HVR-A1U 1080i HDV camcorder. Two, mounted to acquire oblique low-altitude HD video from the windows adjacent to the cargo area behind the passenger seats of a Cessna 185 amphib uses a 2-bladed prop that cruises at 2250 - 2450 RPM.

Camera angle set so the frame's lower limit is just above the floats. Looking at monopod mounts bolted to a plywood "table", with the table clamped to the frame. isolate vibration from the aircraft via pads on the clamps and "table" and also between the individual monopods and the cameras.

Cameras run off battery and to tape to prevent having to tap into the 65 amp airplane alternator, which aside from avionics, is also running a couple of computers and a 3rd camera (CIR HDV) already belly-mounted through the fuselage (FAA approved, etc). EE suggested that the operating load on the alternator not approach 70% of rated capacity. An EE who specializes in avionics suggested 50%. We're 'currently' (he-he) at about 50%.

My butt-mounted accelerometer tells me that the prop-induced vibration overwhelms valves, exhaust and noise.

All vibration is going to degrade the resolution of the camera as the effective moment of the line-of-site will amplify even the tiniest movement. However, this is not going to be used on "Discovery Channel" nor will it be used for mapping, which in either case, require extremely stable imagery (and for which there are ample platforms already in use). What I want is video better than what I get by holding the camera, window open, and out of the slipstream. Also, I want video out of both sides of the aircraft and a hard mount is the only way --- as the pilot already has enough to do without videotaping as we go into a stall and death-spiral to the ground in the name of videography.

You guys are really helping clarify my thinking and refining plans. Keep those cards and letters coming. With your input, this might even work!

B