Helmet Cams

[Cayman911]

So, any one have any tips on where i can get my hands on one?

well maybe thats not the right question as the first answer would be the net.
i realise there're many on the net including trademe, but i was hoping they'd be sold in a shop where i could actualy see them and possibly see the quality etc...
im not after the most flash piece of equipment, i just want good video and reasonable audio

My bike being a dirt bike at heart dosnt have a camera mount friendly tank, so i was thinking of getting a helmet cam, and possibly strapping it to the handle bars or something.

[onearmedbandit]

Here in ChCh I know one of the motox accessories stores sell them, and I've seen them in cycle shops as well. I'd suggest trying the same up your way.

[Hurrie]

Here in ChCh I know one of the motox accessories stores sell them, and I've seen them in cycle shops as well. I'd suggest trying the same up your way.

which store is that, cause i'm looking to buy one as well

[onearmedbandit]

Can't remember the name but it's the one on Madras street by Cashel street.

[Kendog]

Get a Go Pro HD.
Awesome video and audio quality. Quite small with a lot of mounting options. Fully water proof and fairly crash proof as well.

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZAyeC8S2Q)is an example of the quality. This is after compression by You tube, the original played directly on computer or TV is amazing.

[Cayman911]

Get a Go Pro HD.
Awesome video and audio quality. Quite small with a lot of mounting options. Fully water proof and fairly crash proof as well.

Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WZAyeC8S2Q)is an example of the quality. This is after compression by You tube, the original played directly on computer or TV is amazing.

Does it cost a fortune though? i have no idea about the prices. but would 2-300$ get anything? cause if im spending like 600, i can buy a proper HD full video camera lol.

[steve_t]

I've also got a GoPro HD and it's great. Wind noise is a bit more than what I've seen in other videos but I suspect it has to do with my mounting position. My only gripe is a lack of image stabilization but I think I should be able to sort that out using the missus' Mac and the iMovie prog. Just a warning that they are very picky with SD cards and only a Kingston 16gb card seems to work flawlessly

[Headbanger]

Go Pro HD is $525 new on Trademe.

Where can you buy a HD Video Camera for $600, mine had a sticker price of 3 times that.

Anyway, Back to Helmet Cameras, if I were going to buy another one then it would definitely be the Go Pro HD, Blows the pants off the two helmet cameras I already have.

[Big Dave]

For $129 I have found this one to be very good value from Mr Retro Asian.

640 x 480 at 30 frames per second and it's half the size of a bic lighter. comes with good mounting solutions too.

http://www.activecomponents.com/Product-Mini-DV-Sports-Cam-Black-%28includes-2GB-micro-SD-card%29_1321378.aspx

[steve_t]

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, check out this thread

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1129557023

Edit: Big Dave beat me to it

[no_8wire]

Torpedo7 are having a sale on helmet cams at the moment..havent got this one so unsure on how good they are though Click the link (http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/1DCMHN919/title/camshot-action-helmet-camera)

[Kendog]

I've also got a GoPro HD and it's great. Wind noise is a bit more than what I've seen in other videos but I suspect it has to do with my mounting position. My only gripe is a lack of image stabilization but I think I should be able to sort that out using the missus' Mac and the iMovie prog. Just a warning that they are very picky with SD cards and only a Kingston 16gb card seems to work flawlessly
I shoot only in mode 3, the 60fps makes the image that much smoother on playback.

[motorbyclist]

i'm pretty sure cycletreads on barrys point road has some on display...

I got my atc2k for $250 a few years ago - takes reasonable footage for youtube use at 640x480 and has survived many a fall onto the road but is a bit bulky and i found mounting it on the tank with a foam block gave a much more stable mount than putting it on my helmet

newer model here --> http://www2.oregonscientific.com/cat-Outdoor-sub-Action-Cams-prod-ATC3K-Action-Camera-and-4-Gig-SD-Card-Bundle.html

[Cayman911]

Go Pro HD is $525 new on Trademe.

Where can you buy a HD Video Camera for $600, mine had a sticker price of 3 times that.


was either 600 or 800, last year sony had a special, got my HD handy cam and they threw in a free cybershot cam too :)

anyways, id love a go pro HD buts its a bit too costy for me atm. unless i can get a second hand one or something.


.
the one you sent has an amazing price, cheaper than the brandless ones on trademe even, is it any good? i assume you got one. how's the audio?


.
would i notice a huge difference between the 30 and 60 fps?

[Cayman911]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Other/auction-285320759.htm

also found that, but the older model had crap audio quality and made everything look dark, from the footage i saw in youtube. dont know if its worth $300..

[zeocen]

All I can say is, buy a known product with good support. Don't buy the cheap stuff.

The top three in my books, in order, would be GoPro HD, VIO POV 1.5 and Contour HD.

