Helmet Camera

[cuttercoasty]

Anyone else ride with a video camera?

I got the idea for buying one when I was nearly ran over by a convoy of impatient Bahraini drivers taking a short cut on the bicycle path that runs along one of the causeways. I have the right of way, but it doesn't stop them.

I figured I should probably buy one for two reasons...
one, to show how bad the traffic is, as it records to an ST card and can plug straight into the Mac to upload the video.

two, the police can find out who ran over me. Never the less, it is going to be interesting.

I picked up a Contour HD 1080p camera and a handle bar mount for pretty cheap. I am going to take it on its maiden voyage tomorrow.
It is a short ride, but it will show the craziness I deal with.

Anyone else do this stuff too???

I am sure it would be fun to check out videos of recent fun rides.

[Geonz]

I got one a few years ago and... it was really ungainly and heavy on the head. However, I did get some nice film. (IT also has NO viewfinder to look through!) I filmed my entire commute one mornign and I keep meaning to put it online -- but this was before that was easy to do; I'd have to do serious work. It's quiet and peaceful...
Now, in many states there are laws against taping conversations withouit a person's permission. That would be why you get that "this call may be monitored..." when you're dealing with public service. That is why I would be inclined to say exactly that if, say, I had an interaction with police or a driver that I was madly recording. "This interaction may be being monitored for your convenience." (I know that people have been forced to turn their cameras off in hostile situations in some cities.)

[Fredwina]

I have the plain contour. I've used several times. I even have my own youtube Channel. The only issue is editing the things can get to be a time sink

[crazycanuck]

Helmet cams are becoming more and more popular here. We purchased one a few years back for mountain biking training & still use it.

I have to say I think some folks on another local forum I puruse use them to complain about every single little movement by a motorist. This isn't directed towards you, it's just an observation.

If we were going to buy another one we'd get it from http://www.launchhelmetcams.com.au/ as we know most of the folks w the company ride!

I'd use them on the Audax rides I do as i'm often on my own...

[cuttercoasty]

I tried it out today on my commute to and from work. It worked great! I didn't know it took audio too; good thing I didn't swear at the car on my bike path.
It picked up a lot of the wind noise though. And the bouncing; yikes.... it is a bumpy area!
After watching the replay when I got home(no view screen), it is something I can improve on. Glad I bought the handlebar mount. If I had it attached to my head, you could get motion sickness from watching how I am always checking my surroundings. Head on a constant swivel.

It was incredibly light traffic today, which has to do with the civil unrest going on. I am going to keep the camera rolling as I go.

Geonz, good call on the recording of people. I will look into the rules here. I don't know where I could find that, but I will look around.

[ladyicon]

cuttercoasty, I would love to see your videos of bike riding in Bahrain. I am sure others would too. Let us know if you put them online.

[Possegal]

I have one and the only two times I tried it I had it on my helmet. The first time, it was tilted so you just saw the sky. Second time, you'd have needed a dramamine to watch it, as I look around so much, looking to every side street, making eye contact with all the drivers, that the video was just all over the place. The hardware to mount it on my handle bars doesn't seem to work (seems too small?) but clearly that is what I need to do. I am anxious to fix that so I can take more videos. I don't do it from a safety reason, but because I like to make videos with music and video and still photos. This is safer than me holding my camera.

I believe I have the same camera. Wonder what I'm doing wrong with the handle bar mount. hmmmmmm

[cuttercoasty]

I will take a picture of how I have my handlebar mount set up. If the screw is too small, I am sure you could take it to the local big box store and find a longer one in the same thread. It looks to be a 1/4-20 with a wingnut, but anything that diameter will work.

I will post what I can.