GoPro mounting

[RJM]

I've just bought myself a GoPro and get my bike back next weekend so looking forward to having a play.

Have those of you with them, and similar helmet cameras, mounted on the top or the side?

Top - good view out in front and quite a bit of periphial vision, no visibility of the bike unless you're looking straight down.

Side - more of a view of the handle bars and front guard, but a fair bit of the screen is taken up with the side of the helmet.

Cheers,
Ryan

[Kendog]

Depends on the view you want. Personally I have not mounted it on my helmet, but I like the view when mounted on the tank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCuD8RJ3eg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I have also mounted on the tail facing me and also facing backwards, both good.

[RJM]

I had thought about mounting on the handlebars but being a dirt bike they get thrown around a lot so the recording would be rather shakey. The body seems stabilise your head hence a reasonably smooth recording from a helmet mount.

[Mungatoke Mad]

I have a V.I.O P.O.V helmet camera mounted on the side for better survival chances in case of an off & it can be Quickly reversed for a rear view
As you said you need the body as a shock absorber off road & as it's side mounted you do lose a bit of the view to the helmet but the footage still comes out Good.

[steve_t]

Helmet chin bar - looks where I look; gets a view of the instrument cluster

[Kendog]

My bad, didn't notice this was off road forum.
Have you looked at the go pro chest mount, that might be better.

[noobi]

JT119 mounts his gopro on the bars sometimes, works ok.

<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QQmcsdtMv5Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Jay GTI]

I mount mine on the top of my helmet, seems to work well. A mate prefers the chest mount, as it tends not to flatten out the scenery as much, plus you get a bit of the bike. to get the right angle on my helmet mount, I only get a bit of the front fender in the shot, which is pretty much all that's needed IMHO.

[RJM]

Thanks for the comments. Going to try top of the helmet and also a chest mount - I always wear a chest guard anyway.

Can't wait to have a play although I am worried the camera won't lie and I will show my truly average riding hah.

[Shorty_925]

Ive only ever had it on the top of my helmet for off road. Came out alright when watching on the tv, had it so the bottom of the picture had the helmet logo, which was complete pot-luck. You could see the front fender easily, and wheel, and if I lent back the handle bars. Having the camera on the helmet does make for smooth recording so people watching never believe how rough the ground is. The cameras are so good and one of the best training guides to improve riding as it highlights if your on or off the gas and makes you think I should have gone fast here or there.

[motor_mayhem]

Helmet chin bar - looks where I look; gets a view of the instrument cluster


That is what I did with my contour HD, I find it's quite good and it doesn't look like I am missing a whole heap of peripheral

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlfFykh9hI

Also with a cam on the top of your helmet you have to be a bit careful with low hanging tree branches and shrubbery

[GPXchick]

Hi all just got the Go Pro HD Hero Bloody brilliant. Way better than i imagined the quality and sound to be for such a small old fashioned looking thing.

A quick question What software do you guys use to edit your footage to make it sizable for utube. I have a few vids now, however they are too long or big to upload as one. ANY SUGGESTIONS :D

[Jay GTI]

I use Sony Vegas Pro... which I, um, borrowed off some pirates...

[Mungatoke Mad]

I use Sony Vegas Pro... which I, um, borrowed off some pirates... Somali ??.

[sil3nt]

I use Sony Vegas Pro... which I, um, borrowed off some pirates...+1

Sony vegas is easy to use.

[steve_t]

That is what I did with my contour HD, I find it's quite good and it doesn't look like I am missing a whole heap of peripheral

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJlfFykh9hI

Also with a cam on the top of your helmet you have to be a bit careful with low hanging tree branches and shrubbery

Sweet. You know we all wanna see the crash footage ;) :yes:

[motor_mayhem]

My camera wasn't running when I crashed. :facepalm:

However my mate's was and he was riding beside me watching me. He has uploaded his vid to facebook.

[george formby]

I have been having a tutu with mine. Stuck it on my hemlet but the footage was not particularly dynamic & I felt like a tellytubby. Used the sucker mount on the fairing but too much vibration came through the arm & excessive wind noise, stuck like buggery though & on Sunday I put one of the self adhesive mounts on the base of the screen above the headlight. No mudguard visible but excellent footage, very little vibration & by far & away the best sound, wind noise begins above 100kmh but all thumpy thumpy below that.

