How to Film Swimmers for Evaluations

Important Note to the Viewer

LESSONS: 9 VIDEOS

iPhone or GoPro and Deckshots

While you're always free to change the settings on your phone or GoPro to get better video, part of the process of feedback is the uploading and delivery. The iPhone solution is far faster and the end video will be exactly the same between the two. If you're on an Android phone, you'll follow the path of the GoPro for uploading on the website, and we ARE working on an updated app that will be for both iPhone and Android. Whichever way you go, the most important thing to do is to simply share video with your swimmers!

Speed of the Swimmer

The faster the swimmer, the more bouncy the video can be. Make sure the stick isn't extended SO far that the camera will start to shake. The smoother the video, the more information will get back to your swimmers.

Positioning the Swimmer

Depending on what you want to film, moving the swimmer closer or further away from the camera can change the perspective. Most videos will try to have the swimmer on the far side of the lane in comparison to the camera. This allows the field of view to be wider and the full body can be captured in lane one.

Orienting the Camera

Letting the camera do the work, means setting up the angles just right, so all you have to do is walk.

Starting to Film

There are little things you need to be aware of when filming with the iPhone. The screen may zoom. The screen may flip. When you rush, the water may press against the screen and cause trouble. This video will give you a couple tricks to keep in mind to keep your filming consistent. Make sure you order the HITCASE PRO with SUPERWIDE LENS for your iPhone.

Use the Buttons

You can use the face of the phone to start your filming, but the volume buttons become shutter controls when you're using the camera. It's far more consistent and will save you frustration if you use the buttons. Make sure you order the HITCASE PRO with SUPERWIDE LENS for your iPhone.

Select Your Selfie Stick

We've pretty much tried them all... and eventually... broken them all. The QuikPod Selfie stick is the best we've found. Waterproof, and just a solid stick!

Waterproofing Your Camera

Just because it says "waterproof", check the fine print on your warranty. Make sure you order the HITCASE PRO with SUPERWIDE LENS for your iPhone. Take your time in checking all ports and openings, and make sure you do all the proper "pre-dunk" tests with your equipment.

Setting up Your Camera

Making sure you use the right settings for your filming, will help you get through the process more quickly. While you're free to use the highest resolution the camera provides, that will only add time and data loads that won't ultimately give any better feedback to the athletes.