Video camera

[UberRhys]

I am looking for a video camera that I can use on the road, one that attaches to a helmet or bike etc... The one I was quite keen on (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SCX105L-Sports-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B0007QN8AG) doesn't seem to be availabe any more.

What (if any) do others use to record rides etc...

[deanohit]

I have a small video camera, but the pic quality is just shit, so most of the time I just use my camera. I either duct tape it to my helmet or (preferably) to a cheap tripod I got and mounted on my handle bars. You can see the results here: http://youtube.com/profile?user=deanohit

Transalper has an awesome set up that has a real high quality pic.

[Bike-aholic]

There is this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/COLOR-HUNTING-CAMERA-HELMET-DASH-CAM-ATC-2000-2GB-SD_W0QQitemZ130164531994QQihZ003QQcategoryZ48514QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or the more expensive one you are after

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Samsung-SC-X205L-Sports-Digital-Camcorder-Camera_W0QQitemZ200167846680QQihZ010QQcategoryZ148 487QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There are so many out there it's just what price and how you want to hook up to it.

[Kendog]

Check out this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=40489&highlight=oregan) thread, plenty of info on this topic.

[Dave-]

get a canon digital stills camera with video mode, and a big memory card, the image stabilizer should reduce the viabrations a bit

[UberRhys]

Check out this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=40489&highlight=oregan) thread, plenty of info on this topic.

Sweet, thats very helpful.


get a canon digital stills camera with video mode, and a big memory card, the image stabilizer should reduce the viabrations a bit

Nice, is this what you do yourself? What is the quality like and does it have audio?

[BIGBOSSMAN]

I've just bought the Canon S5iS, I'll mount it on my ZX10 very soon and see what the results are like. Video quality is of broadcast TV standard.

[dmoney]

ive got a olympus mju 770 and i mount it on a quad with a mini tripod and the quality is very good and thats riding in forest where the light can change and the camera keeps up well and with all the moving around the image is stable.These cameras are nice and small and are shockproof and waterproof so wet weather isnt a issue. hope this helps

[Transalper]

I've just bought the Canon S5iS...Video quality is of broadcast TV standard.
Who told you that? As far as I can tell the maximum movie resolution that camera records in is more like 640x480 at 30 fps which is only VGA and closer to the American NTSC TV format but quite different to New Zealands PAL system which is 720x576 at 25fps..
It should still give a nice enough picture but I don't think a Television cameraman or technician or who ever would call it broadcast quality. I imagine it would need to drop frames somehow and may stretch/crop or add black boarders to play properly on New Zealand's PAL TV system.
When i mix video recorded in 640 x 480 pixels (30 frames/sec.) with proper PAL stuff and put it on DVD the 30fps stuff often looks a little odd when it is converted and played on TV. It's not so noticeable on internet movies.

[BIGBOSSMAN]

Who told you that? As far as I can tell the maximum movie resolution that camera records in is more like 640x480 at 30 fps which is only VGA and closer to the American NTSC TV format but quite different to New Zealands PAL system which is 720x576 at 25fps..
It should still give a nice enough picture but I don't think a Television cameraman or technician or who ever would call it broadcast quality. I imagine it would need to drop frames somehow and may stretch/crop or add black boarders to play properly on New Zealand's PAL TV system.
When i mix video recorded in 640 x 480 pixels (30 frames/sec.) with proper PAL stuff and put it on DVD the 30fps stuff often looks a little odd when it is converted and played on TV. It's not so noticeable on internet movies.

Ok ok, it looks like broadcast television on MY old tv:doh:! It's pretty good though, I can grab one of the new 1080P consumer cameras from work (I work for Canon) to 'test' I guess, but the quality is not bad considering the S5IS is a still camera first and foremost.

[ZeroIndex]

I really hope this helps Rhys... saw this about two days ago coincidentally :)
http://www.vespagt.com/handycam.html

[Transalper]

I'd say the 1080p would put my gear to shame and costs as much as my helmet camera and handy cam together. Good to see the 1080p records on to Tape as a lot of people have been fooled in to thinking a camera that records on to DVD is better. It's not. Not only is the picture quality worse than a DV tape recording but it's more expensive buying mini DVDs to record on, and then any knock or big vibration could potentially corrupt the disc buggering your recording where as on tape all you get is a little interference at that moment.

[Dave-]

no i dont have one that's how I'd try it, I dunno if it'd actually work.

transalpine, the S5 IS should do 1024x768 at 15fps too, which is even more useless than 640x480 at 30fps....

there is however the canon FX1 which can do 1080i res....but its like 799 or something.

oh and yes they do stereo audio, but it'll be crap so id turn it off and save space for longer playback, record sound seperatly and edit it togeather, failing that I'd turn it off and just play music over the video.

edit: and transalpine, sony are touting that their DVD cameras wont skip...that's when they work...TVNZ aparently had problems with them when they converted.

