Helmet cams

[Chako]

I have been toying with the notion of taking some videos of my motorcycle rides (I know nothing about video cameras). I started the research phase and came up with several cameras that looked good. After some digging, I came up with 3 video camera models that I wanted to look into more closely. The Go Pro Hero HD, VholdR Contour HD, and Drift HD 170. I settled on these 3 because I wanted something that did 1080P, and was self contained.

After doing much online review digging, I have come to the following general conclusions.

1.   Go Pro Hero HD has the better video and sound. On top of that, it also has the best water proofing (good for 160 feet) due to the clear plastic casing. However, you need to use it with the water proof housing that contains your mounting bracket. The menus are cryptic and worst yet, the mounting system is not fool proof and made out of cheap plastic. Likewise, no aiming aid which leaves you wondering if your shot will be ok. At least it has the widest lens at 170 degrees so I guess It doesn’t matter all that much.

2.   The VholdR Contour HD has not so great video quality, especially with mute colours. The sound is also a big issue, as this unit suffers from the screaming wind noise phenomena. However, the case is aluminum, is the right shape for something to mount onto a helmet or handlebars.  Oh yeah, not very waterproof either, and requires to buy a separate and expensive housing. Twin lasers aid in aiming the video camera during set up.

3.   The Drift HD 170 is the most expensive of the three. Has an external LCD for set up and composition. This is a big plus. But it is larger than the others because of this. Better video and audio than the Contour, but not as good as the Hero HD. At least, the camera comes with all the mounting options, which are of course extra for the other two video cameras. It also came with a remove for start and stop that you can wear on your wrist. The big let down, it is only water proof down to 1.7 feet.

After doing all my preliminary online video watching, and sitting on the fence…as I can see pros and cons for each model, I visited the local Future Shop last night. I came across a weather proof small video camera called the Kodak Playsport. It has an LCD built in, does 1080P at 30fps (what most of the others do), is weatherproof down to 10 feet, and it is half the cost. Mounting is an issue, but it does come with a standard tripod screw mount on the bottom. Well, I already have a Manfrotto clamp and ball joint that might work on the motorcycle. I have also noted that there are some accessories for this that Kodak also makes that might help also.

Well, for half the price, I got it. It looks like a real nice camera. I wasn’t sure of the mounting issues, so I also ordered the Hero HD Motorsport model with an extra tripod mount just in case I really like that Manfrotto clamp.

The Kodak Playsport comes with arcsoft. No clue what comes with the Hero HD. I am a bit excited in trying my hand at the movie side of things. Looks like I will have to do a lot of reading in finding out what software will be needed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Chako]

Well I have found one big issue with the Kodak. The focal length is not that great. I reckon it’s around 45mm from my camera experience. This translates into having to stand a great distance away from the subject to record them in their entirety. I can see why the better models have a wider field of view, still not bad for the price point.

[Mr. Whippy]

The most awesome videos come from cameras mounted on the front axle (like a driving light).  After that, mounting on the handlebars via RAM mounting systems is the way to go.  I shoot video with a Canon camera and it is entirely acceptable.

[Chako]

Well, I have spent the better part of this evening playing with the new digital video camera. I must say, for the money, it isn’t all that bad (taking into account I have zero video experience). Mind you, the Arcsoft software that it comes with is very basic. I don’t really have any post-production software to freshen the video….so here is the first crude video test shot at 720P at 30 fps. The subject is of course site related.

The quality is not the best. I am unsure if I was within the minimum focusing distance, and I definitely knew that the lighting was poor. This was more an exercise at playing with the very limited Arcsoft  Media Impressions software, and to see how easy it was to upload a video onto YouTube using it.

Warning, I sound a bit condescending when announcing one of the knives. I um…need to work on my presentation more.



Overall, I do like the Kodak. I need better software and a ton more experience at producing video.

EDIT: I am also missing the Gem and Mystic FYI, but not mentioned in the video.

[Chako]

Well if the weather is nice tomorrow, I am going motorcycling. I am going to see if I can somehow attach the Kodak to the motorcycle. The Manfrotto bracket is overkill, but I reckon I should be able to fix that onto something and screw on the Kodak to it. I will probably have to dig up a tripod mount to give me some XYZ Axis adjustments.




Also, I have this old mini pod that came with an ancient digital camera. The camera is long gone, but I kept this little pod. It works great for table top shooting.

[Turnstone]

Can't wait to see it in real action! 

I am not sure, but just from the look of the camera I think a friend of mine uses the same model for geocaching adventures. He has attached the camera to his helmet and uses it while rappeling or in caves. It's not the best camera, but it's fun 

[Mr. Whippy]

Chako,

For mounts, take a look at this site:

RAM motorcycle mounts

[Chako]

Thanks. I saved it to my favorites list for a revisit.

I have jury rigged something that should work...but I haven't tried attaching it to the motorcycle. If all goes well, I should have something different for you later today.

[82brutus]

Motorcycle... check.... Helmet cam... check... now, where's that pesky psycho squirrel.

[Chako]

 

Well I did shoot some raw footage this morning. About 40 minutes of it to be exact. Then I quickly found out that Arcsoft Media Impression is akin to a straight jacket. It won't let me do anything other than post raw footage. No editing whatsoever. So guess what I am going to try and get today....video editing software.

