Shooting Video of Golf Swing - Slow Motion

[cwdlaw223]

I have a video camera (Sony HDR-HC5) that has a "slow motion" feature and captures video at 240 fps. However, I have to stand very far away to get an entire golf swing in the video with the lens on the widest setting.

Any idea why I can't get the entire swing in the video unless I'm about 20 feet away?

 

[trickyric67]

that sounds like a question for Sony, you should call their help line, I am sure they can walk you through it,

 

[Frans@France]

The chip that takes the image has a certain speed. When trying to get more fps they divide the chip in more logical segments. So when the chip has a 120hz speed, they will divide the chip into two segments and then let each segment shoot the video in 120hz. making a total of 2x 120hz = 240 fps. They then use special software to "mix" the images from the two segments together.

As a consequence the size of the image goes down. If the chip resolution was 1000*1000 then each segment will only give you a 500*1000 pixels resolution. So you need more distance to still get the swing into that new 500*1000 size image.

Therefor the 1200fps that some cameras have only give you a very small window size. An other consequence is that you also need more light.

An example of the none mixed images : Link - Using the JVC9500 with the APAS system

 

[ej20]

I have a video camera (Sony HDR-HC5) that has a "slow motion" feature and captures video at 240 fps. However, I have to stand very far away to get an entire golf swing in the video with the lens on the widest setting.

Any idea why I can't get the entire swing in the video unless I'm about 20 feet away?

Probably because the widest setting on the camera is about 38mm.You need at least 28mm to fit the entire swing up close.

 

[cwdlaw223]

Probably because the widest setting on the camera is about 38mm.You need at least 28mm to fit the entire swing up close.

Could you explain the 38mm vs. 28mm in greater detail? In my mind 38mm is greater than 28mm and therefore it should fit. I know that I'm wrong and my logic is off on this one.

I knew there was something "wrong" with the camera for my use.

 

[johnnymarlboro]

Could you explain the 38mm vs. 28mm in greater detail? In my mind 38mm is greater than 28mm and therefore it should fit. I know that I'm wrong and my logic is off on this one.

I knew there was something "wrong" with the camera for my use.

It has to do with the focal length of the camera lens, literally how long it is. It would get a little complicated to explain, but basically it means that the lower the number, the wider angle the lens will be able to go. The higher the number, the more you will be able to zoom in. You need a wider angle lens so you can have the camera closer to you. Think of a fish eye lens for an extreme example of wide angle. If you get too wide an angle though it will distort the image.

 

[ej20]

Could you explain the 38mm vs. 28mm in greater detail? In my mind 38mm is greater than 28mm and therefore it should fit. I know that I'm wrong and my logic is off on this one.

I knew there was something "wrong" with the camera for my use.

28mm is wider than 38mm.I believe the Sony is 38mm.The Casio FH100 is 24mm therefore it will fit more people in a photograph than the Sony from the same distance.

Perhaps you could enquire if it is possible to fit on a separate wide angle lens but like johnnymarlboro says,don't go too wide or the image will distort.

 

[cwdlaw223]

Thank you for all of your detailed responses. I talked with a rep from Sony and all they told me to do was "stand back." No kidding Sony!!!!

I'm going to have to get the EX-FH 100 to get the type of video that I want.

 

[Steve Greffen]

You could try a fish eye, or wide angle lens that would screw on to the camera. It may distort it a little but it could be a possibility. I know that I did it with my JVC camcorder. Of course now I have the fh-20 and don't concern myself with that!!

Check the front of your camera to see if you can even attach another lens, and then check google for the make and see if a wide angle is available. I wouldn't spend more than $50-60, it would be better to upgrade to a different camera.