Advice on the right gear to use (camcorder) please

[Chris Smith]

I'm planning a RTW trip, starting in about 12 months time, and would love to have a vidio of the trip. I have no experiance whatsoever of camcorders so don't know a good one from a bad one.

Which is more suitable - vidio or digital?
How do I get the images back home while on the road?
Do I need a helmet mount or something?
What other gear would I need?
How much would all this cost (in UK£ please)

Any advice would be much apreciated. I don't want to spend too much (rather spend it on the road) but I do want and end result I'm pleased with (i.e. clear, quality pictures)

Thanks for your help

Chris

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[Chris Smith]

Oh go on. Someone please reply. Pretty please.

[nick_horley]

I'm no expert, just an armchair shopper. In the past I've found that a bulky camcorder doesn't get used much - so miniaturisation is worth paying for. On-bike footage is great, but the general consensus seems to be that without a helmet-mounted cam it doesn't come out well. So I want a top spec lipstick cam from rfconcepts.co.uk, and a Sony DCR IP7 camcorder, just because it's the smallest. Budget permitting I'll also have a Sony C1 Picturebook on which I'll edit video clips and burn them onto CD for posting home.

But all this will cost a bundle!

[A.B.]

I would get a DV camera. It records digitally on digital tape. They’re small, reliable and very capable. You can just mail the tapes home every once in a while. I would forget about taking a laptop and doing any editing on the road. It’s an expensive, bulky and cumbersome option and the process will consume time you might use to explore the countries you’re in. Edit when you get back home. Get extra high capacity batteries. A wall charger that will work on the voltage in the countries you’re going to visit and any plug adapter. Also essential is a 12v charger to charge the batteries from the bike. A protective case, like a top mounted Pelican, is essential. Or perhaps a special padded compartment in you rack. Don’t forget to take along the contact information of a mail order video shop that carries parts for your system and can ship parts worldwide in case needed. Price? It varies greatly and I frankly have no idea how much it costs in the UK.

Hope this helps.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.

[flotsam]

Check out this link. http://www.pashnit.com/more/cameramount.htm

[Fuzzy Duck]

Hi Chris

What did you go for in the ned - or haven't you decided yet?

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Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)

[Chris Smith]

I have to say I haven't desided yet but I'll proberbly go for digital as the camaras tend to be smaller and travelling 2 up mean space on the bike is everything. Normal tape (looking at the responces) would maybe be easier but I'll risk it I THINK!

Main reason I haven't desided is that i'm recovering from a rear end shunt on the bike.I was doing 30mph - the guy in the van was doing 70mph! So once I'm back on my feet its business as usual. New bike, new camara and away we go.

Thanks to all for the responces.

Chris