SloMoHolic camera fund

Once again, I have been away too long.
Why are we spending 6 dimes to buy someone a camera?

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Cameras

I don't know which camera was used for that Austrian video, but after watching it again, we can make some estimates. Most of the (non-infrared) clips appear to be shot at between 1000 to 2000 fps (based on the flickering of the light sources). The resolution appears to be around 640x480 from a quick visual examination of a few paused frames.

The Edgertronic can also shoot 640x480 at 2500 fps. The advantage with the Edgertronic is that we have more choices in terms of frame rate and resolution combinations. The Austrian camera likely maxed out at 640x480 @ 2000 fps, whereas the output of Edgertronic can be adjusted along the data pipeline "axis." What I mean is that if we don't need 2000 fps for a particular shot, we can increase the resolution (up to 1280x1024). If we are more interested in just seeing what happens, rather than image quality, we can lower the resolution and crank up the frame rate (up to 18,000 fps). In terms of both frame rate and resolution, the Edgertronic is far more capable.

In terms of overall image quality, it's hard to say without a side-by-side comparison. Lighting, ISO/ASA settings, light sensitivity ratings, and video compression technology make all the difference in the world for high speed video. The Edgertronic uses onboard H.264 compression at a data rate of 20 Mbps. As a comparison point, most live streams (even the ones we watch in HD) are around 1-3 Mbps. The extra Mbps make a huge difference in the quality we can maintain in videos as they go through the final compression stages for internet delivery.

Based on the samples I've seen, the image quality of the Edgertronic is top notch. It also helps that it uses Nikon F-mount lenses, which are widely used specifically for cinematic video cameras.

Unfortunately, there is no option for infrared at this time.

-Blake

I own some nice cameras and gear About 15k all total, is this a investment for a business or for fun?

I guess twixtor is out of the question ?

personally I would want one the mounted Canon lenses.
 
Once again, I have been away too long.
Why are we spending 6 dimes to buy someone a camera?

Many members here have enjoyed and appreciated some of the slow motion pool videos that I've put together over the years. Many people have asked to see comparison high speed videos of tip-ball contact, so I mentioned that the frame rates needed for that type of video would require a very high quality camera. The least expensive camera capable of achieving those frame rates would be $6000. Of course a camera like that is also capable of much more, but that's what got the conversation started.

Some members have volunteered to contribute towards the purchase of such a camera. Nobody is being forced to participate. If slow motion videos aren't your thing, that's fine, no problem. If other members want to help fund this camera so we can all see some next-generation slow motion video of commonly discussed topics on AZB, I don't see a problem with that, either.

I own some nice cameras and gear About 15k all total, is this a investment for a business or for fun?

I guess twixtor is out of the question ?

personally I would want one the mounted Canon lenses.

This camera would be used primarily to create new and never-before-seen slow motion pool videos. If I have occasion to use it in my video production business, then of course I would use it for that, too.

Twixtor is not high speed video. It looks cool, but it's fake. Twixtor (and other similar technologies) simply analyze two actual frames of video, and attempt to generate however many intermediate frames are required for the desired level of effect. To simulate a 3000 frame-per-second video, for example, Twixtor would simply generate 999 frames in between each actual frame of the original video. It's just not the same thing as a video that was actually shot at 3000 frames per second. It's not even close.

Yeah, I like Canon lenses, too. But there are very specific and logical reasons that they chose the Nikon F Mount series. If you'd like to read more about that, they explain their decision on the FAQ on their website: http://edgertronic.com/support/

Thanks,

-Blake
 
Many members here have enjoyed and appreciated some of the slow motion pool videos that I've put together over the years. Many people have asked to see comparison high speed videos of tip-ball contact, so I mentioned that the frame rates needed for that type of video would require a very high quality camera. The least expensive camera capable of achieving those frame rates would be $6000. Of course a camera like that is also capable of much more, but that's what got the conversation started.

Some members have volunteered to contribute towards the purchase of such a camera. Nobody is being forced to participate. If slow motion videos aren't your thing, that's fine, no problem. If other members want to help fund this camera so we can all see some next-generation slow motion video of commonly discussed topics on AZB, I don't see a problem with that, either.



This camera would be used primarily to create new and never-before-seen slow motion pool videos. If I have occasion to use it in my video production business, then of course I would use it for that, too.

Twixtor is not high speed video. It looks cool, but it's fake. Twixtor (and other similar technologies) simply analyze two actual frames of video, and attempt to generate however many intermediate frames are required for the desired level of effect. To simulate a 3000 frame-per-second video, for example, Twixtor would simply generate 999 frames in between each actual frame of the original video. It's just not the same thing as a video that was actually shot at 3000 frames per second. It's not even close.

Yeah, I like Canon lenses, too. But there are very specific and logical reasons that they chose the Nikon F Mount series. If you'd like to read more about that, they explain their decision on the FAQ on their website: http://edgertronic.com/support/

Thanks,

-Blake

Seems like we have to make this happen somehow.

As far as the questions about why we should pitch in and help you get this camera, I personally don't care if you want the camera for yourself or not. Your willingness to do all the work is enough of a contribution. It's not like someone is suggesting we get you high-end streaming video equipment so you can then charge us to watch matches on location. You being willing to do all the work is the hard part, coming up with the dough for the necessary equipment (about one high-end collector cue) shouldn't be too big a task for this community.

Maybe a few corporate sponsors, with their names/logos prominently displayed in the opening credits might get the ball rolling fast. I'm in for an unspecified amount at this time. It certainly won't be a huge contribution, but I'll do my fair share if and when the time comes.

