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Question

"Mount" camcorder memory via wifi from tablet?

Dec 1, 2013 7:23AM PST

I am a ski coach. I would like to make video more available while on the ski hill in "real time". So, I am dreaming of the following set up:

1) Record video on a camcorder - ideally one under $1000 with a viewfinder and wifi - eg. Panasonic HC-X920
2) I do NOT want to actually transfer the video from the camcorder to the tablet. Wifi transfer takes too long and swapping memory cards in the cold / snow is problematic.
3) Instead, I would like the tablet to "mount" the memory in the camcorder across wifi. From there I would like to use a video coaching application on the tablet (eg. Ubersense, Kinovia, Coaches Eye, Dartfish Express) to review the video with my athletes.

Has anyone accomplished something like this?
Is it feasible?
Are there any recommendations for camcorders and/or tablets that would best accomplish this?

Thank you for any advice.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Did you read links such as this
Dec 1, 2013 8:51AM PST
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Yes. I have looked at various camcorder marketing splashes
Dec 1, 2013 9:47AM PST

Yes. I have read links like this. However, it is still unclear as to whether the functionality I am looking for actually exists. Am I missing something?

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Yes.
Dec 1, 2013 9:53AM PST

I see Ustream from a camcorder so that's a live link. I won't guess if you have a wifi network or not. That's all part of your setup and not something the camcorder company makes or provides.

Even heard of Ustream?

I ignored your call to mount the camcorder memory since that means one thing and streaming video real-time means something else. My guess is you wanted the later.

But let's make this easy. If the makers won't talk to you then no-sale and go try another maker?
Bob

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kind off ...
Dec 1, 2013 10:45AM PST

Hmmm. Not sure upstream is what I need. I am on a budget and will not have access to a high bandwidth network on the ski hill.

If necessary I can carry a battery operated device that creates a LAN around me. I was hoping that the camcorder would actually broadcast an IP address that could be used as a connection method. If the memory can be mounted AND the app can access the mounted file, then in theory the app on the tablet would pull the video file from the camcorder as the frames are played on the tablet. At least, that's what I am hoping to accomplish.

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Ahh that direct mode.
Dec 1, 2013 11:27AM PST

At this point I'm going to write that's a custom system. While you might ask EyeFi is they do video, you are definitely going to have to talk more directly to the makers.

I see IP cameras that stream directly to ipad and such but given the bright sunlight I think this is a problem too.

Something like a GoPro wifi streaming camera on top of the camcorder might be today's fix.
Bob

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Answer
different angle...
Dec 1, 2013 10:43AM PST

electronics generally don't like extreme environmentals. Snow is cold. And can be wet.

Link to the manual
http://www.panasonic.eu/Downloads/en_GB/popup.html
The third (large) English manual has interesting information.

Also, when going from a relatively warm environment to cold - or from cold to warm, there might be condensation (page 3). This will fog the lens and video recording will be impaired. This can take a while to clear. Also, refer to page 192 about the battery in cold. It will not last as long as when it is in a more "normal" temperature so you get to plan accordingly - additional high capacity batteries are available from Panasonic.

Consider wrapping the camcorder (and covering the battery) with warmers
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1307318

We assume video will not be captured handheld. There is no camcorder with enough optical stabilization that can capture useful handheld fast action. Some sort of stabilization is strongly suggested. Perhaps a helmet mount...

Rather than "transfer" the video to a tablet or computer, it is possible to connect the camcorder's AV-out to a monitor to TV. Then there is no transfer, merely using the camcorder as the playback device. If you "mount" the memory anywhere for use by an application (Ubersense, Kinovia, Coaches Eye, Dartfish Express), transfer is required for the application to make use of the video. You may not want to "transfer" the video, but the applications you suggest need that data and are not "real-time" capable.

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Aware of environment
Dec 1, 2013 10:54AM PST

Thanks for the tips on environment. Yes, I am aware of battery drain in the cold and condensation issues. Condensation can be managed by avoiding rapid transitions from warm to cold and back. The trick there is to let the camera slowly acclimatise to a temperature. Battery drain can be managed with extra batteries in the pocket and/or heating packs.

I use video extensively already. Handheld from the sidelines is very good. Yes, connection to an external monitor/TV works fine, but does not provide instantaneous feedback. That's why I am exploring an on-hill solution.

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Thanks for link to manual
Dec 1, 2013 11:06AM PST

I checked out the manual. (Thanks for the link). After looking it over, I am pretty doubtful that Panasonic has the capabilities I am looking for. And, even if the manual "claimed" capability, I would be looking for some real world validation.

Perhaps other have tried different manufacturers????

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Answer
DLNA?
Dec 3, 2013 1:05AM PST

Hi received a message from a Panasonic person suggesting I use DLNA. Has anyone tried DLNA with the goals I have outlined?

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Yes, folk have tried.
Dec 3, 2013 1:12AM PST

I won't go into any deep detail but there have been attempts to use DLNA to stream live video and it is all too techy to expect consumers to set that up. As such I will offer one and only one link so you get the idea and then can search for more.

http://forum.serviio.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8769

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Gobildegoop
Dec 3, 2013 10:23AM PST

Hmmm. As you say, way too techy. Also read some articles that implied that DLNA will soon be a thing of the past.

Seems I have two options:

1) swap memory cards back and forth between video camera and tablet
- downside: cumbersome in the cold; extra cards needed; not possible on iPad (but who cares); apps may not perform well when reading off memory card; SD (most camcorders) vs MICRO-SD (most tablets)
- upside: can use coaching video review apps on tablet

2) use a camera top monitor like those made by Marshall.
- downside: can NOT use coaching video review apps; have to use video playback on video camera (mine is terrible); cumbersome set up with cable connecting camera and monitor.
- upside: instant playback on larger screen

I really hope that this day and age of technology was further ahead. Sad

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Answer
THE SOLUTION: Samsung Android Camcorder - GC110
Dec 13, 2013 9:58PM PST

For those who are following this post, I tested the Samsung GC110 this past week in -10F temperatures, in Mt. Tremblant Quebec this past week. It worked brilliantly. Coaches Eye application downloaded directly onto the camera and pics up the video file for real time review. The only challenge was cold hands as the camera is touch-screen.

Although I didn't test it, in theory one can also tether a full size tablet off the camera for a larger display.