[SlagMan]

Howdy, I am a Junior College welding instructor and I am wanting to video my and my students' welds. I was a photographer in a previous life, so I have lots of experience behind the lens, but it was all film and still photography. Video is an entirely different animal. Does anyone have any experience shooting the weld puddle? I see plenty of bad welding video on YouTube. There is no sense in shooting welding unless you can filter it. A friend told me not to waste my time on video cameras but go to the newer DSLR's that have video capability. That makes sense to me but I am also wanting to be able to slow down the action. Most cameras shoot the normal 24 or maybe 30 frames per second, a few shoot 60 fps which makes the slowing effect just noticeable. Does anyone have any experience shooting the weld puddle with filtering? Thanks.

[KP161]

this isn't an answer, more of a thanx for getting my brain working...

i was thinking of videoing some of my welds once i get onto it and you got me thinking about filtering...
i was a pro shooter as well (here's hoping i never have to attend another wedding as long as i live ) and have some Cokin P series filters still around somewhere. what ND are you thinking about using?

[WerkSpace]

I have no experience shooting welding videos.
The Nikon V1 camera can shoot 1200fps in lower resolution.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A2X6jlVxDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTwvfjbNnk8

The crop factor of this camera allows better zoom range with standard lenses.
i.e. 50mm X 2.7 crop factor = 135mm mid range zoom (with no loss of light).
i.e. 200mm X 2.7 crop factor = 540mm long range zoom (with no loss of light).
This is a paparazzi's dream camera. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0AYjibuXoM
While people are seeking faster glass, Nikon has solved the problem in a different way.

An optional LCD viewfinder 3X loupe will allow you to see absolute focus.
Even if you have to fabricate this loupe to save money, it's worth the investment.
http://marvelsfilm.files.wordpress.com/ ... d_50mm.jpg

Fit the camera with an auto darkening welding hood shade.
Attach the camera to a tripod and set the focus.
The camera can be operated by remote control.

[SlagMan]

Thanks guys. Yes, I had planned on using an auto-darkening filter in front, probably on 12 or 13 for maximum detail in the puddle area, then lightening as necessary. We all know that despite that brilliant light at the end of the torch/stinger/gun, once filtered, it doesn't always light up much of the joint. Would blasting it with an external light open up more area? Or is that just like pissing on a forest fire?

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Send a msg to Jody via the contact us tab on the main Wt&t page. Ask him what he uses. I beleive it is just a camera with a cover lenes to stop sparks. I think the automatic settings on the camera filter out the arc light.

Mick