[Zukin]

I'd say the 1080p would put my gear to shame and costs as much as my helmet camera and handy cam together. Good to see the 1080p records on to Tape as a lot of people have been fooled in to thinking a camera that records on to DVD is better. It's not. Not only is the picture quality worse than a DV tape recording but it's more expensive buying mini DVDs to record on, and then any knock or big vibration could potentially corrupt the disc buggering your recording where as on tape all you get is a little interference at that moment.

What camera system do you run?
Is is a helmet camera?

Cheers Scott

[Transalper]

My current setup...
Sorry the numbers aren't in order in the picture

1 battery clip, I'm using 8 AA batterys to power the helmet camera. Supposed to use 12volts DC but the rechargables are only about 1.2 volts each, also was told running off the bike may cause interferance with voltage variation through the changing revs etc. (batterys go in plastic waterproof box)
2 Audio plug (goes in plastic waterproof box)
3 Video plug (goes in plastic waterproof box)
4 Remote button plugs in to LANC port on handycam. Hard to get a handy cam that supports the remote.
5 Mic
6 Helmet camera stuck on with 3m Dual Lock Velcro
7 Sony Handycam (goes in plastic waterproof box)

Plastic box usually goes in a bag and inside the box the handycam is wrapped in a bit of padding.
Other camera setups include a bag etc for $600ish. The remote is usually extra.
The Handie cam does the recording and I guess any one with an analogue input will do, but to support the remote the only one I could find recently was a Sony DCR-HC96E costing about $1000 all on its own, then that really needed a longer life battery as well.
Up in the North Island I'd be talking to the guys at http://nzhelmetcamz.co.nz/ in Taupo. I have emailed them on a few things but already had my kit when I spoke to them. I'd like to try them for my next camera but that may be a while away.

[Zukin]

Thanks for that, I have seen that one and was interested in it, I was just curious to see what you had and whether you had any experiences with that company :2thumbsup

I have a Sony DV camera, and have a Sportspack for it, but it is too cumbersome and dangerous to have on the bike (of the handlebars anyway) :weep:

I have sent them an email

Cheers Scott

[takitimu]

Sweet, thats very helpful.



Nice, is this what you do yourself? What is the quality like and does it have audio?

Check this site out http://www.camrig.com/, he's got footage from kitesurfing & the guy is posting some footage from a bicycle ride he just went on shortly, his tutorial on Video Stabilization has some handy looking info in there.

I reckon I'll go that route with a mount from ramsolutions, but I want to see that bike footage first.

[Dave-]

ah the canon i mentioned earlier, its not image stabalized, so it wont be that great.

however, find a canon that has video and image stabilization.

canons have the best bodies and the best lenses.

[motorbyclist]

from http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1279535&postcount=30


What make is that camera that you had attached to your helmet? I saw you walking round with it but didn't get a chance to ask you about it.

Is it decent enough quality/resolution? Audio? Memory size? Does it have removable memory?

Sorry for all the questions but I have been in the market for something like this for a while now. This is what I would like (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SCX105L-Sports-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B0007QN8AG) but I can't find one anymore...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F5FKHI/ref=dp_cp_ob_title_0/105-8313372-9938850

it was an "Oregon Scientific ATC 2000"

i got it off trademe new for $250.

waterproof to 3 metres, seen video of one falling from a model rocket from 1900 feet and the video didn't even cut when it hit the ground, and i met a guy at the ride with one who had put it on his fairings and given it a bit of road rash - still worked fine

takes SD memory cards up to 2GB, at max settings a 2GB card (about $30) will last an hour, two alkaline AA batteries seem to last around 2 hours. usb to get it on your computer, and functions as a mass storage device, so no drivers or special software included/needed.
No cables needed either. Just turn her on and go.

comes with mounts for various applications, but I found a combination of "furry" velcro on the camera and 3M Dual Lock (both self adhesive) is the best way to stick it to your helmet - good to atleast 140kph on helmet

the video quality is what you would expect for $250. max settings are 640 by 480 at 30 frames per second. sound it ok, especially considering the mic is inside the body, but wind noise over 80kph is a serious problem (might actually be my bike's cam gears, but doubt it). i'm yet to make a wind sock to see if i can fix it.

note that resolution is much higher than youtube video, so for that purpose this camera can be run at much lower settings.

i found attaching to the tank was ok, but it needed duct tape to stabilise it or it flops around too much. on the helmet it is stable, isn't too heavy, and doesn't create much drag, but it take a bit to get the aim right as there is no live feed, so you have to put it on, sit on bike, take it off, load onto computer, adjust and repeat - i think i'll mark the mount points on my helmet lol.

so all that considered it was much cheaper and easier than buying a $400 bullet cam and hooking that up to a $1200 video recorder, and i don't have to worry about anything breaking on impact, especially when i try it on the dirt bike, but isn't exactly high def.

