Camera(s) to document boat trips. a repair, etc.

[mrsrobinson]

I watched a lot of amateur "how to" YouTube videos when I started modifying my 335i N54. I was able to do 90% of the mods myself after watching them. I also watch them when I need to figure out how to do something on the daily driver. For example the passenger front door speaker has been cracking. Called the audio shop, they wanted $200 for labor plus the speaker. I got the speakers for $80 and replaced them myself in less than 30 mins watching how to videos. It was so easy I went ahead and replaced the rear door ones.

I am watching them now as I get ready for the new to me boat. I watched a guy yesterday change out his engine anodes, I watched a guy change his oil, another flush the raw water system, etc.

I am thinking about doing these myself since I have found them helpful. I'd also like to document some of the boat trips. I don't want to hold a phone/camera in my hand though to do this.

I don't know where to start. From "what camera" to "what software" to edit, etc.

Has anyone done this?

 

[Nater Potater]

Today's phones have pretty impressive cameras. The problem is collecting good audio to go along with it. Assuming you're not trying to "talk to the camera", it's pretty easy to go back and do a voice-over to explain what you're doing. One thing I haven't tried doing is using an ear bud as a mic. I'll have to try that soon!
Get yourself a flexible tripod something like this to hold your phone, and please lay the phone on its side when filming. No monitor or TV formats its screen vertically, so laying the phone down helps to fill the viewing screen.
I run with an older Mac laptop. The associated "iMovie" software makes it really easy to copy and paste pieces of your video so that they can be laid-out in a logical order, while allowing you to later narrate the video with a good lapel or desk mic. Unknown what Windows has, but I'm sure there's good software out there just for that. As always, Youtube is your friend.

 

[Golfman25]

I think a lot of folks use go pros. Or theses guys. https://store.dji.com/?site=brandsite&from=nav

 

[b_arrington]

Go Pro has tons of accessories for mounting, etc. I have a bunch and they work really well. Does take some practice to use it well though. Editing the video seems a bit of a chore because of having to move the files around to a computer or iPad etc.

Recently I started making some videos about my boat. I’m using my phone and an iOS editing software called Splice. I’m just starting with it, but it’s very easily. From experience if it’s not easy you won’t edit the video. Here’s my channel. https://youtube.com/channel/UCSJ8eD9Jv5L5GwsTAREYkhQ

 

[Blueone]

Just don’t be that guy that talks and talks and talks…. and it’s no time for jokes….just get to the point. Oh, and also I don’t need safety lessons in a how to video…. So many of these how to videos could be 45 seconds not 5 minutes…. Sorry you hit a nerve from when I was watching how to videos yesterday….sheesh

 

[b_arrington]

Just don’t be that guy that talks and talks and talks…. and it’s no time for jokes….just get to the point. Oh, and also I don’t need safety lessons in a how to video…. So many of these how to videos could be 45 seconds not 5 minutes…. Sorry you hit a nerve from when I was watching how to videos yesterday….sheesh

Agreed. And lots of branding stuff.

I’ll admit my videos are a little long but it’s all on topic. And I’m new to making them.

 

[mrsrobinson]

@b_arrington you need a catchy theme song introduction along with a girl in a bikini

 

[Golfman25]

Just don’t be that guy that talks and talks and talks…. and it’s no time for jokes….just get to the point. Oh, and also I don’t need safety lessons in a how to video…. So many of these how to videos could be 45 seconds not 5 minutes…. Sorry you hit a nerve from when I was watching how to videos yesterday….sheesh

Agreed.

 

[b_arrington]

I tend to talk a lot

@b_arrington you need a catchy theme song introduction along with a girl in a bikini

Somehow it seems like that would be off-brand for me, as they say.

 

[JHornsby3]

I use an older Nikon D5100 for photos. My son has used it for video with very good luck. And with a tripod and the right lens, you will be able to get a good clear video or photo.

I use the older camera body because when I'm shooting fast moving aircraft or hiking for the good landscape, if it gets dropped and breaks, it's only about $350 or so to replace.

 

[copb8tx]

I think a lot of folks use go pros. Or theses guys. https://store.dji.com/?site=brandsite&from=nav

I've had 3 gopros and currently have a Hero 8 that I primarily use for dual sport motorcycle rides. Honestly, I think the videos are just for me to look back on. I don't have the patience to download and edit them and working the editing software is frustrating. At least to me it is.

And it's because of my experiences that I really appreciate the guys who put the effort together to take, edit and publish these videos. The more of you there are the less I have to spend on professional help

 

[mrsrobinson]

What about a fixed one on the boat, at the helm for example, to document a trip, to yes, look back on at a future date?

 

[JHornsby3]

What about a fixed one on the boat, at the helm for example, to document a trip, to yes, look back on at a future date?

I have two action cameras for that very thing. They have been very handy for stuff around the house too.

Editing, I have been told, gets easier the more you spend on programs. My daughter got a lifetime subscription to everything Adobe so I was thinking of giving it a try. I have been told it's very easy on video editing.

 

[mrsrobinson]

Would be cool to mount one of those to the bow rail while under power.

 

[JHornsby3]

Would be cool to mount one of those to the bow rail while under power.

I have two rail mounts. I want to modify one so it sits over the side and below the rub rail. But still be able to use it as designed too. I have the suction cup mounts but those scare me because I've had them fall off. Sure need to figure out a float. They sink fast.

 

[Nater Potater]

I have two rail mounts. I want to modify one so it sits over the side and below the rub rail. But still be able to use it as designed too. I have the suction cup mounts but those scare me because I've had them fall off. Sure need to figure out a float. They sink fast.

Just find something to tether it to. I do the same whenever we mount one on the outside.

 

[JHornsby3]

I do have a thin wire tether that came with them. But I want something more. Just because, if it's going to happen, it will happen to me.

 

[mrsrobinson]

I looked at these gopros. Now I am thinking about mounting one of these to the outside of the 335i N54! Or better yet, at the exhaust.

 

[b_arrington]

What about a fixed one on the boat, at the helm for example, to document a trip, to yes, look back on at a future date?

I think a GoPro would be the answer for this. They have a bozilian different mounts you can use either an a suction cup, or a rail mount. GoPro has interval video settings so you can have it take a frame every so many seconds for a Time-lapse. You definitely need to play around with the interval settings based on the duration of your trip.
A plus for the GoPro is that it’s completely waterproof if mounted outside. Plus you can remotely activate it with either your smart phone, or a wireless remote. If you have it mounted inside, you can keep it powered up via the recharge cable plugged into a 12 V power source.

 

[b_arrington]

Another plus for GoPro is that if you have multiple cameras you can talk with them to start and stop all at the same time with the single remote. That will let you sync all your footage together.