holyschmoley

I want a simple, cheap, small video camera that can be strapped onto a plane like the stryker. I just want to be able to turn it on before take-off. And then download the video via USB after wards. Only need 5-10 minutes worth of recording time. Would settle for a minute or two. I just want something small and easy to use that's less than $100 that is ready to go out of the box. I've searched and searched various threads and just can't find anything yet.

anatoly

I use the eDVR 5-in-1. They are sometimes hard to find, but if he has them in stock you can get one [link=http://www.gorillabobsshack.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=96]here[/link].

Flyer 1

I recommend this unit. It tiny, and the big plus is that unlike most cameras of this type it uses an SD card to take looong videos. I was flying once with it recording above my village and my plane was attacked by - I'm not kidding - a Bald Eagle.
The plane lost the fight, but the camera survived a wingless, tailess fuselage-as-a-lawndart trip of 500 feet into the ground. It was still recording when I finally found it. Video here.
Flyer

holyschmoley

Thanks, I'll check out that camera. Cool video, by the way. How much did that set you back? It's cool to watch, but expensive.

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

Nice that you can increase the memory size. What is the FPS at 640 x 480?

FlyinLo

I second that question... fps @ 640x480?
Also, which resolution was the eagle video shot in?

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

A user says 320x240 at 20 frames per second... (in the reviews below the listing) so the 640x480 is probably 10-15 fps...

critterhunter

I bought an Aiptek 5100M digital pocket camcorder. It takes 5 (6?) megapixel stills as well as video. I use a 520MB compact flash card in it and it will take endless amounts of video with that. Without a memory card it only takes 5 to 10 minutes of video. It features video all the way up to 640x480 or so. This unit is very light and weighs less than the two AA batteries it runs on. It's roughly about the size of two packs of cigarettes stacked one on top of another, maybe a little smaller. This thing was only $89 at Walmart and for that price you can't touch even a 2 or 3 megapixel still camera so it was a great value. Features a USB port, software for your computer, etc. Love the thing but have yet to strap it to a plane. May ditch the two AA batteries and run it off the plane battery using a 3V voltage regulator for even less weight.

FlyinLo

Yeah I read that, but the eagle video looks better than 320x240 and 15fps doesn't it?

Maudib

My Feedback: (51)

Yes it does look like 30 fps at 640... hmmm.

holyschmoley

I just got that camera from Overstock. If anyone still wants one, they've since gone on sale for only $35 plus $1 Shipping:
http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2....rod_id=1843095

It's a pretty good deal. I've tested it, and it works great - especially for the money. It's small and light enough to easily just tape onto the bottom of your plane or even a heli. I've got to fix my plane today and plan to test it this week if not later today. I'll post video when I do.

FlyinLo

The price drop finally pushed me over the edge. It doesn't seem to be the greatest quality but for $35 who cares.

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

holyschmoley - how much does that camera weigh?

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

Hmm - this video was shot with that camera... thinking I might get one. For $36 you can't lose.

FlyinLo

I'm guessing it's somewhere between 2 and 3 oz

Flyer 1

Actually, it's more like an ounce and a half - about the same as a standard Futaba servo. Think of a medium-sized USB thumb drive and you've got it. It's light enough that I'd actually trust Velcro to hold it against the side of the plane without fear of losing it.
One thing - if you're going to shoot video through your prop, AVOID those GWS orange propellers! They're good props, but they pick up every bit of sunlight and absolutely destroy the video - an orange mess. They don't disappear like black/gray props.
Flyer

FlyinLo

an ounce an a half? wow, very nice

Can I assume the 3.7v li-ion battery is rechargeable through USB? What kind of life do you get?

The description says "auto file format" --- what is that? Will we need a converter to play them on a PC?

tcarp

I finally pulled the trigger as well. I have several of the CVS cameras but I think at an ounce and a half this will be much easier on my Cub and better to use on the stryker.

FlyinLo

I think I might even be able to mount the thing on my ski helmet to catch some ridiculous shots

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

Prolly gonna see one of those under the tree on Christmas.

Would be sweet to see a bunch of new stryker vids up on YouTube by some RCU'rs.

somegeek

FlyinLo

Hopefully you'll see some Super Cub vids, as long as this thing works

FlyinLo

Click [link=http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=HOME&CID=105169&fp=f&TRACK=wb]HERE[/link] to redeem a 15% off coupon at Overstock.

This drops the price of the camera to $30.74 shipped instead of $35.99

Spdstr280Z

Thanks for the tip, just ordered one myself !

Jason

FlyinLo

No problem...

I actually ordered yesterday but found that coupon today. I called them up and they credited my card the 15% without a hassle.

For anyone who has already ordered, here is their 800# (Impossible to find on their site) 800-843-2446

Flyer 1

Yep, just plug it into any USB port and it automatically starts charging - a red led will come on. It goes off when it's fully charged.
No converter needed. I just go to my control panel, click on the "removable media" icon, and move the pics/videos onto my desktop then erase them from the memory stick. It's virtually identical to a thumb drive in use, very simple.
Auto file format means it just keeps the pics and movies in separate files (I think; the CD-Rom that comes with it was damaged and thusly I don't know for sure).
Battery life is pretty long; it took a continuous, 30+ minute movie during that eagle attack video though I cut out most of it, and kept working with no extra charge for another week. I'd estimate an hour and a half of continuous filming.
Flyer

Flyer