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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> helmet cam?? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1331167867 Message started by LostArtist on 03/07/12 at 16:51:06 |
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Title: helmet cam?? Post by LostArtist on 03/07/12 at 16:51:06 I'm looking at getting a helmet cam, There's the Replay XD, GoPro, Drift, and a bunch of others. I don't want huge files, so HD isn't necessarily the best thing, I'm not against HD either. sound quality. . . well, with wind noise and my bike being so quiet, not sure if it's that important. I don't wanna spend much more than $200, actually, below $200 would be great I'm kinda looking at this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/rePlay-XD-Helmet-Camera-System-Package-/230546113728?pt=Camcorders_Professional_Video_Cameras&hash=item35ad9e84c0#ht_1689wt_1165 I like the cylinder shaped ones, the GoPro is a box, kinda ugly, but if it works the best than so be it. I want to record my rides to and from work mostly and I ride home at night so light light performance would be good but I could probably be okay without it. any advice?? yes I did look for the last thread about this but I couldn't find it :( |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 03/07/12 at 17:22:45 Not familiar with that one... $180 is pricey nowadays... lots of options... The replayxd looks very good...(on and off buttons with vibration feedback... nice feature ) Wide angle helps smooth the ride, but too wide makes curves look straight. That's my biggest gripe with go-pro... Also.. read here... http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1324188254 TIP.. do a you-tube search for the cam model you're interested in, and see what people have done with it... Compare to go-pro and others on you-tube... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0_7LSEuje8&feature=related[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arYsuuKbbCM&feature=related[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67VX9fmgWIQ&feature=related[/media] Looking forward to some viddie's.. ;)... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by SimonTuffGuy on 03/07/12 at 18:12:42 I've got an original GoPro that I may be interested in letting go so that I could upgrade to the GoPro2... :) I use mine mainly for snowboarding, but have strapped it on the cargo rack on the WRX or windshield via suction cup mount. Videos are great, but pretty big. You could bump resolution down for smaller files if you wanted. They have a variety of mounts which is nice. Helmet, bar, suction cup, etc, etc... and you can swap between all of them. Plus they can add on extras... I've got the LCD screen and BatteryPack options for mine. LCD when I need to see what I'm shooting and the extra battery when I just want long life out of it. It's not great in low light... But I doubt you'll find something in that price range that is... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Boofer on 03/07/12 at 19:17:42 Serowbot, I've been researching your cheap 808 camera and ran across the MAC-10 on WalMart.com. If anything is left of income tax refund I'm looking seriously to buy. I really appreciate your advice on the little camera, but I think the Mac-10 would be a little easier to aim. For $80 it better be. :) |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by spacepirates on 03/07/12 at 20:03:24 I just (just, as in yesterday) got a ContourROAM off of amazon for $184. It is HD, and files are about 1GB per 15minutes at 720p. But I love it so far. The audio is pretty much only wind at speeds above 20mph, but it has a wide angle lens and is dead simple to use on a bike. It only has two buttons (and no interface out of a computer): one is to start/stop recording and the other is to display a laser level so you can line up where your camera is pointed. Supposedly it is also "super tough" and water resistant to 1 meter, so those help. I've recorded four rides (two five minute day time, two fifteen minute night time) so far with it mounted to the side of my helmet and they look pretty good. night shots are so-so with all the headlights and what not. I went with the contour over the gopro based on looks (i like the cylinder look too) price (competitive, but the contour was $20 cheaper), and mounting options for what i needed (just a helmet... for now). |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 03/07/12 at 22:01:53 436E6E676473010 wrote:
Again, I'm not familiar with that specific cam, but... Walmart lists a spec of 63 degrees viewing angle... that is very barely wide angle. So, I wouldn't recommend it for bike use. It will make very jiggly video. The go-pro is 170' and the replayXd looks to be 160' or so... Don't worry about resolution, because they're all pretty great nowadays... view angle is the important spec for shooting on a bike... I think 170' is a bit too wide, and would prefer something in the 120'to 140' range... but below 90 degrees is going to be too hard to make smooth... The wider the angle, the smoother the moving video will look,.. but, objects will look further away, and curves will look straighter, forward speeds will look slower... (pros beat this problem by using a 35 to 45mm lens but using a very elaborate steadycam mounting system to smooth the view)........ We can't afford those thousands of dollars, so we must compromise by balancing the jiggle with the wideness of the angle... I actually get the best compromise with my Fuji still camera set to video... it's hard to mount up, but shoots excellent... I'm guessing the angle is in the 90' range... If you already have a decent still cam that does video, give it a try first and see what you wish was different. It may do perfectly well. or it may tell you more about what you might want... These two videos were shot entirely with my Fuji 150 still cam... it shoots 640 x 480 at best quality and has a 24mm equivalent lens (thats fairly wide angle for a point and shoot still camera... 