www.CVOHARLEY.com

CVO Social => Other Topics => Topic started by: Skooby on March 13, 2004, 02:27:18 AM

Title: Helmet Cam
Post by: Skooby on March 13, 2004, 02:27:18 AM
Hey guys,  is there anyone out there that rides that has used a helmet cam in conjunction with a video camera?  Or how about someone maybe even knows of person who has?  I'd like to know if the quality of the cam is worth the cost. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Admiral on January 09, 2009, 06:03:17 PM
Hey guys,  is there anyone out there that rides that has used a helmet cam in conjunction with a video camera?  Or how about someone maybe even knows of person who has?  I'd like to know if the quality of the cam is worth the cost. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

How come nobody ever replied to this one ...... :nixweiss:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Trapperdog on January 09, 2009, 07:28:00 PM
How come nobody ever replied to this one ...... :nixweiss:
Man..You dug wayyyy back for that one. Good question though. Would love to be able to tape my other half riding to SHOW her strong and week pionts.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: hdhog1 on January 09, 2009, 10:45:23 PM
  You guys keep records on the amount of posts.  Somebody should give the Admiral a medal for this one.  Not only is it an old unreplied post March 2004It's a great question.  I seen 3 or 4 of them in Sturgis in 2007.  Great idea, just not sure about stabilization issue.  I have seen too many videos which made me dizzy and the photographer was only walking.  I have yet to see a helmetcam video.  It could be awesome though.  Skooby if you're still looking, maybe check out the ski scene, I think they use them too. 
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Trapperdog on January 10, 2009, 11:14:04 AM
Yet alass , no one responds with an answer
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Twolanerider on January 10, 2009, 12:13:54 PM
How come nobody ever replied to this one ...... :nixweiss:

Yet alass , no one responds with an answer

Yet, alas, do not have an answer to give.  If no one comes up with anything in another year I'll make something up and post it then :2vrolijk_21: .
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: VANAMAL on January 10, 2009, 12:26:11 PM
http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/product/MOTOCAM-360-HELMET-MOUNT-CAMERA/?psreferrer=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.shopzilla.com%252Fautomotive-parts%252Fmotorcycle-camera-mount%252F22000200%252Fproducts%253F&prodId=1092742&segment=badger
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Fired00d on January 10, 2009, 02:11:51 PM
If you're interested in video camera's you may want to contact this member - magic-rat (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=3881). He hasn't been online since October, but his email is public so you may want to try to contact him that way.

He has camera's mounted everywhere on his bike, and I believe he has some helmet camera's too. I did a search using "camera" as the search item w/him as the user and here a couple threads that might help....

Shotgun-Cam (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=19294.0)

"Summers Here" ... Testing New Cameras (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=14245.0)

Also found 2 pages of threads when I used "video" as the search item w/him as the user that you might find some useful information in.

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: VANAMAL on January 10, 2009, 02:29:17 PM
Ive always wanted to do a time lapse video for one of my rides. Any ideas on doing this?? :bananarock:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Trapperdog on January 10, 2009, 08:31:23 PM
Yet, alas, do not have an answer to give.  If no one comes up with anything in another year I'll make something up and post it then :2vrolijk_21: .
Can you make something up and post it in a year anyway?
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Twolanerider on January 10, 2009, 08:33:45 PM
Can you make something up and post it in a year anyway?

Absolutely :2vrolijk_21: :drink: !
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Buy early on January 10, 2009, 09:09:52 PM
Fortunately, I have a world class answer. Local buddy of mine is the master at this. He has made two incredible movies of long trips, the last one 8K miles for charity. You can see some of his results on the link below. He is a tech wizard and always willing to share what he knows. Rides a Star tourer, wife rides a Goldwing trike. Great couple! Uses helmet cam along with handlebar mounted camera. Has satellite tracking capability, does all his own editing. A truly talented rider!

Check this out:

http://www.ridingforsmiles.com/blog.html (http://www.ridingforsmiles.com/blog.html)

Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Admiral on January 10, 2009, 09:22:19 PM
Ive always wanted to do a time lapse video for one of my rides. Any ideas on doing this?? :bananarock:

You need a time lapse recorder first.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Twolanerider on January 10, 2009, 10:01:16 PM
You need a time lapse recorder first.

