Cameras - Forward Facing, Rearward Facing, or Helmet Mounted?

[Smurfy]

My first ever action cam arrived in the post yesterday.

It's on the seatpost facing rearwards for my first trial, as that's where I think the most unavoidable trouble comes from on my commute (e.g. pinch points). Any thoughts from long term users? I might buy another one if the footage is good.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Not a long term user but I have both forward facing helmet-mounted and static rear-facing one on seatpost.

And no I don't post my videos on youtube.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I've gone for on helmet with mine. I'm not sure that's where it is going to live. Bike mounted is supposed to give a lot of vibration (I guess that's mount dependent) and I'd expect would make using the microphone difficult. Having it high is good for visibility, but attaching it to the helmet might not be the most sensible idea (although as a bullet cam it's tucked out of the way) someone mentioned putting it on their shoulder, which I might try...

Similarly I don't post videos anywhere, it's one of those 'hope I never need it' things for me.

 

[User269]

My first ever action cam arrived in the post yesterday.

It's on the seatpost facing rearwards for my first trial, as that's where I think the most unavoidable trouble comes from on my commute (e.g. pinch points). Any thoughts from long term users? I might buy another one if the footage is good.

All of the above.

 

[crazyjoe101]

If you have one camera, the single most useful place for it in terms of evidence is on your head. This position shows where you are looking, when you are shoulder checking etc. and will catch most of what your eyes catch at a reasonable range. It can take a bit of trial and error to get the camera centered directly forward in both axis whilst remaining untilted but i think it's worth it.

 

[young Ed]

as i write this i have a muvi action cam on the desk next top me bought for my dads motorbike but he used it once to trial it and hasn't used it since so i am just trying to work out how to fit it to my helmet, i have chosen helmet as it shows where you are looking and when you are checking and also in a worst case scenario and you do get hit in the wrong place and too hard by a car and go for a flight and your bike ends up in the ditch then a camera on you will show any car that gives any more problems and you can see if driver drives off and you can see offending car etc etc
Cheers Ed

 

[crazyjoe101]

Yes, if you get hit from behind this will still the shown on the camera, you just have to hope you see the reg. Overall though the helmet camera pick up a lot more in my opinion.

 

[spen666]

go for Oregon scientifica camera and get front AND back cameras in one device & simultaneous play backs

 

[steveindenmark]

Before you start mounting this on your helmet it may be an idea to read about Michael Schumaker and GoPro. It is only speculation but it does raise questions.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Before you start mounting this on your helmet it may be an idea to read about Michael Schumaker and GoPro. It is only speculation but it does raise questions.

Yup, 'how many times can an almost definitely inaccurate rumour be repeated'

It is worth having a think about the effect of adding it to your helmet though.

 

[steveindenmark]

Its not my head so Im not really bothered :0)

 

[jonny jeez]

regardless of the Schumaker thing. I went off the idea of mounting a camera to my helmet about 3 years ago, it seemed counter-intuitive. Then I moved it to the bars, ...then gave up altogether and have never had cause to miss it.

I though about flogging mine but use it occasionally to film holidays and underwater stuff.

Haven't filmed a ride in years, in fact according to my last youtube clip, it was 2 years ago. If I want to film something memorable now, I whip out the camera on my phone but even that is only on very special occasions and under pretty defined circumstances

 

[ColinJ]

Why restrict yourself ... go for 360 degrees!

 

[Smurfy]

Got my first footage from commuting. Daytime is amazingly clear and sharp. Night time it's difficult to read licence plates unless cars are almost the same speed as me. Anyone know how to improve night time footage? Car headlights seem to dazzle the camera a little. I can't mount the camera any higher unless I put it on my bag, but then I'd have to lose the high vis I wear over my top half and bag. Would some infra red illumination help?

I might buy another one for forward facing.

 

[confusedcyclist]

Out of interest, what camera's are people using?