Bullet (Lipstick) cameras

[HamCam]

Anyone have one? suggestions on models? I would really like to hear from those in the GTA area as to where to get one PDQ.

Thanks!

[Mighty Dyckerson]

I tried making my own lipstick camera once. I kept getting Cherry Red all over the lens.

[HamCam]

Ok then... I'm shooting a driver training segment next week and wanted the in car cam shot of the driver looking back from the front dash. There will be some extreme skidding involved so it cannot be a handycam resting on the dash. I'd also like to mount it on the side of the car to see the road kill view of the front tires etc.

Keeping in mind that this is at my own cost -- yet another gadget to add to my kit.

I've searched the net and mostly come up with security type cams that are usually around 380 lines of resolution. Now I'm not looking for HD but is 380 enough for the intended use? The shots will mainly add a different perspective to the story.

Thoughts? Comments? Links? Offers? Tips?

[bluffton]

Dateline, 20/20, and 48 Hours can use low grade video equipment for such occasions. I use pin hole, lipstick, button, pager cameras all the time. The quality is less than good. But, you can always manipulate the color a little in post. If you talking about TV News you can get away with black and white.

It's the "moment" you are wanting and those will definately capture what you need. Just be creative in the edit and the "fuzzy" video will look like it's on purpose.

The prices you're quoting sound about right for the quality. I'm not really much of a model number type of guy. If you find something that works, use it.

Personally, I would use any of my own gear for the greater good of the station, because if it breaks the station typically won't replace it.

[BluesDaddy]

Check out extreme sports "helmet cams". I ordered one from JonesCam, and they were very helpful, even modified the mounting system for me.
They down side is that these are auto-everything. You get iris-, shutter- and focus-hunting, plus the auto white balance can be thrown off by a strong color in the scene. 2 examples: mounted on a pink bicycle for a POV shot of my daughter pedalling, the color was off; mounted on the door of a white car, any color reflected in the paint made the WB shift. But for the price, it's hard to beat.
http://www.jonescam.tv/catalog/product_info.php?pid=56&pname=&tab=features

[Stoney]

I used them extensively on a cable show I was shooting last year. Here are my thoughts:

- Use a small handycam if possible. Get a grip arm to hold it in place, a sand bag, or gaff the hell out of it. The time you spend messing with wires and batteries and decks is really a lot. The handicam is much, much easier and will have a way better picture and sound inputs for a real mic as well.

- If you go bullet cam test the system out a bunch before using it. You need a good camera or deck to record into. Keep your wires sorted or you will have a giant rats nest to deal with.

- I've bought a few from this company: http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/helmet_cameras.htm
They have decent cameras at good prices and they ship quick to the USA.

- If you just need a picture and sound is unimportant (as well as high resolution) try this bad-boy out: http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=6&scid=14&pid=709
For $125 you get a nice little self contained camera that shoots .avi files onto SD disk. I have one and it works pretty well.

- lock that camera down, no matter what you use because the picture becomes bumpy and shaky very quick. Helmets are good spots to attach to, as are dashboards or anything solid and unlikely to move a whole lot.

Good luck!

[INLANDNEWS]

I do a lot of offroad motorsports video. I use a Viosport bullet cam mounted to the truck and either a DV deck or portable DVR to record video to.

[Max Girth]

Sony XC999 or XC777 is the standard bearer in this category. Most rental houses have them. Route to portable mini dv deck and away you go.

[punky cameraman]

don't laugh, but check out this link.

http://www.astak.com/products/wireless-CM-811T.htm

i got one of these wireless 2.4 gig cameras at walmart for $75.00
connect it to a mini dv.

i wish they sold a better quality camera in this set up but
you would be surprised how cool this tool is

note this is not for full useage ... just cutaways or extreme pov

punky

oh yea, it has audio as well.

[HamCam]

Well I took the plunge and picked up a pretty nifty bullet cam for my kit. Say what you will 'bout using my own money for equipment, but if I ever leave, I take it with me.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/360297030_d00db74855_m.jpg

Check out a few more pics here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamcam/360297030/
I'll post some more in the near future.

Thanks for all the input everyone!

[HamCam]

Check this out... Just messing 'round tonight. Shot it on the weekend.

O-Fb7qqKPW8

[Corporate Management]

Wow. I love "Hair of the Dog". What's the name of that version?

[HamCam]

Wow. I love "Hair of the Dog". What's the name of that version?

Chris Classic - Unleashed

It was used in some Dodge Charger spots here in Canada.

[Bluedog]

How's that $5 haircut? And did you end up at work? Noticed all the white suv's to the left as you pulled in. Oh yea, and how'd that Hummer blow away a news car?!?!?!

[HamCam]

How's that $5 haircut? And did you end up at work? Noticed all the white suv's to the left as you pulled in. Oh yea, and how'd that Hummer blow away a news car?!?!?!

Actually... that was just a parking spot close to a dollar store where I picked up a neoprene cell case to use as a cover for the bullet cam when it is packed away. And I had to pick up another coffee at Tim's...

I was basically on scanner patrol that day. So I thought I'd test out the new cam before I used it at Skid School.

As for the Hummer... I was driving like a good camera boy. Had there been a fire call... well...

[FTOJRLST]

Another cool place to mount the camera like that is in the very back of the car looking forward.