Appreciate Comments: Equipment for Videotaping Sports Events

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Denniscasey

Well-known member
As hobbyist I would like to improve video I take of sports car racing events. Biggest problem I am having is maintaining steady handheld camera while rapidly panning with cars (which on some courses are also going up and down hilly course). The small viewfinder on HMC40 does not help. To date I have tried monopod and tripod with inexpensive head. However, panning 180 degrees in bright sun with eye to viewfinder is a problem so I revert to handheld to follow action (again with eye to viewfinder). Given I still have a lot to learn about using HMC40, I think I should also invest in equipment so seeking advice from those experienced in filming fast action sports. As hobbyist I can't justify big bucks for best equipment so looking for mid-level equipment.

First I am thinking of buying Monfrotto 502HD with flat base to mount on existing tripod which is quite steady and easily supports HMC40. I will probably have drag set very low in most cases to allow rapid panning, but for scenery panning (vacations) could use high drag setting.

Next, I think I need a camera mounted LCD because panning 180 degrees with eye to viewfinder is a problem: here I am thinking of IndiPro Tools Pro5 with Sony battery plate (I can use my existing Sony batteries I am thinking). It has HDMI feed, 5 inches, comes with sunshade; 800X480 with 600:1 contrast; monochrome and color peaking for focus; ball mount included for $249 at B&H.

Lastly, an inexpensive zoom control: Libec model for $90 at B&H.

Would appreciate comments before I buy something that will end up not helping situation. Thankyou, Dennis


 
Edit: When I refer to problem panning 180 degrees with eye to viewfinder I mean when camera is mounted on tripod--pans over shorter angles like maybe 60 degrees not a problem, but trying to follow fast moving race cars over a 180 degree pan leads to tripping over own feet. That is why I think I need a camera mounted LCD (better than flip out LCD of HMC40) and Libec zoom control--so I can stand a bit back from tripod when panning and not have eye to viewfinder while panning.
 
I suck at hand-holding a handy-cam, so I share some of your pain. I hate to say this, but for what you are doing, consider selling the HMC40 and purchase a HMC80. It has all the same guts as the 40, plus a few extra features, in a small shoulder mount cam. You might skip the stix and be a lot more mobile. I have heard the VF on the 80 is a big improvement, but you don't get a flip out. You do get more buttons and skip the touch screen. The cam is near the same price.

Do you have a hood for the flip-out? I have a Hoodman model that I have taken snippers to the bottom panel so you can still sort of use the touch screen. The gold standard would be a accessory monitor like a DP-6 or DP-4

Edit, if you are considering a monitor, make sure it is plenty bright and has a daylight hood. Many of the bargain models will disappoint in bright light.

Grant
 
Good thoughts Grant. Can't get everything in one camera (including moderate cost), but the small form factor and light weight of HMC40 appealed to me (for packing and taking on vacations). Regards, Dennis
 
The compact form factor is what I love about the 40. I put it in a small sling pack with a couple mics and a wide angle, and it weighs almost nothing. Yet, it has some great IQ.

Grant
 
The best advice for panning 180 degree fast action is to set your body around the tripod in a way that you go from uncomfortable at the start of you pan to a body position that is comfortable at the end of your pan. I think your on the right track with the external monitor and the Libec zoom control.
Good Luck, Kirk
 
Thank you Kirk. Doing a step by step "upgrade" and first on my list is the external monitor. Just received an IndiPro Tools Pro5 LCD 5 inch monitor and as expected a vast improvement. Experimenting now to see if I will need a sunshade--not sure if Hoodman for RED camera (only one that seems available for 5 inch monitor) will work on this monitor so cutting out cardboard sunshade.
 
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