Standup Zone Forum
Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: supthecreek on December 15, 2017, 05:37:30 AM
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Folks have asked what I use to shoot my videos.
Here it is.... my "Kook Hat Cam"
Ever since I started reviewing boards in 2012, the challenge was getting useful video, that would show a board in action.
A good write-up is fine.... but a video reveals a lot about the reviewer, which in turn, allows the viewer to adjust what they see, to their own needs.
All the mounts and cameras I tried, had serious shortcomings.
The best of course, is a beach view, but videographers are in short supply in my world....
and my "set and forget it" beach cam was usually filming someone else, or the waves blocked the action..... blah, blah, blah.
So, I came up with the "Kook Hat Cam"
stupid simple to make, and cheap compared to the other video options.
it is always on the job, always aimed in the right place, shooting useful video, to give an interested person a good look at conditions, performance, paddling, float and everything else we SUPster crave to know about any board.
I am very satisfied with the video I get.
The only issue I have is, water drops on the lense..... licking the lense is still the best remedy.
Some of my favorite video, is the stuff I get on a pure glass flat-water session.
Sometimes, I literally go home and watch the entire trip over again because the Cam takes such awesome video.
I use the oldest GoPro Hero "Sessions4".... and I set it on "Superview" so I can see all the action and wave.
Don't waste the money on the remote... I used it once and never again.
So much easier just to tap the single button on the top of the Camera.
Note: one time in DOH waves, the brim got smacked down and hit my nose, so it may be a good idea to cover the bolt head in liquid rubber. I simply sanded mine down, so no sharp edges, but do as you think best.
After I took the "build" pictures, I found a shorter bolt, that worked with only one washer, so less exposure.
I've used it in DOH waves and it has never come off.... and I can't even tell I am wearing it. :)
You could tethered your hat to a "Coach Whistle" lanyard around your neck.
I don't use one, but some may like the added security.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCiANANgGTQ
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I've always enjoyed watching your videos. And your hat cam is the reason why. Your hat cam gives a better view because you can see every where you look. Easily beats the view from a cam attached to the nose or tail of a board. And your instructions on how to attach the cam to your hat, with all of the little tidbits of information on why you mounted the cam that way, is priceless.
Thanks for sharing this most interesting video.
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Nicely done Creeker!
Really enjoyed that......the iPhone app appears to be absolutely essential in making sure the angle is set right for filming. I think this angle is best (short of beach view as you acknowledge) for giving the viewer the best angle for board performance and overall riding. The one super minor thing I note is that unless your getting a shot of another rider on a wave I don't think it gives a true perspective of wave height...no doubt because the cam is angled slightly down - contrary to the paddle cam I use which makes waves appear a little giggle because the cam tends to be angled below the waist and angled slightly up.
At the end of the day, I like all video and I just wish there was more (Okay, A LOT more) of it here on the forum. I think there are minor few here who have made comments on vid's as being self indulgent or whatever, but I really thing most...especially noobs like me or those in search of boards or technique enhancement crave and welcome the information - vids
(and hell even pics) are the best. We all know the regular SUP surfing vid posters - STC, Clay, Cookie, surfafrica....I might have missed one or two (sorry). Here's to more pics and vids on this forum. I'm calling out all experts and noobs and everyone in between. Post a pic, make a pic....etc. Sorry for the slight derail Creek! SHARE the STOKE!
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Ya! ..clearly Rick—your best edit yet! ...and as much as 'perfect moves' are enviable, a little crash-n-burn and general fun is always fun to watch. Excellent.
(adding to WhatSUP ..typing about same time)
2nd point: WhytheF is it you are nearly the only one who is regularly adding content to this forum?! Cook is doing his part with the follow-me-cam, but there's a ton of people including ones who are making money here—doing little more than "Buy my stuff!" ...not adding any usable, general or instructional content?!
A couple of years ago, the paddle folks were helping everybody learn; I can't remember the last posting? Some like Colas are obvious by their absence; I can't image he (in France) could affect anybody's business? Where are the shapers? ...where are the instructors? ...where are the paddle guy again? ...even the stoopid stand-n-row-me or electric boards?
