How to shoot Action BMX Racing Video

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bmxreplay

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Hi, I would like some advice on improving how I video and present bmx racing. Last year I used a Sanyo FH1, at 1080/60p sports mode, off a small pole which is really a tripod. This year I have a 1.8-3.5m extendable pole, (a diy acrow) with an external screeen and a Panasonic sdt 750 which I operate using a modified remote. Its very stable and solves many of the obstruction issues I had last year.

What I'm trying to achieve is the sharpest image in the field so I am using Intelligent Contrast due to the large rotation of a shoot sequence and will be setting up the roller shutter speed manually using 1080/50p recording mode. What else should I be looking at, is the set up I'm going to use the right one?

Secondly how does one reduce the flicker effects on a site such as vimeo when the 50p video I shoot is reduced down to 25fps? Is this a frame blending issue? or does it require vimeo to run at 50fps?

I shoot some test sequences last weekend, one uses different shutter speeds, the other is of different recording modes, any points on them would be appreciated. They are the first and second videos. The video at the bottom of this page, 'BMX Racing French Style' was shoot with the Sanyo FH1


http://www.bmxreplay.com/


These are other videos I shoot last year with the Sanyo FH1, the last from bottom, Saint Brieuc Inter Regional is probably the best. Thanks

http://www.bmxreplay.com/bmx-video-2011.php
 
I can only guess that because this is primarily a photography forum then video expertise may not be as abundant and replies in this field may take longer.

I've only looked at a few of your videos briefly and I can't really see how you could improve on your current filming; the tracking, focusing and quality all looks good.

However, the fixed angle isn't very dramatic and perhaps a good way to improve the viewing experience (and if funds allow) would be a multiple camera setup which could bring the whole thing to life. Another two (perhaps lesser quality) cameras at trackside at the most exciting points, with one being right down on the ground and another at a good close angle higher up. If you could trigger them all at the same time then editing afterwards will be a breeze, I'm not sure if radio triggers would have the range but worth looking into.

If you really wanted to go that extra mile then you could also try a helmet cam on one of the favourites, although I'd look for a shock proof bullet cam.


EDIT: Whilst it's in my head it may also be worth looking at some slow-mo cameras. Many can do it now and I'm having a great time playing about footage. Granted your screen dimensions are usually reduced to 640x480 but it's not that much smaller than standard definition so you could always blow it up. Would look awesome if you could get silky smooth slow-mo shots of them coming over the jumps!
 
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Thanks for the reply. Multiple cameras does look like the next move. I do have a spare camera and will definately be looking into setting up a radio remote control for it. I don't think there is one for the Sanyo FH1, might have to consider building one.

I do a fair bit of slow motion sequences, eg BMX Racing French Style, its also very useful for training. Could make great use of 100p plus but that costs are too much at present.
 
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