Action Cameras - Blindshooting Buts

The Question:

Does using a live-feed device from a marker-mounted action camera count as "blindfiring" your marker?

The Arguments:

Attaching an action camera to your paintball marker can give you some amazing video footage and still photography media, that much is indisputable. However, the use of the newer live-feed systems as a way to shoot from behind cover without actually exposing your mask has become flamewar fodder in a lot of MagFed groups and it's a point of contention in scenario paintball circles as a general community.

Anti-Cornershot:

Now by this point I would think most MilSim enthusiasts will be familiar with the Cornershot system, which allows the operator to fire from a position of cover with a considerable level of accuracy. It's currently used by military and law enforcement units around the world to keep their people safe, or safer while in the line of duty so it can be established that the proof of concept is there in spades.

The issue here comes primarily from the argument that using an action camera as a jury-rigged Cornershot makes scenario play, specifically your CQB engagements, into a pay-to-win game where those who can afford cameras with a live-feed unit have an unfair advantage over the rest of the players on the field.

Pro-Cornershot:

Of course the arguments in support of the allowance of action camera Cornershots are as plentiful as their are benefits of using such a system. At a field or in a game where marker hits do not count (see: Skirmish Paintball) you have the distinct ability to return fire without any risk of actually getting shot out by opposing players barring the odd hand shot by a lucky marksman. Even in a situation where marker hits DO count, you're still presenting a smaller target since your mask, shoulder and arm are still behind cover. You may suffer from some slight video feed lag but it's something you accept as a trade-off when leaving a much smaller profile, especially while using a MagFed marker as there's no hopper hits to be concerned about.

The picture featured here (above-left) is from the Cornershot website, depicting the NLS or Non-Lethal System which advertises a Cornershot unit that has been modified specifically by the company to fit a Tippmann A-5 paintball marker. If the company's making a specific unit I think it becomes safe to say that the system IS effective and would function properly on a paintball field.

My Feelings:

Technology is a crucial part of our sport. Electronic markers and battery-operated force-feed hoppers combine lightweight units with heavy firepower. We have camera systems that some ballers already use to augment their scopes for easier viewing and more accurate shooting.

Does the Cornershot NLS count as blindfiring in my opinion? Absolutely not. It counts as "shooting from behind cover", but it allows you to view your target, and reliably aim your marker at said target. To me this negates the main blindfiring concerns where payer safety is involved. If you blindfire at a field (without visual assistance in the form of a live video feed and a SIGHTED video feed) then you cannot be sure if you're hitting your target, and you can't be sure WHERE you're hitting your target if you hit them at all.

This GIF (which I made at www.imgflip.com) really puts the final nail in the coffin, or bullet in the target of the "does using a camera still count as blindfiring" debate. To me, if your camera is a live feed, and you have it sighted properly with your marker, then you are eliminating the safety concerns which necessitate the "no blindfiring" rule. Once those safety concerns are addressed, and you can both see your target and aim your marker, you are good to go.

This won't sit well with everyone but that's okay, I like discussion. With that said, please keep any comments under this post (and I LOVE reading the comments I get) polite and on-topic. We can have a civil discussion about this can't we?

With all that said, whether you're pro or anti-Cornershot in paintball, I still advise you to keep calm, and throw paint!

Joshua J. Taylor - The Noob Baller