The HD cams have the obvious HD advantage, the VIO POV has a microphone. Though, the GoPro HD is soon coming out with a wireless video wristwatch to act as a remote/screen and also a wireless microphone in the later months.

[Headbanger]

ATK gear is crap, Better off buying the one suggested by BD.

[EJK]

I got this for around $140. Cheap quality but hey, I got what I paid for. Here's the quality.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/du3J4MopI2c&hl=ko&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/du3J4MopI2c&hl=ko&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Fits SD card upto 2GB. It was called "FlyCamOne" I think. If you are after "quality" video, then this one is not really the one for you. But if you are after a cheap, small, and useful videocamera, then this one could be it.

[steve_t]

I shoot only in mode 3, the 60fps makes the image that much smoother on playback.

Cheers Kendog! I'll give it a try and see if it helps :niceone: Bling sent

[Cayman911]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Video-cameras/Video-cameras/auction-286860244.htm

Thats also from Gopro, slightly cheaper than the HD.

would that be any decent?

The contour HD and the gopro HD are just too expensive for me...

[Kendog]

would i notice a huge difference between the 30 and 60 fps?
Yes, 60fps is awesome for fast moving action e.g. on a bike/car or base jumping


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Video-cameras/Video-cameras/auction-286860244.htm

Thats also from Gopro, slightly cheaper than the HD.

would that be any decent?

The contour HD and the gopro HD are just too expensive for me...
If price is a consideration then this might be a good option. I have seen good video footage for this Go pro on you tube. What it lacks over the HD is picture quality, sound quality and in built battery. But still not a bad little camera.

[Cayman911]

Yes, 60fps is awesome for fast moving action e.g. on a bike/car or base jumping


If price is a consideration then this might be a good option. I have seen good video footage for this Go pro on you tube. What it lacks over the HD is picture quality, sound quality and in built battery. But still not a bad little camera.

Yeah with the current NZ dollar, its much much cheaper just to buy it off the GoPro website. can get the camera, handle bar mount and suction cup mount for $210 NZD , or just GoPro HD for $350

[Kendog]

Yeah with the current NZ dollar, its much much cheaper just to buy it off the GoPro website. can get the camera, handle bar mount and suction cup mount for $210 NZD , or just GoPro HD for $350
I did think about doing that, but I wanted the peace of mind with the warranty (and supporting local business)

[Big Dave]

the one you sent has an amazing price, cheaper than the brandless ones on trademe even, is it any good? i assume you got one. how's the audio?



Makes you talk a bit funny - but hey I'm australian.

mounting it on the forks of a harley is not good for vibration - but audio is like the vision - pretty good for the money. Ordinary compared to a $600 unit.

<object height="385" width="480">


<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xAR55KTRsGE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xAR55KTRsGE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hQARtbEzdCs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></object>

[Jonno.]

Torpedo7 are having a sale on helmet cams at the moment..havent got this one so unsure on how good they are though Click the link (http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/1DCMHN919/title/camshot-action-helmet-camera)

Anyone own one of these? It's water proof and 80 bucks.

[Cayman911]

Makes you talk a bit funny - but hey I'm australian.

mounting it on the forks of a harley is not good for vibration - but audio is like the vision - pretty good for the money. Ordinary compared to a $600 unit.


First of all, Awesome bike. i think ive seen you rounding round mission bay , or someone just like.

thats the place i enjoy riding most.

but the camera, i guess the music means the wind noise is beyond listenable? quality isnt bad though considering the price.

[Jonno.]

Second one has audio.

[Cayman911]

Second one has audio.

Yeah, i moved houses, thanks to telecom's awesome efficiency my broadband isnt connected yet. so the epic dial up speed left me with only the first one loaded :)

now i see the second one

[Jonno.]

For 130 bucks it's not bad. Does anyone know how they're powered?

[retro asian]

Hey guys,
Our camera has a built in battery, it is charged via a USB cable. Click on my signature pic for an example of the video.
(note: the funny black thing at the top of the screen is the bottom of my helmet!)

If something on one of our cameras breaks, we'll swap yours for a brand new one (if it breaks from reasonable use etc).
Anyone who wants to see one in the flesh can send me a pm, I can bring one to NASS in Albany or you guys can pop in to our office building in Glenfield.
Thanks!

[jeffs]

Cheap and cheerful $119 with a warranty in all big towns.

http://jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=QC3238&keywords=video+camera&form=KEYWORD

[Cayman911]

There's also this from a very realiable source/shop.
$99
http://hobbycity.co.nz/Soldat/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=30421

[evilrsvrguy]

Dont go for the 3mp GoPro,i got one at the end of last year and have only used it a few times and it has stopped working, i took it back to the store i got it and they rang the distributor who said that 90% of the 3mp have had the same prob and i could have my money back or fork out another $200 for the 5MP

[Jonno.]

