Video Analysis SoftwareVideo analysis software permits direct capture of the images taken by most commercial camcorders to your PC or laptop. What I'll describe here applies to Windows-based PCs, since I have not yet found comparable software for the Macintosh platform. CSwing SoftwareI use video analysis software called CSwing from a company by the same name. They are based in El Paso, Texas. Computer Requirements Basic computer requirements are, a laptop with:
I prefer laptops for mobility, since I take mine to the range to capture video and analyze swings on-site for customers (and myself). My laptop is a Sony VAIO, which I like because it has the built-in FireWire port, a wide screen for showing videos to players and it is relatively rugged for field use. It would be nice to have a lighter notebook or even a tablet PC, but you trade off durability for weight when you go lighter. Also, lighter costs more. I also have a multi-media desktop at home which I use to archive videos collections, but that is not strictly necessary. If you prefer desktops, they are cheaper and more flexible in terms of the configuration you need. A Dell or HP desktop with:
might cost you between $500 - $750. Video Analysis Software FeaturesCSwing Version 2006 costs $150 The video analysis software supports up to 8 cameras, but for practical purposes two is enough. For me, one is practical since two is too expensive! Two would be nice, of course, as you could capture a golfer from two angles simultaneously. One angle from behind, looking down the target line; the second from the side, looking at the golfer face-on.Swing Library A swing library containing recorded swings of well-known professional golfers provides a very useful reference of good swings by itself. For example, the following swings are included, each from two angles, showing themwith different clubs:
Slow Motion & Bookmarking Each library swing has been analyzed. A swing is displayed with a timeline between 0 to 5 seconds. Along the line are "bookmarks" where the swing motion can be stopped a key points (e.g. takeaway, wrist cock, top of backswing, start of downswing, downswing lag just before impact, impact, and follow-through). At each of these key points the swing motion can be stopped for closer examination. When your swing is added on the second half of the screen, your corresponding bookmarks can be added manually and both swings "synchronized" to see how you match up with, say David Toms. Video analysis software is very revealing, to say the least when you match yourself up with the pros. Flipping Swing Images Besides studying the individual swings in slow motion, a nice feature is that you can split the screen in two, put your swing next to any golfer in the library and match them up frame by frame. This is an excellent feature. Even Mike Weir, for example, despite being left handed, can be flipped to "right hand mode" so that I can compare myself (a righty) with Canada's Masters Champion.
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