Rick, we're going have to change your name to Atlas—you'll end up carrying this whole thing if more don't step up.
Jim
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I was worried about the POV trip to the bathroom...
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That’s cool. I do agree it’s hard to tell wave size. Also, Rick didn’t you buy the SS3? I’d like to see that too.
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I think GoPro will have to come out with a 'Creek Hat Mount'. I always enjoy your posts Rick. As for my own personal lack of posting, it's just one of those grind stone phases. House, office and shop are torn apart with a remodel, minor surgery, too much work, and kids. My GoPro is currently in a packing box, buried under about 50 of them, right in the middle of my shaping room. So.... Nada :'(
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I think GoPro will have to come out with a 'Creek Hat Mount'.
Now that is a great idea!!!!
Calling Nick Woodman......Mr. Woodman to the Idea Service Desk stat!
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Yikes... I've fallen behind :)
Thanks for all the input!
Thanks Wingman, I am glad you found it helpful, and I always appreciate the kind and supportive replies you give to Zone posts! That is the way it used to be and what drew so many of us into the fold. More on this later :D
Watz^... yup, gopro's are poor at showing accurate wave size!
But... on to your most excellent point:
IMO, I'd like to see a lot more vids and pictures.
You don't need to be a pro....when I started SUPing, I really learned more from people who shared my struggles.
People have called vid and picture post "shameless self promotion"
I totally disagree, opinions and information are why people come here.... they want to know what others think about a product or technique.
Wettie... the crash and burn was my favorite part to edit... I have so many :)
And thanks, I like making vids and sharing them... I wish more would share their session vids and pics.
Maybe the "Kook Hat Cam" will give new life to filming sessions.... it's stupid simple to make and use.... and the vid is actually fun to watch.
LBsup...
I do have a SS3.... but have refrained from comment, cuz it has no captured one frame of footage in 3 sessions. A ton of effort went into every set-up... and it always filmed someone else ;D
A new GPS tag has been sent... hopefully all the bugs will work out and it will become useful.
Tallguy... find your cam, bolt it on a hat and get on it... I always enjoyed your vids and would love to see more.
All FCS has to do is buy a 1/4" drill and bolt some mounts on their Kook Hats.... insta-mount.
My favorite part of the "kook Hat Cam"????
It leaves my body out of it.
I'm all good with THAT ;D ;D ;D
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great post Creek.
After about a dozen outings using the nose mount on my board- the footage generally sucks.
and since my waves are almost exclusively backhand at my break (minus a Nor -Easter)- the paddle mount never looks very good (When I go to Long Island and Its all lefts i have gotten some great shots)
Especially now with hood weather it would be easy to do this with a baseball cap and throw it on under my hood
I have been holding out on doing two board reviews because - while i like reviews that are just Narritive- as mentioned above its really complete with some video. (and i also have no one who would every care to watch me surf and film!)
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lots of baseball caps with gopro mounts on amazon - but no secure kook-strap like creek's. That's smart.
But the baseball cap works I've been using mine when I get out with my go pro - and mine is the old big-size gopro black, bigger/heavier. I tied my camera wrist float to my cap so if it fell off, it would float.
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Agreed on the GoPro hat from Amazon. I just looked and the FCS hat is slightly more.
Creeks hat is so cool I might have to make one. BUT i do have this hat and it works great, way better than the head-strap that wears out after 6 months (gets all stretched).
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Someone convinced me that I should carry a camera at all times. I looked around and found an old waterproof Olympus and figured "Why Not?"
Then I remembered I had many, many GoPro's lying around. The reality is that I bring my latest and greatest Hero 5 Session with me all the time, attached to the GoPro Hat aka my most expensive GoPro in what could be catastrophic conditions.
I get great video, and stills. However I am hesitant to post all the video because I do not want to regurgitate ever session. Similar to Creek I film a lot. Unlike Creek I don't have as much time to edit and I feel guilty just posting raw, unfiltered footage.
I have found the best compromise is pulling stills from 4K video. I am filming exclusively in 4K (I think Creek favors 720). What this means is that the resolution is STUNNING for stills.
