Assistance getting a bulletcam working with a SONY Handycam
Discussion
I have just purchased a camcorder and a bulletcam, am having problems getting them working, and am now "flummoxed" and would really appreciate some help.
I did my research and ensured that the camera has AV IN - and not only that LANC! Well done me
To test the components I plugged the bulletcam into the TV and found that the bulletcam works without a problem.
I have now discovered (by accident) that if the bulletcam is plugged into the camcorder with the camcorder on PLAY/EDIT mode then the picture comes out on the screen. This would indicate that the camcorder, bulletcam and all leads are correct.
Now the tricky part - getting the kit to RECORD the bulletcam image. You see if I flick the camcorder to RECORD mode, it switches to the onboard lens, when I flick it to PLAY/EDIT, it switches back to the bulletcam.
The instructions tell me that this in PLAY/EDIT mode is a feature - so I can pass an analogue image through the camcoder and onto my computer. The instructions say little about recording on the camcorder using AV-IN, just that it "auto-switches".
Now, at this point I'm thinking that perhaps the camcorder doesn't allow recording through the AV-IN... but it has a LANC socket - so of course it does....
The camcorder is a basic Sony - a DCR-HC32E. The bulletcam came from bikecameras.com. Interestingly they also sell the same camera (so it must be functionally correct), but can't help me (I emailed earlier).
My last thought is that I need a LANC controller to make it record from the bulletcam, but I would rather not spend more cash on a test.
So, anyone? Please?
Ben
I did my research and ensured that the camera has AV IN - and not only that LANC! Well done me
To test the components I plugged the bulletcam into the TV and found that the bulletcam works without a problem.
I have now discovered (by accident) that if the bulletcam is plugged into the camcorder with the camcorder on PLAY/EDIT mode then the picture comes out on the screen. This would indicate that the camcorder, bulletcam and all leads are correct.
Now the tricky part - getting the kit to RECORD the bulletcam image. You see if I flick the camcorder to RECORD mode, it switches to the onboard lens, when I flick it to PLAY/EDIT, it switches back to the bulletcam.
The instructions tell me that this in PLAY/EDIT mode is a feature - so I can pass an analogue image through the camcoder and onto my computer. The instructions say little about recording on the camcorder using AV-IN, just that it "auto-switches".
Now, at this point I'm thinking that perhaps the camcorder doesn't allow recording through the AV-IN... but it has a LANC socket - so of course it does....
The camcorder is a basic Sony - a DCR-HC32E. The bulletcam came from bikecameras.com. Interestingly they also sell the same camera (so it must be functionally correct), but can't help me (I emailed earlier).
My last thought is that I need a LANC controller to make it record from the bulletcam, but I would rather not spend more cash on a test.
So, anyone? Please?
Ben
Here goes a really bad, but slightly encouraging response.
I had a DEVIL of a job getting my bullet to record on my Sony camera - even though I could see the picture on the LCD.
I eventually found out it was the way I was trying to record. Had to be via several 'soft' info screens on the camera... the only way I could record was via one of these screens... (Can't remember which and my camera is in a box in a dark room
)
my tip... keep digging.
Steve
I had a DEVIL of a job getting my bullet to record on my Sony camera - even though I could see the picture on the LCD.
I eventually found out it was the way I was trying to record. Had to be via several 'soft' info screens on the camera... the only way I could record was via one of these screens... (Can't remember which and my camera is in a box in a dark room
) my tip... keep digging.
Steve
After you connect it
POWER switch to Play/Edit
[P Menu] -> [REC CTRL] -> [REC PAUSE]
[REC START] starts the recording
The stop button (square) or [REC PAUSE] stops recording
---
ErnestM
PS: Edited to add - Don't flick it to record mode. That's where you are going wrong. Basically, you want to use it as a VCR and not a camera. P MENU is the screen menu.
POWER switch to Play/Edit
[P Menu] -> [REC CTRL] -> [REC PAUSE]
[REC START] starts the recording
The stop button (square) or [REC PAUSE] stops recording
---
ErnestM
PS: Edited to add - Don't flick it to record mode. That's where you are going wrong. Basically, you want to use it as a VCR and not a camera. P MENU is the screen menu.
