Video Camera who uses one?

[GraemeL]

The First Part of this post has been added as a running compilation


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Bicycle Cameras

There are more and more cyclists wanting to use a video camera to record their commutes, in the event of an accident, they are able to rely on the footage to prove what took place.
There is a wide variety of cameras on the market, some as cheap as $10 and others costing $400 or more. This information only covers a few of the more popular cameras.
I have provided the following information about various cameras and an external battery to help you decide which is best for you. This is a guide only and the information is from my own experiences as well as from what other users have reported. You should always do your own research before buying any camera.

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Related information about cameras and mounts, can be found here:

Camera FAQ's Here >

Mounting FAQs - DIY and Third Party Mounts >

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This will be updated as I receive more information about the different cameras. I hope this information is a help to you.

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Cameras

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MD80
(I own and use this camera)

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Cost: $14 (approx)



Footage:



What’s Included:
1 X Mini DV Camera, 1 X Silicone cover, 1 X USB cable, 3 X Brackets, Manual

Details:
• Video Format: AVI
• Resolution: Support 30 fps for 720x480 and 320x240 IT IS NOT HD
• Lens: 80 degree (approx)
• Photo: NO
• Memory: Micro SD (up to 16gig)
• Battery Time: Approx 1hr
• Water Proof/Resistant: NO
• Number Plate readability: Yes as long as the car is directly behind or in front and close.
• Size: 55mm (L) x 20mm (W) x 20mm (H)
• Weight: 36g

Purchase from:
• Ebay Seller novelemart
• http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayISAPI ... OC:AU:1123
• Search Name: Mini DV Sports Video Camera Spy Cam MD80

This camera is very small and lightweight. It only has a recording time of 1 hour and is AVI, so it is not HD. If you are looking for a cheap alternative then this is as cheap as they get. If you are looking for a HD camera then keep reading.

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Jumbo HD 808
(I own and use this camera)

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Cost: $48 (approx)



Footage:



What’s Included:
1 x HD Car key camera, 1 x Car Charger, 1 x Car charger Cable Thin 2 meters long, 1 x USB cable, thicker and 1 meter long, 2 x Stick on Velcro Squares, 1 x User Manual

Details:
• Video Format: MOV H.264 compression
• Resolution: 720P High Definition Video 1280 x 720 H.264/AVC1 30fps .
• Photo: 5.0 Mega pixels Photo JPEG format: 2592 x1944.jpg
• Lens: 90 degree (approx)
• Memory: Micro SD (up to 32gig)
• Battery Time: Approx 1.5 hrs
• External Battery Pack: (Optional) YES Extra 2.5hrs
• Water Proof/Resistant: NO
• Number Plate readability: Yes very good
• Size: 65mm (L) x 34mm (W) x 18mm (H)
• Weight: 64g

Purchase from:
• Ebay Seller eletoponline365, extremely good service and fast shipping
• http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayISAPI ... OC:AU:1123
• Search Name: #11 Full 808HD Cam Car Key Camera DVR Driving Recorder

This is the best value camera at the moment. Used with the External Battery Pack, you will get approx 4hrs recording time, provided you use a large capacity memory card.

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Extreme Cam (Crocolis HD Extreme Cam)
(Reviews)

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Cost: $185 (approx)



Footage:

Coming Soon

What’s Included:
Camera, Battery, Helmet Grip, Velcro and 2 x 3 M Pad Handle Bar Grip, Base Bracket, AV Cable, USB Cable, Power Adapter, Short/Long Velcro Strap, HDMI Cable, Microphone, Suction Cup Bracket, Car Charger, User Manual-English

Details:
• Video Format: Mov H.264 compression
• Resolution: FULL HD 1080P = (1920*1080) 30FPS/25FPS 720P = (1280*720) 60FPS/30FPS/25FPS WVGA = (320*240) 30FPS/120FPS
• Still Image Resolution: 2048x1536, 2592x1944, 3200x2400, 4000x3000, 4608x3456
• Timelapse: Yes, 3, 5, 10, 30 and 60 seconds
• Lens: 142 degree(1080P), 172 degree(720P&WVGA)
• Digital zoom: 4x
• Sensor: 5 Mega CMOS
• Screen: 1.5 inch TFT Screen
• Memory: SDHC card (up to 32G)
• Battery Time: Approx 2.5hrs
• Water Proof/Resistant: Yes Waterproof (IP68)
• Number Plate readability: Yes
• Dimensions: 115mm (L) x 58mm (W) x 50mm (D)
• Weight: ?

