Video Recording Systems?

[sidpalas]

Hey Vaulters & Coaches,

I was wondering what video recording systems people are currently using for training (handheld camcorder, DVR, etc...)? Also, what made you choose that system?

I want to try to design a system that will provide the similar functionality to some of the more expensive professional systems (ProMirror, CoachView, EliteMotionCoach) but take into account the specific needs of pole vaulting and make it more affordable for programs that don't have the funding for something on that level.

Here are some sample performance specs I am thinking about:
- 60 fps recording capability
- 640 x 480 video resolution
- Multiple cameras with synchronous recording/playback
- RF remote control with 60ft range
- 5+ hrs of battery life
- 500+ video hrs of hard drive space
- Frame by frame playback
- Fits into a tote bag that can be carried to and from practice easily
- Videos can be transferred easily to the internet or to another computer via USB or SD card

Would any of you be interested in a system like this? Are there other features that you would like to see? What amount would you be able/willing to spend on a video system?

Thanks for the input!

-Sid

[Polevaulter2012]

The Casio Exilim FH-100 is awesome! here is my blog link so you can see it in action. It records from normal speed to 120fps or 240fps. It is the best thing i have bought. I got it for 289 dollars with an 8gb memory card and next day shipping.http://scottelliottachievingmydreams.blogspot.com/

[sidpalas]

Is the camera switching frame rates in the middle of the video, or is the slow motion your own post-processing of the video?

[Polevaulter2012]

You can switch back and forth while recording. It is truly the best camera for coaching. I shoot at 30-120fps.

[baggettpv]

I use my Sony camera and My MacIntosh G4 and IMovie. I also shoot the picture thru an Infocus projector. The IMovie gives the ability to move frame by Frame easily so it is pretty good.

Rick Baggett
WSTC

[CB]

I use a combination of the Casio Exlim F1 (perfect for training for quick lookback in hi-speed and still good quality) and a Sony HDR-SR1 Full HD Camcorder for recording competitions. The Sony has also a quit big screen for lookback and is quit steady in recording.

[sidpalas]

Thanks for the responses guys!

I have found that handheld camcorders are great for after the fact video review (such as at meets where NCAA rules don't allow you to view video during the competition anyways), but that if you want immediate visual feedback during practice they can be cumbersome. At my old school we had a system that could record video while reviewing others, which allowed us to view every jump right away (without interrupting the flow of practice -- we were able to just add it to the routine: jump, catch step, watch video!). This was great, but they system was just so expensive!

Do you all view your videos after each jump, or wait until after practice and go through them all? If you review after each jump, have you found a way to alleviate the problem of having to wait for one person to review their video in order to record the next vaulter?

-Sid

[cdmilton]

You can use an old TiVo to record live and the rewind and review the video. You can pick them up for pretty cheap on eBay. No TiVo contract needed.

[sidpalas]

The new Tivo's don't have a video input other than cable/antenna though do they? This older model (http://www.amazon.com/TiVo-TCD649080-80 ... 350&sr=8-7) has s-video and RCA input so I think it would work, but then you still have to hook to a tv and be able to reach an outlet to plug them in...

I'm thinking that using a laptop/netbook + a quality webcam (or two webcams for multiple angles) + wireless remote to activate it would give the same functionality with the added benefits of true portability (no need for long extension cords to reach my outdoor pit) and easy exporting of videos. I'm working on a prototype of this setup and will hopefully have it up and running soon!

-Sid

[LHSpolevault]

I'm using an HP laptop with an HD webcam right now. I downloaded SkillCapture (free!!!) and it works well. Allows you do record a 4 second clip, with a delay before the video starts recording. Then it also allows you to play the video back from 1/4 the speed up to full speed, and let the video play back immediately or up to I believe 30 seconds after it records.

It's pretty cool since I can have somebody press "record" and take a jump, then come over to the laptop a few seconds later and it'll playback on it's own for me at half the speed to I can see what's going on.

[eton606]

I highly recommend the Kodak Zi6. I have used it for a couple of seasons and not only is it extremely simple but the features are much n=better than camera i have ever used.

[sidpalas]

@LHSpolevault, Do you use the motion detection feature to trigger the video, or manually start it?

I just got a prototype put together using an Asus Netbook, a PS3 Eye camera (60 FPS!), an RF presentation remote (to start the recording), and open source software (Ubuntu + MEncoder + Mplayer + Some scripts I wrote to make everything work the way I wanted). Now I'm trying to figure out how to get two cameras to work simultaneously so I can have one for the run and another for the jump! (or maybe put one behind the pit for a different angle).