In this shot you can actually read "LiftSup" on the handle of the board. And see the shadow of the hat-cam I am using to film. 1/30th of a second, one frame of video.
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Here is a shot of Creek himself, hat-cam clearly displayed with my daughter mowing down the long boarders.
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Sick, super deep back-side off the lip from Creek :)
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And some more Hat-Cam-Pics
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Thanks for the inspiration Creek.
Hat and Hero Session 5 on order!
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ha ha beasho..... Ruby mowing down longboarders ;D ;D
She was charging big time that day!!!
Here is my cam view, 1 second before beasho's pic of me and Ruby.... he's on the right, "hat in hand" filming Ruby.
Then one of beasho's hat cam... it was a movement!!!!
Dan_GiddyUP!!! welcome to the Zone!
Great to hear you're getting a cam.... we can look forward to vids :)
I see a lot of new zoners are logging in these days... stoked to hear from all of you!!!
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Thanks for the info.... Love the hat cam!!! I have mine mounted on the paddle, works good but not like the hat cam. I then went to the mouth piece mount. That works great but you a mouth piece with you all session. LOL! Thanks again.
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Here is my cam view, 1 second before beasho's pic of me and Ruby.... he's on the right, "hat in hand" filming Ruby.
Then one of beasho's hat cam... it was a movement!!!!
Ooop!!!.... this time I'll actually post the pics ;D ;D
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Thanks Mahi.... I am totally hopeless with a paddle cam, so good on ya!
Central LI ? Great guys in Sayville :)
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What a GREAT idea. I just ordered my Dakine trucker surf hat. The bonus is that this will also work great for shooting video while I'm running my excavating equipment too.
Thanks Rick!
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South Fork of LI
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Good stuff, and I agree that angle works best - I've tried a ton of different angles, and found the following:
Paddle - this works the best for me for grabbing stills or quick grabs of cross-stepping, etc. The issues being that when you use your paddle up and down a wave it pretty much misses everything - the best use is for cross-stepping (or attempting to) on the B&B.
Calf - kinda interesting view, but it is subject to moving quite a bit.
Head-mount with a hat - I've used the headband with a hat on kiting. It's all about the angle, and I like your view a lot better being centered on your head instead of off to the side.
I go with the Session 5 as well, I had the original Session that you have, but it's on the bottom of the Pacific in Avellanas somewhere.
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Hey Creek. I asked for one of these for Christmas.
I guess it will come down to if I was naughty or nice if I receive a "Kook Hat Cam" or not? 8)
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iDW, post some vids after it comes, and throw in a little excavating :)
APPST_ the Avellanas? bet that's an interesting story, hope you didn't lose a lot of good footage.
L-Will, I hope you have been good....
Super stoked to see your new board in action.
You are the reason it ever left the idea stage.
#2 off the line.... don't sell that one ;D
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Nice diy "supthekook" cam! And sweet edit. I like that slalom course through the proners! I still prefer the paddle mount/cam pov, but it's def a pita w/swing weight.
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I've seen a guy with a similar set up on a helmet. He tails his buddy on the waves, takes the helmet off and, holds it in his outstretched hands and takes pics/video of his buddy. Helmet is prolly easier to get on and off, and (b/c of the foam lining) prolly floats.
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iDW, post some vids after it comes, and throw in a little excavating :)
APPST_ the Avellanas? bet that's an interesting story, hope you didn't lose a lot of good footage.
L-Will, I hope you have been good....
Super stoked to see your new board in action.
You are the reason it ever left the idea stage.
#2 off the line.... don't sell that one ;D
Yeah the Rivermouth - last day of a trip and probably the best footage was on it...........argh, in any case, the Session 5 has been nice.
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Of interest gents, has anyone tried this cap mounting with the Hero5 Black as opposed to the Session ?
How did it go ? Worried it might be too heavy .
Thanks
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I don't think it will be too heavy, but it will have more surface area to impact during wipeouts. I imagine it would be tolerable. Try it and report back!
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Great idea! Ordered mine right after watching your video.
