Camera Suggestions Needed

[Shindig]

About six months ago, I was finally convinced that yes, I can video my swing and gain something from doing so. Since then, I've filmed it a few times (thanks to a friend giving me a tripod) and was able to get my hands moving more towards in and was able to stop over-swinging. I will eventually post a "My Swing" video. However, I just looked up my camera's specs: 15 FPS. That's not a typo: fifteen frames per second. Well, that was probably good when I got the camera as a hand-me-down from my sister in Spring 2005. I've read the article about camera suggestions, but I doubt the same model cameras are still around. Or maybe they are. I should admit that I know next to nothing about cameras. My primary purpose in getting a camera now is to video my swing. This means looking at a small playback at the range maybe, and being able to watch it on my computer or maybe on my TV (32" flatscreen). If it does other things too, fantastic. If not, I won't complain. Can anyone suggest a reasonably-priced one? I don't know how fast camera technology changes, so will the same ones mentioned in Erik's article from ten months ago be around?

[newtogolf]

Casio seems to have cornered the market on high fps cameras; heres a link to their current models;

http://www.casio.com/products/Cameras/High-Speed/

[chris_284]

I bought a camera on Monday online. It came today but they didn't bring it up to my apartment door so now I have to go pick it up after work. I'll likely use it this weekend, and post a video of what it can do.

It's a Casio EX-FC100. It can shoot @ 210, 420, and 1000 FPS.

The cheapest online seemed to be about $200-$250, but I found one here for $99. There was a sale on til May 19. It's now up to $129 but that's still pretty good.

Here's a video example of someone with the same camera shooting at 210 FPS. Skip ahead to 0:14 as the first 15 seconds are nothing.

[iacas]

The ZR-100 is the current front-runner, but you can't set shutter speed so you really want a lot of light when you shoot (outdoors is plenty).

[jamo]

It's kind of a crappy time to buy Casio high speed cameras. The prices of the older models seem to be going up (the one I got for $90 in December is now $150), and the newer ones are pricey and not much better (or actually worse) than the older ones.

EDIT: I forgot to add, i have the FS-10 and while I takes good enough videos, at it's current price it's not really worth it. I'm happy with my purchase, but I probably wouldn't buy it for $150 rather than $90. Here are some videos if you want a reference.

[LankyLefty]

If you want a little more FPS at low cost and have a laptop. Most 30 dollar webcams shoot 30 FPS these days at a decent shutter speed and resolution.

If you want more again at a reasonable price many pocket camcorders in the 70-100 dollar range shoot HD video at 60 FPS.

30 is the same rate as TV. It will be better but your downswing will still be quite a blur.

60 fps will probably do you just fine.

100 or more at decent picture resolution is optimal.

[Stretch]

I have the EX-FC100 and it's ... adequate. You can certainly see what's going on in your swing but you don't have any manual control and will get shaft blur and lots of grain even shooting outside in bright conditions. I've been looking for a replacement and am considering the latest EX-ZR100. Bit disappointed to see that that does not allow you to set ISO in movie mode, though. (And, on reading around more, it seems you can't select shutter priority for movies either, so that's right out.) Best bet at this point then looks to be the older EX-FH100.

[Jack]

I have the Casio FC150 and I highly recommend it. I believe it is the new version of the FC100 and has a few more control options. To my surprise it also takes great still shots if you want to use it as a normal pocket camera too. My swing is on here somewhere if you want to see some examples of it in use. Also check out youtube for example footage. There is quite a lot on there of different subject matters.

[nevets88]

Fuji is making cameras w/high speed video too. No P&S; models yet, but keep a lookout.

[Shindig]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and feedback. I have plenty to look through as I do my camera shopping.

[scv76]

Chris_284

Thanks for posting the vid

I did not download your video, so I can't tell if the blur during the downswing is a result of youtube or the camera?

What would it take to get rid of the blur such that you could possibly see an open club face at impact?

[B-Con]

I have the Casio FH-25 and I like it. [quote name="iacas" url="/forum/thread/46778/camera-suggestions-needed#post_606610"]

The ZR-100 is the current front-runner, but you can't set shutter speed so you really want a lot of light when you shoot (outdoors is plenty).

[/quote] What's the default shutter speed(s)? When I got mine I stayed away from the pocket cameras for the specific reason of wanting a very good shutter speed. If I had a golf swing camera, I wanted to have decently clear frames around impact. As far as I could tell, 1/2000s was the minimum for, but 1/4000s was more preferable. The pocket cameras I looked at didn't seem to have clear-ish frams at impact (eg, you couldn't tell what orientation the clubface had, if the shaft was slightly leaning forward or backward, etc) -- at least, from what I researched.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by B-Con

I have the Casio FH-25 and I like it.

What's the default shutter speed(s)? When I got mine I stayed away from the pocket cameras for the specific reason of wanting a very good shutter speed. If I had a golf swing camera, I wanted to have decently clear frames around impact. As far as I could tell, 1/2000s was the minimum for, but 1/4000s was more preferable. The pocket cameras I looked at didn't seem to have clear-ish frams at impact (eg, you couldn't tell what orientation the clubface had, if the shaft was slightly leaning forward or backward, etc) -- at least, from what I researched.

Of the ZR-100? I have no idea. l have no idea what the default shutter speeds are... We use the FH-25s and are sad to see Casio seemingly leaving the high-speed market. :-(

1/2000 is our good minimum too. 1/4000 is good in even more light.

[nevets88]

Casio seemingly leaving the high speed market? What do you mean?

[Shindig]

From preliminary searches, I think a lot of the Casios mentioned are beyond what I'm ready to spend (although I may just have to re-evaluate that). However, the Kodak ZI-6 mentioned in the original article seems to be abundant and inexpensive - would it still be good for these purposes? Or should I up my budget and get one of the Casios mentioned?

[jamo]

Originally Posted by Shindig

From preliminary searches, I think a lot of the Casios mentioned are beyond what I'm ready to spend (although I may just have to re-evaluate that). However, the Kodak ZI-6 mentioned in the original article seems to be abundant and inexpensive - would it still be good for these purposes? Or should I up my budget and get one of the Casios mentioned?

I used a lower-fps camera, like the Kodak, last year to observe my swing. A few things about it: in low light you can't see your arms or hands at all, you can't catch anywhere near impact no matter the light, and you have to record a couple of swings (using extra balls and time) to make sure you capture enough of your swing, among other annoyances.

To be honest, if you are going to spend the money I would up your budget. The Casios are really that worth it, even if you go for an entry-level model like mine. But, of course, only you know your financial situation, I don't want to guess it or make assumptions.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by nevets88

Casio seemingly leaving the high speed market? What do you mean?

If the ZR-100 is their main/only high-speed camera.......... that doesn't bode well for the future.

[Shindig]

To be honest, if you are going to spend the money I would up your budget. The Casios are really that worth it, even if you go for an entry-level model like mine. But, of course, only you know your financial situation, I don't want to guess it or make assumptions.

I think I'm going to up my budget.