Finish-line camera questions

[begood...@gmail.com]

I use one Canon T3i now, and am thinking of buying another as a secondary camera. 

I've noticed that you have two finish-line cameras set up in many of your example videos, Brian. What is the reason for this; is it simply to have a backup photo in case the first camera doesn't get the runner?

And if we choose to only have one camera, would you suggest that it is always used on the backup computer?

Lastly, is there a preferred camera setting that you use? I've just been using auto settings, but I think I'll start to turn off auto focus, since it seems to slow things down a bit.

Would love to hear others' input, too.

Thank you!

Crystal

begoodsports.com

[Brian Agee]

Since I have multiple timing crews I have plenty of extra equipment laying around, so I typically hook up a camera to my manual timing computer just for the heck of it. Having two cameras there taking pictures of course ensures that everyone will get at least one photo. If you only have one camera then I'd hook it up to your RFID computer since most every time you'll get 100% read rates and of course it's nice to have a fully automated system set up.

As for the preferred settings. I've played with the camera quiet a bit, but I'm not an expert on what settings would provide the highest quality and performance. I will say that you need to make sure the Power Saving option is turned off so that your camera doesn't go to sleep before the first finisher comes in. You also want to leave your Flash turned off because this slows the camera down. I think it's ok to leave auto-focus on, but it's definitely faster with manual focus selected. There is also a "Full Auto" (Green box) setting on the wheel at the top of the camera that I wouldn't use, I would use Portrait mode instead.

Brian

[steve...@gmail.com]

I use a Canon T3 on Sport mode and have found it very reliable.  

As an aside, I also purchased a refurbished DVR Security System as a backup for just over $250.  (http://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-SDE-3003N-Channel-Security-System/dp/B005O0RSMY)   It allows me to record the finish line from both sides plus one across the line and the fourth at the clock for the entire race.  You can also playback the video while you're still recording and it records at 30 fps so you don't miss anything.

[pinhoti100]

Where is the best/cheapest place to get a 15' USB cable for Canon SLR?

[Ohio Race Day]

Ebay for a couple bucks

[ActiveIndy Events]

Interesting.  Any chance you could show us a screenshot of what it gives you?  I assume this is run on it's own laptop?  You mount the cameras on tripods?

[joshspiker]

I also really like the idea of using a DVR (large hard drive and ability to watch previous finishers as cameras still recording.)

What is the video output (could you upload one of the cameras video to youtube)? Thinking this could also be used for a finish line video...RunSignUp now has the capability to upload a finish line video to youtube and sync with the first runner based on clock time. Then any participants can click the video on the results screen and watch their finish. This is similar to chronotrack.

[Peak Performance Timing]

I use one of the waterproof Kodak sports cameras to record finish......works great. I need to check out the Runsignup feature!

[joshspiker]

Definitely check out the rsu video option. I think RD's and participants will really like it.

Do you happen to know if the kodak can record directly to a computer or what the longest video you can record on it is?

For longer events (marathon) my camcorder has a 64gb card and it fills it up.

Also needs the ability to be plugged in for power during recording for those longer events.

[Peak Performance Timing]

I am not sure if it will record directly to a computer. I haven't tried. But with a 32 gig card on the lowest video setting , which is good enough to read bib numbers from 25 ft or so, I can get 6+ hours of video.

[SportMadeSimple]

I'll make a demo video this weekend.

[Lamont Hayes]

I use a external hd webcam and record directly to a dedicated netbook.

Myers Park Meet #1: http://youtu.be/GQpIyZzLUXs

[Brian Agee]

Here is the one I purchased: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812816059

[Edward Schrank]

I am using two logitech webcams, usb extension cables,  iSpy security camera software and a laptop to record. Allows me to get two views of the finish line. I can set the resolution as needed to get clear bib number reads. The software can be set to be motion activated, although I haven't been able to utilize that much as there is usually too much activity around the finish line, even if just flags blowing in the breeze. Ispy is free, cables were like 10 bucks on amazon and cameras were 29.00 (720p HD), so not top end. Super easy to scroll through the videos using quicktime or vlc. Solution works well, but not weatherproof at present. 

