J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Smack Video on the Water - What works?

Many of the folks have posted some interesting videos of on the water events. Santa Claus may bring me a video camera for Christmas. I've spoken to a few folks but wanted to get some input from those who have experience.

1. What is a good waterproof video camera that doesn't break the bank? I've seen the Hero 2 on sale because the new Hero 3 is out, the Contour and the Flip. Any comments on these or other cameras with specific model suggestions?

2. Where is a good place to mount the camera so I can start it and forget about it? I want to concentrate on sailing, not running a camera.

3. What are the best mounts to use for the camera?

4. Video editing - What are the free programs that work. I don't want to invest in a professional video editing suite, but want to be able to do some basic video editing and overlay sound (music).

Please feel free to post any additional comments or suggestions.

Congrats Bill, Head cam is great fun.
I bought the Hero 2 Outdoor edition. Comes with several hard surface mounts and don't neglect the display mount that comes in the package. I used it to fabricate my rail mount using it and the handlebar mount from my GPS,.placed on the stern rail off centerline. I made several videos with it. The waterproof case makes audio useless. there is an open back that comes with the camera for improved audio but you give up the waterproof safety then.
What I foound makes the best video is assigning it to different crew as head cam. They feel dorky at first but get used to it and makes much more interesting story. The person wearing has excellent audio as it is direct connected to their head making them the defacto narrator. but you see the event through their eyes. I don't want to get too long here but I love the camera.
Check out you 6 min.

I have used a GoPro knock off called the Swann FreestyleHD. It is the same size, and includes a bunch of accessories that you need to pay extra for on the GoPro. All for less than half the price.
I thought the best deal going was the Kodak Playsport, but mine broke and I don't think you can get them anymore

this was taken with a go pro from above the spreader in light air

So OK ... I challenge you guys to show a picture of an onboard video photographer who looks as well coordinated as this.

The editing software is the most important part of the production. Flip software is EASY to use! My second choice would be iMovie for Mac. The processor is critical is if you edit with a Mac get a Macbook Pro vs MacAir! I like the Flip best with 60 frames per second. It's HD microphone is much better than the GoPro. What you can do with the Flip is start and stop the video to take short videos which is easy to edit. The new GoPro Hero 3 has wireless stop/start capability - this is a must. Otherwise you have one huge video file which takes much more time to edit. Camera position is important. Mounting a GoPro on the back of the boat can be BORING unless you hit the mark several times LOL. I loved Bob's video of last year's NAs. I like the Flip because you have complete flexability, but you are left with one hand when sailing. My sailing team gives me trouble when doing video work while racing - don't lose focus. My favorite technique is is what Leighton O'Connor. Use a GoPro with a head strap! In a perfect world, have a GoPro mounted to the stern, Flip in hand and another GoPro on your head... Here is Leighton's video using a GoPro strapped to his chest.

OK to see the difference between a GoPro and Flip video, check out the production below. You can see me running in the Flip in the video above. You can also see Leighton's GoPro. Enjoy.

This video WINS the award for best production using a combination of a Flip and GoPro. Edit software was iMovie.

RAFIKI 2011 from Kate Hayes on Vimeo.

Santa brought me the Hero2 with the Wifi Backpack & Remote. I can also connect and control the camera with my Android phone in addition to the Wifi remote that came with the Wifi backpack. The Droid has a preview screen where the video is streamed from the GoPro Hero2.

I'll play with this over the next few months to determine how best to set this up on Rhapsody when launched this spring.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Way cool! Send racing secrets via YouTube! soon!