Purchase from:
• Ebay
• Search Name: Crocolis HD - 1080P Full HD Extreme Sports Action Camera (Waterproof)

This camera has received some very positive reviews and seems to be a very good mid priced option.

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Contour Roam
(User Feedback)

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Cost: $299 (approx)



Footage:

Coming Soon

What’s Included:
1 x Contour Roam Camera, 1 x Rotating Surface Mount, 1 x Profile Mount, 1 x Mount Tether, 1x USB Cable, 1 x Lens Cap

Details:
• Video Format: MOV H.264 compression
• Resolution: 1080p = 1920x1080 pixels at 30 fps or 25 fps, 960p = 1280x960 at 30 fps or 25 fps, 720p = 1280x720 at 30fps or 25 fps
• Still Image Resolution: No
• Timelapse: No
• Lens: 170º Rotates 270°, from -90° to 180° allowing inverted mounting
• Sensor: 5 Megapixel
• Screen: No, Settings need to be changed via PC
• Memory: Micro SD card (up to 32G)
• Battery Time: Approx 3.5hrs
• Water Proof/Resistant: Yes Waterproof 1 metre for 30mins
• Number Plate readability: Yes very good
• Dimensions: 100mm (H) x 55mm (W) x 34mm (D)
• Weight: 145g

This is an excellent camera if you can afford it. There are also other mounts available

Purchase from:
• Plenty of Australian retailers or online
• Search Name: Contour Roam

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GoPro HD Helmet Hero 1
(I own and use this camera)

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Cost: $309 (approx)



Footage:



What’s Included:
1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixel), 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (197’/60 m), 1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap ,1 Vented Helmet Strap, 2 Curved, 3M™ Adhesive Mounts, 2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts, 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly, 2 Quick-Release Buckles, 1 USB Cable, 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable 1 Composite Video + Audio Out Cable

Details:
• Video Format: MOV H.264 compression
• Resolution: 1080p = 1920×1080 pixels, 30 fps, 960p = 1280×960, 30 fps, 720p = 1280×720, 60 fps, 720p = 1280×720, 30 fps
• Still Image Resolution: 2048x1536, 2592x1944, 3200x2400, 4000x3000, 4608x3456
• Timelapse: Yes 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs
• Lens: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode, 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
• Sensor: 1/2.5″ HD CMOS, 2.2µm-sized pixels
• Screen: LED 16mm x 15mm Change settings only
• Memory: SDHC card (up to 32G)
• Battery Time: Approx 2.5hrs
• Water Proof/Resistant: Yes Waterproof 60 metres (waterproof housing)
• Number Plate readability: Yes very good
• Dimensions: 42mm (H) x 60mm (W) x 30mm (D)
• Weight: 167g (includes battery and case)

This is an excellent camera if you can afford it. The housing is just about bomb proof and will take some bangs and knocks. There are a host of mounts for it, which are also very good. There are also other accessories, such as Battery Bacpac, this increases recording times to approx 5 hrs, there is also a LCD BacPac which is a detachable LCD screen for on camera playback and preview.

Purchase from:
• Plenty of Australian retailers or online
• Search Name: GoPro HD Helmet Hero 1

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Contour GPS
(User Feedback)

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Cost: $379 (approx)



Footage:

http://vimeo.com/30007777

What’s Included:
1 x Contour GPS, 1 x Rechargeable Battery, 1 x Goggle Strap Mount, 2 x Rotating Adhesive-Backed Helmet Mounts, 1 x USB Cable and 1 x 2GB MicroSD Card and a leash to keep your camera safe.

