Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a base frame which provides support, a extensible telescoping mast with camera mounts to elevate a video camera to a higher vantage point, an operator control assembly which allows the user to manually aim the video camera which is beyond his reach, and a display for the user to view the output from the video camera. This gives the operator an advantageous vantage point and field of view during sporting events, social functions, photojournalism, crowd control and the study of nature, to name only a few applications. Embodiments of the invention may additionally comprise a camera control module to remotely control the electronic functions of the camera (e.g. zoom) and an optional sunscreen to shield the display from direct sunlight.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention allows the user to assign one or more parameter from a list of parameter to a cut of video footage during its recording. Afterwards, the cut of video footage may immediately be selected according to those parameters and reviewed. Other parameters may also be assigned to the cut of video footage either before or after the recording of that footage. The assignment of parameters may be accomplished via a specialized control box with toggles, knobs, and buttons, or via a touch screen display, or both. Another embodiment allows the recording of video footage onto the hard disk of a computer, after which the computer may act as a server of a wireless network and allows client devices (computers, handheld devices) to access the video footage.