How to Operate a Remote Camera Mounted on a Kayak Bow or Mast
I often shoot movie clips or still pictures in an interval mode (time lapse) with a camera mounted on a kayak deck or bow or on a mast, so out of reach from a cockpit. I am often asked how I am turning my camera on and off.
I am using two “paddling” cameras right now, Pentax Optio W30 and GoPro HD Hero, and I don’t really have a solution for a remote control.
- I have to stop to turn a camera on/off. Since, I am usually paddling on small lakes or rivers it is my typical situation.
- A camera is running until the memory card is full (not so difficult for shooting video).
- A camera is running until a battery dies like in my 2010 Missouri River 340 race.
- I have a paddling partner to help.
- Or, you can build a folding mast which would allow you to reach a camera like Mark Sanders did.
Turning the camera on/off is a more problem when you are shooting video. You can shoot a huge amount of still pictures. From hundreds of pictures shot during a 1-2 hour paddling workout I can only select a few which I am ready to show here.
Remote Control
Pentax is offering a waterproof remote control which works with the newest models from their line of waterproof cameras: Pentax Optio W90 and Pentax Optio WG-1. 
It is fairly cheap at ~$20. If my Optio W30 dies I am going to upgrade to WG-1.
Are you using that Pentax remote control? Please share your experience!
A remote controller, Wi-Fi BacPac and Wi-Fi Remote. will be available for GoPro Hero cameras in February 2012. I’ve bought LCD BackPack for my GoPro – really helpful in setting the camera on a kayak and reviewing pictures or video. I believe that the new Wi-Fi BacPac is interchangeable with the LCD display.
Occasionally, I am mounting my Canon DSLR camera on a kayak deck, but that’s a different story and I don’t really recommend that.
Related posts:
A Bird’s-Eye View of Kayaking with GoPro Hero Camera
How to Make a Simple Camera Mount for a Kayak Deck – Video Mast
Kayak Video Camera Mast – Sticky Pod Combined with Monopod
Sticky Pod Review – A Suction Cup Camera Mount for Kayak Photography
I wrote a comparison review of the GoPro versus Oregon Scientific ATC9K in the Fall 2011 issue of California Kayaker Magazine (can be read online for free at http://www.calkayakermag.com/magazine.html). One of the things I liked about the ATC9K is that it comes with a remote. Not waterproof, so I keep it in a small, clear dry bag, but at least it is a remote. I haven’t tried the mast mounts yet, but have used it on my deck quite a few times. Here is one recent video: http://youtu.be/SzjPap6-xvw
I’ll have to check out the remote for the Pentax, as I have a WG1 from a prior review.
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