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Nov 3, 2013
128
0
Stoddard, WI
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive camera to shoot video of my girls playing ball and for use at a teaching tool using slow motion etc.

Along with that is there any inexpensive software a person should be using to go with it?

Thanks
 
Your standard home video camera shots 30 frames per second. This ok for the major movement viewing but in pitching the last part of the arm as it enters the release area and the release itself will be a blur......same for hitting as the bat leaves the shoulder it becomes a blur. To get decent video you need to be up around 200--300 frames per second. This type of camera will cost more than $1000. You don't necessarily need any special software for viewing, but a motion analysis software for drawings/and side by side comparison is good....should be able to get something decent for $250. Lots of inexpensive software for IPADS now available also.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
There are a handful of Canon point-n-shoots that offer a slow motion video option that works pretty well with decent light. No software is required.
 
May 26, 2013
372
18
Ramstein Germany
Okay, modified my search in trying to find out if 240fps (GoPro Hero 3 Black) is quick enough to capture what we're looking for...arm/wrist whip. I found this...not too bad. What's not detailed is whether an editing process was used. But, the motion is smooth, I can see what I'm looking for in regards to a bat swing. We need some footage of an arm whip.

 
Last edited:
May 26, 2013
372
18
Ramstein Germany
Read through the threads I posted below, learned a lot this morning. The blurring effect is related to shutter speed and not frame rates. This isn't to say high frame rates aren't necessary, you can have 600fps and still get blurring if the shutter speed isn't adjusted accordingly. High shutter speeds mean less light which is why some of these high-speed videos we watch are dark. I think my best bet for this upcoming season is the GoPro 3 Black with its 240fps capability. As I read through these forums below someone mentioned you could connect the GoPro wirelessly to your phone for playback. Now if I can make it connect to my iPad for playback through Coaches Eye...the world will be mine for the taking. :p One other thing of note on the GoPro 3 Black, you can control it wirelessly as well. Mount it on a fence possibly, or behind a screen close to the pitcher's circle and record. I can see some desired possibilities using the wireless features as well as the 240fps.

Video Camera for Slow-Mo Swing Analysis

Another great thread on high-speed cameras.

Basic High Speed Video Camera Considerations & Cameras (Page 1)
 
Last edited:
May 26, 2013
372
18
Ramstein Germany
Another consideration as I read through these photography forums I listed above, this is for all of us who upload videos for review--Vimeo will allow you to upload the full video, no compression like when we upload to YouTube. Maybe it doesn't matter, I'll run some tests once I get my GoPro 3 Back. I keep mentioning the "Black" part because the white addition doesn't do 240fps.
 
Jan 18, 2009
4
1
Ohio
I use a Cannon Exilim point and shoot and record pitchers at 240 fps. We watch on my laptop using Quicktime Player which allows frame by frame clicking. Works great for me.
 

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