will try to post raw video sample asap

[motorbyclist]

sound is ok, especially considering the mic is inside the body, but wind noise over 80kph is a serious problem (might actually be my bike's cam gears, but doubt it). i'm yet to make a wind sock to see if i can fix it.


just had a test on an FXR, and yes, the VFR's cam gears (rather than chain) make a high pitched whining noise that the microphone really does not like, but wind noise can be an issue if the camera makes a whistle in the wind, otherwise the sound on the motorway is fine (but maybe still needs a wind sock)

[takitimu]

It'd take a bit more work than something like the Scientific Atlanta camera, but here's a video on a mountain bike with a Pentax W30, personally I think the quality is pretty impressive & looks worth the effort.

http://www.camrig.com/videos.php?clip=bikecamrigGG

[vagrant]

The biggest draw back i have found with my little oregon camera is that I have to wait till I get home to check out the pictures, no instant replays.

This is next on my neat toy shopping list,
http://www.helmetcamera.com/acart/agora.cgi?cart_id=8408273.30730*pI8T_2&xm=on&ppinc=Complete_Packages&product=Complete_Packages

[motorbyclist]

The biggest draw back i have found with my little oregon camera is that I have to wait till I get home to check out the pictures, no instant replays.

This is next on my neat toy shopping list,
http://www.helmetcamera.com/acart/agora.cgi?cart_id=8408273.30730*pI8T_2&xm=on&ppinc=Complete_Packages&product=Complete_Packages

yeah, takes a bit of effort to make sure any helmet mounting aims in the right place

[Chrislost]

those scientific ones are tough, saw one fall onto teh road at XXXkm/h bounced a few teims and when i got back to it the only damage was a few scratches and teh video didnt save:angry2:

recorded fine the rest of the way home

[scracha]

The biggest draw back i have found with my little oregon camera is that I have to wait till I get home to check out the pictures, no instant replays.

Can't you just stick the SD card into your mobile phone, digital camera or PDA and play the video?

Anyone tried a Genius DV601 (of similar cheapo digital video camera for $200) on their bike? I'm dithering about getting the Genius one as it's got image stabilisation & weighs 135grams.....plus it's cheap. Don't imagine I'd be bothered about taking videos in the wet either.

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/genius-g-shot-dv601/4505-6500_7-32497606.html

[Transalper]

My latest on road helmet camera youtube video, it's about the best picture I can get using youtube..
hTg4PEUoJP0

[motorbyclist]

Can't you just stick the SD card into your mobile phone, digital camera or PDA and play the video?


now why didn't i think of that?!


My latest on road helmet camera youtube video, it's about the best picture I can get using youtube..
hTg4PEUoJP0

ooh, "excessive display of acceleration" and speeding:Police::nono:

you can get software like "adobe after effects" to track and pixelate faces and number plates:niceone:

(when alot of bikers see my cam they ask if i can cut out number plates)

[Headbanger]

it's about the best picture I can get using youtube..


That picture is pretty good for motion video on Youtube, any chance you can walk us through your encoding process?, Not too much detail required.

[Transalper]

That picture is pretty good for motion video on Youtube, any chance you can walk us through your encoding process?, Not too much detail required.
aaaahem, well.....

To set the scene... I'm on a PC running Windows XP.
My editing is done with Adobe Premiere Elements version2 at this moment.
I have the K-Lite codec pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm) installed which includes the DivX component needed to encode with out a watermark.

When the edit is complete I export from Premiere to an AVI using the DV codec which premiere uses by default. It is a lossless codec so the export is the same quality as the original video on the DV tape on my camera.

Then I run AutoGK (http://http://www.free-codecs.com/download/AutoGK.htm) to convert the AVI in to a divX file with my favourite settings for quality etc. Another great thing about AutoGK is that it will deinterlace the video if needed too.

Now here comes the secret....
You can forget all the crap the Youtube help screens tell you, that shit only works on low motion video where you have a subject sitting in front of a bland painted wall hardly moving.

In the end less is more.
I find a smaller resolution/higher bit rate DivX file to give a smoother overall picture instead of all those blocky looking videos that are even worse in full screen playback. The trade off is that still things like titles are not as clear in my resolution, but then I'd rather get a better impression of ground texture than read crisp titles on a blocky background.

So here's what I use...

In AutoGK after I open my source file (the AVI made when I exported from premiere).
In the Advances Settings window set my resolution to Fixed Width about 224 pixels wide, the height is set automatically at the same time. 240 or 208 pixels wide seem to be ok too, so i went with the middle choice of 224.
I set the sound quality to VBR MP3, 48 or 64kbs I think?
Also I choose the DivX Codec.

