What type video camera to use
- Thread starter thedigger
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I also am interested in this topic and also where and how to mount it to get the best coverage. I have seen a couple of different setups, but haven't decided on one for myself yet.
Rob.
Rob.
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Gopro. Headstrap mount
G
Guest
jaycar wifi gopro knockoff shaft mounted
[video=480,360]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNsE7uu1gI[/video]
[video=480,360]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNsE7uu1gI[/video]
Although very popular personally I don't like go pro vids for detecting, I'd prefer someone film the subject documentary style. Just need a tripod if by yourself, press record and then edit later.
There are a few general issues you can use to narrow it down. First there are 3 types of videocams. A traditional style cam, DSLR 35mm type and action cams. Each have their strengths and weaknesses. Then ask yourself how you will use the camera, what environments will you be shooting in and how much time you are willing to spend in educating yourself with the camera features. And finally what will you be producing with the camera; youtube videos, DVD or Blu Ray and will you be exporting to a HD TV.
A traditional style cam will be the easiest to use; turn it on and start shooting on the auto mode which sets everything. They produce great video for YT and HD TV depending on the model. In the US you can buy these cams for $100 to $200,000.
A DSLR camera has the advantage of much better lenses and a bigger CMOS which captures the images in very low light. There is a steep learning curve to get the most out of these cameras if you have no photography knowledge. They also shoot very high quality pictures which no traditional style videocam can match. The DSLR is preferred by film makers as the can produce a very shallow depth of field which draws the attention (focus) on the subject of choice and blurs out the background similar to what you would find in professional movie productions. These start out around $300 and go well into the thousands of dollars in the US.
The action cams are great for action shots and have a very wide field of view. You basically turn it on, attach it something and go. They are widely used in professional productions as a complement camera. It would not be my first choice for the first or only camera, but many will disagree.
The other features you need to consider are tripods, cases, additional batteries and data storage. In the field I try to use a tripod as much as possible. Make sure whatever cam you get has a tripod connector as many traditional low priced videocams do not. I also have a pelican case (water tight) to transport the camera. The mining environment is a harsh environment and you can destroy any camera very quickly if you don't protect it.
Then its best to have a computer and software that can handle the data transfer, editing and publishing format for TY and/or Blu Rays. There are many websites that discuss this issue in detail. Spend some time researching on the web and then pick one and go for it.
A traditional style cam will be the easiest to use; turn it on and start shooting on the auto mode which sets everything. They produce great video for YT and HD TV depending on the model. In the US you can buy these cams for $100 to $200,000.
A DSLR camera has the advantage of much better lenses and a bigger CMOS which captures the images in very low light. There is a steep learning curve to get the most out of these cameras if you have no photography knowledge. They also shoot very high quality pictures which no traditional style videocam can match. The DSLR is preferred by film makers as the can produce a very shallow depth of field which draws the attention (focus) on the subject of choice and blurs out the background similar to what you would find in professional movie productions. These start out around $300 and go well into the thousands of dollars in the US.
The action cams are great for action shots and have a very wide field of view. You basically turn it on, attach it something and go. They are widely used in professional productions as a complement camera. It would not be my first choice for the first or only camera, but many will disagree.
The other features you need to consider are tripods, cases, additional batteries and data storage. In the field I try to use a tripod as much as possible. Make sure whatever cam you get has a tripod connector as many traditional low priced videocams do not. I also have a pelican case (water tight) to transport the camera. The mining environment is a harsh environment and you can destroy any camera very quickly if you don't protect it.
Then its best to have a computer and software that can handle the data transfer, editing and publishing format for TY and/or Blu Rays. There are many websites that discuss this issue in detail. Spend some time researching on the web and then pick one and go for it.
aushunter
Brad Welch
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All I use is 1 old Tape camcorder which I find is still going strong and a HD digital model and sometimes I use the Lumix that has great macro video capabilities.
I have hours of movies on the cameras, just gotta work out how to use you tub.
Thinking of getting a Go-pro soon.
Cheers
Brad...
I have hours of movies on the cameras, just gotta work out how to use you tub.
Thinking of getting a Go-pro soon.
Cheers
Brad...
TheFossickingKid
Angus Madden
I use a 3sixt ccamera. Got it from Big W for only $50. I have used it on most of my outings and like aushunter I have to figure out how I use youtube haha.
Twapster
Peter
In my opinion Prospecting you may need a camera that can be dropped in water or mud, thrown on the ground, tossed aside etc. I like my GoPro4 for its small size and wide shots...and the fact you can chuck it from a plane and it may survive the crash.
The negatives for me are normal battery life (not much more than 1 hr), and sound quality when inside the waterproof housing. Im not about to go change a battery when im digging holes.
