How to record a video of your rocket launch
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2013 4:34 pm
PSA:
Using your phone to record your rocket launch? Because of the vertical nature of our hobby, you might feel compelled to record videos holding your phone vertically. While this may look fine on your phone, this will result in either tiny letterboxed video, or a sideways rocket launch when you share it over the Internet. Got a GoPro or other HD video camera? Great! Don't turn em sideways either!
Please watch the following PSA on "Just say No to VVS":
[youtube][/youtube]
Some suggestions:
1. Actually observe the WRA safety guidelines and back 50ft away from your rocket to launch it. Not only is this safer, you'll be better able to record the launch.
2. Record multiple launches. Set up a tripod or some other way to secure your camera so that you can capture the ground to 20-40ft above the rocket without moving the camera. This will look nice in slow motion.
3. Record your launches with the Sun low in the sky. Put your back to the Sun to highlight the rocket. Put the Sun behind the rocket just outside the frame to highlight water spray.
4. ALWAYS keep the Sun out of frame.
5. Use a helper to launch the rocket for you or shoot the video. Just remember helpers don't always shoot the video you want.
6. For IPhone, I've found VideoPix to work really well for extracting highlights, freeze frame pics, and making slow frame rate clips. The app Cute Cut just about replaces desktop functionality for video production.
7. It helps to announce what you are launching, how much water is loaded, at what PSI. Even if you don't publish that, it is great for reference.
I'm sure there are many more tips Anyone got any to add?
Bugwubber
Using your phone to record your rocket launch? Because of the vertical nature of our hobby, you might feel compelled to record videos holding your phone vertically. While this may look fine on your phone, this will result in either tiny letterboxed video, or a sideways rocket launch when you share it over the Internet. Got a GoPro or other HD video camera? Great! Don't turn em sideways either!
Please watch the following PSA on "Just say No to VVS":
[youtube][/youtube]
Some suggestions:
1. Actually observe the WRA safety guidelines and back 50ft away from your rocket to launch it. Not only is this safer, you'll be better able to record the launch.
2. Record multiple launches. Set up a tripod or some other way to secure your camera so that you can capture the ground to 20-40ft above the rocket without moving the camera. This will look nice in slow motion.
3. Record your launches with the Sun low in the sky. Put your back to the Sun to highlight the rocket. Put the Sun behind the rocket just outside the frame to highlight water spray.
4. ALWAYS keep the Sun out of frame.
5. Use a helper to launch the rocket for you or shoot the video. Just remember helpers don't always shoot the video you want.
6. For IPhone, I've found VideoPix to work really well for extracting highlights, freeze frame pics, and making slow frame rate clips. The app Cute Cut just about replaces desktop functionality for video production.
7. It helps to announce what you are launching, how much water is loaded, at what PSI. Even if you don't publish that, it is great for reference.
I'm sure there are many more tips Anyone got any to add?
Bugwubber