The Challenge
 

There are many different paths a camera flyer can choose from which bring their own unique challenges.

For example there is the Skydiving School route where you film Tandems and AFF students. There is the boogie circuit where you film licensed skydivers jumping out of a wide range of aircrafts such as helicopters, balloons, jets, etc. And there is the formation skydiving team route where you record a FS team's training and competition jumps.

[See also: Coaching > Camera Coaching]

Requirements
 

In some countries you must have a C-license before you can jump with a camera. This means that you have accumulated about 150-200 jumps and are able to fly your body well enough to do so with a camera on your head. In addition to a basic knowledge of body flight mechanics, you will probably have reached a point of “maturity” in the sport where you will know more of the common mistakes in skydiving and how to avoid them.

Camera
 

Ideally you want to get a Digital camera that takes "Mini DV" tapes.

Consider the precise model. Think about where you are going to mount the camera on your helmet and how accessible individual plugs will be.

Make sure to get a camera with at least DV out , so you can " export " all your footage to a computer for editing (fire-wire is best).

Consider also the weight of the camera. Lighter cameras are less obtrusive and at some point you may decide to combine this weight with a stills camera. The less weight you have on your head on deployment the better.

Lenses
 

Most cameras unaided have a narrow field of view. To attain a bigger sight picture, use a wide angle lens, which expands the field of view of the camera. This way you can stay close to your subject, and not have to worry about it going out of frame.

All wide angle lenses have a thread that screws onto the front of your standard DV camera. Make sure the thread size on the wide angle lens is the same as your camera. If this is not possible you can get lenses that have a converter or “step-down-ring”.

What are you filming?
 

This will really determine what lens you are going to use. Freeflyers will generally film formations that they themselves are a part of. In order to capture a person that is no more than a couple of feet away, a very wide lens like a .3, or .2 is recommended.

Most popular is the .5 lens (left). It is used by most FS videographers and is great for beginners. I would also recommend this lens if you are learning how to film Tandems and AFF.

For still cameras an 18mm lens is sufficient. If you can afford it, a 15mm fish-eye or smaller can give you some spectacular photographs.

Helmet
 

A well fitting camera helmet that is “comfortable” and keeps everything tucked away is an important tool. Depending on whether you just have the camera along for the ride, or are serious about pursuing camera more professionally, your choice in helmet will vary. People who go on to work as camera flyers should be thinking about the ability of the helmet to take a stills camera as their experience grows.

Who to film first?
 

Start jumping with solo skydivers, or small groups. The less your subject moves around and the less variables you have to consider the better.

At first you should focus on keeping your head in one spot and flying your body.

Plan the jump with the person you are shooting on the ground. This way you know what's coming next and can anticipate changes in direction and fall rate.

Other recommended gear:

DV Head cleaner
 

As the cameras pass through varying temperatures and cloud etc., cameras need cleaning frequently. Make sure you have a DV head cleaner on hand and run if for a few seconds after every hundred jumps.

Audible Altimeter
 

It is easy to get lost in what you are doing and forget about altitude. You can program an audible to make a beeping noise at a certain altitude. If you are still in freefall at pull altitude, it will remind you to deploy your parachute by a series of beeps. Some models such as the Pro Track from Larsen and Brusgaard record all manner of information about the jump such as how fast you fell and what height you exited and opened etc.

Gaffers Tape
 

Gaffers tape is a great tool to have. It allows you to cover sharp edges and snag points on your helmet. It also allows you to stow away excess wires, cables, and secure other lose items (such as zoom buttons, camera screens, lenses, etc.) Take a few strips of gaffers tape and stick them on your helmet. This way you'll always have some at hand.