Edited by ErnestM on Tuesday 22 August 19:44
Cheers Ernest
Well that didn't make sense did it?! Put the camera into play/edit mode, select play/edit menu and then press 'go' on screen???????????
I can see the need to get a LANC controller device now!
Anyway, results are as I intended. Just waiting for my trip to Tuscany / up the GrossGlockner / 500miles of derestricted AutoBahn & Ring trip next week
Suppose I'd better come back with some good videos now! Cheers again - I knew the PH massive would come through!
Ben
hi Pikey, its andrew from bikecameras.com
I gather from not hearing from you again that you have worked it out now?
I cant understand why it wasnt working, assuming that you did everything right:
plug in bullet cam to av leads
plug in av leads to camcorder
turn camcorder to play/edit
push record on the LCD screen (NOT the record on the 'thumb' button)
Sometimes for the very first time they can be a pain to go through the menu and set up, but after that its easy all the way.
With a spors LANC then its even easier as others on here will testify. I wouldnt be without the one i use for filming and on trackdays
If you, or anyone else ever has a problem with bullet cameras etc then get in touch and i will try and help
I gather from not hearing from you again that you have worked it out now?
I cant understand why it wasnt working, assuming that you did everything right:
plug in bullet cam to av leads
plug in av leads to camcorder
turn camcorder to play/edit
push record on the LCD screen (NOT the record on the 'thumb' button)
Sometimes for the very first time they can be a pain to go through the menu and set up, but after that its easy all the way.
With a spors LANC then its even easier as others on here will testify. I wouldnt be without the one i use for filming and on trackdays
If you, or anyone else ever has a problem with bullet cameras etc then get in touch and i will try and help
ErnestM said:
No problem. If your videos are half as funny as your pictures, I can't wait to view them 
If you need help on inserting comments into the video via Movie Maker, let me know...
ErnestM
If you need help on inserting comments into the video via Movie Maker, let me know...
ErnestM
Hey Ernest,
Can you please give me a tip on Movie Maker. I have lots of footage, but am having trouble snipping bits out and then fading them in.
My problem is a) I'm impatient, and b) I have a short attention span!
Also, how long should I make the video? I have about 2.5 hours of footage, a lot of it is boring. Should I aim for about 5 mins and just stick with the great stuff?
This moving image stuff is so much more difficult than the still image stuff!
Cheers
PS. I got some great footage of the bullet cam on the rear with the spoiler going up and down as I hooned round a mountain pass! Should look great sped up!
PPS. Still images are www.pikeynet.com
Easiest way is to switch to "storyboard view" on the bottom, drag your two clips to their respective "big boxes" and then click on "transitions" on the left pane. You can then select the "fade" transition and drag it to the small box between your two clips. Notice that there are several transitions besides fade that you can try.
Here's my favourite "cheatsheet" web site for Movie Maker:
www.papajohn.org/
His site sometimes has problems with his navigation bar, but this gent really knows hist stuff and it is geared toward those that "just want to do it" with a minimum of fuss. He also has links to a lot of video related web resources.
As far as time - it depends on the footage. I usually start with about 3 hours of video, but after editing, end up with about 20 minutes. I would say that 20 is on the high side for web video (people's attention span) However, if the footage is good, you can go longer. Let the footage dictate the time. Also, if you're going to put your footage to music, cutting the footage to match your song will probably happen anyway.
Hope this helps
ErnestM
Here's my favourite "cheatsheet" web site for Movie Maker:
www.papajohn.org/
His site sometimes has problems with his navigation bar, but this gent really knows hist stuff and it is geared toward those that "just want to do it" with a minimum of fuss. He also has links to a lot of video related web resources.
As far as time - it depends on the footage. I usually start with about 3 hours of video, but after editing, end up with about 20 minutes. I would say that 20 is on the high side for web video (people's attention span) However, if the footage is good, you can go longer. Let the footage dictate the time. Also, if you're going to put your footage to music, cutting the footage to match your song will probably happen anyway.
Hope this helps
ErnestM
zdex9r said:
hi Pikey, its andrew from bikecameras.com
Hello Andrew,
Yes I did get it working, with help from this forum. Interesting to note that you're of great help on a public forum where you can pop in a free plug for your business, but not when you get an off-line mail from a customer who's already bought one. What was your response? "Read the manual / speak to who you bought the camcorder from". Hmm...
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