Why not just ride twice the speed limit and play the tape forward in slow motion (or maybe that should be the other way around :nixweiss: )?
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: sfarson on January 11, 2009, 01:55:07 AM
Sure, I record helmet cam ride vids.  Also vids from cams on RAM mounts connected to the handlebars.  100's of vids.  The recording quality is about the same whether using a bullet/helmet cam with a MiniDV camcorder, or the camcorder alone.  The lowest capable device is what the output will be.  Helmet cams have the advantage of being able to look around for the viewer and they provide a p-o-v similar to what one would see if riding.  Downsides include a nasty network of cables (power, a/v, mic, controller, etc.) and it is tedious to adjust and set-up.  Cams on handlebar RAM mounts are straightforward and easy to set-up, but they look forward only and on some bikes there are vibes.

Helmet cam examples
Clear Creek Canyon and its six tunnels... http://www.farson.com/video/6tunnels.wmv
Ascent of Juniper Pass... http://www.farson.com/video/dxjuniper.wmv
Ascent of Hoosier Pass... http://www.farson.com/video/vrhoosier.wmv
Ascent of Loveland Pass... http://www.farson.com/video/flloveland.wmv

Handlebar RAM Mount examples
Bear Creek Canyon... http://www.farson.com/video/flbcc.wmv
Ascent of Neufenen Pass... http://www.farson.com/video/alp1.wmv
Ascent of Susten Pass... http://www.farson.com/video/alp4c.wmv

Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JCZ on January 11, 2009, 11:02:06 AM
While this particular thread wasn't responded to back in 04 (wasn't a whole lot of us here back then), there are some very interesting posts from back then and a lot of really good information if you're new here and have a CVO that's an 04 or earlier.

I don't know about helmet mounted cams but I do know a guy that has a handle bar mount that has a stabalization built in to it.  The mount with a stabalizer and the camera with stabalization has made for some very nice videos of our trip to Az. three or four years ago.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Admiral on January 11, 2009, 11:05:37 AM
While this particular thread wasn't responded to back in 04 (wasn't a whole lot of us here back then), there are some very interesting posts from back then and a lot of really good information if you're new here and have a CVO that's an 04 or earlier.

I don't know about helmet mounted cams but I do know a guy that has a handle bar mount that has a stabalization built in to it.  The mount with a stabalizer and the camera with stabalization has made for some very nice videos of our trip to Az. three or four years ago.

Could you contact your guy and get us some details on that stabialization unit he's using?

 :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 11, 2009, 11:12:26 AM
The people that make most of those digital clocks with temp and humidity sell a inexpensive camers that uses a sd memory card. I have one runs on two AA batteries and comes with a variety of cables. It takes pretty good video, but nothing like a real video camera. I will try to find the info on it and post it.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Admiral on January 11, 2009, 11:15:51 AM
The people that make most of those digital clocks with temp and humidity sell a inexpensive camers that uses a sd memory card. I have one runs on two AA batteries and comes with a variety of cables. It takes pretty good video, but nothing like a real video camera. I will try to find the info on it and post it.

If it doesn't have some kind of stabilization electronics it would be pretty wortless for helmet / bike cam thought,.
 :oops:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JCZ on January 11, 2009, 11:30:26 AM
Could you contact your guy and get us some details on that stabialization unit he's using?

 :2vrolijk_21:

Will do, besides have the stabalization built into it, it also has like a pistol grip and you can aim it where you'd like by just pulling the trigger and rotating it.

Admiral.....most cameras now days have the stablization built in however, with stabalization also built into the mount it's just an added (backup) feature for the more extreme conditions (pot holes, railroad tracks, dirt roads, etc.).

Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 11, 2009, 11:34:23 AM
Here is the link for the camera I bought a few years ago. It has been updated a bit but it's the same camera. It's res is 640X480, which is good for web use. I like the camera, it is small, light and does what I needed it to do. As far as stabilization, I had no issue with it and the price was right. It's around 124 on their website. When I got the two I have they were under a hundred bucks.


http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=8&scid=107&pid=824 (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=8&scid=107&pid=824)
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JCZ on January 11, 2009, 11:37:28 AM
Made the call.......he's at work.  Said he'll get it for me, soon as he gets home.