Clem
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Creek,
What length bolt did you use?
Clem
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Hi Clem
it's 1/4 x 20 Stainless
I am using 1/2" long bolt, it is just long enough to grab threads.... then tighten till secure.
Note:
Make sure you sand down the head of the screw bolt..... I have had it bump my nose in heavy wipeouts.
The srewdriver can leave ridges on the phillips-head "X".... sanding keeps it from scratching your nose.
Or you can cover it with a glob of silicone etc.
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Fully inspired by the kingCreek himself I mounted my new REVL camera on a hard brim Shelta hat, now I join the kook ranks with pride. I would have some vids of kite surfing 2nd beach RI last week but forgot to press the record button, kooked out on my first go!
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...but forgot to press the record button, kooked out on my first go!
Ha! Looking forward to seeing some of your footage once you do hit record. I'm curious how it'll come out with Revl's image stabilization.
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rbgar.... welcome to kookdom my friend!
Git it on!
I'm stoked to see what that cam will come up with!
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Finally joined the Kook Hat Cam club. My GoPro is a really old 960p one, felt quite heavy and looked absolutely ridiculous mounted on the hat, so i never used it - until a few days ago on a sunrise session i had just for myself :) Waves were really small and weak, but i took the chance to try it with no one around. And i liked it. So today i ordered a Session 5 to loose weight and get better image quality. My next trip to the ocean will be on october, lookin forward to get some good waves on cam.
Thanks a lot for the inspiration @supthecreek! Legend!
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/289925500?portrait=0" width="640" height="479" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/289925500">TinyGoulien</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user5408285">brillen boogie</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
edit: i don't get the embed thing sorted, sorry...
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Rbgar... That cam looks like a t-shirt gun ...and yet, doesn't seem to distort the hat much. It will be interesting see the video that comes from it.
Timi... That's a sweet little wave. Doesn't look to have the duration of David John's old haunt in OZ but comfortable. You appear to get all your exercise on the paddle back out.
NIce to see some new input here!
Jim
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ha ha welcome to Kookdom!
Flowing nicely there Timi... sweet foam climbs!
Good stuff.... looks like what, an 8'6 Flow?
rbgar... you should have worn yours yesterday! :)
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@Wetstuff: Thanks. It's a nice place, well overhead with long walls on good days. These were the smallest rideable conditions possible. And yes, i'm quick paddling out obviously! ;D
@supthecreek: Thanks, i was trying to get some fun out of the weak stuff. I don't get to surf very often, so i take every chance i can get.. Flow 8'7 it is.
I'm more the quite reader of this forum usually, and i enjoy all the input a lot. Especially the stoke from the session videos, when i'm far away from the ocean. So please keep it coming folks!
I'm also gonna try to contribute to that in the future!
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I just sent GoPro a message...hope they pay attention. They should ship you a couple of big boxes full of GoPro toys and let you play.
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I sent SupTheCreek a box of GoPro's but that was before the advent of the Hero Session Cameras. The Session really is the perfect
Kook Hat Cam
I am bummed that they discontinued it.
Here I was Kooking out at Matanivusi a spot called Frigates in Southern Fiji with friends:
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That wave didn't end well. But at least I DIDN'T break my board.
That came later:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_0ouXqfqVs
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so you can't get that little camera any more. Youhave to use the regular go pro hero ? Is that right? are there another tiny little cameras that would work as well? Bummer!
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Yes... the Sessions5 is still available new from some online retailers.
I got mine at B&H Camera in NYC.... just got this link from their site:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274433-REG/gopro_chdhs_501_hero5_session.html?ap=y&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof3cBRD9ARIsAP8x70OKJ8IOPqYiiUjzbWsp6M5-REGmZc775ZJumMz_5bKx12sVL_rLjQcaAiP_EALw_wcB&smp=y
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I suspect that Gopro will come out with a new and improved Session 6 in the near future. Why not delay it a bit and sell more Hero's?:) Without a doubt, the new one will have to have a replaceable battery.
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I want to mount a camera under my board....maybe build it into a fin. Who has the leanest profile in a low cost cam.
