using helmet -cams

[peanut]

anyone using helmet cams on here ?

I would like to use a new digital camera I have just bought. It uses an 8gb SD card so will store up to 4.8 hours video at 320x240 or 2.6 hours at 640x480 which is astonishing picture quality.

My intention is to fit the camera to my head sonehow rather than a helmet. I was thinking of using a head lamp and fixing the camera to that.

Anyone got any advice or suggestions ?
http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/consumer/digital/digital-cameras/fun-and-easy/finepix-j120

 

[fossyant]

Why.......... ?

You'll damage the camera probably with road vibration.... I wouldn't....

 

[peanut]

anyone ???

I found a neat chest harness used by skiers but I think the camera will be pointing down too much. I think the helmet /head is the way to go cos you are usually pointing your head where you are going
Or maybe not in Fossyant's case !...

 

[downfader]

Peanut, I would second the damage worry.

I used a nikon LS10 on a manfrotto superclamp when I first started using a camera on my bike. The road vibrations broke the tripod socket and the camera took a tarmac-dive at about 20mph. If the tripod socket is used to secure it and made of plastic or doesnt have suitable bracing around it - it will break.

Obviously less of a chance on a helmet as you'll be using your body to absorb the shocks a little more.

 

[thomas]

You can get tripods which attach to your helmet...however, a proper helmet camera will be better should it fall off, it rains, you take a tumble, etc. I wouldn't want to risk a normal digital camera.

The ATC3000 will offer similar resolution and recording time. It accepts up to 4gb cards and if my atc2000 to go on it's pretty tough! Might be better to get something more suited...plus, the atc3000 isn't that expensive (heck, at atc2000 is £50 at argos).

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/md80s-peanut-sports-camera.htm

Got one of these, quite good for size [a lot smaller than atc's]. Comes with a range of mounts and has aluminium body, VGA quality with clear sound.. The only drawback:- it is not fully water-resistant.

 

[thomas]

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/md80s-peanut-sports-camera.htm

Got one of these, quite good for size [a lot smaller than atc's]. Comes with a range of mounts and has aluminium body, VGA quality with clear sound.. The only drawback:- it is not fully water-resistant.

The raw footage seems reasonably similar to the ATCs too. Lack of water resistance would annoy me though...same draw back really as a normal digital camera. How recessed is the lens, just wondering how easy it'd be to scratch? Looks like a nice little camera though!

 

[peanut]

yes but the problem is you can't watch instant playback with either of them and they are actually more expensive than a camera.(£89.00)
Plus my finepix j120 can take normal still images at any time during my ride and I can watch ,share and edit whilst out.
The video quality is superb too.

I looked at all the purpose made helmet cameras and PDV options carefully and decided the camera option was cheaper, more versatile, better picture quality and easier to use . Just got to devise a way to carry it.

 

[peanut]

You can't attach a camera of any sort to the bike as the picture quality would be rendered completely useless. I think this is the same mistake Fossy made, I am not looking to fix a camera to the bike . As stated I am looking to fix the camera to myself . probably to a chest strap harness.

Don't worry about the cost of the camera its peanuts . well its half the cost of Bonji's new tights anyhow.

Would you tell Bonji not to cycle in his tights because he might come off and damage them ?


I'm now thinking about putting the camera into some sort of slip case and attaching the case to a belt . Cut a hole in the case for the lens to project and bob's your Aunties ....

Peanut, I would second the damage worry.

I used a nikon LS10 on a manfrotto superclamp when I first started using a camera on my bike. The road vibrations broke the tripod socket and the camera took a tarmac-dive at about 20mph. If the tripod socket is used to secure it and made of plastic or doesnt have suitable bracing around it - it will break.

Obviously less of a chance on a helmet as you'll be using your body to absorb the shocks a little more.

 

[thomas]

Would you tell Bonji not to cycle in his tights because he might come off and damage them ?

Electronics are more fragile with general cycling. As you go over pot holes, poor road surfaces, etc, you want something robust. His tights won't rip unless he comes off...but if you come off do you want a broken camera and ripped shorts?

If you're not worried about the camera getting damaged, why not look at some of the accessories on dogcamsport (or duck tape)? I'm pretty sure you could find something! I would make sure that it's not just supported via the threaded bit that goes into the bottom though.

 

[downfader]

You can't attach a camera of any sort to the bike as the picture quality would be rendered completely useless. I think this is the same mistake Fossy made, I am not looking to fix a camera to the bike . As stated I am looking to fix the camera to myself . probably to a chest strap harness.

Don't worry about the cost of the camera its peanuts . well its half the cost of Bonji's new tights anyhow.

Would you tell Bonji not to cycle in his tights because he might come off and damage them ?


I'm now thinking about putting the camera into some sort of slip case and attaching the case to a belt . Cut a hole in the case for the lens to project and bob's your Aunties ....

You can prolly use a case. Try s/h or carboots for cheap ones, lol. Mobile phone cases too might work. It might waterproof it a little