The definition of start says (in part) "a boat starts when, having been entirely on the pre-start side ... any part of her hull, crew or equipment crosses the starting line...". Therefore, when starting, crew and equipment need not be in their normal position. I interpret this to mean that "entirely on the pre-start side" includes out-of-position crew and equipment.

That means that if a crew member is leaning outboard and waving their arms across the line at the starting signal, then the boat is on course side.

I would consider a camera mounted to a part of the boat (such as the spinnaker pole) to be "equipment". I don't see any rational argument otherwise. If it is affixed such that it does not move while racing, or if it is a position that is appropriate for the boat's point of sail at the finish, then I'd say it is "equipment in normal position".

I agree that there are situations where a boat may be capsized but not in danger. In that case, however, I'd expect the crew to be able to right the boat promptly without needing assistance. As race committee, I always ask if a boat needs help and wait until they say yes (unless I judge that they need it regardless) before giving aid.

I hope that helps,
Eric