Head Cam

[jonny jeez]

I know a lot of you ride with bullet or head cam units and I also appreciate that some people (most my non-riding mates included) find them odd…well maybe not odd, but a bit "speckky" (apologies to all you video jockey's out there).

However, having had my first "semi-serious brush" on Monday I am now convinced that a head cam is a good way to go.

I was quite busy on this occasion trying to survive the incident in question and despite their best intentions, the local plod have pretty much admitted that I have no chance of any follow up from them.

However, I asked if I had photographic, or perhaps video evidence would this assist my "allegation" (this is apparently the technical expression for reporting a dangerous driver). The copper in questions exact words were, if you had a video camera with you, the incident probably wouldn’t have happened.

Interesting viewpoint.

Of to Maplins for me then!!

Any suggestions for a sub £100 cam unit (sorry wrong section for consumer opinion I know, I know)

 

[garrilla]

The big rave at the moment is the MuVi and its imitators

Good discussion here: http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=41002

 

[Chamfus Flange]

I'm in almost the same position. Never though I'd have to go down the cam route, but with last weeks incident it looks like the only way (plus some insurance cover)



.

 

[Origamist]

The big rave at the moment is the MuVi and its imitators

Good discussion here: http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=41002

Good thread, thanks.

I think I'll go go for the Muvi.

 

[HobbesChoice]

Ha ha Jonny - oddly enough I was thinking the exact same thing today so I have just ordered the Muvi with the Class 6 card and the extreme sports pack. All for the grand total of £92.20 (Cam = £54.51, Extreme sports pack = £17.70 both with free postage, then the Class 6 card is £17.99 + £2.00 p&p) - so once again my compliments to the way you think.

Read that forum thread you were sent too because a few people (mostly Thomas) kindly put up lots of youtube footage so you can see it all in action for yourself.

It looks like a good buy to me!

 

[jonny jeez]

Good thread, thanks.

I think I'll go go for the Muvi.

Thanks for the link, its really helpfull...although, I'm not convinced yet, perhaps Thomas can advise.

I am mindful of the 30 min record, My one way commute is 1hr-1hr.20, so I'd need to ensure the thing record 3 times. (Not sure vox would work in a noisy background environment either?)

Also, its not weather proof (without the £40 gator) and so seems prone to "weather damage).

Last point is, As I would only be buying it as an insurance additive, the footage seems a little jerky and blurry I would hate to get into bother and find that faces/reg numbers are illegible due to vibration etc.

Amazing what you can find out in minutes, from one helpfull thread !!!

I think I'll keep looking for now (unless someone can cure those fears for me)

 

[jonny jeez]

Ha ha Jonny - oddly enough I was thinking the exact same thing today so I have just ordered the Muvi with the Class 6 card and the extreme sports pack. All for the grand total of £92.20 (Cam = £54.51, Extreme sports pack = £17.70 both with free postage, then the Class 6 card is £17.99 + £2.00 p&p) - so once again my compliments to the way you think.

Read that forum thread you were sent too because a few people (mostly Thomas) kindly put up lots of youtube footage so you can see it all in action for yourself.

It looks like a good buy to me!

Spooky! you must have been writing this as i was writing the above as well!!!

You dont work in my office do you??!!??

 

[BentMikey]

One point, if you ever do point out a too close overtake, always mention the video camera.

 

[garrilla]

Thanks for the link, its really helpfull...although, I'm not convinced yet, perhaps Thomas can advise.

I am mindful of the 30 min record, My one way commute is 1hr-1hr.20, so I'd need to ensure the thing record 3 times. (Not sure vox would work in a noisy background environment either?)

Also, its not weather proof (without the £40 gator) and so seems prone to "weather damage).

Last point is, As I would only be buying it as an insurance additive, the footage seems a little jerky and blurry I would hate to get into bother and find that faces/reg numbers are illegible due to vibration etc.

Amazing what you can find out in minutes, from one helpfull thread !!!

I think I'll keep looking for now (unless someone can cure those fears for me)

Any suggestions for a sub £100 cam unit (sorry wrong section for consumer opinion I know, I know)

 

[HobbesChoice]

Spooky! you must have been writing this as i was writing the above as well!!!

You dont work in my office do you??!!??

I wish we worked in the same office! The guys I work with don't have your charisma! But on the off chance - can you see me waving

Regarding the jumpiness of the camera, was that using the standard card it came with rather than the Class 6 one? As for the other questions, once I've had a little play with it I'll be happy to post again with an update.

 

[jonny jeez]

I wish we worked in the same office! The guys I work with don't have your charisma! But on the off chance - can you see me waving

Regarding the jumpiness of the camera, was that using the standard card it came with rather than the Class 6 one? As for the other questions, once I've had a little play with it I'll be happy to post again with an update.

I've been staring wildly at all the people in the office (had a few strange looks back too) waiting for a wave...nope, not you then...bummer

Not sure on the card thing, it was Thomas's last video, I think it was with the upgraded card, nice clear shots when "steady" but a bit jumpy when Thomas panned up and down etc.

if you can update, I'd be really grateful.

thanks

PS Garilla, I know, I'm relatively hard to please...sorry 'bout that…and this may well be the best for that price, but I'm in no immediate rush so will keep my eyes peeled.

Thanx all

 

[fossyant]

I've ordered one (generic MD80) via ebay from China - so should be here soon ish. Once the class 6 card comes from 7dayshop I'll let you have my thoughts.

 

[Crankarm]

Given that the dark season is now almost upon us how do these headcams fair in low light darkness? I would only buy one if I was convinced the image quality was not hopeless in low light/dark. Plus also will the camera be fooled and lose the image if it catches the beams of headlights so all you see is white dots? I think one would have to spend quite a lot to get a half decent camera and recording software.

These guys do a lot of cameras and security surveillance equipment for home, business installations and covert monitoring.

http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/helmet_cameras.htm

http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/helmet_cam_accessories.htm

http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/cam-bullet-bw.htm

 

[iendicott]

This is what another site tell us about it.

Includes 2GB Micro SD card for 1 hour recording

So surely the 8gb will do about 4 hours ish give or take.

 

[trickletreat]

Have been considering a headcam of some sort for a while, good advice and info from dogcamsport. They do a MD80 package which seems good value, but I think the contourHD looks the best option. They say the shake is due to the MUV1 /MD80 working at closer to 19 frames per sec. Best option seems to be to use contour HD in non HD mode at 60 fps. Looking at examples of footage on the internet seems to confirm this. The lens records at 90 deg in that mode, so less curvature at the edges. The contour has been reduced by £50 recently, so more attractive now.