The Manfrotto clamp with the help of a small ball mount did the trick. I was able to bypass the windshield while having it attached to my handlebars. I am also thinking it would make a great GPS mount. The roads are rough, and mounting the camera on the handlebars sure caused a lot of jitters. I am thinking a helmet camera would cut down on a lot of that. For that, I will have to wait for the Hero HD to come in.

[Mr. Whippy]

 

Well I did shoot some raw footage this morning. About 40 minutes of it to be exact. Then I quickly found out that Arcsoft Media Impression is akin to a straight jacket. It won't let me do anything other than post raw footage. No editing whatsoever. So guess what I am going to try and get today....video editing software.

The Manfrotto clamp with the help of a small ball mount did the trick. I was able to bypass the windshield while having it attached to my handlebars. I am also thinking it would make a great GPS mount. The roads are rough, and mounting the camera on the handlebars sure caused a lot of jitters. I am thinking a helmet camera would cut down on a lot of that. For that, I will have to wait for the Hero HD to come in.

Unless you only look straight ahead, the image will swing wildly from side to side as you look through corners, check intersections, etc.

[Chako]

Well here is the first test using the Manfrotto clamp, a ball head, and the Kodak Playsport. The weather wasn't all that great. In fact, a few raindrops were falling during my ride. I was able to just get the camera to bypass my windshield off the left hand side handlebar.

The video was shot at 720P - 30 fps, and played with using PowerDirector which I was forced to get the official download version because I couldn't find a retail box anywhere.

The most fun was transferring the video to YouTube. In fact, it took me the better part of today to do so. Repeatedly, I tried to upload the video, and it usually failed in the last moments. I realized my video files may have been a tad large. Love the steep learning curve...but I guess the best way is to muck around with it. On the plus side, the Cyberlink software is intuitive and easy to use. It didn't take me overly long to figure things out.

Here is the video, a very short section of the ride. Yes, the roads are that bumpy.

[82brutus]

Cool!   

[sappyg]

Cool!   

ditto... i'm looking forward to your next instalment.

[Chako]

Well I was curious to see how it would work under water. Kodak claims its waterproof down to 10 feet. Well here is my short test. I must say, I had a rough time fighting my conditioning of electronics + water = very bad. 



I have a friend who has a huge pond in the back with plenty of gold fish etc. I am thinking of visiting him when he gets back in a week or two for another underwater test. 

[Sean]

Cool video's Chako.

[Mr. Whippy]

Love that clip!   

[Chako]

I received my GoPro Hero HD camera a few days ago...and it has rained ever since. In fact, the month of August has been rather bad for motorcycling...so here is a short test video with it mounted via a suction cup mount to my GPS bean bag dash mount.



I can't wait to take it out on the motorcycle.

[RaptorMan]

Im looking at a pair of these for hunting this year.

http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-I__KAMS

[Chako]

That looks cool.

[jekostas]

My dad actually uses a Sanyo Xacti when he goes canoeing, it's worked pretty well.  It's a normal camcorder but comes with a separate helmet mounted camera.  There's a cord running down to the waist unit, but the actual helmet camera is lighter and a wee bit better quality than the dedicated helmet cams I've tried.

[Chako]

The last two weeks...rain rain and even more rain. I am dying to take my motorcycle out and try the new video camera on it. Sigh. 

I did order saddle bags for it though. I just hope I will get in a few more rides before they arrive.

[Chako]

Our second beautiful day in a row. Yesterday, I was stuck on a train. Today, I was out from 7:30 to noon on the motorcycle. I was riding back to town when the bike just started to die on me. I gently steered it onto the soft shoulder and played around with a few settings. I quickly figured I ran out of fuel. A quick turn to reserve and off I was to the nearest gas station. I just wished this bike has a fuel gauge. Oh, and I was so excited to get motorcycling that I plum forgot the Hero HD camera.

On a side note, I saw 3 cruisers manning a speed trap in a notorious speeders section on my ride. Well, I was so happy to be riding that I had this big grin on my face. I waved to the police as I drove by and they all smiled and waved back.

[Chako]

Ok, finally have a short video made from some footage taken earlier today using the Go Pro Hero HD minicam.

You are going to see me turn on the camera, and then take off down the road a short distance. I like the 170 degree field of view of the Hero HD, but I must say, I have to look at the darn thing to see if it is even on, let alone shooting.

I used the full plastic enclosure, and was unsure what I would get for audio. The Hero HD comes with another back with cut outs to let the sound in, but with no weatherproofing. The audio was better than I thought it would be considering it was sealed in an enclosure that is rated for 165 feet.

[sappyg]

faster... faster.... do a wheelie dewd.

[Chako]

I am really liking both minicams. I was sure I would prefer one over the other, but I have found they both have nice characteristics. In other words, I like them both.

Today, as it was a rainy day, I decided to take the Kodak Playsport to my friend’s back yard where he has a big pond that is about 3.5 feet deep. In that pond, he has lots of big goldfish. I tied the playsport to a long piece of wire, and dunked it into his pond. This attracted most of the fish to come out from hiding and check out the new pond invader. He was amazed that it survived, as he was sure it would die a horrible death. Well this is the short video of water test #2.

Warning, there is a lot of motion due to the camera swinging on the end of a rope.