63' will be equal to about a 35mm lens).... (smaller millimetre lens = wider view angles) 17mm to 22mm equivalent, or 110' to 150' view angle is near perfect...(I haven;t found any in that range,... look for close.)... this was hand held... with the camera in my left hand, I was moving it around to get different views... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Eo4bppRDP4[/media] this was mounted solid on the front fender of a friends bike as he followed behind me... (the jiggle you see is from the 90' view angle. It would be much less at 120 degrees)( 63 degrees would be much more jiggle)... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXPJrcSpPcs[/media] |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by ALfromN.H. on 03/08/12 at 02:55:52 I have a contourHD. Simple to use and it had multiple mountiong options. I haven't tried the helmet mount but have used the handlebar mount. Here's a short video. The only problem with the handlebar mount is that it shoots through the windshield. AL http://vimeo.com/29542031 |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by EJID on 03/08/12 at 06:43:46 I started with a cheap $25-$35 eBay special tube type cam. Was kinda fun for a while, but very limited on the interface with the computer, so a hassle to use. Last fall I picked up a ContourHD from Amazon for like $90 and couldn't be more pleased with it. ;D I haven't had a chance to mount it to my MC helmet yet because of the weather, but my daughter has used it a few times when she went snowboarding. Even with the quality settings set about midway the video is amazing and the computer interface is 10X better than the eBay special I got. Helmet Cams are kinda fun to play around with, but the biggest drawback I see is you get these really long videos that you have to cut up to find/display the interesting parts to share. Takes alot of time, but the results can be entertaining. 8-) |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by LostArtist on 03/08/12 at 07:46:46 I actually enjoy post-processing stuff, so the better the computer interface the better for me I'm kinda looking at the Drift hd170 or stealth cause of the lcd screen on it, but it's kinda ugly, but it looks freaking awesome as far as functionality goes |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by spacepirates on 03/08/12 at 08:39:33 40637F784D7E78657F780C0 wrote:
Guess we know who to send our videos to to create a savage ride mashup ;) The drift looks great spec-wise. I was concerned with the contour not having a viewfinder/lcd, not knowing if i was getting it in the right position or not, but with the wide angle lens and the laser-level it worked out very well. I did have my girlfriend mount it on my helmet while i was wearing my helmet though. would have been harder getting a good mounting position just on my lonesome. The drift is... yeah, ugly. or at least bigger than I would want. the contourROAM is small(er). You can look up the specs online, but off the top of my head i'd say it is (very roughly) <1.5" thick, < 5" long, <2.5" high, which makes it feasible to put it in a front pocket for spell, though it wouldn't be comfortable there for very long. actual dimensions (in mm) 100x55x34 mm (roughly 4"x2"x1.3"). I think my favorite thing about the contour is the dead-simple buttons. It has a "massive" slider button for the start/stop recording which makes it very easy to use in a pinch. I can turn it on/off very quickly with thick gloves on while it is on my helmet (no look on/off!). |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 03/08/12 at 09:07:59 A screen is not that useful to me... My still cam has one, and when I shoot with it, I never use it. Usually busy watching the road, and here, it's too bright to see anyway... plus I often have it positioned where I couldn't see it anyway... Positive indication that you are rolling video is more important. I've screwed that up many times... I like the laser sight idea... I think I'll buy a dollar store laser and add it to my mount. That sounds very handy for set-up... Got me fired up now... I want to go shoot something... ;D... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/08/12 at 09:57:52 I like the laser sight idea... I think I'll buy a dollar store laser and add it to my mount. That sounds very handy for set-up... Dont look up at any airplanes.. |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 03/08/12 at 10:04:50 It's only for aiming JOG,.. I'm not making a Stars Wars movie... ;D... ... or maybe I should?... :-?... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/08/12 at 10:09:34 Problee just a night time thing, but. You may be arrested or worse You may be arrested Laser users are frequently arrested for aiming at airplanes or helicopters. It is surprisingly easy to find you. And as authorities take laser incidents more seriously, they are putting more effort into finding perpetrators: |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by LostArtist on 03/08/12 at 10:20:34 392F38253D28253E4A0 wrote:
it has a remote . . . the turning lens and screen so I can make sure it's lined up right . . . but it's just so big . . ugly . . ugh I think it's still better than the GoPro though in looks anyway, I think it has a microphone option, wireless maybe? so I could put it inside my helmet or someplace better protected from wind. . idk, but it's cool 8-) |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by spacepirates on 03/08/12 at 11:03:59 7E6167607D7A4B7B4B73616D26140 wrote:
speaking of which, in some states coppers get mighty upset about being taped... :o |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/08/12 at 11:07:13 3F3C2D2F293C253E2D38293F4C0 wrote:
speaking of which, in some states coppers get mighty upset about being taped... :o[/quote] TOOO darned Bad,, they are public servants operating in public with no expectation of privacy,, |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 03/08/12 at 11:15:50 43607C7B4E7D7B667C7B0F0 wrote:
The Drift looks real good.. I like the standard tripod mound, small lcd screen, and remote... looks sturdy too... Best luck in your choice... ;)... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by verslagen1 on 03/08/12 at 12:16:16 Brief read at the laser pointer safety site is enlightening ::) The least offense they can get you for is causing a distraction. After a few calculations.. a green 5 mW is distracting up to 2 miles a red 5 mW is distracting up to 1 mile a blue 5 mW is distracting up to 1/3 mile So be aware what you're pointing at or you could be labeled a "dangerous idiot" |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by splash07 on 03/08/12 at 12:38:51 3E3D2C2E283D243F2C39283E4D0 wrote:
speaking of which, in some states coppers get mighty upset about being taped... :o[/quote] Yeah I could care less if they dont like getting taped, they go around all day recording all kinds of people that probably dont want/deserve to be taped. However, the ones that do deserve to be taped make for great television. ;D |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by ALfromN.H. on 03/08/12 at 16:58:43 On my contourHD, the laser pointer only stays lit for a few seconds. Just long enough to see where it's aimed. |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Boofer on 03/08/12 at 22:58:14 Thanks Serow and guys. I am a good photographer but not a videographer. I don't understand the specs of digital cameras, but with your help, I may get it. We own a couple of digital PAS cameras. I think I'll practice with them before getting into special cams, Thanks again. Boofer |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by LANCER on 03/09/12 at 03:35:02 3A252324393E0F3F0F37252962500 wrote:
Excellent idea |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by spacepirates on 03/09/12 at 05:28:37 272A242470460 wrote:
Sorry if i made it seem otherwise, but the ContourROAM is the same way. The laser level only shows up for a few seconds, it doesn't stay on all the time. |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Greg on 07/15/12 at 09:28:52 I picked up a $4.29 (including shipping!) camera mount on eBay. It isn't the most solid but much better than I expected. I mounted my Canon SD1000 to my handlebars and took it for a test recording. Not the best, by far, but not bad considering the price. I may need to look into a better mounting system if I am going to do this more often. The one I bought: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320908850419?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmp544TnTUg [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmp544TnTUg[/media] |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 07/15/12 at 09:45:39 Looks good, Greg... ;)... $5 is a bargain way to get into ride viddies... What's the view if you turn it around to yourself?... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Greg on 07/15/12 at 09:50:13 2630273A22373A21550 wrote:
Really ugly! :o :-? ::) |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Serowbot on 07/15/12 at 10:10:07 6267606B6C66050 wrote:
Now,.. cummon'... that's not what I meant... ;D... It's nice to see the rider once in a while on a viddie... ;)... Ps... PA is soooo green!... :)... |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Greg on 07/15/12 at 10:37:28 OK...I added one. It is the raw AVI file. I will not host it on any social media sites though! http://files.thebenics.com/bike/bike-ride-ugly-side.AVI [media]http://files.thebenics.com/bike/bike-ride-ugly-side.AVI[/media] |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by bill67 on 07/15/12 at 16:34:15 Video looks real good Greg. |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by Greg on 07/22/12 at 15:05:22 Thanks for the kind words folks. My buddy convinced me to post my other one on YouTube. It is much easier to view than the raw AVI file I linked to earlier. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7uahi9ZyPE&feature=youtu.be [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7uahi9ZyPE[/media] |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by ak.pdx on 07/23/12 at 02:07:06 <aol> me too! </aol> |
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Title: Re: helmet cam?? Post by babyhog on 07/24/12 at 17:22:20 I bought a cheapie from eBay that I used quite a bit when I first got it, but haven't used it at all this season. I actually used it for some hunting last fall too. It came with a decent handlebar mount, a suction cup with a cradle on a post that screws into the suction cup. It can be used as a stand and the cradle swivels on top of the post for almost any angle. It takes decent video. I stopped researching them, but the point I would like to make is pay attention to the fps frames per second, since riding at high speeds needs decent fps. My other point is I'm glad I didn't spend alot on it because I don't seem to be using it much. Will probably get it back out when hunting season rolls around because that was actually as fun as filming rides for me. Anyway, best of luck with your decision and I hope you will share some videos! |
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