Choose to encode to a particular file size or quality, when I have an almost 10 minute video I set file size to 98mb. Youtube of course has a 100mb limit. Otherwise I might choose quality of 70 or 80% but it don't seem to make much (if any) difference over 70%

In another advanced preferences window (ctrl F9) I usually choose force sound in mono unless you have a great stereo soundtrack, and from that window you can set crop parameters if you need too.

Choose an output file name/location, otherwise it will save the new file to the same folder as the original but with _agk added to its name.
Add job to queue and hit the start button.
When it's done that's the file to upload.

I'll check back later to see if there's any questions.

[Headbanger]

Interesting, almost exactly the way I do it.

I capture in DV, Then I chop the footage into scenes using Virtual dub (set to export with encoding to match the file,ie-DV) I then import the clips into Premiere Elements to assemble and do futher editing and then export in DV so as to retain quality,

And then encode with AutoGK if its going to Youtube, or run her through a DVD app if I'm authoring her to DVD. For youtube videos I encode to the exact resolution that Youtube uses, and up the bitrate.

Of the 3 helmet camera videos I have on Youtube two were originally encoded down small enough to be emailed, and then uploaded to Youtube when It gained popularity. Quality suffered, and I no longer have the project files.


The last video I made, I inserted a still photo,much like you did with the Kiwibiker logo, But every time I encoded the file with AutoGK the photo flashed on screen, and then vanished. A victim I assumed of the algorithm dictated by the codec..

I ended up encoding it as an mpeg and uploading it to youtube.Quality suffered.

My videos.

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Metla666

[deanohit]

Ah huh, so that was you Headbanger that posted the vid response to my backyard trails vid. That looked like a great ride and I loved the soundtrack!

Transalper, thats an awesome set up you have that produces great vids, of course the awesome locations your filming help.

[Transalper]

..of course the awesome locations your filming help.yeah, proberbly helps. I like to have other bikes in front of me most the time too, I think that makes roads more interesting.

Headbanger, that last video of yours made me chuckle, looked a bit like frogs jumping toward us instead of RC cars.
It would be interesting to see your Harley Davidson Parapara highway video redone in a smaller resoultion and uploaded again. Only time I've had issues with still frames was when I put a still title with the KB web address on at the end of a vid. Some times is shows up on youtube playback, sometines it just flashes and it's gone. Hard to know what happened to it. If I did it again I might try a transition in or out, maybe zoom in to it so that it's no longer encoded as a still frame on final output.

[zeocen]

You could also check out www.livevideo.com , there's a big motorcycle video log community there and it allows you to upload much higher quality video than youtube, making for pleasant watching !

[Transalper]

I already tryed them with one of my videos, I don't like their format, especially their version of zoomed playback and all the spam from people 'trying to be my friend' who wanted to share videos totally unrelated to my interests just trying to be noticed.
Search for kiwibiker on their site and my test will pop up.

[scracha]

I'll check back later to see if there's any questions.

Get yourself a neuros OSD, plug in component cables from camera (or whatever) to it. Select record, select the format and viola...instant conversion to youtube.

[Transalper]

Um, why would I want to pay for something like that when AGK and Klite Codec pack are free.
Looks to me that all the OSD thing is is a stand alone video converter or decoder/encoder.
Thanks but I like to edit my stuff first.

[Headbanger]

And, If you were in the market for a dedicated hardware encoder, Just buy a DVD recorder, That way it can do more then one job, costs bugger all, and you can burn off to DVD anytime you wish.

Personally, just like the person above, I prefer the abilities provided by the PC.

[zeocen]

I already tryed them with one of my videos, I don't like their format, especially their version of zoomed playback and all the spam from people 'trying to be my friend' who wanted to share videos totally unrelated to my interests just trying to be noticed.
Search for kiwibiker on their site and my test will pop up.

Yeah re. the friends thing, I'll give you that. I just completely ignore that side of it.. There is a group of about 20 good motorcycle loggers on the site though, and with Mordeth13 moving there a lot of the other popular guys moved there too, so the biker community is really buzzing at the moment.

That was a great video by the way and awesome quality. If you ask me, I say you need to do youtube *and* livevideo because I'm getting sick of the Americans video logging straight interstate roads :P I really liked that test vid.

[DingoZ]

Can someone with some Technical Knowledge take a look at this link for a camera, and advise if it is a setup worth getting or not..?


http://roadguide.co.nz/content/kernel_public_catalogue_indexViewEntry.aspx?intKer nel_catalogueEntry_PK=616

:rockon:

Cheers

[Transalper]

.... If you ask me, I say you need to do youtube *and* livevideo because I'm getting sick of the Americans video logging straight interstate roads :P I really liked that test vid.mmm, I guess it wouldn't take much effort to upload to both services. Maybe I should do a better quality test there and find a favorite encoding setting for livevideo and upload a few more. The colour does kinda look better at LV.:niceone:

Oh yea, I used to subscribe to M13, when he left from Youtube, thats when I check out LV too, but to be honest I listened to a lot of his riding advice and think a lot of it is crap, especially his fear of shingle and associated advice.
Also the way he rides leaves something to be desired. Looks to me like he's asking to crash or be crashed in to. Doing that kind of shit over here just brings down the reputation of the general motorcycling community. Just my opinion of course, but if I think it, there will be others thinking it, and you know how it's only the bad thoughts get that get voiced a lot.

