Helmet Cam

[Flash-FX]

By popular request,here's my latest version of "helmet cam". Quick & dirty... The Velcro aided in alignment before the angle bracket was installed. The Velcro also holds the camera from flopping around. The battery lasts about a hour, and it can hold up to a 8gig card (the card outlives the battery). The picture quality is about the same as any 'CF card' video camera...sorry no HD picture here. But on the upside, I don't feel the extra weight and it's easy to turn on & off.

http://www.x-h2o.com/threads/37162 shows some test footage (on the 2nd page).


The last picture was the 2nd gen of "helmet cam", It was a Hitachi HI 8 camera with a detachable waterproof lens. One of the problems with that was it didn't offer enough of a "wide angle" view. So I fashioned a wide angle tele-converter to the lens...the converter was not waterproof, (see where the complications start) A custom latex rubber boot kept it from leaking. Bottom line, it had a great picture but was not easy to set up & film with. The tape drive fit into a waterproof case inside a back pack along with a fresh water lens rinse system (2004).


What are you guys running for waterproof video?

 

[joe b]

Hey... Any of that footage from the frontside come out???:bananapowerslide:

 

[Dirtybird]

www.goprocamera.com haven't hooked it up yet since I just got my ski running, but next thing on my list when I figure out the best way to mount it..

 

[#ZERO]

Those things look expensive and not very water resistant?

I like the helmet design and sunglasses with the lanyard string. :cool2:

I'm pretty happy with my Oregon scientific ATC2K waterproof camera with my custom clip mount and lanyard attachment.

 

[demolition_x]

www.goprocamera.com haven't hooked it up yet since I just got my ski running, but next thing on my list when I figure out the best way to mount it..

i just got one and have to say i am quite impressed.

and it takes pretty decent video


<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://smg.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v168/demolition_x/Marks June 7-8/Marks June 7-8/PICT0073.flv"></embed>

 

[jakew4]

GoPro is a great camera. I love mine!!!

Any pictures of how you have it mounted?

 

[demolition_x]

i just have the wrist mount

the helmet cam mount is like 70 bucks, a little rich for my blood for a strap and an enclosure.

i'll figure something out sooner or later

 

[jakew4]

Here's my setup. Never had a problem with it and I only ride surf. Easy to turn on and off, plus the video stays as still as your head is. Great video.

 

[jakew4]

Just throw an extra wrap of velcro around it for safe keeping and have at it.

 

[Dirtybird]

Here's my setup. Never had a problem with it and I only ride surf. Easy to turn on and off, plus the video stays as still as your head is. Great video.

Bwhahaha I have the SAME helmet and was going to mount it the SAME way :lmao: Hilarious. The only issue I have with the camera is how dim it is. I have videoed myself playing drums and it's super dark. It has to be perfect sunshine for it to look ok. The pics/videos I've taken out of water seem to be ok though. (with right light) You can actually hear my drums and what not. Pretty impressed for this little camera. :bigok:

 

[demolition_x]

thats not bad idea, i have the same exact helmet too.


the only thing i don't like about this camera is the battery's get eaten up pretty quickly, i only got 150 pics and a few minutes of video out of last weekend

 

[jakew4]

Yeah, it is definitely not an inside camera. It is even a little dim when it's cloudy early in the morning. For the price, size, and simplicity there is not a better camera out there right now.

 

[jakew4]

thats not bad idea, i have the same exact helmet too.


the only thing i don't like about this camera is the battery's get eaten up pretty quickly, i only got 150 pics and a few minutes of video out of last weekend

I've found out that battery life in these camera's deal directly with water temperature. I use rechargables and get the full hour of video with my 2 gig card. The lithium batteries are the best and will give you a full 2 hours of video in water temp above 50 degrees. The only bad thing is that the lithium batteries are $15 for 4 batteries.

 

[demolition_x]

you try it with any bigger cards?

i know it says only 2 gig cards but was curious if any one tried a bigger one, i only have a 1 gig and a 2 gig, gotta buy a few 2 gig ones

 

[guiness92]

you try it with any bigger cards?

i know it says only 2 gig cards but was curious if any one tried a bigger one, i only have a 1 gig and a 2 gig, gotta buy a few 2 gig ones

Ahh the white sn and the orange ski that me and my wife have been seeing on the river while taking the baby for a walk every day. Now I know who it is. As soon as I figure out my electrical problem, I'll see you on the river with my red and yellow mickey d's sn.

 

[demolition_x]

Ahh the white sn and the orange ski that me and my wife have been seeing on the river while taking the baby for a walk every day. Now I know who it is. As soon as I figure out my electrical problem, I'll see you on the river with my red and yellow mickey d's sn.

lol no way were you on the southside next to the beach across from the country club walking? *edit*

 

[jakew4]

you try it with any bigger cards?

i know it says only 2 gig cards but was curious if any one tried a bigger one, i only have a 1 gig and a 2 gig, gotta buy a few 2 gig ones

Not yet, but some of my tech buddies have told me that it will work with a 4 gig. I just need to get on ebay and get one, but I'm lazy. Plus the 2 gig videos a full tank of gas for me (or at least it used to with my old boat).

 

[guiness92]

lol no way were you on the southside next to the beach accross the walkway walking?

lol every day. We take the baby to the beach to let her play in the sand and water.

 

[guiness92]

I was actually gonna wave you down to bum a ride since my ski isnt starting lmao. My wife told me I was insane when I told her I would probably know who it was.

 

[Flash-FX]

Hey... Any of that footage from the frontside come out???:bananapowerslide:

Funny you ask...YouTube - 1st surf test


JK...Better stuff later.

This Panasonic camera has some potential (if I don't break it first). As most CF card video cameras, they like bright lighting conditions for the best picture quality (which kinda sux for 2008...James Bond had better stuff in the 60's).

Cool stuff guys.