M-Rock Camera Belt and Bags

I've been using the M-Rock camera bag and belt combination to carry my selection of cameras on this trip. In particular, I'm using this combination while climbing around the Grand Canyon. While I normally opt to carry my equipment in my hand, or around my neck, where I can easily get to it, I've decided that the proximity to imminent disaster (falling 3,000+ feet over the edge), dictates that my hands be used for grabbing things that can steady me.

The combination of bags I'm using hold my SLR, video camera, and miscellaneous items that I might want along the route. I'm not using the shoulder straps that come with the belt, because the weight of the equipment doesn't justify them. But having my equipment securely strapped around me, and protected by adequate padding, has saved both me and my cameras from being scuffed up a couple times already.

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The Digital RV
Learn everything “digital” as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the internet, enjoying a stereo system that weighs ounces, managing digital photos and more.

HiDef Video - Keep Them Informed

I have a collection of 3 video cams on this excursion. Interestingly, I like all of them, but each for different reasons. Such is life, right? As for a recommendation, I can only say that each has its own best use. I've already covered the VADO here . The other two are the JVC Everio GZ-MG330RUS and DXG 569V. Two very different cameras... actually three, when you count the VADO.

The DXG is advertised as a high definition video camera. Technically speaking, it is just that. It has the 9:16 aspect ration, and records in high-def at 1280 x 720 at 30fps. I like that because it displays nicely on wide screen displays. It also has a very nice 3 inch LCD for recording and for viewing. Making the video recording even better, is the tiny LED light in the front. This helps (if only marginally) when recording in dim, but not dark, conditions.

The camera is easy to use, and also can record still images. I haven't used the still image capabilities much, because I have plenty of still digicams for that purpose, and the image quality is much better from them.

The 569V has a zoom feature, but as you might expect for its price (as low as $129 online), it is only a 2x digital zoom... nearly worthless in my opinion. That said, I think the video image produced by the camera is very good. Color rendition and clarity is worthy of the most important home videos. In fact I used it to record a series of video interviews at a conference. The video quality turned out nicely.

But that brings me to the greatest weakness of the unit. The microphone is located on top of the camera, facing up... not forward. That means you get great recordings of the person holding the camera, but nearly useless sound from the subject. A bad design, for sure.

The camera takes SD memory cards, and I was able to use 8GB cards in it, so there is plenty of record time.

The other nice touch is the software bundle that includes editing and uploading. During out current travels, I've used this to upload videos to Youtube and Flickr. My friends back home are ecstatic about being able to follow our trip through video and still images. You can see them for yourself here.

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The Digital RV
Learn everything “digital” as it relates to an RVer: Connecting to the internet, enjoying a stereo system that weighs ounces, managing digital photos and more.