[Ohio Race Day]

Edward,
Can you playback while you record with iSpy?

[Edward Schrank]

Depends. You can set up ispy to only record when it sees motion. In that case it is making short clips as runners come through and you can pull those videos up while it continues to record. The default mode is to record with motion, but the problem at a finish line is there is tons of motion, even just flags in the wind. You can play with the sensitivity and also create screens so it only triggers in a narrow zone, but on race day I find I am too busy to mess with all of that and just hit record all when the first runners shows up and let it run, recording from both cameras. ispy is free, download it and give it a shot, pretty amazing capabilities. 

[Ohio Race Day]

I'm going to test some finish line video options.  I found this app for an Android phone or tablet that might be worth checking out.  It uses a USB webcam (cheap) and creates a delayed video feed.   I'm imagining glancing at that if something was missed at the finish line and having a "second look".  Cool?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN_KjbYdoyY

[Tim Irvine]

This is a cool idea. I use a midland POV camera that has a water proof housing. I use it's own strap to put it on one of my chute top looper cones and since I only use it for verification, it works beautifully. It's 720p so the video looks pretty good and I have even used portions of it in videos I have done. However, the TV station I work at has a GoPro Hero 3 Black edition and I used it side by side once and there is no comparison. The GoPro rocks. I even used it for driving the course of the half marathon I am doing next weekend and it made a great video. I think the DVR system is awesome, but for lean and mean, mine works great for me.

[reece.bell]

I have video timing systems from flashtiming and Finishlynx. The flashtiming system was inexpensive and worker very well. I upgraded to Lynx because certain high level meets requested it. If you want some reliable stuff, check out flashtiming.com and if you have the $$ for better stuff finishlynx.com

[Brian Agee]

Just another reason why RunSignUp is awesome - check out what you can do if you record the finish and upload it to YouTube: https://runsignup.wordpress.com/2014/10/20/uploading-results-with-video/

Thanks for sharing this with me Crystal....

[jonjkinzer]

Do you have to use a GoPro? Can you use a camcorder? I think it is pretty great that it jumps right to when the runner finishes and not just have to watch the entire video.

[SR Aaron]

Jonjkinzer,

You can use any video recorder for the run sign-up video results, the key is being able to upload to YouTube.

[Susannah Cole]

Has anyone had trouble with the software not recognizing the camera? I plugged in my new Rebel T5 today and started a sample race, and it wouldn't take pictures. Camera will connect with computer, but the software doesn't seem to connect. Could this be a settings issue? Thanks.

[SR Aaron]

Susannah, the T5 currently doesn't work with the software. You might try to get your hands on the T3 (it does work). Brian mentioned to me that he will hopefully be adding the T5 to a future release of the software.

Aaron

[Susannah Cole]

Aaron, thanks for that unfortunate news. I am glad I know, but I sure wish I had bought the right camera in the first place. At least I can stop confusing myself with the issue.

[SR Aaron]

I made the same mistake, but now I have two cameras! I was able to get a brand new T3 on ebay for $285
Here's an auto photo the T3 took this last weekend!

[Tim Irvine]

Finish looking good Aaron

[Susannah Cole]

Great photo! I may set up the t5 tomorrow on the tripod and have someone just snap the photos manually. What setting did you use for that? Auto?

[Brad Bauer]

Susannah,

If it any consolation I made the same mistake, except I got a 4ti. I've been using it manually at the finish, set to the basic sports mode and they have turned out great.

Brad

[Susannah Cole]

Brad, when you say using it "manually," are you pressing the button with your finger or are you using a remote trigger? I'm debating that last minute option for tomorrow.

[allans]

I'm in the market for a camera and I've read through some posts about the T3 works but the T5 does not.  Does that also include the T5i, what about the T3i?  What about more expensive models, I've thought about borrowing my father in laws Canon 70D.....is that a camera that is compatible?

I don't mind getting a higher end camera as I have a family that I can use/justify getting a nicer model to use for other things as well.

Other's thoughts and suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

[Ohio Race Day]

Brian Agee has a list of cameras that work with his system on his resource page.  See the document of equipment here ...

http://www.ageeracetiming.com/resources/Agee%20Race%20Timing%20Equipment.jpg

The link to all the "resources" is here ...

