Dedicated Video AP Cameras Under $200

[dabesq]

I know lots of people have adapted a wide variety of regular cameras and camcorders for use in AP, but I was wondering -- are there any cameras specifically designed for video AP costing no more than $200 besides the FlyCamOne2? Thanks! dabesq

[nascarwings]

Not many out there....most people just use the standard over the counter cam and mod it....cheaper and better qualty...this is the only other cam i seen for ap.. http://www.rcplanecams.com/camcart/

[Nitro Blast]

Check these guys out:

http://blip.com.au/


They have an interface that works with an exceptionally large number of cameras, Nikon, Canon etc.

I have one of their early cameras, and its still working great.

[hillbille]

I use Canon SD series cameras for AP as the picture quality is superb. For AV I now use a Pentax Optio S5i actusted via HXT900 servo. I have used it sparingly as video is not really my thing - pictures are but it takes quite good video 320 X240 and 30fps and it is an acceptable 5.0 mp camera! I bought it from feebay. Actually I bought another Optio S5i and this one was thrown in as a "spare" for parts as it had a broken (and still does! LOL!!) LCD. I got the pair for $55 including shipping. The other one is in great condition and I use it all the time too - but not on an airplane!!

Check out feebay for cameras - Point and Shoot - digital. Sometimes during the week you will find an exceptional bargain or two. I will not pay more than $75 for ANY camera that has any function in the description which DOES NOT WORK. Cameras with broken LCDs can be had pretty cheaply at times - but remember the LCD got broken through misuse, dropped or fell to a hard impact so it MAY have other issues as well. I have bought several cameras from feebay in the past as I learned to AP and AV - chrashing at times and further damaging the cameras beyond reasonable repair costs. Usually the lens is damaged during a "hard" landing as the camera is always "ON' during flight and the lens is sticking out there! Oncew this happens - might as well shop for a new camera!!

What I'm getting at in this long diatribe is that quality cameras come at a cost - both for the camera itself (higher resolution = more cost!) and in damage when crashed. So be prepared. If you spend $200 for a "NEW" camera of any kind and immediately go out and strap it to an airplane - you have a LOT more skill than I! I have a very hard time mounting my used ones sometimes - but I want to AP so off they go into the wild blue yonder!! LOL!!!

Hillbille

[dabesq]

Thanks to all for the great info. I'm really looking forward to trying out some AP soon--once the wind dies down and the temp goes up just a bit more. Best, dabesq