If you wanted to mount an action cam on your camera's hot shoe...

[Brownie]

You would get a...?

I've been thinking about doing this so I can capture some video while shooting races. I know nothing about action cams so am looking for some ideas. This will be a test, I don't want to spend a lot in case it turns into a boondoggle, <$200 if possible. If it turns out to be a success I may invest more.

Some features that I think I need are: 4k, sound, removable battery, and can be started remotely. I've seen a few remotes that mount on a strap like a watch, I have this vision in my head that I could strap it on my lens near the zoom ring and start/stop recording without too many gyrations.

Recommendations welcome, even if it's to stop me from doing it because you think this is a hairbrained idea.

 

[agentlossing]

Not sure about the remove activation, but I think the DJI Action 3 might suit you. I did a bit of research on that one awhile back.

 

[CatsAreGods]

I have this vision in my head that I could strap it on my lens near the zoom ring and start/stop recording without too many gyrations.

It shouldn't be too hard to mount it on an inverted lens collar!

But the problem is that their ultra-wide lens will make everything super teeny tiny (sorry to get all technical lol) so you're likely to mostly see the crowd in front of you unless you're literally shooting from the fence line or pits (I'm not sure what kind of race you're even talking about here).

 

[Brownie]

Not sure about the remove activation, but I think the DJI Action 3 might suit you. I did a bit of research on that one awhile back.

Thanks, I'll check into that one.

It shouldn't be too hard to mount it on an inverted lens collar!

But the problem is that their ultra-wide lens will make everything super teeny tiny (sorry to get all technical lol) so you're likely to mostly see the crowd in front of you unless you're literally shooting from the fence line or pits (I'm not sure what kind of race you're even talking about here).

Not a problem, I shoot from close. Example below, this was with a 24mm. I've seen some with a '35 mm equivalent' lens description, but most just give the FOV in degrees. I'd have to check the angle and make sure it'd work. In the shot below, 35mm would be too narrow.

Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)

DSC00677 by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

The guys that are shooting pro-video out there set up several cameras along the length of the track and then edit. I won't be doing anything that involved, my main prupose is stills. Sometimes I just feel like pushing the video button instead of taking a still, but when I do, then I can't get a photo. Click the black box to see an example video on Flickr.

Sweet Emotion by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

I was thinking if I had a small video camera mounted on my shoe and could just hit record as I was shooting photos, I could get both. I wouldn't be shooting video all the time, just when I get the urge.

 

[CatsAreGods]

Thanks, I'll check into that one.

Not a problem, I shoot from close. Example below, this was with a 24mm. I've seen some with a '35 mm equivalent' lens description, but most just give the FOV in degrees. I'd have to check the angle and make sure it'd work. In the shot below, 35mm would be too narrow.

View attachment 522952DSC00677 by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

The guys that are shooting pro-video out there set up several cameras along the length of the track and then edit. I won't be doing anything that involved, my main prupose is stills. Sometimes I just feel like pushing the video button instead of taking a still, but when I do, then I can't get a photo. Click the black box to see an example video on Flickr.

View attachment 522953Sweet Emotion by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

I was thinking if I had a small video camera mounted on my shoe and could just hit record as I was shooting photos, I could get both. I wouldn't be shooting video all the time, just when I get the urge.

Drag races from close like that should be perfect! But for a better idea, use your smartphone, because the wide angle on most modern smartphones is going to be about what an action camera will give you.

And now that I've said that...you could mount your smartphone on a cold shoe just as well.

I guess I thought you were shooting road races (something I did back in the 70s) and were using a zoom lens with a collar...wide angle lenses ain't got those!

 

[Brownie]

Good idea, but…. Company phone.

 

[Brownie]

Not sure about the remove activation, but I think the DJI Action 3 might suit you. I did a bit of research on that one awhile back.

Excellent suggestion! I bought one. Hate typing on my phone so will post details this evening. Thanks!!

 

[Brownie]

I checked into the DJI Osmos Action3 as suggested by @agentlossing (Andrew) and found it to be exactly what I'm looking for. Reviews state it is comparable to the Go Pro Hero 11. It shoots "Up to DCI 4K60, UHD 4K120, 1080p240" and will do time lapse and slow, has changeable batteries which last about 2 hours, and can be controlled with a remote. It can also do simple actions with voice command, like "Start Recording", "Stop Recording", "Take a Picture" and a couple more. It has excellent IS and a horizon leveling function that will keep the video level even if the camera is tilted up to 45°. Touch screens on both the front and back along with standard buttons. It shoots 155° angle of view but can also shoot narrower at 120° and 90°, which should be about perfect. The sensor is 1/1.7", which (I guess) is fairly large for a compact camera. It will shoot stills in 12MP jpeg or RAW and is safe in the water to 16 meters without a case.

It comes with the standard array of mounting accessories, plus a protective cage and a Gorilla Glass lens protector and a selfie stick. And here's the clincher: Included in the bundle are 3 batteries and an external charger! The batteries and charger can double as a power bank to charge a cellphone if needed.

But the best part? The entire bundle is on sale at B&H For $250. A bit more than I had planned to spend, or is it? I would've likely spent that much on spare batteries anyway, and I dislike charging in-camera so would've probably bought a charger too.

I still need to get a hot shoe adapter to mount it to my camera and a micro-SD, but those are minimal. As long as the voice command works as advertised, I won't need a remote, and the voice would be a lot easier anyway.

If anyone is looking for good deal on a very capable action camera kit, this should be a consideration!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1724961-REG/dji_cp_os_00000221_01_osmo_action_3_adventure.html

Well done review:

This one is shorter and more fast-paced:

 

[Brownie]

Well, crap. I have just learned that the only way to use this camera is to download DJI's 'Mimo' cellphone app. You can't even activate the camera without it. Since the only cellphone I have is a company phone, and downloading the app would either be impossible or at least violate our security policy, I can't use the camera. I have sent B&H an email for a return authorization and shipping label. Important to note: This information is not shown on either the B&H nor DJI's website. I found out about it while watching a YouTube instructional video.

Not only couldn't I download the app, but I also wouldn't. I will not own a camera that depends on a cellphone to function. Caveat Emptor!

 

[doobs]

Agree completely.

The news is full of stories of "smart" devices becoming inoperative because the company closed.

 

[Brownie]

Ok, next question:

Does anyone know which action cameras do not require a separate app to work? After this last episode I don't trust company literature.

 

[Brownie]

Fortunately B&H has issued an RA and sent me a label so I don't have to pay to return it.

I can't find another suitable camera, a real shame because the DJI seemed perfect. I've looked at point-n-shoots and M-4/3 but the ability to shoot 4K in a small and light package in this price range doesn't seem to exist in any world outside of action cameras.