The helmet camera debate
- Thread starter magnatom
- Start date
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Archie
Errrr.....
I got myself a helmetcam whilst in the states, and been playing around with it this week.
S'funny, but on Tuesday, when I got some POSITIVE experiences (bus driver checking inside before pulling into bus/cycle lane) the batteries packed up. Yesterday I used the silicone headband for an uneventful commute (as usual), but the camera wobbled to give footage like a bad acid trip. Today I got some reasonable results, for which my reward was:
Two vehicles pulling out on me,
One aborted dodgy overtake whilst I took primary through a pinch point,
One actual dodgy overtake at a different pinch point,
SEVERAL dodgy overtakes at a junction approach where I'm normally good at commanding the lane.
That last one I was behind another (gutter hugging) cyclist so I hope it was his influence rather than the cameras which caused the poor cycling and result. I'll keep an eye on the situation.
Anyway, here's the first results.
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbefjcaHdzE
I'll try the handlebar mount for the next commute methinks.
S'funny, but on Tuesday, when I got some POSITIVE experiences (bus driver checking inside before pulling into bus/cycle lane) the batteries packed up. Yesterday I used the silicone headband for an uneventful commute (as usual), but the camera wobbled to give footage like a bad acid trip. Today I got some reasonable results, for which my reward was:
Two vehicles pulling out on me,
One aborted dodgy overtake whilst I took primary through a pinch point,
One actual dodgy overtake at a different pinch point,
SEVERAL dodgy overtakes at a junction approach where I'm normally good at commanding the lane.
That last one I was behind another (gutter hugging) cyclist so I hope it was his influence rather than the cameras which caused the poor cycling and result. I'll keep an eye on the situation.
Anyway, here's the first results.
View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbefjcaHdzE
I'll try the handlebar mount for the next commute methinks.
Handlebar mount for me.
It shows plenty. I've also got a mount on my pannier rack. Makes for a bit of variety.
The loop recording facility on my camera is very handy, saving SD Card space. The remote control too. Also that the camera is waterproof.
Editing and uploading is pretty easy, I use Final Cut Pro. I'm sure any evidence is useful, and I know (like BentMikey) that my behaviour is being recorded too.
I've been remiss in posting good driving - I've got a lovely piece of footage that shows a driver waiting for me at a roundabout in the dismal dusk rain even though he had right of way. I'd better post that soon!
It shows plenty. I've also got a mount on my pannier rack. Makes for a bit of variety.
The loop recording facility on my camera is very handy, saving SD Card space. The remote control too. Also that the camera is waterproof.
Editing and uploading is pretty easy, I use Final Cut Pro. I'm sure any evidence is useful, and I know (like BentMikey) that my behaviour is being recorded too.
I've been remiss in posting good driving - I've got a lovely piece of footage that shows a driver waiting for me at a roundabout in the dismal dusk rain even though he had right of way. I'd better post that soon!
nilling
Über Member
- Location
- Preston, UK
Great vid Archie, the music and end credits made me smile 
I'm not that keen wearing my camera on my helmet.
a) I feel like an idiot
I find it makes the helmet lopsided and heavy.
I have mounted it to the bars, but not done so for a while as my commute is fairly short, uneventful and rural. Now that the novelty has worn off I tend to dig it out when I'm doing leisure rides to catch the scenery mainly (Llanberis Pass / Ogwen / Beddgelert etc) Also if I'm going to the parents as it's dual carriageway part of the way. Tend to use it if I'm going into Bangor or Caernarfon too as they are built up areas where I think more incidents tend to happen (left hooks etc).
a) I feel like an idiot
I find it makes the helmet lopsided and heavy.I have mounted it to the bars, but not done so for a while as my commute is fairly short, uneventful and rural. Now that the novelty has worn off I tend to dig it out when I'm doing leisure rides to catch the scenery mainly (Llanberis Pass / Ogwen / Beddgelert etc) Also if I'm going to the parents as it's dual carriageway part of the way. Tend to use it if I'm going into Bangor or Caernarfon too as they are built up areas where I think more incidents tend to happen (left hooks etc).
