They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess we could say seeing a video of a golf swing, and best of all YOUR golf swing, is maybe worth a MILLION Words. Well that is what is easily achievable now with the appearance of two new small, hand held cameras that are the size of an average smart phone. Cell phones can take videos, but these new HD (High Definition) cameras are the cats meow for ease of taking the video and then watching it.
The first camera I found out about and immediately bought is 'The Flip' Ultra HD Digital camera. Digital is great because there is no film involved and you can record up to 2 hours of video on it. It is called the flip because it has an arm that flips up out of the side. The arm is actually a USB connection that fits into the USB port on your computer. This port is also used to charge it.
The Flip video also has a small but unbelievably crystal clear HD screen to be able to watch your video whereever you shot it. So, it's great to take to the range or course and film your swings, chips, pitches, bunker shots and putts. And within seconds you can be watching your swing in High Definition on the camera screen. The camera alone can only run in real time. You have to plug it into your computer for more complete viewing. But right there on the course you can check out your swing all with a HD camera that fits in your shirt pocket.
The software program, called 'FlipShare,' to run the video on your computer are in the camera. So just plug it into your computer or laptop or TV and you are watching your swing in a minute.
I bought the flip because it is small and light. My main reason was to save my shoulder from carrying my video camera and bag around for hours when out on Tour with DJ in practice rounds. I carry that bag some days for 6 or more hours to the range and then for 9 holes on the course. With the Flip, I can carry it in a little pouch I can slide on my belt, just like I carry my cell phone. It is small, light and the picture is clear and vivid. Best of all, I can see video on the spot. For better viewing and to use all the program options, I hook it to my computer/lap top or TV. The software on my computer allows slow motion, sliding the video back and forth. You can save the videos to your computer, make custom movies, add music, make snapshots from the video and also email the videos.
I just got the camera and have not done any of these options yet except shoot some swings on the course and watch them right there on the spot. The camera has a screw port on the bottom to attach it to a full size tripod. I bought a small tripod that can extend out to 5 inches that I can carry in my pocket or golf bag so I can setup the camera and shoot myself if I am alone on the course or range. I can also set it in front of the player on the target side to see an on line swing and the ball flying right over the camera.
I bought my Flip HD camera at Best Buy for $199.00. I have seen them now for as low as 179.00, and that is with an extra battery pack and the cable to hook up to a TV (which I paid extra for). Now it's included in the price.
Yesterday, I was in Office Max getting some printer ink and guess what I saw there. Another HD camera by Kodak called the EasyShare Zi6 pocket video HD camera. It was priced at $159.00 with, I believe, all the attachments.
So, if you would like an easy way to film your swings out on the range and the course, or family functions or whatever, these new HD Digital cameras are the way to go. If you want to check them out, and see what they can do, I have included below a link for the Flip and the Kodak.
Click this link for The Flip: http://www.theflip.com/en-us/
For the Kodax, I found it at: http://techhook.com/2008/07/10/kodak-zi6-hd-pocket-digital-video-camera-announced/
I think you will be impressed with this new video technology, especially if you have been looking for an easy way to film your golf swing.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us a PeakPerformanceGolfSwing.com. We truly appreciate getting to know so many of you. Enjoy the holiday. My next article will come to you on Friday.
The Surge!