Sportcam - kit 3

[Sh4rkyBloke]

So, I'm almost there with purchasing a headcam... after finding out that I can't source my Giant Bowery from anywhere (that I can use my C2W voucher in Manchester) I've decided to use the 'cash alternative' to the dicounted amount (if that makes sense) I was going to spend.. and get a headcam.

Looking quite closely at the Sportcam - kit 3 with a headband attachment unless anyone can convince me otherwise (calling Mags?!?!?)

Hopefully it will get more use than just for the commute (the Velodrome outing would be a good start!!) and perhaps can even be used as a webcam for Skyping... who knows?

Your comments would be most welcome before I buy (need to do it by the end of June to get the discounted package price).

Cheers all.

 

[magnatom]

Hmm. Can you check with the company what the video bit rating is for the recorder, as this is often more important than the resolution.

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Aaah, interesting point.. I've emailed them for some clarification. What's your kit now (lost track, you seem to have had so many different ones!!)

 

[magnatom]

Aaah, interesting point.. I've emailed them for some clarification. What's your kit now (lost track, you seem to have had so many different ones!!)

I've got a docamsport HQ1 camera with an Archos 405 solid state recorder. I'd love to upgrade, but as what I have works fine it is more important to spend any money Ihave on the bike....ahem, I mean family!

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

What's the bit rate like on that, then? Your vids look pretty decent (apart from the riding, obviously! ) so something similar will be what I'm aiming/hoping for.

 

[magnatom]

What's the bit rate like on that, then? Your vids look pretty decent (apart from the riding, obviously! ) so something similar will be what I'm aiming/hoping for.

I think it is 2500. My camera is a higher resolution one than you are getting and is better in low light, however, it should be pretty decent if it does what it says on the tin. I've never dealt with the company though, so I can't vouch for them

(Remember cyclechat get a 10% discount at dogcamsports)

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

I've just been browsing around the Dogcamsports site and like the look of the kit you've got which goes for 155.00 for the HQ1 camera and then +35.00 for the rechargable viosport pack (is this just some batteries that fit in the 8 AA adapter, or a totally separate power pack that can be recharged easily?)... just add a headband cam holder and I am Magnatom Mach II.. errr, I mean, almost sorted (I think) .

I've been browsing eBay/Googling and can get a refurbed Archos 405 for 45 quid (pixmania.com) but will then, I assume, need some cables too... and advice/details you can share about what's required for these?

BTW, the 10% discount at Dogcamsports only seems to be giving 5% off... has this changed or do I need to contact them and name drop the Mighty Mags, CCs Captain Cameraman?

 

[magnatom]

The viosport pack is a seperate battery pack which means you don't need the battery holder. You would also need a archos travel adapter for the 405 (which provides the AV input) and this will cost extra. You would then need an Archos AV lead, something like this. I'm sure you could get it cheaper, but you would need to get an archos compatible lead (as the pins in the av connection are different to normal (I think).

It all adds up (I already had the travel adapter) but it is a good system.

Definitely e-mail the chaps at dogcamsport. They have been helpful to me in the past. Mention the problem with the discount as well. It certainly used to be 10%.

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Hmmm... so another £30 for this which includes both the adapter and the AV cable (I think)... you're right about it all adding up!!!

So far it'd be £190 (should get 10% off) for the camera + upgraded power pack, £50 for the DVR (Archos 405 refurb), and another £30 for the adapter giving a total of £251!!! Blimey - I need to think of other situations where I could be using this to justify that sort of cost... and please, no suggestions of amatuer porn sites!!