Or, more specifically, testing a new camera rig that mounts on my body, so the camera follows me, wherever I may roam.
In the first video image on the left, I am walking and the camera is hovering in front of me. The camera is very small and lightweight. It is also waterproof, and has a very wide field of view. It can be mounted almost anywhere.
It was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, today. The low tide was just after noon, so I took advantage of the coincidence of decent weather and a midday low tide to test the camera support rig that I completed yesterday. The rig is designed so I can have the camera follow me, while I slog through the swamp. I can’t go much deeper than waist deep without dipping the camera into the mud, but once I’m in past my crotch, I’m not going to be moving much, so I don’t need a special rig to follow me.
The image on the right shows the view when the camera is behind me, and I’m leaning forward. As I lean forward, the camera moves higher and points more downward, because the rig is attached to my shoulder.
It works in reverse when the camera is in front. When I lean back, the camera moves higher and points more downward, as you can see in the video frame on the left. You may notice the shadow
of the camera and it’s support, on the left edge of this video frame. I can’t lean forward much with the camera in front, without pushing the camera into the mud. I anticipate that you’re going to get a rear view when I’m really struggling through deep mud.
Be sure to click on the thumbnail images to see the full video frame. The new camera takes some very nice video, for such a small device. I edited some video to share with everyone. I am waiting for it to transcode, as I type this. When I get the video on-line, you’ll hear the one major problem I have with this setup. The camera’s microphone picks up very little, other than the noises made by the rig as I move, and as the camera brushes against the grass. I will need to address the audio problems before I can use the camera for production, but I still have some time before mudding season officially begins. I expect to have the video on-line soon.
Most interesting video. The rig gives a very different perspective on your adventures and slogging…and I like the perspective a lot. As you sink into the mud, there is a more immediate sense of what is happening to you and what you are experiencing…that is a very different dimension to your videos. Also, this camera has great picture clarity and good colour clarity. I also liked the latex trunks you decided to wear, but that’s a different set of aesthetic issues, isn’t it?
I chose those briefs because I knew the view would be from the middle of my back down to my lower thighs. I wanted some color and smooth lines. This winter has not been kind.
As to your more relevant observations, yes, the perspective should prove both interesting and liberating. There are so many times when I want to shoot video, but it’s just not practical, or nearly impossible. Even when there is someone to drive the camera, they can’t follow me when I go behind the swamp grass, or around a corner. This camera, with it’s super wide view, can be 18″ away and get the entire scene. It requires no focusing, and it doesn’t hurt it to get wet or muddy.
I still plan to use another camera for some shots, but I’ve got lots of ideas on how to use this camera to bring the viewer much closer to the action. I can even take it under with me.
Thanks for the comments.