[Number 5]

I am looking for a video camera that I can use on the road, one that attaches to a helmet or bike etc... The one I was quite keen on (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SCX105L-Sports-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B0007QN8AG) doesn't seem to be availabe any more.

What (if any) do others use to record rides etc...
Just got our Oregon ATC2k cam and think it is brilliant, the vid quality at 30fps is real smooth.
Its a little bigger than the bullet cameras, but does not need a recorder as it records to a SD card (2gb SD Card $35.50) and on that records just over an hour of footage.
The only problem was that the straps supplied were to small to fit a motorcycle helmet, so made our own from an old cycle inner tube, and works fine.
The raw video footage is a lot better than shown on Youtube, as they are hugely compressed to be posted.

[Zukin]

Can someone with some Technical Knowledge take a look at this link for a camera, and advise if it is a setup worth getting or not..?


http://roadguide.co.nz/content/kernel_public_catalogue_indexViewEntry.aspx?intKer nel_catalogueEntry_PK=616

:rockon:

Cheers

Hi there

I am looking at a helmet camera (or was) and I looked at that one, but in my honest opinion I prefer the specs on this one
http://www.helmetcamz.co.nz/products/helmet-camera-system.html

Seems to be better specs, and generally better quality (like the battery)
Another $100 but I think a better investment

Thanks to TA for the link :niceone:

Cheers

[Number 5]

Sorry Uber forgot to give you the cost.
New on Trademe was $225.
Records at 640 x 480 resolution at 30frames per second.
Google ATC2K and there is loads of information.

[scracha]

Um, why would I want to pay for something like that when AGK and Klite Codec pack are free.
Looks to me that all the OSD thing is is a stand alone video converter or decoder/encoder.
Thanks but I like to edit my stuff first.

Two words...fast (encodes in real time) and hassle free. It also has a video editing module built in.

[Transalper]

Can someone with some Technical Knowledge take a look at this link for a camera, and advise if it is a setup worth getting or not..?


http://roadguide.co.nz/content/kernel_public_catalogue_indexViewEntry.aspx?intKer nel_catalogueEntry_PK=616

:rockon:

CheersThing that worries me about that is that when I tryed to follow the links to the twenty20camera website it redirected me to some completely other mpeg recording camera of VGA quality NTSC spec.

I have read a while ago that twenty20 stuff wasn't the best but since I can not find specs on the setup advertised in Road Guide (interesting site by the way) I am reluctant to comment further... other than to say if a camera has an extra breakaway connection in the line too close to the camera it might get annoying banging around your neck or helmet and adds weight to the cable. Also introduces the potential for signal degregation at the plug, especially if it starts getting dirty. That is kind of hear say, as I don't have a plug in line on mine.

Id be looking at the link in Zukins post if I were you.

[Transalper]

Two words...fast (encodes in real time) and hassle free. It also has a video editing module built in.My shit is hassel free for me.
I take it you already have one, what did it cost? Where you get yours from?
What do you record on to for archiving?
Do you have some videos up on youtube or LV that we can check out?

I'll have a better poke around the net to have a better look in to their capabilities and reviews.

[Transalper]

Just got our Oregon ATC2k cam and think it is brilliant, the vid quality at 30fps is real smooth....
The raw video footage is a lot better than shown on Youtube, as they are hugely compressed to be posted.
These things are good value for money in my opnion but I have several mates with them and from what I've seen the motion kind of waves through the screen like a flag. Do you have a link to some online video content too?
Youtube encoding doesn't affect the flag waving thing I'm talking about, I'd like to see if yours is doing it too.

[DingoZ]

Thing that worries me about that is that when I tryed to follow the links to the twenty20camera website it redirected me to some completely other mpeg recording camera of VGA quality NTSC spec.

I have read a while ago that twenty20 stuff wasn't the best but since I can not find specs on the setup advertised in Road Guide (interesting site by the way) I am reluctant to comment further... other than to say if a camera has an extra breakaway connection in the line too close to the camera it might get annoying banging around your neck or helmet and adds weight to the cable. Also introduces the potential for signal degregation at the plug, especially if it starts getting dirty. That is kind of hear say, as I don't have a plug in line on mine.

Id be looking at the link in Zukins post if I were you.

XXX
Right.... Thanks TA and Zukin. have looked at the link provided, and I agree with the recommendation, and heck in the long run, what is an extra $100.00. Apart from well spent if the results turn out..

