Tips for recording races?

[Vitamin K]

So I've noticed that the NPWDRL videos are very well shot, with great camera tracking of the cars as they make their way down the track. You can really get a good feel on how they're moving.

Any tips on how to achieve good video of a Pinewood Derby race? Got our Pack Derby coming up in January, and, while I've got a video camera, I have never tried to film derby cars, and I'm wondering if anybody's got pointers.

 

[derbychip]

The More You Do The Better YouWwill Get.... Takes Time There Is A Feel For It, I Beleive John Has Been Doing It For Years And With That Makes It Seem Easier Than It Really Is... A Nice Tripod And A Camera With A EasyAccess Zoom Button help

 

[ngyoung]

You may want to practice ahead of time if you are planning to do this for a scout event. I remember it took a few runs during the Mid-America event for the folks working the camera to get the motion down but they got it locked in pretty good after a few heats.

 

[Vitamin K]

Well, we are planning to have a night in which we set up and test the track and the electronics. Maybe if we've got our cameraperson locked in by then, he or she can attend and work on their technique with some test cars down the track.

You may want to practice ahead of time if you are planning to do this for a scout event. I remember it took a few runs during the Mid-America event for the folks working the camera to get the motion down but they got it locked in pretty good after a few heats.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

Much harder than it seems. The right camera and tripod are a must to track them right. LOTS of practice.

 

[The Iceman]

1. How fast the camera zooms will make are break ya!! Too fast or too slow is tuff. practice practice. and you might be able to comensate some for the camera.
2. Good comunications with your starter!!!!!!!
3. Good comunications with your starter!!!!!!!
4. Good comunications with your starter!!!!!!!

 

[Vitamin K]

What kind of camera do you currently use, DD4H?

Much harder than it seems. The right camera and tripod are a must to track them right. LOTS of practice.

 

[DerbyDad4Hire]

An old Sony. That is the secret... zoom speed. Hard to find the right one and the one I use is 5 years old now.

 

[B_Regal Racing]

Most new video cameras, at least in the Canon Vixia line, have adjustable zoom speeds.

 

[GravityX]

An old Sony. That is the secret... zoom speed. Hard to find the right one and the one I use is 5 years old now.

...and it still works great!

And as a few have mentioned, practice, practice, practice.