Yowie "hunting" and cameras

[Mike Williams]

I thought a few people have some interesting camera gear and its always good to swap information..
Myself and Joe Black are currently using HDC-SD20-K - Full HD SD
http://www.panasonic.com.au/products/de ... uctID=7127
Its an entry level, elcheapo point and shoot hd camera.
Pure shite in dark with spotlights etc..but great in decent light..I like the focusing idea of touching a portion of the screen and its right on the mark for focus..
I am using it with a 2 time adapter because the optical zoom is fairly low..
For low light I am using a 7 year old 1 chip panasonic with ired mode and ired light on top which aint bad at all and of course a standard old 35 still camera.
My two fantasy cameras are..in order of cheaper to gold ..
Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP
The HD video..for a still camera..is...very interesting..
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08091 ... markII.asp
And for every documentary maker out there..how could anyone go past ....a red one body and start to build..
For a sub $20K body..add a killer lens...the footage is just %$#@$ amazing...
http://www.red.com/store
Films shot on Red One
http://www.red.com/shot_on_red/
Red One Forums
http://reduser.net/forum/index.php

Mike

[topender]

Hi Mike

This is abit of an issue for me at the moment..looking for acapable HD Vid that produces results in low to no light, and lets face it most of our photograghy opportunities in this game occurs in low to nil light, whats out there??.. ive got a JVC Everio, nice and small but c**p in low light and i cant seem to find a suitable attachable light source.
Ive toyed with the idea of a tiny sports cam that attaches to just about anything, it has a clip that will attach to a hat or shirt etc. I liked it because it clips onto my shirt and films footage as im walking through the scrub..hands free and films whatever im facing and doesn/t look like an obvious camera ( not much bigger than a cigarette lighter)
i for one would like some alternative suggestions

[Mike Williams]

Hey Top..perhaps we have to go retro with cameras...and stick to the older models, especially Sony, for the ired mode.
On a similar tangent, what about these wacky looking IREd "XRay" filters.
These look %$#@ unbelievable.......
http://www.kaya-optics.com/technology/i ... iments.asp
And a good discussion about ired here
http://www.kaya-optics.com/technology/w ... htshot.asp
Panasonic have ired models as well..
These models are NV-VX37, NV-VX57, NV-VX87, PV-DV401, PV-DV601.

[Dion]

.perhaps we have to go retro with cameras...and stick to the older models, especially Sony, for the ired mode.

Hey Mike

The brand new Sony HDR-CX550V Camcorder has night shot mode ie. Infrared mode, they just don’t publicly announce it for their camcorder models anymore nor is it in their specifications which they should tell you about.

Some Youtube videos of the HDR-CX550V Night shot mode in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5aN6DJnKPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N0UWE9YVNI&translated=1

The problem is the Night shot mode on the camcorder is only good for a short distance if you want to get the best out of its infrared mode its best to buy a separate IR torch or illuminator, I have just been looking at the Surefire M1 Infrared Illuminator Torch which can be found below the only thing is you need State Government Approval from US to purchase it. http://www.platatac.com/millenium-serie ... 3_1001382/

Here is a review of IR Torches and the surefire M1, doesn’t really live up to my expectations it’s a bit too focused for my liking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_6pphih3Y

Sony has a IR adapter for its camcorder models http://www.sony.com.au/product/hvl-irm
But this only allows for around 20 metres where as the Surefire allows up to 100 and its bulky and ugly.

This Guy here has the kind of setup I’m looking for, something simple http://www.youtube.com/user/SquatchInc# ... tIxfXFuB-w

Like I said in another thread I just bought the Canon DSLR 550d and are super happy with it it’s an awesome digital camera, it’s just a bit of a pain in the to shoot video with as you have to manually focus everything.

Still thinking about the Camcorder.

BTW: Those red cameras look interesting, look nice and solid too

[Mike Williams]

Hey Chewy

The brand new Sony HDR-CX550V Camcorder has night shot mode ie. Infrared mode, they just don’t publicly announce it for their camcorder models anymore nor is it in their specifications which they should tell you about.

Thanks for that..!!
I am glad it doesnt appear to be just using soem form of "super night shot" or some other shite..you know with the pseudo slow shutter speed which makes anything moving smeared out..