Details:
• Video Format: MOV H.264 compression
• Resolution: 1080p = 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, 960p = 1280×960 at 30 fps, 720p = 1280×720 at 60 fps, 720p = 1280×720 at 30 fps,
• Still Image Resolution: 2592 x 1944
• Timelapse: Yes 2592 x 1944 pixels at 3, 5, 10, 30, 60 second intervals
• Lens: 1350 wide angle (720 and 960 modes), 1100 wide angle (1080),Sensor: 5 Megapixel
• GPS: NMEA Format, embedded in the Video file, Stills: GPS data stored in a log file
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth v2.1 EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
• Screen: No, Settings need to be changed via PC
• Memory: Micro SD card (up to 32G)
• Battery Time: Approx 2.5hrs
• Water Proof/Resistant: Yes Water resistant ("splashproof"), not submersible
• Number Plate readability: Yes very good
• Dimensions: 95mm (H) x 58mm (W) x 35mm (D)
• Weight: 150g (including battery)

This is an excellent camera if you can afford it. There are also other mounts available

Purchase from:
• Plenty of Australian retailers or online
• Search Name: Contour GPS

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External battery Pack
(I own and use this)

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Cost: $17 (approx)



What’s Included:
Various connectors for connecting to different things, such as phones, Ipod, Bluetooth and GPS

Details:
• Battery Type : Lithium-iom Cell
• Input Voltage: DC about 5V
• Input Currant: 500mA
• Capacity: 7.8Wh
• Charge Time: 4.5 hours
• Charging Mode: USB or AC adaptor
• Dimensions: 80mm (L) x 45mm (W) x 13mm(D)
• Weight: 55g

This is used with the Jumbo 808 camera, it allows for another 2.5 hrs recording time. It even has two LED lights, these are quite bright and could be used as a torch in an emergency.

Purchase from:
• Ebay Seller: eletoponline365, extremely good service and fast shipping
• http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayISAPI ... OU:AU:1123
Search Name: External Power Pack UPS Charger for #11 HD 808 Car Key Camera

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If anyone has footage that I can use, for the Roam and Extreme Cam please PM me.
If you see something that is not correct please let me know, I'm only human and do make mistakes.





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The Second Original Part of this Post

I thought I might start a thread about video cameras. Who uses them, what type, specs, quality etc.
Others that are thinking of buying a camera will have a place to start their research.

Hopefully others that own a camera will jump in and add to this thread.

I use a GoPro HD Helmet Hero...

Video:

Resolution : NTSC: 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 960 (30fps), 1280 x 720 (30 or 60 fps), 848 x 480 (60 fps)
PAL : 1920 x 1080 (25fps), 1280 x 960 (25fps), 1280 x 720 (25 or 50 fps), 848 x 480 (50 fps)

Lens Angle : 127 degree (1080p mode), 170 degree (960p and 720p modes), CMOS sensor

Waterproof : 60 metres

Storage : SD Card, Max size 32GB (4.5 hours at highest resolution)

Power : Rechargeable 1100mAh Lithium-Ion battery, approx 2.5 hours recording

Photo :

Resolution : 5 megapixel
Capture Modes : Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30 or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

The Good :
The image quality IMHO is top notch, it comes with a range of mounts for easy mounting http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-
helmet-hero-camera/
It's 100% Waterproof up to 60 metres (180ft).
It is quite small and very light, but it is very well made.
This camera sits inside a plastic housing, now this housing is just about bomb proof it will take a beating. If for any reason you scratch the lens of the housing, you just buy a lens kit for $34 and comes with two replacement lenses and seals and fit it to your housing, no need to buy a whole new housing.

The Not So Good :
The audio is not the best though, but then again if you want 100% waterproofing you can't expect it to be.
You are given two backs for the camera housing, one is to make is 100% waterproof and the other has a small section cut out of it to allow for better audio. Even with the non waterproof back the audio is still muffled. The backs simply clip on and off the main housing.
I am sure if you made some small modifications to the housing, like drilling a small hole near the mic and this problem would be fixed. But it is no longer waterproof. and you could add a small amount of fluffy stuff to the hole, to cut down wind noise.
Shooting at night isn't that flash. But if there is light then it does a pretty good job. I will try to include some night footage later on.