I downloaded the trial version of Sony vegas but I'm frightened of it, it seems to do an awful lot of stuff!

[sil3nt]

I downloaded the trial version of Sony vegas but I'm frightened of it, it seems to do an awful lot of stuff!Well they do use it to edit movies with!

A few basics are:

Drag your video on to the video timeline. Pressing s will splice the video into parts where the current marker is.

Hold down Ctrl and drag the end of the video to speed up or slow down the video (if you don't hold Ctrl it either cuts the video short or repeats it).

To fade two clips together grab the little blue triange in the corners of the clip and drag them. Its good to have the clips overlay each other so they fade into each other and not fade to black first.

To add text right click on the text row in the timeline and select "insert text media".

There should be an "Upload to youtube" option under the project menu which seems to work fine and saves a bit of time.

[george formby]

Well they do use it to edit movies with!

A few basics are:

Drag your video on to the video timeline. Pressing s with splice the video into parts where the current marker is.

Hold down Ctrl and drag the end of the video to speed up or slow down the video (if you don't hold Ctrl it either cuts the video short or repeats it).

To fade two clips together grab the little blue triange in the corners of the clip and drag them. Its good to have the clips overlay each other so they fade into each other and not fade to black first.

To add text right click on the text row in the timeline and select "insert text media".

There should be an "Upload to youtube" option under the project menu which seems to work fine and saves a bit of time.

That is very genelmunly of you, thank you.

I used the tutorial when I downloaded it & it made my ears bleed, just a case of getting into really.

[Jay GTI]

That is very genelmunly of you, thank you.

I used the tutorial when I downloaded it & it made my ears bleed, just a case of getting into really.

Yeah it is all a bit daunting at first, but spending some time going through the interactive tutorials really helps. Once the basics are mastered, you can start messing about with the really cool stuff.

[Jay GTI]

My first vid with the GoPro Hero HD, edited in Sony Vegas...

Just a warm up lap, I was a bit hung over, had arm pump, hadn't properly loosened up yet, was faster in the afternoon but camera memory was already full (and other 'convenient' excuses for my crap riding...:innocent:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HezQ0Av2tFE

[george formby]

My first vid with the GoPro Hero HD, edited in Sony Vegas...

Just a warm up lap, I was a bit hung over, had arm pump, hadn't properly loosened up yet, was faster in the afternoon but camera memory was already full (and other 'convenient' excuses for my crap riding...:innocent:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HezQ0Av2tFE

I guess i got to get my ass into gear & make a movie.:scooter:

[Jay GTI]

I guess i got to get my ass into gear & make a movie.:scooter:

yep, no excuses now... :yes:

[oldskool]

Chest mounted GoPro 960. Clacking sound is the zipper of my body suit which is half undone to allow the unit to peek out. Next ride I'll wrap a cloth around the unit to act as a damper.
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_iTwI8JOE_4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[george formby]

Finally managed to upload a clip. All sorts of strange noises....
Camera is mounted on the front of the fairing, smack bang in the middle.

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8l20Cet7to8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[banditrider]

Ok, so this is an offroad thread but I'll stick me beak in. I've just got a GoPro and have put a RAM mount on by clutch reservoir - not sure how practical that is on a dirt bike but it works for me.

5n8PsaagRz4

[george formby]

Ok, so this is an offroad thread but I'll stick me beak in. I've just got a GoPro and have put a RAM mount on by clutch reservoir - not sure how practical that is on a dirt bike but it works for me.



Looks good to me. More food for thought.

I was oblivious to this being an off road thread, sorry!

[sil3nt]

Finally managed to upload a clip. All sorts of strange noises....
Camera is mounted on the front of the fairing, smack bang in the middle.

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8l20Cet7to8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Strange noises?
Looks and sounds good to me!

[robertydog]

Finally managed to upload a clip. All sorts of strange noises....
Camera is mounted on the front of the fairing, smack bang in the middle.


Make sure you use the Doohickey as the clicking noise comes from the mount. You can also put a bit of tape on the mount as well to ensure a tight fit.
GA-BvymgNxI

[george formby]

Make sure you use the Doohickey as the clicking noise comes from the mount. You can also put a bit of tape on the mount as well to ensure a tight fit.