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The Sony I think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu0q3V0t6RE
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Ha ha....wetstuff sent me one of those Sony's
with a mount to go under my board
purpose?
So I could film my surf sessions in Great White infested waters
To see who was following me
aaaah... no
never going to happen
I do not want to know what's been sniffing at me when I fall over ;D ;D ;D
Thanks for the thought wettie.... but the truth is probably more than I can handle :-\
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Rick'ster... I agree. Just watching empty footage would make you s'kert ...'prime your amygdala for the next go-out.
Stoney, My reaction to my video from the fin was; "Ya, so...?!" I did it because Piros in OZ did. Here's a later example of his.
https://vimeo.com/117042056
Jim
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Here is my latest Kook-Cam video. I posted in the foiling section but figured I would troll it a little more - HA!
What you will realize is that the GoPro's wide angle forces you to get CLOSE to other people to "Highlight their beauty."
Creek knows this. Close means really Close.
I have also changed my behavior based upon Creek's advice - Shooting in 1080P SuperWide format to capture extended views.
This was shot at 60 fps Session 5. I am thinking the stills might compromised but the slow-motion looks pretty cool.
We are going to start pushing it with regards to Whooping it up on the waves. Traditionalists are losing their minds. Meanwhile we are foiling 100 yards down the line away from the whitewater. The rules for wave-riding are going to get augmented because of the foils capabilities. AND with Friends you will find it is just more fun to PARTY on every wave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeqU7QC1PEw
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Not interested in it for surf. I have crystal clear waters and lots of sealife. Not that anyone would want to watch hours of it but capturing some interesting moments would be cool....whales are starting to frequent the bay below the house. Sharks too....I had a 9-10'er pass under me a couple weeks ago. Even just the bait balls getting whacked would be cool footage. My love/interest for what's under the water pre-dates my love for what's on top. I can watch Blue Planet for hours on end and Jacques will always be my hero.
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Sounds like fun Bobby..... can't wait to see some vids of your waterworld!
If I still have my wetstuff Sony cam, I'll give it to you when we meet for a beer soon!
Keep pushing it forward!
Beasho.... perfect. Laugh and have a blast with your buddies!
Here's a mashup pic from yesterdays session, when Brendon and I did a slo-mo go-infront... ha ha, lame but fun ;D
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is the sessions water proof?
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100%
No housing
Tiny
One big button on/off
Great camera!
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Just came back and watched Beasho's vid....so cool. I wonder how I would feel flying a foil...sometimes I already feel like I'm flying... ;)
That would be cool if you have it Creek...I'm going through boxes looking for the rest of my stuff. I have a few mounts and such, just need to find them. I looked at my GoPro...Hero 3 not 4 but should do the trick. I have a small handheld too that I'll start sticking in my pocket. I used to do a lot more of this in the early days then stopped. Now that I have some time again. So just to feel like I'm contributing....an old throwback....some old guy in the shorebreak ::)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csG-CreESec
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I offered Creek my big box of GoFoil crap, but didn't hear back. I'll ship it to you, Bob, and you can divvy it up as you choose. Some good stuff, lot's O' junk. Tons of mounts. I think there's a Hero 4, and a bunch of other cameras. I also have a lipstick camera that was high end once upon a time. That might work for you fincam. It's a waterproof camera that you cable to the recorder. I've got a couple of tiny solid-state DVRs that I'll make sure is in the box. There's also a Sony projector, it might even work. I've got an InFocus DLP projector that I haven't used in ten years, but that might be pushing the weight into spendy levels.
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Wow... sorry Pono, I didn't dis you intentionally
I never saw the offer, but super kind of you!
As much as I appreciate it, I have what I need now.
Bobby, I looked through my stuff
I seem to remember giving that Sony to someone, but can't remember who.... sorry buddy!
I have paid forward, most of the Camera Gear that Wetstuff and Beasho have given me.
Great system to keep things useful where they are needed :)
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Thanks Bill....Creek lets go through the box and see what we can use. Any extras we can pass along.
It won't bother me that video editing is a bit of a time suck...I have time now and I used to enjoy doing it.