This little miracle is currently selling for peanuts.
Us coaches often tell our athletes that they can video themselves and then study the videos to see how they look, how their form and execution are coming. They can send us clips through the Internet and then we can discuss them with them. Right?
Do they do that?
Well, it is hard. Because of the advent of smart phones, many do not have videocams or still cameras with video capability any more. Setting up a cell phone to take pictures/videos that include an archer’s whole body and bow, or specific close-ups, is a pain in tuchas. Cameras had sockets to attach them to tripods which were adjustable to hold the camera still and in position … cellphones not so much.
Enter a little company called WyzeCam. They make a little “pod” camera has an 2.8mm focal length. 110º wide angle lens. 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor. 1920×1080 (1080p) full HD. HD means images so clear you won’t miss a thing.
WyzeCam automatically records a 10-15 second alert video when it detects motion or sounds and while this is designed for security or baby-watching uses, it seems almost perfect for taking short video clips of archers. Videos are securely uploaded to the AWS Cloud via end-to-end encryption and are accessible for 14 days – no subscription plan required.
Use a microSD card (not included) for continuous recording and storage. The camera will overwrite the oldest files when the microSD card is filled. If you off-load those microSD card videos onto a laptop or other computer, you can keep an archive of videos and send any you want your coach to analyze via the Internet.
Okay, so far, BFD, it is just another pod camera.
No, it is not. The reason it is not is its selling price … wait for it … wait …
Currently it is selling at … $19.95 (https://www.wyzecam.com). (This is a break even price, apparently, so expect it to go up some in the near future.)
And, the first person to send in a review of its archery uses for publication in Archery Focus magazine, will get my gratitude and a $100 check, which will by you five more if you want them.
A Blog for Archery Coaches 