But I just did a google search, I think this is the one he has (the second photo looks like the one that he has):    http://www.cammount.com/camera_mount.htm

If that's not it and he sends me different info. I'll post it here.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Garznhogs on January 11, 2009, 03:58:19 PM
Here is the link for the camera I bought a few years ago. It has been updated a bit but it's the same camera. It's res is 640X480, which is good for web use. I like the camera, it is small, light and does what I needed it to do. As far as stabilization, I had no issue with it and the price was right. It's around 124 on their website. When I got the two I have they were under a hundred bucks.


http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=8&scid=107&pid=824 (http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=8&scid=107&pid=824)

That camera was just on sale at Sam's Club for $48.  I took mine back because of quality on a big screen.
I've used a MiniDV with a home-made gun handle for left handed use. Keep it in a magnetic tank bag, and can get it up and running in just a few seconds, with left hand. Handy to shoot other riders, road in front, road in back, view to the side, or your own face   :coolblue:.  Even with stabilization, your arm 'suspension' helps, too.

You do need to be able to ride one-handed.  Upshifts without clutch no problem; downshifts, you plop the camera into the open bag pretty quick (plan ahead).  Got some fun footage on the Dragon with this setup, keeping my speed around 35 (weekday, no crowd).  Works pretty good... in rain, not so much.  Cigar smoke clouding the picture? Nah...never been an issue.

Had a lightweight (cheap) handlebar mount for a while, but pic was too shaky.  Then it went and broke just as we were heading down the old gravel railbed off the Blue Ridge couple years ago; almost kissed that camera bye-bye. Couldn't hand-hold on that trail though, so a helmet mount would have been good.

Yeah, yeah, I know it's not the smartest thing to do, but that's me. And, when filming from farther back in a group, some viewers have seen some dumb things they've done, like riding the center line.  Or holding a camera while riding.  :D

:-Jerry
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: PR3VS56 on January 11, 2009, 08:15:05 PM
To the videos above:  Well done.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JR on January 11, 2009, 09:54:41 PM
Here's what I use...gotta love that duct tape! :2vrolijk_21: Since this picture I've had to relocate the position of camcorder on the helmet. Needed to locate a little further back on helmet. With me having to compensate for leaning forward to keep the weight on the front of bike to keep the front end on the ground...those of you with engine work know where I'm coming from!!! :nixweiss: :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: :bananarock: :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JR on January 11, 2009, 09:55:46 PM
Front view :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: PR3VS56 on January 11, 2009, 10:14:37 PM
How does your helmet cam work when you travel under one of those highway overpasses with a max height limit?  That's the only problem I could see...
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Fired00d on January 11, 2009, 10:22:24 PM
Here's what I use...gotta love that duct tape! :2vrolijk_21: Since this picture I've had to relocate the position of camcorder on the helmet. Needed to locate a little further back on helmet. With me having to compensate for leaning forward to keep the weight on the front of bike to keep the front end on the ground...those of you with engine work know where I'm coming from!!! :nixweiss: :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: :bananarock: :2vrolijk_21:
:2vrolijk_21: When this thread was brought up again you know that was the first thing I thought about. :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JR on January 11, 2009, 10:42:10 PM
How does your helmet cam work when you travel under one of those highway overpasses with a max height limit?  That's the only problem I could see...

I learned to duck! :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: JR on January 11, 2009, 10:57:24 PM
:2vrolijk_21: When this thread was brought up again you know that was the first thing I thought about. :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:

I had to go thru it to make sure you didn't already post it! :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 12, 2009, 08:31:47 AM
  I took mine back because of quality on a big screen.

The screen resolution of 640X480 should have told you it would not look good on a big screen, that is why I said good for web use. When I bought these cameras it was pretty much what most were using 3 years ago. Yes, there are better cameras now. If you want big screen quality you need to get a camera that will do that. For myself, I had no problem with the resolution as I view stuff on my monitor where it looks fine. One reason I got the thing was because of the screen size and the You Tube video of the guy in Germany on some kind of fast a$$ Yamaha doing in excess of 120 mile / hour on a German road passing cars as if they were parked, and the video looked great.
The guy wanted options for cameras, this was one, it's an inexpensive one, if he has money to spend then buy one of the 500 dollar cameras.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Trapperdog on January 12, 2009, 09:18:50 AM
The screen resolution of 640X480 should have told you it would not look good on a big screen, that is why I said good for web use. When I bought these cameras it was pretty much what most were using 3 years ago. Yes, there are better cameras now. If you want big screen quality you need to get a camera that will do that. For myself, I had no problem with the resolution as I view stuff on my monitor where it looks fine. One reason I got the thing was because of the screen size and the You Tube video of the guy in Germany on some kind of fast a$$ Yamaha doing in excess of 120 mile / hour on a German road passing cars as if they were parked, and the video looked great.
The guy wanted options for cameras, this was one, it's an inexpensive one, if he has money to spend then buy one of the 500 dollar cameras.
Wildrat, How long a video do you get on the 2GB card @ 30 FPS? Will the camera accept a larger card etc?
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: BalDeagle on January 12, 2009, 09:57:51 AM
Some good information here this time guys. I'm looking to set the bike up with some of this gear on our next big trip so this is all useful.