Here is a review of IR Torches and the surefire M1, doesn’t really live up to my expectations it’s a bit too focused for my liking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_6pphih3Y

Now that is pretty interesting..what about the high end high illumination torches with some form of ired filter..

it’s just a bit of a pain in the to shoot video with as you have to manually focus everything.

I had a mini dv cam awhile ago where the manual focus relied on you fiddling with this little joystick..aaagghh.

BTW: Those red cameras look interesting, look nice and solid too

A lottery win..and i am getting one of those..

Mike

[Mike Williams]

Hey Doc

You need a 3rd generation night vision monocle that is illegal to export from the US

That line should read ".....was illegal to export from the US".
http://www.nightvision.com.au/groups.ph ... on_Goggles
M6321G Night Vision Goggle

[topender]

Now thats what i'm talkin about

OH MIKE....can i borrow a grand off you, for the goggles , my missus said no

[Dion]

This is the type of setup I would like, it’s the camera I have my eye on, nice and simple add a good IR torch to this and it would be a useful little setup for anybody out in the field.



HDR-CX550V
NP-FV100 battery
Sennheiser MKE 400 mic mounted on shoe adapter
Lens hood 37mm
B+W F-Pro UV filter
Gordy's strap

[Dion]

Well I did a bit more research into the camera and could not resist, after much deliberating for the past month I took the plunge

I ended up buying the Sony HDR-CX550v Camera and a NP-FV100 battery today

The NP-FV100 battery which means longer recording time; can get around 8 hours of no stop footage compared to the measly hour on the battery that comes with the camera.

I was going to buy a lens hood 37mm as they look pretty cool, but have heard they are useless when filming as the lens hood creates black bars on each side of the frame therefore a need to cut up the lens hood to accommodate the problem. Also I think I will leave out the external mic as that requires the addition of more batteries to run it, the less batteries you need the better in my opinion.

Now I just have to do a bit more research into IR illuminators so I can rig up something to the camera for that extra Night shot capabilities.

Cant wait to test this little thing out, very happy

[topender]

I'm not allowed to ask for anything for a while seeing as SHE just brought me a 15ft fishing boat......

[NoPolys]

Great choice Chewy!
I have an older sr-12 with the 120GB HDD that works well in every place I've tried it. The best part of most of the Sony units is you can fit them into a protected pocket easily so until you have a need, they remain safely stowed...... kinda, sorta.
I would encourage you to look at lighting before you look at audio. You most often would have a digital recorder on the side for those interesting sounds anyway, and with a bit of work, the sound tracks can be mated in your post workflow process. The lighting can be then attached to the hot shoe as required.
I use a surefire and have adapted a hold that allows control of the light button as well as the camera controls..... this means one hand to operate, one hand to steady..... or use to crawl away and assess damages to my body (it's a Joke !!!! I fall over easily !!).

Good luck with your new toy and I look forward to seeing some great vids from ya! (Did I mention you can cover the surefire with cheap & easily gotten stuff and it turns into an NIR source?)

edit: actually any light source will work, but ya need big light to get through the filtering..... just a random thought

all the best

[Dion]

Hey Tops congrats on your gift a 15ft’er Geeze I guess you’ll be out fishing for a while.

Doc, after many months researching this camera on various forums and websites not to mention all those Youtube videos I have come to the conclusion that not only has the CX-550v camera got better low light video than most but its probably the best out there in the small camcorder range.
The only downfall it does have is that it has bad lens flare if pointed in the direction of the sun, to get around this you just have to focus out a little bit for it to disperse. Not that you should point your camera directly at the sun anyway.
The reason I did not go with the XR-550v is because hard drives tend to fail after time. The silent CX-550v should be just that silent I see no reason for it to make any sounds.

NoPolys, thanks for the advice. I have been looking at the IR filters that go over a torch but not sure on what they would be like, how bright they would be? Etc. I am looking at getting just an ordinary IR torch or illuminator and then looking at how to attach it to the camera, will need to do some thinking. Thanks again.

[NoPolys]

wandering in carrying my usual sign , Chewy, I seem to be a bit technochallenged today, if you PM me, I have some info if you are interested on lighting for video........ I feel kinda dumb ....