As far as being "stuck" with Nikon glass, there are a crap load of high quality prime lenses going for nothing on eBay. Whatever they say motivated their decision, there is no time like the present to pick some up great lenses for a song.
 
Blake,

1. Thanks for your responses to my questions last night.

2. Was it in your plans (prior to this current discussion) to purchase such a camera on your own anytime in the near future?

3. If the camera would be usable in your video-production business, would the full cost of the camera be a deductible business expense for you? If so, would the donations needed for it be less than $6,000 because of the tax savings?
 
Blake,



1. Thanks for your responses to my questions last night.



2. Was it in your plans (prior to this current discussion) to purchase such a camera on your own anytime in the near future?



3. If the camera would be usable in your video-production business, would the full cost of the camera be a deductible business expense for you? If so, would the donations needed for it be less than $6,000 because of the tax savings?


You're welcome. I've certainly wanted a camera like this for some time, but really mainly just so I could capture and share high speed pool videos. So far, I haven't had a business need for the very high frame rate capabilities. It would be fantastic for pool, (and some other niche applications), but it's simply not a moneymaker.

The networks require at least 1280x720, so that limits the usefulness of this camera in terms of what videos I could sell. However, the 500 fps at 1280x1024 could still be useful in some cases for licensed footage.

As far as tax deductibility, I would expect to be able to deduct at least a portion of it (if not all of it), depending on if I am able to license any footage shot with it. I'd have to do some research on that. However, I'm not making a killing doing video and photo work (especially not in the pool world ;) ), so I'm not sure exactly how much of a tax savings would result.

-Blake
 
As far as tax deductibility, I would expect to be able to deduct at least a portion of it (if not all of it), depending on if I am able to license any footage shot with it. I'd have to do some research on that. However, I'm not making a killing doing video and photo work (especially not in the pool world ;) ), so I'm not sure exactly how much of a tax savings would result.

Wouldn't it kind of be the other way around? If you are given a gift worth $6000 that might be considered taxable income (gift tax). On the other hand, you could depreciate that equipment if used for business over a number of years.

I'm not a tax professional but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :eek:
 
Wouldn't it kind of be the other way around? If you are given a gift worth $6000 that might be considered taxable income (gift tax). On the other hand, you could depreciate that equipment if used for business over a number of years.



I'm not a tax professional but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :eek:


Yeah, I was kind of afraid of that. New goal: $6600!

Lol just kidding!

Good point though, a business expense doesn't have to be profitable to be deductible or depreciable. Good news is that I have 362 days to figure it out. :)

-Blake

PS thanks pt109 :thumbsup:
 
Wouldn't it kind of be the other way around? If you are given a gift worth $6000 that might be considered taxable income (gift tax). On the other hand, you could depreciate that equipment if used for business over a number of years.

I'm not a tax professional but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :eek:

No, gift taxes apply to the donor, not the recipient. And at the levels we are talking about, there would be no gift tax at all.

And the gift would not produce taxable income to the recipient.
 
You have a video production business?
Where can we view the previous pool videos you have shared?
 

That is some cool stuff! Real shots in real situations. :)

I mean, yeah, seeing how long the tip stays in contact with the CB is interesting for example, but who can really do anything for their game with that kind of knowledge? SloMo really has his finger on the pulse of the type of things players are most curious about.

I'm getting exited about what he can show us with some top-of-the-line equipment. He has already opened my eyes to a lot of things I always wondered about.
 
Sorry, other way around. It's an income tax.

pj
chgo

No, Pat, what I said is correct. The gift tax is on the donor, not the donee. But there is an annual exclusion for each donee, currently $14,000. So I can give you $14,000 this year, and your brother (if you have one) another $14,000, and none of us would owe any tax on it (no gift tax for any of us and no income tax for you or your brother).
 
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No, Pat, what I said is correct. The gift tax is on the donor, not the donee. But there is an annual exclusion for each donee, currently $14,000. So I can give you $14,000 this year, and your brother (if you have one) another $14,000, and none of us would owe any tax on it (no gift tax for any of us and no income tax for you or your brother).


Looks like AtLarge is correct. Boy how screwed up is our tax code? You can give $20,000 to someone and deduct a $14,000 exclusion so you have to file a gift tax return on the balance of $6000 and pay taxes, but wait, you get a lifetime exclusion of $5.43 million. So even though you have to file a gift tax form, your $6000 is less than $5.43 million, and you won't pay any tax on it until it accumulates to over at $5.43 million. Makes a lot of sense, huh?

I scratched the surface and then quit. I'm sure it's far more complicated than the above.

(but I'm still right about depreciation!)
 
Now that all the big money is back from SBE, maybe this thread needs a bump.
I'm going to try to make a video tomorrow to demonstrate my request.
I hope it's not as hard as SloMo thinks :)
 
The fastest contact you will have is ball to ball which is half a m/s... Phenolic break tip to cueball is .8 m/s.... Hard leather will be 1 m/s soft at slow speeds may reach 4m/s... I have a 1000fps camera and it works for most things pool related as far as impacts with leather tips are concerned but it's crap as far as resolution...

I will gladly pitch in but I would really want to know more about the camera.. and the selection criteria... Faster than needed would be useful to SloMo for other things but I am not interested in other things... I want to see pool in good resolution and 1000fps

ohh I also forgot interpolation software where 100fps can be turned into 10000 fps... not looked in a few months but I think $6000 may be wayyyyy more than needed... Wanted?? well.....
 
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