Jzoe Blog

I’ve been looking for a source for high speed video for quite a while now, trying to get a better idea of the mechanics of a foot guard hitting a soccer ball. I found a camera that might be a big help:

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-EX-FS10-Digital-Stabilized-Blue/dp/B001OTZR4A

One thing people ought to know about digital cameras is that a company usually sells a few different models at different prices, all with the same light sensor and the same basic electronic guts. The more expensive cameras get nicer controls, nicer materials, maybe a bigger LCD- and some extra software options. The cheaper ones within a series can usually take nearly identical pictures or movies as the next step or two up in price.

This is a pretty cheap camera at $154, compared to the $190 EX-FC100, or the EX-FH20. They all seem to have the same exact 9.1 megapixel sensor. The FC100 has image stabilization, which is nice for pictures but worthless for high speed video. The FH20 has a faster lens, which would actually be pretty helpful for cutting down how much light is required for the high speed video.

So, is it worth $308 to get the f/2.8 lens instead of $154 to get the f/3.9? It’s like having twice as much light, but less stuff will be in sharp focus. For my money and my purpose, I think the cheaper camera is great- I was thinking of doing the shot outside in full sunlight around noon regardless, so it should be fine.

So, do I buy the camera, or just build another guard and see if it hits harder? Or do I build the guard, then buy the camera used if I can find it, take my video, and resell the camera for close to the same price when I have my data?