Got my Doohickey on! Why did I not find this vid before I started tutuing with my Doohickey.:niceone:

[nicardy724]

Hey just wondering what software you guys are using to edit the clips ie; make it smaller to upload etc?. Are there any good free apps out there that can be used to edit GoPro footage. Cheers

[nicardy724]

Hey just wondering what software you guys are using to edit the clips ie; make it smaller to upload etc?. Are there any good free apps out there that can be used to edit GoPro footage. Cheers

Arrh I see Sony Vegas is the one. excuse the last post

[Bender]

Query - has anyone taken one of the "permanent" mounts off? If so, how did you get it off.

Is the sticky mounting stuff available anywhere?

[george formby]

Query - has anyone taken one of the "permanent" mounts off? If so, how did you get it off.

Is the sticky mounting stuff available anywhere?

apparently you warm the self adhesive mount with a hairdryer to remove.

Re- editing. I am still no further ahead with free software but the free trial of sony vegas works a treat. i have downloaded all the codecs etc to change the format so I can use windows movie maker but am no further ahead in making this happen. :angry::angry:
Lack of knowledge..:yes:

[sil3nt]

Query - has anyone taken one of the "permanent" mounts off? If so, how did you get it off.

Is the sticky mounting stuff available anywhere?Heat like george said. People say you can re use them but be weary of them not sticking as well. You can buy the 3M tape they use but apparently that is expensive. You can get a pack of 5 mounts for $20 on ebay i think.

[FlangMasterJ]

apparently you warm the self adhesive mount with a hairdryer to remove.

What if they're on ones helmet?

[oldskool]

With a wide plastic spatula slowly worked around the edges the adhesive releases. If you can't be bothered ordering the 5 pack off ebay a generous smear of contact adhesive on the remaining foam and the helmet works well.
You should always tether the camera to the helmet peak with a bit of string as insurance.

This is a recycled mount placed 6 months ago with contact adhesive and it hasn't fallen off yet.

<object width="400" height="300" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/1973952740763" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/1973952740763" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>

[oldguy]

Little off topic

GOPro HD,

What model to buy? Ive been looking at these two, what do you guys think and is it a good price?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379832716

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379611022

also looking at this the latest contour GPS 1080p

ebay. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Contour-GPS-1080p-Full-HD-Helmet-Camera-ContourGPS-NEW-/180669947489?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item2a10c49e61

by my calculations it works out about $425.921 NZD shipped

[oldskool]

Little off topic

GOPro HD,

What model to buy? Ive been looking at these two, what do you guys think and is it a good price?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379832716

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379611022



I paid $350 for my 960 from a retail outlet (for warranty purposes) and was happy with my purchase then was gutted when Torpedo 7 specialed them for $70 less a month later. But then I justified it with my warranty peace of mind.

I am happy with it in everyway except for 2 things. It won't shoot at 50fps at HD and 960 is not an industry standard so I have to either extrapolate to 1080 or shoot at 720. I choose to stretch to 1080 and still get acceptable results for internet use.

[DrunkenMistake]

I dont think I have posted here yet, i didnt read the lot,

Mounting - use the supplied stick on mounts, clean the surface with something like a Alcohol based cleaner (drys fast), to remove the mounts you heat them up with a hair dryer, ill post a link to one of my vids, I think I have 3 or 4 vids with different mounts, im soon going to take vids in all the mounts and upload them as one just havnt got around to it,
if your using it on the road then I suggest the likes of the suction cup mount, pretty good on the tank it does move a little, make sure you put a little tape on the mounts first before you slide them in it insures a good fit and limits the movement.

Editing software - I have started using Sony Vegas, I would recommend getting it, has taken me a little to get used to and my latest vid didnt upload the sound, but its really straight forward.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5VBpuuKTrA

[secondfield]

Oh, interesting to hear that about the gopro 960. I am about to buy one and have a couple of questions:

- With the more expensive 1080 HD version you get 1080 and 960 at 30fps and 720 at 60fps (for slow motion detail?)

- In hindsight would you have bought the 1080 version instead? with the 960 you get 720 also but only at 30fps. From what i see on the net this is okay with slow mo too.

