Sports cam

[DaytonaDog]

Question for the gadget geeks out there.

I have been doing some research on t'interweb on sports cams. As I see it there are three types, namely an all inclusive camera with everything built in, ie memory card, mic etc etc, a camera that mounts to bike with a seperate purpose built recorder(I think that is the set up Ro has) or a camera that mounts onto the bike that can be plugged into a video camera which records the footage.

I'm undecided which is the best option. I already own a video camera and I have a 12v power outlet on the bike. I also currently have a tinted screen so mounting the camera on the handlebars is not really an option.

Obviously the cameras are of differing quality and cost and I don't really want to spend to much on one if I do decide to take the plunge.

Any tips, suggestions, pitfalls, techie stuff etc etc would be gratefully received.

DD

[Dabz]

I've looked in to this a number of times in the past - I want something simple and easy to record but that does decent ish quality.

On the cheaper end of the market, the GoPro Hero cam is cheap but good quality audio, which is what usually suffers on the cheaper camers. The ATC3k is also very good

Dave Ledgers one looks awesome quality, not sure what it is or how much

[jaagsxr]

Uber dave has one and the quality is v good around £200 ish ?
I have a 12 v one but it is not hd so the pic is a bit grainy ...its 720 lines .

[Si]

Daves is superb. Im thinking about getting one too and Dave talked me through his. Looks great and the quality is good too for the price! :)

Chris have a look on my FB page or Daves as he did some video in Devon of us a couple of weeks ago.

[Uber Dave]

I have only got round to processing three bits of footage so far from my camera, two available here: http://www.youtube.com/user/noisyl (watch it in 720p if your PC can play it back) and one on either Si, Roxy or My own fb profile.

I have a Contour GPS ( http://contour.com/camera ) its a self contained unit which is not too badly sized and weighs next to nothing. It does 1080p video, has a GPS module which logs speed and elevation data into the file and blue-tooth so you can add an app to your phone (iOS and Android) and use it as a remote view finder and setup the settings. I would recommend it in a heart beat but they are not that cheap, not sure on your budget, I got mine on Amazon so check the price there) NOTE the Contour+ was just announced TODAY! so might be worth looking at that, better optics apparently with a slightly wider angle lens, but same sensor (the + comes with a HDMI port on the back though too which mine does not!)

Another option would be the GoPro HD Motorsports version, http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-motorsports-hero-camera/

I did a lot of research on a lot of cameras before I bought, and went with the contour over the gopro as the gopro sticks out a LOT on the side of my helmet, where as the contour does not (see picture below) plus mine comes with two lasers either side of the lens to help you align it correctly (though the Contour+ does not have these!).

http://www.davejl.co.uk/images/IMAG0024.jpg
http://www.davejl.co.uk/images/IMAG0025.jpg

[Taylor911]

I've got a GoPro HD Motorsport.

I really recommend it.
What dave said about it sticking out a bit is true, it does add a bit of weight to the helmet, but it doesnt get in the way too much.

If you want more info, Msg me.

There is the GoPro 960, which is better then the SD, but not as higher definition as the HD. If it was out then the HD was out i would have got the 960, Cheaper and i only use 720 @ 60FPS, never use anything more.

http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/gopro_hd_hero_960
960^ I think it may have replaced the Hero SD, it doesnt seem to be available on that site anymore.

Only 199, great price for that.

For helmet mouting i would say the Contour is better, for bike i'd go with the GoPro.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii112/ataylor0/IMG_0009-1.jpg

[Honda_Star]

I have a go pro camera that has little use that I might be persuaded to part with . . .

[DaytonaDog]

Thanks for the info so far peeps. My budget is currently around the 50 to 100 pounds area, however I suspect the quality of image/sound on those cameras is not in the same league as the contour/go pro cameras so I may have to reconsider my budget and start saving. I guess the better the quality required the more you have to pay.

As I already own a compact camcorder which can fit in my tank bag, is getting a bullet lens, which can be connected to the camcorder via RCA leads a viable option? I have heard of a two camera system with a lens on the front and one on the back which can be switched between the two? Any thoughts?

[Mitch9128]

46kam, yeah they're great, £100 if you have a DVR already. There are cheaper options, and more portable ones, check out the crap coming out of Hong Kong at them moment, some of it isn't that crap.

[Mitch9128]

Just bought a Veho Muvi HD, records in 720p or 1080p, whichever model one you go for. You can get handlebar mounts, suction mounts, helmet mounts, waterproof cases etc etc Very impressed, 720p comes in around £100.
If you look at the non HD muvi's they come in around £40, excellent value.