Helmet cam

[UKDucatiman]

Be thinking about getting one of these for my up coming tour. Any experience, recommendations or comments (pros or cons) much appreciated.

[guest2368]

I have been using a Drift Stealth 2 for the past year or so.  I use it mounted either on the right side of my helmet or under the headlight of the bike.  I also have the remote control that I mount on the left handlebar.  The remote lets me edit on the hoof instead of having the camera record constantly.  I can get about 1.5 to 2 hours recoding before I have to charge it.  The only downside I have found is the battery is built in so you have to stop recoding to charge it, apart from that it is a great camera that gives good results.  The built in mic is rubbish and there is no external input, not a problem for me as I don't do 'vlogs'.  I am considering getting a second camera so when one is charging, in the topbox, I can continue to record.

Some of the results can be seen here:  https://www.youtube.com/user/sofnolime/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0

[Steve F]

Yes, like sofnolime, I also have a Drift helmet camera, but the HD model (now superceded by the Ghost model). I also have it mounted on the RH side of my helmet, using the simple but effective plastic clipping mount supplied, the base of which is attached to the helmet with a thin 3M adhesive pad. It won't come off in a hurry! The Drift HD (& Ghost)  have a video playback screen which is handy for viewing your vids. The rechargeable (and removable) lithium battery gives about 1.5 hrs charge (dramatically reduced time in cold weather!). The camera records well in both sunlight and low light conditions. When I go off touring, I've learnt to take along several micro SD cards and a couple of charged spare batteries. The HD also has the remote fob which saves having to faff about with the camera buttons! The Drift cameras have a rubber skin which is great for shock absorbency etc (ie if dropped!)

Having compared the Drift camera with the Go-Pro, I believe that the Go-Pro is a superior camera all round, BUT it's so erfing big and lumpy (and expensive) if you want to mount it on your lid! Anyway, just my two penneth on the subject.....

[MacJ]

Not wanting to do a Schumacher ( or look like a twat) I've kept away from Helmet Cams. I've got a Soocoo S70 mounted on my screen just above the headlight. It's fully waterproof without a massive case to protect it (unlike the Gopro) as is the USB lead which I connect to the bike power.
When I switch the bike on it starts to record, when I switch off it stops. Simples!
With a 32Gig micro sd I managed to record the whole of a weekend on the IOM at 720 dpi. It does 1080 but you'll hardly notice the difference. It has a remote control (which I don't bother with) but I do use the Android phone app to change the setup.
One other thing I really don't want to record my speedo etc so that nice Mr. Plod can seize the evidence should I momentarily slightly exceed the speed limit.

[richardbd]

Not wanting to do a Schumacher ( or look like a twat) I've kept away from Helmet Cams. I've got a Soocoo S70 mounted on my screen just above the headlight. It's fully waterproof without a massive case to protect it (unlike the Gopro) as is the USB lead which I connect to the bike power.
When I switch the bike on it starts to record, when I switch off it stops. Simples!
With a 32Gig micro sd I managed to record the whole of a weekend on the IOM at 720 dpi. It does 1080 but you'll hardly notice the difference. It has a remote control (which I don't bother with) but I do use the Android phone app to change the setup.
One other thing I really don't want to record my speedo etc so that nice Mr. Plod can seize the evidence should I momentarily slightly exceed the speed limit.

MacJ, I agree re Schumacher (and the twat look!).


Any chance of a pic of the camera mounted?


rbd

[MacJ]

This is the mounting I made from a spare piece of aluminium sheet. It is very stable with the camera mounted. The USB cable runs under the screen  to the power  outlet on the right hand side.
[attachimg=1]

[MacJ]

I thought I'd posted both and I'm sorry about the orientation. [attachimg=1]

[UKDucatiman]

Thanks for the feedback. I'd not considered a camera fixed to the bike but definitely see advantages here. Food for thought

[Steve F]

Yes, that is a good set up, but just remember what exactly you want to be filming, ie always forward facing on the bike, or seeing a bigger panorama with a hemet cam.

[richardbd]

I lost interest when I read the words "I made from a spare piece of aluminium sheet".


If you can't buy it, it's beyond me...

[Sam De Rycke]

yes, you can buy it. Look for Cam Rack at Wunderlich


http://www.wunderlich.de/shop/en/cam-rack-8.html




I have it installed for a sony HDR-AZ1

[MacJ]

You sure can. In silver for the very modest sum of £65!!!!!

[Sam De Rycke]

Not being handy, has a price 

[TJriderVA]

You may want to think long and hard about whether attaching anything to the outside of a helmet is a good idea. In a crash it will catch and create twisting which may create more damage than the actual impact. It makes sense, your brain is encased in fluid in a hard box. Twist it fast and your brain does not follow. Newer helmets (mostly bicycle for now) incorporate MIPS style protection which absorbers the torque when you fall, not just the impact. See http://www.gizmag.com/mips-helmet-technology/21656/