 :2vrolijk_21:

Nige
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 12, 2009, 08:32:55 PM
I cannot remember how much video you get, I think depending on other settings it was around 30 minutes, but don't hold me to that. The website may have more info. If I have not got back in a day, shoot me a knock in the head email. As far as the larger cards I have not tried one yet. I do have a 4gb card somewhere if the wife has not gotten it already.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: SE-Randy on January 12, 2009, 09:03:58 PM
I saw this on TV the other night. He is vague on what camera he actually uses, but for less than $50 looks like it might be worth trying.
http://science.discovery.com/brink/kip-kay/spy-glasses/spy-glasses.html
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 13, 2009, 08:26:30 AM
They have copied a plan from the Instructables website. The camera being used is one of the disposable video cameras. On Instructables they tell you how to hack the camera so you can use it. This actually might be a good idea because some of those disposables take good video. Gotta Go, Dentist today.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Garznhogs on January 13, 2009, 08:37:33 PM
The screen resolution of 640X480 should have told you it would not look good on a big screen, that is why I said good for web use. When I bought these cameras it was pretty much what most were using 3 years ago. Yes, there are better cameras now. If you want big screen quality you need to get a camera that will do that. For myself, I had no problem with the resolution as I view stuff on my monitor where it looks fine. One reason I got the thing was because of the screen size and the You Tube video of the guy in Germany on some kind of fast a$$ Yamaha doing in excess of 120 mile / hour on a German road passing cars as if they were parked, and the video looked great.
The guy wanted options for cameras, this was one, it's an inexpensive one, if he has money to spend then buy one of the 500 dollar cameras.

Wildrat, I understand.  I wasn't putting it down.  I got mine as a gift from my wife who saw me looking at it in the store.  While it looked pretty neat, it was one of those "will I actually use it?" things, and I figured it might not get much use.  Wife has a habit of buying anything she sees me even looking at.  Gotta love her! :-*  But I still took it back.  :-[
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 14, 2009, 08:45:15 AM
It comes with a mount that goes on the crash bar. Sometimes I mount it there and forget about it. What's nice it is water proof down to 3 meters or something like that. It's not a camera that your going to use and let it go for a few hours, it has limitations. I also don't care for the multi-purpose button on top. My big fingers sometimes press two options at once and it's a toss up as to which function you get. I found using the eraser end of a no.2 pencil works well. Pretty much when you sit it up initially it stays there. There is also no way to preview what you are recording, but they do give you plenty of cables, so you can connect it to the connections on the front of the TV. They give you the straps you need to put it on your helmet also. Oregon-Scientific's support is pretty good also. I sent them an email and they got back to me fairly quickly but that was a few years ago, I think 2006.
Here are the specs:
640X480 30 or 15 frames/sec
320X240      "
160X120      "
Focusing 1.5 m to infinity
Movie format AVI
Memory- 32mb built-in and can use SD mem card up to 2Gb(not included)