[Dion]

Hey NoPolys

PM sent

BTW, don’t worry about being technochallenged we are all technochallenged in one way or another. It’s inevitable that we become disorientated at some stage in our lives with technology, it’s a given.

Technology is just growing too fast.

[NoPolys]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGViLJDa ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YemmqR1- ... re=related

[Dion]

Hey NoPolys

I have fixed up your post as you put up part one twice in your post, it now covers part two.

In regards to the videos, the guy is on the right track and has made an excellent led IR setup which covers some distance, the only thing I don't like is the fact you have to carry a big heavy battery with you every where you go, the IR led is rather large as well. I am looking for something a bit more compact, like a small torch to clip onto the handycam.

I know a torch is not going to cover the distance like this guys setup, but at least it will be compact. I guess it depends on what your willing to compromise for a setup, having something small, light and compact which will do the job pretty well but not the best or have something large to carry around and get something decent.

[NoPolys]

thank you chewy, like I said....... technosomething here...lol

The "Kludge "Factor" is pretty high with the posted video, if I was sitting in my balcony looking, maybe it would work, but the distance still isn't there and as with most IR related issues, the auto-focus is off (light energy stuff I can handle).

Thanks again for the post edit Chewy, I thought I may have messed it up, but pressed the go key too quick.... siiiigh

As a side note, most of the equipment that wears a big S on it, still and video are IR compatable, but requires an active source. there are "better ways" but they do become budget breakers too.

[Dion]

We have something similar that you can get here in Australia,

The PNP-MC http://www.militaryandlaw.com.au/page/p ... evice.html

The PNP-M http://www.militaryandlaw.com.au/page/p ... evice.html

Not sure on pricing

These guys carry some good stuff not only Night vision but also thermal gear. http://www.militaryandlaw.com.au/

[topender]

hey Chewy

Any idea of price for that device in Oz?, thats what would be ideal, that or even an IR torch that can attached somehow to a small digital camcorder, IR capability is the only thing missing from my kit bag of bits.
The otyher issue was for me that im thinking of going back to a standard trail cam with a flash rather than the IR ( if they can see the trail cam and they are as smart as i suspect )

[topender]

No worries

question answered, i contacted company in aussie-land, $8000 - $14000 depending on tube or model....i'm just checking my wallet now...um....err....lemme see now....

[Dion]

i contacted company in aussie-land, $8000 - $14000 depending on tube or model....

Hey Tops I think I might give that one a miss,

If you going to spend that much money you may as well buy a good FLIR thermal imaging camera.

[NoPolys]

Think passive, not active systems. FLIR = Forward Looking Infra-Red....... FLIR is a good niche for heat differentiation, if you are tracking at distance or looking at something that uses "cammouflage". Typically, it is not used for ID of anything, just to confirm and track it. Resolution is the key.

Light intensification in a passive mode, with objective lens ability and a decent tube. It works, it also makes for a larger package and takes a bit of use to get used to since your depth perception is gone (he says remembering the tree limb).

[Mike Williams]

Think passive, not active systems. FLIR = Forward Looking Infra-Red....... FLIR is a good niche for heat differentiation, if you are tracking at distance or looking at something that uses "cammouflage". Typically, it is not used for ID of anything, just to confirm and track it. Resolution is the key.

Yup...but none of us can afford to buy one..
We have previously leased them and taken them to South Australia and tested them out..but none had a Hard drive and we had to output to another camera to record.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgaLgb1MVas

Light intensification in a passive mode, with objective lens ability and a decent tube. It works, it also makes for a larger package and takes a bit of use to get used to since your depth perception is gone (he says remembering the tree limb).

Sure..we have played with them as well (1st gen junk)but once again cost is the killer..and it has to be 2nd of 3rd gen ...it has to have a video recording ability(which most dont have) or a video out.(which most dont have)

Mike

[NoPolys]

I hear you on the costing Mike...... it can be done less expensively than the marketing teams want you to believe (they want you to spend your money afterall), but it can be done, even with first gen equipment but gen 2+ or gen 3 is obviously much better. When I'm able to gather a lot of coins in a stack, I plan on making another system. We can play then.... heheheh

Until then, it's big lens and lots of Vegas or Adobe premire time.... which means it's for me since it loses value in a peer reviewd world...

