Different video angles, from static to follow-cams, can be useful for athletes and coaches to be able to get a full picture of what is happening. Adding in data to enhance the video analysis makes the video even more powerful.
This articles goes into the pros and cons of various methods of filming and angles for alpine skiing video analysis. It also includes the ability to sync with Protern data, either manually or automatically.
Follow cam
A follow cam is when the coach follows behind the athlete with a camera. Generally a small and light camera like a phone or action camera, such as a GoPro, Insta360, DJI, are used.
Syncing with Protern data
- Automatic syncing: Many action cameras can embed a GPS timecode if they have a GPS satellite lock and can be used for automatic syncing.
- Manual syncing: Phones do not record GPS time, despite having a GPS chip. Therefore any syncing with Protern data needs to be done manually.
Pros and cons
- Pro: The rear view is easier for the athlete to understand the movements they are doing
- Con: Time consuming for the coach as you can only film one athlete at a time before having to go back up the hill.
Static cam
A static camera is a camera located in one place on the hill. This could be on a tripod, or a coach standing on the side of the course. Dedicated cameras with a high optical zoom are often used.
Syncing with Protern data
- Automatic syncing: Cameras with a microphone port can use the Protern Clock iOS app or Dish to add an LTC timecode
- Manual syncing: Cameras without a microphone port can still be used to sync with Protern data.
What is LTC?
LTC, or Linear Timecode, is an audio timecode that certain software can decode to understand exactly when each frame of the video was recorded. It was developed over 40 years ago for the Film and Television industry. In order to link video with GPS timecoded data (i.e. Protern data), the LTC needs to record Universal Coordinated Time and date (UTC).
Pros and cons
- Pros: High-zoom, high resolution cameras can be used; Easy to capture all the athletes
- Cons: Can sometimes be difficult to see angles of skier correctly
Point of View (POV)
POV is useful in SkiCross as one athlete's camera can act as a follow cam for the other athletes to see line choice. A helmet mounted 360° type camera is ideal to ensure all the angles and action is covered regardless of the position of the athlete.
Syncing with Protern data
- Automatic syncing: Many 360° action cameras, such as the Insta360 or GoPro Max, include a GPS chip and can record the GPS time for automatic syncing.
Pros and cons
- Pros: 360° action cameras need some processing to get the right angles at the right time
- Cons: Extra step is required to process the video before it can be synced with Protern data
Drone
Drones are used rarely, as most mountains do not allow them on the hill. They can be used as a fast follow cam (i.e. they can fly back up to capture the next athlete), however the high angle is less useful for feedback.
Syncing with Protern data
- Automatic syncing: Many drone cameras, including DJI, include a GPS chip and can record GPS time for automatic syncing.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Capture some interesting views; Great for social media!
- Cons: Probably not allowed at your mountain