Helmet video cameras- tips, experiences

[shootingstar]

Ok,..I saw this coming months ago. And knowing my dearie and his long-term habit of taking photos of cycling routes/facilities, it was bound to happen. My partner is seriously looking at getting a bike helmet video camera.

Looking for any experiences, recommendations, tips. Right now, he's lookig at VIO's models.

[Geonz]

I got one and it's a bit heavy. It also is completely lacking in a viewfinder, so that using it where I have to aim it is tough.
Lots of "helmet cameras" are made for helmet sports otehr than cycling where weight is less of a factor.
That's all I know ;) I'm curious about what others have done.

[radacrider]

If I had the money I would love to get one and it would probably be the Tachyon, because it is relatively still small and is an all-in-one and supports upto a 32gb card (video takes up a lot of space).

Other cameras I've researched are:

GoPro - nice, but did not seem to gain me that much over my regular Canon Powershot.

Several bullet cameras - small, but you need the extra cables and the actual recorder. Did not want to carry around extra stuff.

Plus, to make sure I really wanted to take lot's of video, for now, I made an attachment for my helmet (held on with velcro straps so no mods to helmet) so I can attach my Canon. First big use was today at PDXs Sunday Parkways.

Anyway, if I were to buy on, it would likely be the Tachyon for features and prices.

Good hunting. You can do a google search (videos) on helmet cam and see what others are using and the web quality.

[Thorn]

This guy is a TV camera operator who rides with cameras--and gets warnings and tickets issued to drivers who violate the 3-foot law. Here's his how-to. Maybe it will help.

http://bikesafer.blogspot.com/2009/03/helmet-cam-how-to.html

[shootingstar]

Thx for the tip about having a viewfinder on such a camera.

Tachyon model looks abit heavy ..or isn't it? I know my dearie actually is sensitive to barometric (air) pressure changes and gets headaches when storms or rain is approaching. I have learned to touch his head in a particular way, to ease the pain. :D So whatever he gets must be also light for total weight with helmet.

He will check out all suggested models so far.

Any more experiences, tips are much appreciated.

[radacrider]

The Tachyon is 4.4 oz.

If weight is a factor, then maybe look at the bullet cameras that you then run a wire from it to a separate recorder. Some can plug into standard video camcorders, but then you have the controls issue.

Good luck with your search.

[SadieKate]

Very intriguing . . .

http://www.goprocamera.com/

I'd look at a lot of youtube videos and find out what cameras were used. There are a lot of crappy out of focus cycling videos on there. Taking video while you are stationary is one thing, video while the camera-person is moving is another.

[Adventure Girl]

Very intriguing . . .

http://www.goprocamera.com/

I'd look at a lot of youtube videos and find out what cameras were used. There are a lot of crappy out of focus cycling videos on there. Taking video why you are stationary is one thing, video while the camera-person is moving is another.I saw a guy walking his dog the other day. The dog was wearing a gopro. I wonder how that video came out. A day in the life of a dog!!

[Irulan]

This guy is the master of helment cam video. Lots of great video, but more importantly, equipment and technique advice/tips/recommendations.

He really captures the singletrack experince.

http://www.petefagerlin.com/