I'm just confused now :lol:

[Cayman911]

Dont go for the 3mp GoPro,i got one at the end of last year and have only used it a few times and it has stopped working, i took it back to the store i got it and they rang the distributor who said that 90% of the 3mp have had the same prob and i could have my money back or fork out another $200 for the 5MP
But from www.gopro.com you can get the 5mp package with all the mounts for $230 NZD, including post?


I'm just confused now :lol:
tell me about it dude.... i hate options sometimes...

[retro asian]

Ours (Active Components Mini DV Cam) comes with lots of mounting accessories, and a fully waterproof cover will available for sale soon too :blip:

It's great for posting vids on the internet.
But if you want really good quality for playing back on an LCD TV etc, go with the more expensive HD cameras.

[Jonno.]

How much do you think the cover will be?

[NordieBoy]

Torpedo7 are having a sale on helmet cams at the moment..havent got this one so unsure on how good they are though Click the link (http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/1DCMHN919/title/camshot-action-helmet-camera)

Hmmm...
Looks quite good but the mount looks very ATK'ish. Same sculpted curves and all.

[paturoa]

Here is the cheapest I've seen http://www.svdownunder.com/index.php?topic=23476.0;topicseen

[sinned]

The choice of low cost helmet cams is growing. Check out ebay to see what is available - http://cgi.ebay.com/Lightest-Cordless-Helmet-Camera-Video-Recorder-720x480P-/250618031387?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Camcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras&hash=item3a59ffad1b
- this one is cheap but there are cheaper ones depending on the freight charges.
The VIO POV 1.5 still has to be the best IMO and the price has dropped by 30 - 40% since I was first interested in getting one.

[Jonno.]

Wow. 12 bucks. That's insane.

[1RIPOFF1]

Dam thats loose ride n was there two diff class race n at the same time ? top shot where you find the vid cam n how much$$ .
THANKS

[zeocen]

The VIO POV 1.5 still has to be the best IMO and the price has dropped by 30 - 40% since I was first interested in getting one.

It's definitely got the full package if you like to talk during rides, however it has a lot of shortcomings too. Which is why I would place the GoPro HD above the VIO if you are interested in video only, and not sound.

I would also advise against the non HD GoPro, they are still quite expensive for what they are and the HD version has some significant improvements over it that are well worth the money (including the upcoming wireless microphone and LED watch accessories)

Cheap and nasty ones are going to give you cheap and nasty results, however there are some stark differences between the high end ones also.

Firstly the Contour HD just plain doesn't handle bumps and jumps very well, the image stabilisation (or lackthereof) causes it to have wobbles in it's video. The internal microphone is also the worst of the bunch.

The GoPro is basically a box and can look cumbersome, if you don't mind looking like a bit of a whacko this isn't really a problem - and in fact if I were just looking for video only this is the only problem I can find with it. It's extremely versatile and the waterproof casing allows for both fun times in the water and clouds the microphone (which, if I recall, is placed in a different area than the non HD version, allowing for better clarity at speed).

The VIO POV 1.5 has the most features, but also the biggest downfalls. It's essentially two entities, the camera plus cord and the recording unit. Connecting these two are pins which are extremely frail and snap on a whim, what's worse is that this part isn't replacable. You need to buy a whole new unit (even though it actually is quite easy to remove if VIO had replacable pins to sell, but they don't). If you intend on doing any sort of intense riding like, say off roading, then you need to be wary of this because it's not as impact-proof as it claims to be. It is actually quite frail.

The microphone is good, it is attached to the cord so you can feed it up into your helmet and talk if you wish, however it can sometimes be overly sensitive (even with the sensitivity settings on the lowest) to wind and will make your voice/bike volume jump up and down trying to adjust to the random buffetts of wind.

But the worst part of the VIO is the support, there is absolutely no support to speak of. The contrast out of the box is laughable at best, but they expect you to pay 10 pounds for a firmware update that helps control the contrast a bit better, after you've shelled out a good dime purchasing the camera. Then there is the flimsy pin issue, they could send replacement pins, even at a price, but they won't. They expect you to buy a whole new unit.

The shock resistant does work, to an extent. While spills and hard knocks won't damage your unit (but may damage the pins), it will automatically shut itself off to prevent itself from any further damage. This is fine but you lose all the footage you were recording. This won't happen on either the Contour HD or GoPro HD.

Holy moses, this is a long rant! Time to rehydrate :D

Anywho, here's a random sample of the VIO that I've recorded to get an idea of the audio/video quality. With all it's shortcomings it's still the best for me as it allows me to talk random shit while riding (and ESPECIALLY good for video evidence when a motorist does something silly, "plate number XXXXXX just switched lanes without indicating rah rah" etc.

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