helmet cams - advice

[TheLondonCyclist]

Your right. All my mate with cams have the GoPro, I wanted to be different so searched a lot, cam back with a guy on YT called Baron Von Grumble, he uses a Drift HD cam and it proved to me its all as good as the GoPro, waterproof, rotating lense, has a wrist remote. Its actually really good. Action Cameras sell them - http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/

It can't record in the quality the GoPro can, with the high bitrate and all, but it's cool. I don't think they have 1080p 60fps, that's why i wouldn't buy it. In cycling, you need high fps.

 

[AndyWilliams]

That's cool. Works good enough for me as I go kayaking so the waterproof factor without any other cases to fit was what I liked. I just didn't want a GoPro, or an iPhone .

 

[AndyWilliams]

It can't record in the quality the GoPro can, with the high bitrate and all, but it's cool. I don't think they have 1080p 60fps, that's why i wouldn't buy it. In cycling, you need high fps.

They are bloody good though.

 

[TheLondonCyclist]

They are bloody good though.

Ergh, it looks so bad compared to the 3. I hate that I bought the Hero 2 ack in the day, but I guess I'll hate the 3 in a year lol

 

[BSRU]

Nearly everyone I pass looks at the camera on my head, I sometimes feel like I'm famous. It does get annoying sometimes, but the girls seem to like it and come on over to talk about it lol It's like having a cute puppy for a chick magnet.

Maybe it's more common for a cyclist to wear a camera in London and therefore more people are aware that cyclists do have cameras.

 

[BSRU]

That's cool. Works good enough for me as I go kayaking so the waterproof factor without any other cases to fit was what I liked. I just didn't want a GoPro, or an iPhone .

Don't forget about the Sony AS100

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Hi, I am new here. I do a little cycling on a road bike and i commute a few miles to work on a daily basis. I have no problems on the road bike, but not always so lucky on the commute through my local town. Due to some recent incidents I have decided to get a helmet cam, I hope this acts as a deterent for bad drivers.
I have a couple of questions or talking points, is the camera best on the helmet or better on the handlebars. Does anyone using a camera find it changes peoples driving or response after an incident? Lastly, do you think the hot weather makes the driving standard worse? Most of my incidents have been on hot days on my way home from work.
For the record I cycle within the law and try not to be too confronational, well until I get a load of abuse after someone else has nearly caused an accident and then tells me to "do one" so to speak.

As others have pointed out, the presence of a camera will not improve driving standards around you. Take Beano's advice and read Cyclecraft to learn as much as you can about road positioning to control driver movements around you.

The only reason for having a camera on your commute is when all other methods of self-preservation have failed and the incident is captured on film for later use as evidence.

Oh, and when people shout at you about road tax or not using crappy cycle paths, I find smiling at them sympathetically and saying, "Awww, bless" keeps my stress levels right down and lets me enjoy the rest of my ride.


GC

 

[thecube]

I agree that ignoring rude comments from drivers would be a good idea, but it's easier said than done! I do use sarcasm with people and that often works, afterall, they're quite often still sat in their cars as I continue my journey home.
I know it won't stop ba driving, but I like the idea of having proof is someone does something very dangerous or just to laugh at when they get all irrate for no particular reason! Maybe the presense of a camera will make me more chilled about it, afterall, I don't want to sound like a lunatic!
I have read most of the cyclecraft info and do already adhere it, but no-one is perfect, our judgement can be a little off from time to time.I do think that if a camera is visible it will make me cycle more defensively, I think people are less likely to be abusive for the sake of it they know they will be on film looking like numpties.
Some good looking cameras mentioned above, but a bit pricey, although i do like a nice gadget! something else that has it's own charger and cables to go with the hundreds I already have!

 

[captain nemo1701]

Hi, I am new here. I do a little cycling on a road bike and i commute a few miles to work on a daily basis. I have no problems on the road bike, but not always so lucky on the commute through my local town. Due to some recent incidents I have decided to get a helmet cam, I hope this acts as a deterent for bad drivers.
I have a couple of questions or talking points, is the camera best on the helmet or better on the handlebars. Does anyone using a camera find it changes peoples driving or response after an incident? Lastly, do you think the hot weather makes the driving standard worse? Most of my incidents have been on hot days on my way home from work.
For the record I cycle within the law and try not to be too confronational, well until I get a load of abuse after someone else has nearly caused an accident and then tells me to "do one" so to speak.

I use a Contour HD perched on my bonce. I have noted that some drivers now give me lots of room

 

[thecube]

I use a Contour HD perched on my bonce. I have noted that some drivers now give me lots of room

Yes, that is the sort of reply I was looking for. A little bit of anecdotal evidence to support my theory. If it means the mororists give me more respect and space then that will justify the cost.

 

[BSRU]

Yes, that is the sort of reply I was looking for. A little bit of anecdotal evidence to support my theory. If it means the mororists give me more respect and space then that will justify the cost.

You could probably achieve the same with a helmet light with Sony written on it in big letters.

 

[Mugshot]

You could probably achieve the same with a helmet light with Sony written on it in big letters.

Or a smarties tube.

 

[vickster]

This poster cites a cost effective option http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/almost-hit-head-on-at-roughly-65mph.161414/

Post #7

OP if you want a camera, get a camera just don't expect folks to always be supportive of your impressions of a close pass etc

 

[BSRU]

Or a smarties tube.

It would have to be a Christmas smarties tube and someone would have to volunteer to consume all the smarties.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

I use a Contour HD perched on my bonce. I have noted that some drivers now give me lots of room

When I used one it made not the slightest bit of difference to driver behaviour, but that anecdote probably doesn't suit the OP's preferred conclusion.


GC