Uses :

I have it mounted to the h/bars most of the time, although I do have it mounted to my helmet and on the rear of the bike
sometimes. I find that when it's mounted to my helmet, the video is a bit better. The body absorbs the shocks, But I have to learn to keep my head still and not being fixed you tend to get a lot more in.

I also use this camera in the car, when ever we go anywhere. I have put a 3M quick release on the underside of the rear view mirror and attach the camera to that, that way it is out of the sun most of the time. I also use it in the work ute, I have the camera mounted on the back window of the ute, this way the speedo can be seen as well as me. If for any reason I need proof it's on video. There might also come a day when I catch something on camera and can help someone out with the evidence.

It's 100% waterproof, so you can take it diving, swimming, surfing or any other water sport.

Other Functions :

You can use this camera just like an ordinary camera to take pictures or you can use the self timer to take pictures and even do time lapse with it as well.

Here is some footage, it is shot at 720 x 50fps

Mounted at the rear.



This is mounted on the H/bars.



Helmet Mount and Rear Mount Facing Forwads



Graeme

[Nate]

There's a bucket load of camera threads about

I also put together somewhat of a definitive guide on them here: http://www.rigidmount.com/camera_guide.html

[GraemeL]

There's a bucket load of camera threads about

I also put together somewhat of a definitive guide on them here: http://www.rigidmount.com/camera_guide.html

I thought it might be good to have all the info in one place. People could see the different videos etc with out having to hunt all over the place.

Congrats on the guide, it is very well done

Graeme

[Christine Tham]

Hi GraemeL,

You have done a very nice review of the GoProHD, thank you very much!

However, as Nate said, there has already been plenty of threads of people comparing various models, mounting options etc. For example, this one?
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=36332

Rather than asking people to pull together towards your new thread, maybe it's better that you contributed to one of the existing threads, such as the one above?

Alternatively, you can make your thread specific to the GoProHD? I would suggest renaming the thread title to "My review/experiences of the GoProHD" and invite other owners to offer their feedback.

[Nate]

The issue with putting videos together is that the conditions vary - so results arent that realistic.
especially with bike mounted cameras - as road surface is EVERYTHING

If you want to send everything to me i'll do a review

[norbs]

I am interested in how you managed to get the GPS data on there. That is very cool.

[zero]

I am interested in how you managed to get the GPS data on there. That is very cool.

Most camera's have optional overlays for time - if the camera has GPS it will have an optional overlay for it. Mine has an overlay for its accelerometer, but I've never bothered to figure out how to turn it on - more useful from a car where acceleration can be considerable most of the time, and cornering forces aren't up/down through the chassis like a leaned over bike.

[Aushiker]

Hi

Reasonably happy owner of a Contour HD1080P here. Now looking for a second camera to face rearward.

Andrew

[Baalzamon]

Hi

Reasonably happy owner of a Contour HD1080P here. Now looking for a second camera to face rearward.

Andrew

Let me know what route you go down, I'm thinking of a cheapie from ebay one of the $10 ones. But then need to consider how to waterproof it...

Happy own of a Contour GPS camera here, glad I got that one as Bluetooth support is coming up soon

[GraemeL]

I am interested in how you managed to get the GPS data on there. That is very cool.

I use a program called DashWare http://www.dashware.net/ . You will need GPS data, that you use with the program. I have a Garmin Oregan 550 that I take with me. I just upload the gpx file into DashWare along with the video footage.

Hi

Reasonably happy owner of a Contour HD1080P here. Now looking for a second camera to face rearward.

Andrew

I too am thinking of getting another for the rear, I was thinking about getting another GoPro, but I would also like to try out another camera and was looking at the Contour, the one with the GPS.

Graeme

[Nate]

FYI - joining front & rear footage with split screen:


its poorly aligned but should look pretty cool if you had 2 cameras, 1 front 1 rear

[Aushiker]

Hi

This video goes on a bit but it I thought the approach to mounting the rear camera was interesting ... you can see it around the 2:55 mark.



I think a Go Pro or Contour HD1080 is probably over kill for a rear camera ... but happy to be convinced otherwise

Andrew

[Oxford]

that's a very professional version of the mounting process I adopted.