RESOURCES

[Peak Performance Timing]

SR Aaron,

I am VERY curious to know about your antenna "arms" .......where you got them, how you connect them to antennas(Thinkifys, right?) And the trussing......will you share?

Thanks!

[Brad Bauer]

Susanahha,

Yes, I actually have someone standing on the side of the finish chute holding the camera (no tripod) taking pictures of each finisher that include the runner, bib, and finish clock as they finish the race. I know it's not ideal but it actually works pretty well. I'm far from a photo expert, but I have found most of the high school kids I work with can get decent shot on the sports setting without using a tripod.

Brad

[Brian Agee]

Originally the T4i was listed as a compatible model on Canon's website, however at some point they removed it. An updated list can be found in the Help/FAQ/Equipment report in the software (click on 'Other Equipment To Consider Prior To Race Day'). I will include the list below too.

I have the newest SDK on my computer and I tried to simply replace the old SDK with the new one but I could never get my camera to work with it. So unfortunately it doesn't appear to be a quick change like I was hoping it would be. I don't have a T4i or a T5 that I can test with (a couple of customer have offered to ship theirs to me thankfully) so those cameras may have worked with the new SDK, however I want to make sure the new SDK can still work with the older model cameras since that is what most people have. One day soon I'll block off 6 - 10 hours to dig through the documentation and get it to work for the older models and the newer models.

This weekend I'll push a new update out and explain the improvements I've made with the RunSignUp interface and with using more than one Results Kiosk connected to the main timing laptop with a wireless connection. I'll see if I can take another quick look at the new SDK before pushing the update out, hopefully I'll find that I overlooked something small that will get it to work with new and old Canon models. Tomorrow I'm travelling with one of my timing crews to Texarkana to time the Run The Line Half Marathon (race is on Sunday). So I'll be riding in a car for 5 hours and hopefully I'll have a few hours tomorrow night in the hotel where I can look at it. 

At the Run The Line race this weekend we'll have split zones on the course, the wireless results kiosks, an announcer system showing names of participants well before they reach the finish line, Chip Start (possibly with wave starts), and of course we'll be timing more than one race at a time. We'll record the finish line with the new Polaroid XS100 that we bought and of course provide results on RunSignUp with a video link for each participant. So this will be a full setup of everything we offer. Next weekend I'll be in Mountain View Arkansas timing the Sylamore 25K/50K race. In March, 5 of the events that we'll be timing have between 500 and 2,000 participants and of course April and May are will be busy as well. Going to all of the bigger races that we time is of course the best way for me to discover ways to improve the software. Of course I plan on going through the Feature Request and Bug Report threads and working on anything I can find in there too that is outstanding. I'll keep everyone informed on when updates are available and what is included in the update. Here is the camera list:

EOS-1D Mark III
EOS 40D
EOS-1Ds Mark III
EOS 450D/Rebel XSi
EOS 1000D/Rebel XS
EOS 5D Mark II
EOS 50D
EOS 500D/Rebel T1i
EOS 7D
EOS-1D Mark IV
EOS 550D/Rebel T2i
EOS 60D
EOS Rebel T3
EOS Rebel T3i
EOS 5D Mark III
EOS-1D X

<EDIT: 11/11/2016>

The newest SDK has been implemented. The software now works with the following models:

• EOS-1D X Mark II / EOS 80D / EOS Rebel T6
• EOS 5DS / EOS 5DS R / EOS REBEL T6s / EOS REBEL T6i
• EOS-1D C / EOS 6D / EOS 7D Mark II
• EOS-1D X / 1D Mark III / 1Ds Mark III / 1D Mark IV
• EOS 40D / 50D / 5D Mark II / 5D Mark III / 7D / 60D / 60Da / 70D
• Rebel XSi
• Rebel XS
• Rebel T1i
• Rebel T2i
• Rebel T3i
• Rebel T4i
• Rebel T3
• Rebel T5i
• Rebel SL1
• Rebel T5

[Christopher Marden]

Is there any thought about added T7?