyond the DZ rules and not helpful to my end goals anyway.

Our step is quite similar, it has two levels which allows us to get a little lower on the bottom step. part of my hope is to learn to aggressively track down, keeping the subject in my sight while catching the earth in the background to show distance, rather than aggressively tracking "up" as they exit. I can get very secure in the front float position, my only worries are figuring out the timing so that I'm not exiting right on top of the subject, and so that I'm not dropping on the flap. I guess I should probably pay for a couple non-student tandems to at least get an idea of what I'm dealing with while minimizing risk. Thank you, for the answers/suggestions.

I feel stupid for needing to ask, but at our DZ where we have a King 90, no one takes camera slot at front float. I want to learn to shoot an exit from this position and keep the subject framed, but no one here can give me good info. DZO is a bit concerned, because I'm in front of tandem vs behind. I want to learn the technique for shots other than tandems, but tandems are the best practice I'm gonna get. DZO is concerned because twice in the past year, sit trains have hit the flap on the wing, denting/damaging the wing. The second hit required replacement, and grounded the aircraft for a week. I haven't attempted to fly front float for a camera slot, so any/all suggestions advice would be appreciated.

Sony have always made lo-cost consumer cams that didn't offer LANC. The Electronics division at Sony pays a royalty to the OEM division for the inclusion of LANC. I wouldn't say they "removed" as much as "didn't include." Canon doesn't offer LANC on their consumer cams either. Most of the protocols and features of the various camcorders can be reached via the 1394 port, but, I'd doubt many of the products would share the same access, and so the chips would require programming per camcorder model. If the skydiving industry is the only industry that would embrace this, then it likely wouldn't happen. Damn, I sure sound negative, yeah? Sorry. From the ground video side of the world, I don't know that I'd ever give this up. Firewire ports are used for other, more important functions on the ground, such as feeding HDD's during the shoot. Eventually, that too will go away. Live Data transfer isn't as important as camera control, and given the number of controls available via low cost, low speed connects like LANC...LANC be around for a while.

An easier way, albeit outside of Premiere, is to use Swish, Flash, Wildform, or Bluff. There are templates that do a letter/character reveal, and it's MUCH faster than trying to create single titles/copies of titles. Or, build a title, hold CTRL and drag it. This makes a copy. Then modify the second title, CTRL+drag, and this gives a third. Modify that, and so on.' For what you're doing, very little FCP/Premiere difference.

I'll take AFFI's "spouting" over regs, rules, and suppositions any day of the week. Nothing wrong with asking questions, but a little respect might be in order. He's extremely experienced. I don't know about BPA regs regarding students, but; A-Someone in authority needs to make the call regardless of regs/rules. B-At 369 jumps, I doubt the guy is ready to be shooting AFF 1. WAY too much can go wrong too fast, and if he's not trained...We've had too many canopy collisions recently. Why risk it? I'm at about the same number, doesn't seem like a good idea.

"like," I wonder like...how come ya like, couldn't like, find it? 'course, my source is like, USA Today, so it could easily be like....flawed.

Coincidentally (or ironically)...no. What is like...the most misused word in the English language (hint; used to be "ironic)?

Nope, I meant "ironic." You might not see it as sarcasm, but those that work here do. But thanks anyway.

I don't think anyone disputes that you can completely control (and update software, etc) via iLink. But we also probably all agree that the connector isn't solid, and likely never will be. Further, iLink is a lot more susceptible to voltage jumps/mismatched connectors, and this will blow the circuit. It's expensive to repair. ~More expensive/cost inefficient ~Less integrity ~Easily damaged All add up to great idea, not so great in practicality, IMO. Work with Canon's new Console software to get an idea of how un-fun this can be. It's very nice, but it can get weird depending on the computer controlling the cam. With a programmed chip in a self-contained control, this wouldn't happen, but it still ain't easy.

why smart people have messy/cluttered desks. Ironically, the desk in the story is a producer's desk; looks much like my own.

Sony? Ditch LANC? Not likely. Firewire/iLink=royalty to Apple and Sony Electronics. LANC-wholly Sony, no royalty. The firewire protocol doesn't carry as many opportunities (although it obviously could), but it's meant as a data Xfer, not a control. Capture from a tape device is not really different than a transfer from an HDD. Additionally, LANC doesn't need the speed that iLink/1394/Firewire offers. Finally, the LANC connection has a lot more integrity than a 4pin iLink does.

I should have worded that differently. RI says it won't take more than a 150 in most main types, but there are some that fit in the V4, no doubt. A guy at our DZ has one too, but it looks pregnant/fat with the 170 in it.

I propack because; 1-Manufacturer recommends it 2-Cuz I can propack faster based on how I've packed ove the past year.

I knew there was a reason... http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070319/us_nm/work_dc

Fixed it for ya... It's mostly a political move by our governor. Even those in his own office don't support it, and I don't think he does either. Regardless, he wins. Mitt Romney is expected to make some large statement on this subject in the next coupla weeks. Politics make the world go 'round. I wonder how much cash the adult industry gives to the political machine. Obviously not enough.

The RMVD1 will do this, I have one, but haven't been motivated enough to tear into it to see if I can modify it. You'll need to run two cables, one to your helmet to indicate status, and one cable to trigger stills from your hand.

I don't have a large chest, just wide shoulders. I don't have enough jumps to provide in-depth input. However, I've jumped most of the name-containers, with the most on Wings, Mirage, and Talon. I chose the Talon not only because it was the most comfortable, but also (more importantly, IMO) the service and accessibility to the company. I needed a DBag, as the one that came with my second hand Talon wasn't the original, and was sized for a T5. Trying to shove a 190 into that was sheer hell) Anyway, RI had it to me almost immediately, and Sandy showed me a couple of packing tricks for the rig as well. As a result of both experiences and RI's great customer service, I recently ordered a Talon FX, the newest in their lineup. I don't think it's even on their website yet. There is a video stream of it here though. The yoke is narrower, according to Airgord, the thing I really like is how it fit my body. I was also wearing the 0 size, so that'll be different than the larger size I've ordered. I'm expecting a similar feel overall, based on my current Talon FS. I'd like to jump a Voodoo, but they don't make the Voodoo to hold larger than a 150. HTH

thank you. I had the original, but not the followup. Between utah, arizona, and georgia, maybe these clowns can be closed up. Anyone know if Casa Grande is part of the Skyride network? I sent an email to the address on the SkydiveArizona.com website, and the response that came back was that they owned Casa Grande dropzone.

Page is working for me.... Also, if you go to www.arizonaskydive.com, it redirects you to www.skydivingarizona.com, which has links to all the restaurants, etc. Even has a riggers page. did you know that Eloy requires AADs? (according to that page) I've cached the page, as the Attorney General for theState of Utah is now investigating Skyride. A Utah television station busted them last year. If your state's media has done a story on Skyride, please post it here, or send me a PM? I'm collecting as much info as I can to assist in seeing Skyride shut out of our area. Of the four DZ's here, none of them accept Skyride coupons. [edited to fix clicky]

If I recall correctly, the price is only slightly higher than a Talon FS. I'll see if I can dig up a photo from PIA. Gordo would provide a much more accurate description than I could.

yup, didn't mean it as anything but just that. I don't notice the consumer camcorders. If there was an electronics store within 50 miles, I probably would. The HC3/5/7 HDV camcorders are consumer, but they're used in production regularly as crash cams due to their size, which is how I came across them in the first place.

Thx. I don't pay too much attention to the consumer cams, nor PAL since well...we're in NTSC land. I'd seen the HC38, but also knew that is a discontinued camcorder. AFAIK, they're pretty good lil' camcorders.