[Dion]

Until then, it's big lens and lots of Vegas or Adobe premire time....

I bought Sony Vegas about a month or so ago still dont know my way around it yet, I am finding windows live movie maker a lot easier to use at this stage.

[forestguy]

I'm not allowed to ask for anything for a while seeing as SHE just brought me a 15ft fishing boat......

Sweet Toppy - so when are we doing that trip to the Wessels for a look around?

[topender]

hey ForestGuy

You speaketh too soon, i'm off to Yirrkala and Nlulunbuy next week for work which is about 100 kms from the start of the Wessels, unfortunately i'll not be taking the boat, but i will be getting some fishing in while i'm there.
When im out at those places i always ask certain trusted Elders about the big hairy one, they are often shocked that i know about them, i get lots of " tips " from Indigenous folks around the Territory that way, bearing in mind that it is often a forbidden subject to be talked about openly
hey next time i'm down your way, well tee up that coffee-n-chat


cheers

[cj7hawk]

Hi All,

This is my first post, so please forgive me if I make any blunders ( and let me know ) - I'm not a Yowie hunter, but I am a NV enthusiast and NV photographer and NV in Australia is a hobby of mine.

There's a lot of misconceptions about the technology here in Australia and many people seem to have a need but find it out of their reach. One of the things I'm doing is locating them and helping them find out more about night vision ( Yes, it really is my "mission" to spread the word about night vision in Australia ). I've noticed a few serious misconceptions about NV on this thread and thought I'd register, jump in and see if I could help out.

You can search my username if you like - it's pretty unique and you'll find that I've helped a lot of other people with similar issues around the world.

Anyway, it is possible to build Military-grade passive Night Vision devices in Australia for very little. While it's not so good for many purposes ( it's about the size of a pringles can ) it is cheap ( can be made for less than $200 ) will perform about on par with early Gen3 ( actually better than many early Gen3 devices ) and is more than suitable for connecting up to cameras if you want to go filming. They are also VERY high resolution.

If you obtain surplus military Cascade 1st generation tubes ( typical cost - about $100 on Ebay or through distributors ) you can connect them to an eyepiece lens ( About $20 for a loupe) and objective lens ( $20 to $80 for a typical surplus lens, camera lens or TV lens ) and this will produce near Gen3 performance at a budget price. Oh, and a 4-AA battery adapter and a few wires... Not very difficult to make.

I don't have anything to gain from this, other than a nice warm feeling and knowing that I'm spreading NV knowledge. It's just a hobby of mine. Actually, I do sort of make something out of it. I have a lot of NV friends that I wouldn't have otherwise had...

Anyway, if anyone is needing NV and wants to make some, I'm happy to help with advice, information and sometimes assistance. The tubes ( if you want to look them up ) are P8079HP tubes ( Ex UK Military ) and are sensitive to starlight sufficiently that you don't need IR ( passive operation ).

You can also learn more about it on my website - http://aunv.blackice.com.au - Where I have pictures and discussions about making your own NV devices with surplus equipment.

Please don't imaging that you're going to end up with a $10,000 device for $200 - it doesn't work that way. These are large devices about the size of a pringles can (as mentioned) and weighing a couple of kilo's when made - best used with a tripod. But they are VERY capable devices.

Anyway, I'm in WA and always happy to show others NV and try to help them avoid costly mistakes ( like buying normal gen1 tubes which aren't much good ) and to encourage NV use and offer advice. I won't make your NV devices for you, not unless you have a really good reason, but I've helped dozens of people to make their own and they've all succeeded.

Send me a PM or ask me any questions you may have... Maybe I'll learn something about Yowie hunting as well Also, if a new thread is needed or would be of value, please let me know. I'll check back here regularly for feedback or any discussions that follow.

Thanks and Regards,
David.

[cryptobotanica]

Sheeeezus!

nice gear <drool>

[deadpool]

cj7hawk, welcome to the board, and - huge thanks for the heads up on how to make NV gear. Might send you a PM in the next few days on how to put it together properly, etc.

I know a bit about NV gear, and a gen3 for about $200? I'm in. From what I could make out of your post, they can be used as either stand alone scopes or attached to a SLR/D-SLR for photos/video?