So cheers for the advice..

:clap:

[zeocen]

mmm, I guess it wouldn't take much effort to upload to both services. Maybe I should do a better quality test there and find a favorite encoding setting for livevideo and upload a few more. The colour does kinda look better at LV.:niceone:

Awesome! *subscribes to LV channel* :niceone:
Re. M13, yeah his riding is a bit erratic, and people do think that, I've even mentioned in one of my videos after people have asked why I don't "let loose" on my bikes. I tell them this isn't like taiwan, or long empty interstates, there are police here and they do their job. The younger generation don't seem to 'get it' but the guys I watch and who watch me are better with it.

Can't wait to see some more videos! :)

[Number 5]

These things are good value for money in my opnion but I have several mates with them and from what I've seen the motion kind of waves through the screen like a flag. Do you have a link to some online video content too?
Youtube encoding doesn't affect the flag waving thing I'm talking about, I'd like to see if yours is doing it too.

Yes I have seen those way vids too, the problem appears to be caused by the mounting, which is very close to the rear of the camera alowing it to wobble on its mount.
We cured this by making sure the cam is mounted on the helmet rigidly, by mounting the cam to the helmet with a rubber strap, and using the velcro and rubber strips provided to pack the rear of the mount, and from the footage we have taken sofar no wavy vids.

When we first looked at recording our rides the initial idea was to use a bullet camera (cost $194 from Jaycar Electronics) and a camcorder, but on looking at camcorders available (cost $600 to over $1000) none had AV/in video enabled, where it stated AV in/out, only audio was enabled in NZ, so that idea went up the road. The only draw back with ATC2K is instant replay or viewing without a PC, but this can be overcome by using a MP4 player or media player that accepts SD cards (small units seem to be going for $20 on Trademe, but not sure of their video quality). All things considered this set-up works well for us at a cost of $200.

[Headbanger]

When we first looked at recording our rides the initial idea was to use a bullet camera (cost $194 from Jaycar Electronics) and a camcorder, but on looking at camcorders available (cost $600 to over $1000) none had AV/in video enabled, where it stated AV in/out, only audio was enabled in NZ, so that idea went up the road. .

I don't quite follow you there, There are dozens of cameras available in NZ at any time over the last decade that have AV/in AV/out.

I use a JVC that can be had for about $600 for my offroad helmet camera footage, and a Sony (which also allows use of the Linc) for onroad.

[motorbyclist]

The only problem was that the straps supplied were to small to fit a motorcycle helmet, so made our own from an old cycle inner tube, and works fine.


i used a combination of furry velcro and 3M "dual lock", works like magic, holds to the side of my helmet up to atleast 180kph +-wind:shutup:

fell off my mate's tank at an assumedly high speed though... still works!:banana: but no video of the fall, either lost video or wasn't filming:(


These things are good value for money in my opnion but I have several mates with them and from what I've seen the motion kind of waves through the screen like a flag. Do you have a link to some online video content too?
Youtube encoding doesn't affect the flag waving thing I'm talking about, I'd like to see if yours is doing it too.

i've seen it slightly once or twice myself, comes down to having a steady mount as it seems to be caused by the camera scanning the image as the thing wobbles or something

i've had a problem where the whine from my gear driven cams on my vfr makes a horrible screech making the sounds useless above half revs, but on other bikes i don't have that problem

and i've seen on many different cameras mounted near the engine seem to get affected by the spark plug leads or something - and when they used the electric starter the whole image was blacking out


I don't quite follow you there, There are dozens of cameras available in NZ at any time over the last decade that have AV/in AV/out.

well i couldn't find any for less than $800, and frankly i'm not taking more than $300 or equipment on my dirbike unless it's entirely shock and waterproof....

actually, i could hardly afford the $250 for the ATC2k anyway:laugh:

(and i got a 2GB sandisk sd card for $30 pp on trademe)

[Headbanger]

well i couldn't find any for less than $800, and frankly i'm not taking more than $300 or equipment on my dirbike unless it's entirely shock and waterproof....


http://www.helmetcamera.com/Camera-Compatibility.html

Though I'm not suggesting spending big dollars is necessary. When I bought my helmet camera setup a few years ago the cheap options as best I could tell were rubbish, Since then there has been many suitable products hit the market. I would probably prefer not to have to carry around the camcorder all the time.

[motorbyclist]

http://www.helmetcamera.com/Camera-Compatibility.html
I would probably prefer not to have to carry around the camcorder all the time.

yeah that too lol

for youtube, the atc2k is fine
for "disposable remote video camera" it's good too

for dvd/professional footage, 640x480 isn't exactly high def and you really want a seperate mic

[Number 5]

I don't quite follow you there, There are dozens of cameras available in NZ at any time over the last decade that have AV/in AV/out.

