[dsn_klr650] nklr-camcorder

[Tobin Lampson]

Doug, The lines between still and motion digital cameras continues to fade. I know guys with still digitals, with mini discs, that can shoot 30 sec. of motion at low res.. My camera, a Sony DCR-PC1, is about as good as it gets for: compactness, durability, image quality, when it comes to MC adventures. It uses mini DV tapes(about the size of a cassette), 1hr ea.. It has batteries which can last up to 120 min. and also comes with a wall receptacle capability which is additionally a battery charger. It can take still shots, and this years model takes hi-res stills. The optics are the best for a camera this size. I can fit the whole outfit, cam, tapes, batts, cord, in one butt pack. As a matter of fact...that, slung over my shoulder is how I carry it, in order to minimize impacts to the camera. This rig cost $1.9K. I saw my cam, now last years model, at half that. Canon makes one similar, not as durable for $1k. They both have similar function, size, sharpness. I dropped mine once from waist high, and it keeps on ticking. Wouldn't be that way with the canon. Supposedly documentarians use these Sonys because they are broadcast quality. Also, with the advent of i link, a fire wire is able to hook straight from the cam to a PC for download and editing. Then theres the ability to hook straight up to vcr or tv via rca plugs which comes with the unit. What ever vid cam you get, you might find the feature buttons too close together. Touch one and trigger another, so some folks put those stick on blister pads near the buttons they don't wanna hit. Oh yeah, and a skylight or polarization filter will protect the lens. I explored the idea of helmet mounting it, like the sky- surfers do, But I found it would be necessary to fit a second helmet just for that purpose 1) That mounts the camera securely and 2)That fits tight enough for image stabilization(which a normal riding helmet is to loose for.........unless you want to get sick watching the playback). Hence began the Kaw-Cam as I call it. Actually its a riding technique where I- 1)Find a good wide ranging gear(like 3rd) to accomodate the mph I want to shoot at then 2) Hold the cam out(lt hand cam- rt hand throttle) from my body with 3)a wide angle setting while I 4) just aim it and then keep 5) checked mirrors, oncoming, and cam position to frame the shot and stay alive. Straight aways are the best place to learn this but once ya get it.........its totally fun. Accessing the start/stop button while rolling is easy. And, rigging two short nylon wrists straps permits a primary and secondary 'drop' strap....so you can drop it and let it hang while you change gears. Oh yeah, a cotton padded knee bandage helps protect the stereo mic from wind damage. The unit has image stabilization, but hand palming it was the only way to achieve acceptibly steady shots in my opinion. I've got some footage like 'pro s%#t' that occasionally I view with some music on...........and it BLOWS ME AWAY! Good Luck...... Slide Polston, Doug wrote:

> > On my trip to Alaska this summer I've been thing about bring a small > Camcorder. Beside being one more thing to drag along, getting it wet, > stolen. I understand that it will be hassle but allot of time still > photo just don't capture the moment. I think it would be a hoot to watch > it in about 4-5 years. > > Does anyone travel with a camcorder regularly? What other things do I > need to look out for? > > Doug > A1 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Have you been a naughty girl? > Click Here > http://click.egroups.com/1/3662/3/_/911801/_/957230820/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Visit the KLR650 archives at > http://www.listquest.com/lq/search.html?ln=klr650 > Support Dual Sport News... dsneditor@... > Let's keep this list SPAM free! > > Visit our site at http://www.egroups.com/group/DSN_klr650 > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@egroups.com