Most Commonly Asked Questions Regarding THE BOWCAM

1.) How much does the Bowcam weigh?
      

Since the Bowcam is made out of lightweight aluminum, it only weighs 3/4 lb.  Some stabilizers weigh more.

2.) Do all camcorders work on the Bowcam?

The mini camcorders, also called Handycams, will work on the Bowcam.  There are many that are very affordable.

3.) How much does the camcorder that you put on the Bowcam         weigh?

Depending on which battery pack I use with my Sony Handycam, it can weigh from 2 - 2 1/4 lbs.  Some camcorders are smaller and weigh less than mine.  Every year, camcorders are getting smaller, weighing less, and costing less.

4.) Does the Bowcam act like a stabilizer?

Yes.  We leave the Bowcam on almost all year.  We practice with it and shoot field tips or broadheads with it.

5.) Do you shoot with the camcorder on the Bowcam all of         the time?

No.  We shoot once in awhile with the camcorder on to make any adjustments necessary.  Then when we switch to broadheads, we check everything again.  The less wear and tear on the camcorder, the better.

6.) How do you simulate the weight differential?

We've made a weight that weighs about the same as the camcorder, tapped threads on the bottom, and then attach the quick release plate to it.  Anytime we want to practice with it, we just snap it on and shoot.

7.) Does the Bowcam and camcorder affect arrow          flight?

We haven't noticed any change when we have shot with our bows.  People who bought the Bowcam have said that they shot out to 40 yards and shot the same tight groups as before.  They were impressed!

8.) What happens to the picture when you are taping and            then shoot the bow?

This is the most frequently asked question.  You may notice a slight white out for a few frames.  When I stop the picture and run it back in slow motion, it is hardly noticeable.  With white or bright fletching on your arrow like ours, you can actually see the arrow approach the game and see the hit or miss.  Most camcorders come with a feature called steady shot.  This helps take out alot of movement, so when you start to show your friends those great videos, they won't be able to see how bad you were shaking from BUCK FEVER!  There is also a new product on the market called Limbsaver from Sims Vibration Laboratory (SVL).  It is supposed to reduce up to 65% of the vibration and up to 12 db of noise from the bow.  If this is true, it will make the picture even clearer on the camcorder at the release of the arrow.  From what I've heard, shooters are really impressed.  I will be using this product and will let people know if it works with the Bowcam.

9.) What are the advantages the Bowcam has over tree                mounted camcorder mounts on the market?

Tree mounted devices may work well for some people, but to me they take much more time to set up, which creates noise.  They are also very restricitive, weigh much more, and are bigger than the Bowcam.
Example: Say you hunt over scrapes or put out multiple scent pads.  Which one do you focus your tree-mounted camcorder at?  The one where you think that the animal will show up at, right?  So if the animal doesn't, then you either miss the video or shot, or you have to try to adjust the camcorder while the animal comes in.  Then you have to wait for the animal to stop, hoping that the animal doesn't move until you get the shot off.  If the animal moves, you have to start all over again.  These animals aren't going to wait for you to do all this adjusting before it sees some movement.  Now with the Bowcam, you see the animal coming.  All you have to do is start recording and find the animal on the LCD screen (viewfinder) or first sight pin.  You are holding the bow this whole time.  If it is the animal you want to take, you can wait until it presents the shot you want and....take it!  Wherever the animal shows up, you can get it on video with little movement involved.  When you go to recover the animal, you can put the camcorder on the Bowcam to record it.  You have just recorded your hunt to replay it over and over again.  The little added weight is a small price to pay when you compare the Bowcam to a tree mounted device.

10.) Isn't it alot of extra work to carry the camcorder?

If most of you are like me, you carry a backpack along.  That's where the camcorder goes.  Once I get settled in my treestand or ground blind, I take the camcorder out of the backpack and attach it to the Bowcam.  With the quick release system, it takes only seconds.  I then open the LCD screen (viewfinder) and power up the unit.  I then check it to make sure it's working and if it is, I shut it off.  I then hang my bow on a treestep or bowholder.  When something shows up and I want to videotape it, I grab the bow, turn the power on, press record, and follow the animal.  It's well worth the extra time and effort.  I don't leave home without the camcorder.  Once you start bringing hunting video home, you won't leave home without yours.

    I hope that this has answered some of your questions about the Bowcam.  If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to call!  My phone number is 701-845-2164 or 1-800-962-4502.