I use a JVC that can be had for about $600 for my offroad helmet camera footage, and a Sony (which also allows use of the Linc) for onroad.

Disagree, there were cams that had AV/in available in NZ upto approx 3 years ago, but word from Sony is 'no more, because of import duty,' apparently if it has no Av/in it is classed as a camera, but if it has AV/in it is classed as a recording device, (ie record of the tele, illegal copy of movies), as such attracts a lot higher import duty into NZ.
The lists online are not NZ sites and not the ones imported currently into NZ, example - JVC GS 55 and 70 have AV enabled, but here in NZ we get the JVC-GS 60, which does not have AV /in enabled.
Sony also say be careful what the sales people tell you, it may say AV in and out, but in fact it is audio only in.

As a dodge there is a site that tells you how to enable your cam (dvdoctor), apparently it is just code disabled, and you can download drivers to re-enable it, but your warranty is null if you do it.

Don't wish to appear to be an expert, but did a lot of research on trying to find a new cam with AV/in, also if you look at all the cam manufacturers NZ web-sites all the information is on there

[motorbyclist]

well that would explain why i had such difficulty finding a camera with AV in then

[scracha]

My shit is hassel free for me.
I take it you already have one, what did it cost? Where you get yours from?
What do you record on to for archiving?
Do you have some videos up on youtube or LV that we can check out?


Umm...the only thing I "tape" on it is telly but I'll set it to "youtube" settings and record something when I remember. I have mine recording to my NAS (Infrant ReadyNAS NV). I've tested it recording to Windows PC's, SD card, USB drives and other types of NAS too. Got mine from thnkgeek. Came to under 400 bucks including delivery (and hell it was here in two days!) as I didn't pay GST on it.

Only thing I wish it could do is play WMV's (avi & mp4's are no problem).

[Number 5]

well that would explain why i had such difficulty finding a camera with AV in then

Yeah, it sucks, as we really wanted to change our ancient camcorder, and for a little more bucks we could attach a bullet cam for riding.

But we are very happy with the ATC2K, a remote control would be really useful though, as the buttons are a little difficult to work on the move, another plus point is that it is waterproof, so you can swim with it, which is amazing cos I couldn't swim a stroke before.

[Headbanger]

Disagree, there were cams that had AV/in available in NZ upto approx 3 years ago, but word from Sony is 'no more, because of import duty,' apparently if it has no Av/in it is classed as a camera, but if it has AV/in it is classed as a recording device, (ie record of the tele, illegal copy of movies), as such attracts a lot higher import duty into NZ.
The lists online are not NZ sites and not the ones imported currently into NZ, example - JVC GS 55 and 70 have AV enabled, but here in NZ we get the JVC-GS 60, which does not have AV /in enabled.
Sony also say be careful what the sales people tell you, it may say AV in and out, but in fact it is audio only in.

As a dodge there is a site that tells you how to enable your cam (dvdoctor), apparently it is just code disabled, and you can download drivers to re-enable it, but your warranty is null if you do it.

Don't wish to appear to be an expert, but did a lot of research on trying to find a new cam with AV/in, also if you look at all the cam manufacturers NZ web-sites all the information is on there


Uh...what?

The Sony I use is less then six months old, I just consulted that List, Then the regional Sony site, Then rang Harvey Normans and they had them as recent stock.

Plugged the helmet camera in and away we went.

I'll get the model number and post it tommorow.

My JVC is a GR-D70, But that was purchased just over 3 years ago.

[Transalper]

For those wanting good handy cams to plug ya helmet cameras in to....

I bought a Cannon MV960 for $800 fron Noel Leeming in May2006 with AV in/out and firewire play through.
Only feature missing was the LANC port for running the start/record/stop remote that I wear on my arm.

A couple of months ago I bought a new Sony DCR-HC96 over the web for $1000 from Camera & Camera up north somewhere. Good service from them too. I bought that one because it had the LANC port. It also has AV in/out and Firewire play through. Both are MiniDV Tape cameras.

[motorbyclist]

For those wanting good handy cams to plug ya helmet cameras in to....

I bought a Cannon MV960 for $800 fron Noel Leeming in May2006 with AV in/out and firewire play through.
Only feature missing was the LANC port for running the start/record/stop remote that I wear on my arm.

A couple of months ago I bought a new Sony DCR-HC96 over the web for $1000 from Camera & Camera up north somewhere. Good service from them too. I bought that one because it had the LANC port. It also has AV in/out and Firewire play through. Both are MiniDV Tape cameras.

uh, small problem there:laugh:

[Transalper]

Didn't say they were going to be cheep, only that they have the needed AV input, there's another problem, the Sony DRC-HC96 looks to be becoming rear and costs another $300 at the few places that still stock it.

[NordieBoy]

The only problem was that the straps supplied were to small to fit a motorcycle helmet, so made our own from an old cycle inner tube, and works fine.