- Does the sony vega editor let you run slow motion?

[Kendog]

Oh, interesting to hear that about the gopro 960. I am about to buy one and have a couple of questions:

- With the more expensive 1080 HD version you get 1080 and 960 at 30fps and 720 at 60fps (for slow motion detail?)

- In hindsight would you have bought the 1080 version instead? with the 960 you get 720 also but only at 30fps. From what i see on the net this is okay with slow mo too.

- Does the sony vega editor let you run slow motion?
60fps is not just about slow motion. It makes fast moving action smoother during playback, this is very noticeable for motorsports e.g. When mounted to a bike.
720 60fps is much better than 1080 30fps IMHO

[oldskool]

Oh, interesting to hear that about the gopro 960. I am about to buy one and have a couple of questions:

- With the more expensive 1080 HD version you get 1080 and 960 at 30fps and 720 at 60fps (for slow motion detail?)

- In hindsight would you have bought the 1080 version instead? with the 960 you get 720 also but only at 30fps. From what i see on the net this is okay with slow mo too.

- Does the sony vega editor let you run slow motion?

I use both sony vega and premiere pro. Both have their merits. Be sure to use Sony Vegas 10 if you run with SVP and playing with mp4.

Use a free mp4 cutter to cut the 4gb vids down to smaller clips so you don't crash SVP.

Slomo works best with high fps. Even running 30fps rather than 25fps is telling. Just remember to edit in that framerate else you'll get weird jitter effects. 25fps is set up for PAL TV so if your target audience is internet running at 25 or 30 isn't a major.

Nope I'm happy with the 960 because if I were to shoot at 50 (or 60) I'd be dropping back to 25 anyway. The higher frame-rate captures higher speed better so when you drop back to 25 in post-production the frame is that little bit sharper...and because the 960 shoots down to 1 lux there isn't a major with reduced lighting in the higher framerate. But given all that you can't argue with $350...it's a bargain for what you get really.

[banditrider]

A tip I was given to decrease the amount of stress on the case's latch was to remove the rubber gasket. The person giving me the advice reckoned that water would still not get in.

It's true that the case still latches securely and that the seal is still pretty good...but, the other day I had mine on in pretty steady rain and a few drops did fine there way in (did a lot of slow riding and bike was parked in the wet a few times).

No issues with the camera though but I think the gasket will be going back in next time I'm riding in the rain...

[oldguy]

I use both sony vega and premiere pro. Both have their merits. Be sure to use Sony Vegas 10 if you run with SVP and playing with mp4.

Use a free mp4 cutter to cut the 4gb vids down to smaller clips so you don't crash SVP.

Slomo works best with high fps. Even running 30fps rather than 25fps is telling. Just remember to edit in that framerate else you'll get weird jitter effects. 25fps is set up for PAL TV so if your target audience is internet running at 25 or 30 isn't a major.

Nope I'm happy with the 960 because if I were to shoot at 50 (or 60) I'd be dropping back to 25 anyway. The higher frame-rate captures higher speed better so when you drop back to 25 in post-production the frame is that little bit sharper...and because the 960 shoots down to 1 lux there isn't a major with reduced lighting in the higher framerate. But given all that you can't argue with $350...it's a bargain for what you get really.

now its all just become too mind boggling for me, I thought it was just a matter of shot and edit.:facepalm:

The new contour+ looks the go when it come out

http://contour.com/camera/plus_spec

[george formby]

http://www.bivouac.co.nz/gopro-helmet-hero-wide-1.html

El cheapo mundo.:yes:

[george formby]

A tip I was given to decrease the amount of stress on the case's latch was to remove the rubber gasket. The person giving me the advice reckoned that water would still not get in.

It's true that the case still latches securely and that the seal is still pretty good...but, the other day I had mine on in pretty steady rain and a few drops did fine there way in (did a lot of slow riding and bike was parked in the wet a few times).

No issues with the camera though but I think the gasket will be going back in next time I'm riding in the rain...

When I close the case I squeeze the door closed (compress the gasket) & it closes with no stress on the latch. Jobs a carrot.
I also put a strip of gaffer tape over the door with the holes in. Stops rain & sound is still good. Would'nt dive with it though.......