I have purchased a waterproof USB battery pack so it can run all day...and there are countless "mods" on youtube to be able to make the camera do everything you need, including external mic to fix sound issues when the camera is being protected by the waterproof case.
No one camera does it all, but when im on my hands and knees covered in dirt, then high-banking with water spaying all over me, some cameras will be "not working for long" in the spots I work, while the GoPro or similar thrive in this environment. I like the Chest harness as anything on my head is going to annoy me after a short while. Switch it on and forget about it. Whatever happens in front of you is what you get on camera, and the wide angle means you are getting stuff to your left and right that you would need to turn your head to see so it will capture that snake over to your left that you missed because you were looking ahead but the camera got it.
Wanna go for a swim, no problem. Wanna Check a mine shaft.......attach it to a fishing rod, use your IPhone to view what the camera is viewing and bombs away. Want to see if its a reef or sandy bottom while fishing in a boat, do the same
If you are not the Action man trying to do it all yourself with minimal fuss, there other cameras that will suit. The Gopro is more for set and forget and go prospecting....if you are more into the cinematography and getting the perfect picture instead of finding gold....try something else.
The negatives for me are normal battery life (not much more than 1 hr), and sound quality when inside the waterproof housing. Im not about to go change a battery when im digging holes.
I have purchased a waterproof USB battery pack so it can run all day...and there are countless "mods" on youtube to be able to make the camera do everything you need, including external mic to fix sound issues when the camera is being protected by the waterproof case.
No one camera does it all, but when im on my hands and knees covered in dirt, then high-banking with water spaying all over me, some cameras will be "not working for long" in the spots I work, while the GoPro or similar thrive in this environment. I like the Chest harness as anything on my head is going to annoy me after a short while. Switch it on and forget about it. Whatever happens in front of you is what you get on camera, and the wide angle means you are getting stuff to your left and right that you would need to turn your head to see so it will capture that snake over to your left that you missed because you were looking ahead but the camera got it.
Wanna go for a swim, no problem. Wanna Check a mine shaft.......attach it to a fishing rod, use your IPhone to view what the camera is viewing and bombs away. Want to see if its a reef or sandy bottom while fishing in a boat, do the same
If you are not the Action man trying to do it all yourself with minimal fuss, there other cameras that will suit. The Gopro is more for set and forget and go prospecting....if you are more into the cinematography and getting the perfect picture instead of finding gold....try something else.
G
Guest
does everything a gopro can 
http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Product...HD-Action-Camera-and-Waterproof-Case/p/QC8021
http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Product...HD-Action-Camera-and-Waterproof-Case/p/QC8021
Twapster
Peter
At a 1/3 of the price worth a look!
DropBear
Tim
GoPro Hero 4 Black
It's amazing
It's amazing
I mounted my camera on the detector and made a bipod to prop it up when digging. It worked fine.
I now use a head mount which I preferbut I find you have to have it aimed very low for close up filming like digging a coin.
The camera is a Sony AS15. This model is a couple of years old. It has many of the features of the Go Pro.
The sound is muffled when used inside the waterproof case. I like it best because it was free
More pics here.... https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=144206#p144206
I now use a head mount which I preferbut I find you have to have it aimed very low for close up filming like digging a coin.
The camera is a Sony AS15. This model is a couple of years old. It has many of the features of the Go Pro.
The sound is muffled when used inside the waterproof case. I like it best because it was free
More pics here.... https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=144206#p144206
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Doctor said:does everything a gopro can
http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Product...HD-Action-Camera-and-Waterproof-Case/p/QC8021
Thanks for posting Doctor, I wasn't aware of any alternatives that are cheap and easy to use, that clip you posted shows excellent quality footage for the price.
Think I'll be getting one of these tomorrow for prospecting trips, wanted a GoPro but finding it hard to justify the price for the amount of use it will get once a month.
G
Guest
no worries ! you will not regret the purchase !ProspectorPete said:Doctor said:does everything a gopro can
http://www.jaycar.com.au/IT-Product...HD-Action-Camera-and-Waterproof-Case/p/QC8021
Thanks for posting Doctor, I wasn't aware of any alternatives that are cheap and easy to use, that clip you posted shows excellent quality footage for the price.
Think I'll be getting one of these tomorrow for prospecting trips, wanted a GoPro but finding it hard to justify the price for the amount of use it will get once a month.
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Bought it yesterday and had a quick play today, it's exactly what I'm after, very simple to use which is perfect.
Looking forward to using it in the field this weekend and hopefully will have a video of my first detected nugget to post when I get back.
Looking forward to using it in the field this weekend and hopefully will have a video of my first detected nugget to post when I get back.
