My Train Videos

Nice!

SWEEET!!!

Thank you Tom, for posting.

Ralph

Once per day I'm going to be replying to my post to add a video everyday of mine to the forum. Next in line is Fostoria in September 2009.

Great videos, Tom.

Art

Thanks...a video is worth 10,000 words!

Please, PLEASE buy a tripod!!

Sorry, but I cannot watch these videos. WAY too shaky...it actually bothers my eyes.

Sorry Rich about the tripod. These videos were taken 5 years ago. Next video below is from Berea in November 2009.

Then please, do you have anything newer that doesn't bounce and zoom so much? They are pretty difficult to watch.

Berea in March 2010.

Next video of two weirdest train horns I've ever heard. And yes one video is on a tripod.

Next video, Two Of The Most Friendliest Engineers I've Heard.

Next is this below.

Next video.

Next video.

Next video is a must see.

My next video.

Youtube has a function to reduce the shakey video.  I make a lot of RC airplane movies and it works well.

Ron

Ron, I do understand. But if you watch the video with youtube stablelizer it doesn't work that great. But here's another video of mine.

FWIW -

I think most of us who use tripods agree that it's a necessary evil when using video cameras.  For as much as we want to be mobile, we don't want to lug around heavy auxiliary equipment to use with a 10 ounce video camera.  Tripods, however, are made in so many price ranges and configurations that I'm sure there is one that will fit your budget.  Even the inexpensive ones will work fine (but won't have the extended durability of a higher quality one).  If you are using your camcorder a lot, then a few extra dollars to buy a better one will be a good investment.

The physical weight of a tripod could be a factor in wanting to use one.  Again, with our lightweight camcorders, you don't need the sherman tank model.  If you want the tripod to be very lightweight to carry around, the ones made with carbon fiber are durable with good stability.  They, however, are obviously more expensive, but  I have seen one made by Sunpak for about $100.

There is another great camera stabilizer - it's called the monopod.  One legged, expandable, with usually a ball head that can be changed out for whatever your favorite tripod head would be.  Weaving left and right in video isn't nearly as noticeable as bouncing up and down, and monopods stop the up and down motion.  One other advantage is that it can be used for many other video applications where floor space is at a minimum, like at the school function where your grandson is performing in the spring concert and usually you are zoomed all the way in from the back row which only magnifies the unsteadiness of your best efforts (holding your breath, leaning against something, using your wife's shoulder as a support, etc.)  I see one in a catalog that folds down to 15" and extends to 52", will hold up to a 3.3 lb. camera, and weighs less than a pound, not including the head assembly.  It's less than 30 bucks, but you have to also buy the head, which is cheap as well.

I don't know how many times in the past I have not felt like carrying a bulky tripod along, or I thought I could hold the camera still enough that it wouldn't be noticeable, and after disappointing results each time, I learned my lesson.

Mike 

Just my opinion but, all the tripods and/or monopods in the world still don't help reduce excessive zooming!

No, a tripod is not a "necessary evil." It is an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY.

I simply cannot watch these videos because of all the shaky cam and excessive zooming in and out. it drives me nuts...

I stand corrected, Rich.  You are absolutely right!

Next video of mine. 

Next video of mine. Part 2 Horseshoe Curve.

My next video. Sorry for it being small. It's the way the program that I use to make videos made this video come out.

Next video. The only time I got to see the 765.