Would a loose, bulky item such as that handcam have been allowed though - what if there had been an ejection.. wouldn't it have taken his head off?
Good question...I've been in this position a few times. The brief is to throw it down by your feet ahead of ejection. Having it slam into your legs at 25g is not recommended for the legs or the arm that's holding it. Having said that you are told these things and then left to make your own arrangements, I did consider stuffing it into a bottom half flying suit pocket if time permitted.