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/2009/0...am-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. 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/