Got any pics of the setup?

[NordieBoy]

We cured this by making sure the cam is mounted on the helmet rigidly, by mounting the cam to the helmet with a rubber strap, and using the velcro and rubber strips provided to pack the rear of the mount, and from the footage we have taken sofar no wavy vids.

Do you have any links to any of your vids?

[Number 5]

Will take some pics and post them tonight after our ride, haven't posted any vids as yet, maybe my wife will post some through the week.

Will be at the Rimutakas around 12:30ish if any one wants to have a look.

Playback on the PC with the ATC2K seems better on the Quicktime rather than Windows Media Player, on WMP it plays to slow so have change play speed to 1.2, where on QT you can choose the play speed of 30fps.

[Number 5]

[QUOTE=Transalper;1311282]For those wanting good handy cams to plug ya helmet cameras in to....

I bought a Cannon MV960 for $800 fron Noel Leeming in May2006 with AV in/out and firewire play through.
Only feature missing was the LANC port for running the start/record/stop remote that I wear on my arm.

A couple of months ago I bought a new Sony DCR-HC96 over the web for $1000 from Camera & Camera up north somewhere. Good service from them too. I bought that one because it had the LANC port. It also has AV in/out and Firewire play through. Both are MiniDV Tape cameras.

Thanks for the info Transalp, as I said we need to change our ancient camcorder and the Sony sounds good, but on checking the specs it shows Composite Video In and DV in (Firewire), does this work with a CMOS or CCD 480 lines bullet cam.

[Transalper]

Just to confirm the new Sony I have is the DCR-HC96E (forgot to put the E in there before)
All my handycams have a firewire jack and a composite analogue jack. Both those jacks are a two way thing on both the cameras I spoke of. That is the AV jack is in and out in one plug, Firewire is the same, two way communication in one plug.
You can play the analogue signal in to the AV jack and it digitizes and sends the signal to the PC and vice versa all real time. That's how I edit with Adobe Premiere, the PC sends signal through firewire to the camera which sends it on the the TV via the 3 RCA plugs. I see the project as I do it on the TV as if I'm watching it off a DVD or tape but it's actually straight off the PC.

The sony makes a kick ass webcam too, you can disable the auto standby and use it as a webcam which doesn't need good lighting. Other webcams I've tryed were crap after the sun went down.

[Number 5]

Got any pics of the setup?

Pics of the set-up you asked for.
The cam is attached by the velcro strip, and the rear of the cam clip is packed up with the rubber strip (all included with the cam) to stop the wobbling.
The rubber strap then holds it all securely (and security should the velcro fail at speed), the whole set-up ways less than 500grams, and because the cam is mounted fairly low on the helmet the fairing deflects the wind over it, so you don't notice it's there.

[Number 5]

Cheers Transapler, very useful info

[Transalper]

You could also check out www.livevideo.com , there's a big motorcycle video log community there and it allows you to upload much higher quality video than youtube, making for pleasant watching !
Ok, starting to agree with you oin the picture quality there.
I've dione a bit of a test mix and uploaded it a few times at LV with different settings. Here is the public version (http://www.livevideo.com/media/playvideo_fs.aspx?fs=1&cid=0CF5EFC8C1B94C68BD6F8E62B881FFE6).
I'll stick it on Youtube tonight as well to compare.

Still some things about LV I don't like, but then the same can be said about Youtube.

Oh yeah, those ATC2K things do look like they produce good colour definition, I'll say that for them.
Cheers
TA.

[Alpha Solo]

Great compilation video there Transalper, nice to see me climbing the hill on the mighty pampera from the viewers perspective!

[zeocen]

Ok, starting to agree with you oin the picture quality there.
I've dione a bit of a test mix and uploaded it a few times at LV with different settings. Here is the public version (http://www.livevideo.com/media/playvideo_fs.aspx?fs=1&cid=0CF5EFC8C1B94C68BD6F8E62B881FFE6).
I'll stick it on Youtube tonight as well to compare.

Still some things about LV I don't like, but then the same can be said about Youtube.

Awesome! Was a good vid, as I said in the comment.. the snow bail looked so fluffy, like you just laid down to have a little rest for a bit hehe.
I mentioned to a few LV mates that there was another NZ video logger and they were happy, they seem to love our scenery.. they loved your first vid you put on there.

There aren't many comments posted on videos in LV due to a smaller concentration of the community, but it's tighter and you get to know the people well. Looking forward to your next videos, and interested to see the quality, obviously it's just a tad more complex than the route I take (take from camera, put in vegas, edit, rende! hehe).

[Transalper]

yeah, cheers, I noticed a sudden influx of notification emails, actually I went and turned some of the notifications off while that was happening. Next one is up now. The Youtube version of that quality comparsion test vid is on my secondary youtube channel here (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TransalpernzTesting)...