[Aushiker]

that's a very professional version of the mounting process I adopted.

Hi

With your mounting (any chance of photos?) is it easy to remove the camera for charging etc?

Andrew

[Oxford]

that's a very professional version of the mounting process I adopted.

Hi

With your mounting (any chance of photos?) is it easy to remove the camera for charging etc?

Andrew

yeah I've got to take some photos for some other queries I've had, I'll try to take some tonight of this and the other stuff and post up.

[GraemeL]

Hi

This video goes on a bit but it I thought the approach to mounting the rear camera was interesting ... you can see it around the 2:55 mark.



I think a Go Pro or Contour HD1080 is probably over kill for a rear camera ... but happy to be convinced otherwise

Andrew

Thanks a lot

After watching that video, I had to check out the rear light. It's a Fibre Flare, I just ordered 4 of them for our bikes.

Graeme

[Oxford]

This is how I have mounted the rear camera I have on both bikes I commute on:

Seat post mount using an old mudguard clamp mount with a barend bolted to where the mudguard attached.



The helmet mounts were used on the other bike using cable ties to attach the mount to the seat stay, the front is similarly mounted to the handlebars same style.

[Aushiker]

After watching that video, I had to check out the rear light. It's a Fibre Flare, I just ordered 4 of them for our bikes.

Hi

Gaz545 has more on lights here.

Andrew

[Aushiker]

Hi

Thanks Oxford. Giving some ideas there.

Andrew

[Aushiker]

Hi

I like the look of the GoPro HD Hero 960 with the seatpost mount as a rear camera setup. Price is RRP of US$179.99 + US$20 for the mount. Comes with a waterproof case. Anyone played with one?

Andrew

[zero]

This is how I have mounted the rear camera I have on both bikes I commute on:

Seat post mount using an old mudguard clamp mount with a barend bolted to where the mudguard attached.

Those are the same mounts (different colour) supplied with the atc9k. The plastic clamp of the bar mount eventually broke - though it may have survived much longer if I only used it right way up - when I bought my roadie I tried it hanging from the right drop for a different perspective - my camera holds its weight a little distance off the mount, and thats probabably too much for it. I also found once the mounts got used, they wore a bit and needed the cam slipped in on a piece of paper to prevent the mic picking up clacking from the click in part.

Not particularly enamored with the helmet mount either - though it might work better mounted the way you have with cable ties on a helmet with more amenable vent placement than mine.

[GraemeL]

Hi

I like the look of the GoPro HD Hero 960 with the seatpost mount as a rear camera setup. Price is RRP of US$179.99 + US$20 for the mount. Comes with a waterproof case. Anyone played with one?

Andrew

It looks to be the same as my GoPro HD, the difference being it doesn't do 720x60fps or 1080. Also it doesn't have the expansion slot, you won't be able to use the new accessories with it, like the LCD Screen or the Battery Pack (when it's released).

I think this would make a great second camera.

Graeme

[Nate]

Hi
I like the look of the GoPro HD Hero 960 with the seatpost mount as a rear camera setup. Price is RRP of US$179.99 + US$20 for the mount. Comes with a waterproof case. Anyone played with one?
Andrew

I've heard good reports - the sensor is MUCH better, so while it doesnt do 1080p, it has a much better picture, vivid colours, sharper etc.
Also nice price point & a lot more affordable

[Aushiker]

It looks to be the same as my GoPro HD, the difference being it doesn't do 720x60fps or 1080. Also it doesn't have the expansion slot, you won't be able to use the new accessories with it, like the LCD Screen or the Battery Pack (when it's released).

Hi

I am not bothered by 720 x 60 fps or the expansion slot and as I want it for a rear camera I think features for the price make it work. Whatever I use has to be suitable for winter.

I need to wait until I have finished the commuter's set-up to see if a seat post mounted camera will be feasible but.

Andrew

[Aushiker]

I've heard good reports - the sensor is MUCH better, so while it doesnt do 1080p, it has a much better picture, vivid colours, sharper etc.
Also nice price point & a lot more affordable

Hi

Sounds good then. I particular like that it comes with a waterproof housing.

Andrew