The big SD cards were a little high back then so I do not know if it will use a 4Gb, but since you can get them for like 8 bucks now you can give it a try. My wife did get my 4Gb card, I will ask her to bring one home so I can try it in the camera. You will also want to invest in some good re-chargeable batteries also, as well as having some non-rechargeable available for those just in case incidents. I just called the wife about the 4 Gb cards. I should just drive to Comp USA who have been bought by Tiger Direct and get a couple of them, even if they are not compatible with that cam they are compatible with one of my digital cameras. Anyway, I'll let ya know something.
It also records sound if selected.
OK, with a 2Gb SD card @ 640X480 30 sec frame rate you get 60 minutes
                                  @ 640X480 15                "                96      "
                                  @ 320X240 30                "                114    "   
                                  @ 320X240 15                "                230    "   
                                  @ 160X120 30                "                356    "
                                  @ 160X120 15                "                794    "
If a 4Gb card will work, you will get much more,640X480 30 sec frame rate is perfect for the web. I really have no complaints about the camera considering the price and what it comes with.
I am going to check the Instructables web site about the disposable video cam hacking and the sunglasses. You could possibly build something pretty good if you are into that kind of stuff which I am.
If anyone has broken DVD burners let me know before you toss it in the garbage, there are a couple of parts I could use.
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Trapperdog on January 14, 2009, 07:43:31 PM
It comes with a mount that goes on the crash bar. Sometimes I mount it there and forget about it. What's nice it is water proof down to 3 meters or something like that. It's not a camera that your going to use and let it go for a few hours, it has limitations. I also don't care for the multi-purpose button on top. My big fingers sometimes press two options at once and it's a toss up as to which function you get. I found using the eraser end of a no.2 pencil works well. Pretty much when you sit it up initially it stays there. There is also no way to preview what you are recording, but they do give you plenty of cables, so you can connect it to the connections on the front of the TV. They give you the straps you need to put it on your helmet also. Oregon-Scientific's support is pretty good also. I sent them an email and they got back to me fairly quickly but that was a few years ago, I think 2006.
Here are the specs:
640X480 30 or 15 frames/sec
320X240      "
160X120      "
Focusing 1.5 m to infinity
Movie format AVI
Memory- 32mb built-in and can use SD mem card up to 2Gb(not included)

The big SD cards were a little high back then so I do not know if it will use a 4Gb, but since you can get them for like 8 bucks now you can give it a try. My wife did get my 4Gb card, I will ask her to bring one home so I can try it in the camera. You will also want to invest in some good re-chargeable batteries also, as well as having some non-rechargeable available for those just in case incidents. I just called the wife about the 4 Gb cards. I should just drive to Comp USA who have been bought by Tiger Direct and get a couple of them, even if they are not compatible with that cam they are compatible with one of my digital cameras. Anyway, I'll let ya know something.
It also records sound if selected.
OK, with a 2Gb SD card @ 640X480 30 sec frame rate you get 60 minutes
                                  @ 640X480 15                "                96      "
                                  @ 320X240 30                "                114    "   
                                  @ 320X240 15                "                230    "   
                                  @ 160X120 30                "                356    "
                                  @ 160X120 15                "                794    "
If a 4Gb card will work, you will get much more,640X480 30 sec frame rate is perfect for the web. I really have no complaints about the camera considering the price and what it comes with.
I am going to check the Instructables web site about the disposable video cam hacking and the sunglasses. You could possibly build something pretty good if you are into that kind of stuff which I am.
If anyone has broken DVD burners let me know before you toss it in the garbage, there are a couple of parts I could use.
Thanks, appreciate all the info!
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: nudels2u75 on January 15, 2009, 03:49:32 PM
Yes I do use one and I love it....I purchased it @ cycle Gear for a little under $200.00, then went down and purchased some additional film cards, and some rechargeable batteries.....I have mine mounted on the front windshield and it comes with several universal attachments to mount on helmet, front forks or wherever....I have shot movies and alsostills with sound.....It is called Hero gopro wide...here is the link

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/all-helmet-cameras/brand/gopro/
Title: Re: Helmet Cam
Post by: Wildrat on January 16, 2009, 07:58:13 AM
That Go Pro looks pretty good. It is 5mega pixel for stills but the video is 512X384. I would have thought looking at the specs it would have better video than that. It is a good all around camera though and it is waterproof to 100 feet which is good for your casual scuba divers, unless your nuts like me and go below 100 feet. I wish I could still dive, maybe one day. I also like the protection the case gives the camera from road debris, but I never had that issue with my camera.

Here is a link to a review of the camera I have at the same site as above for the Go Pro. I also noticed in the review that someone from Oregon Scientific said that 4Gb cards will work but could get stuck because they are thicker. I figure it this way, if you can get it in, you can get it out.

http://helmetcameracentral.com/2006/11/06/oregon-scientific-atc2k-atc-2000-helmet-camera/ (http://helmetcameracentral.com/2006/11/06/oregon-scientific-atc2k-atc-2000-helmet-camera/)

Video of a model rocket launch with the ATC2K camera.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9038417544440632896&hl=en (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9038417544440632896&hl=en)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr-dbYj7sRE&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr-dbYj7sRE&feature=related)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ398OFHWZg&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ398OFHWZg&feature=related)