Camera Advice

[SailnDive]

I have a camera mounted helmet but it is old, heavy technology and I'd like to update to a better, lighter system. I've always built my own mounting hardware and will probably do the same with this one. I may just try to move the mount from my skydiving helmet if it will work. I see a lot of references to GoPro cameras but I know nothing about them. Light weight and long battery life are prime considerations. Being able to control the camera while on the go is also desirable. Suggestions, pictures?? Bike mounting does not seem to be a good idea. I'm going to shoot some video with my existing gear just to learn how best to do it while I decide on a new set-up. But my video helmet is really heavy...not a concern in freefall but a real problem on a cycle I think.

 

[Highwayman2013]

I have a camera mounted helmet but it is old, heavy technology and I'd like to update to a better, lighter system. I've always built my own mounting hardware and will probably do the same with this one. I may just try to move the mount from my skydiving helmet if it will work. I see a lot of references to GoPro cameras but I know nothing about them. Light weight and long battery life are prime considerations. Being able to control the camera while on the go is also desirable. Suggestions, pictures?? Bike mounting does not seem to be a good idea. I'm going to shoot some video with my existing gear just to learn how best to do it while I decide on a new set-up. But my video helmet is really heavy...not a concern in freefall but a real problem on a cycle I think.

There are options from Sena such as the 10C all in one unit or the prism camera. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-10c-bluetooth-headset-camera
[url]http://www.motorcycledave.com/sena-headsets/
[/URL]

 

[cuznjohn]

i have the sena 10 c set up on my helmet. here is what it looks like to record on it http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...and-saying-by-to-al-aka-SPECTACUALR-SPIDERMAN

 

[SailnDive]

The 10c looks really good. I'll take a closer look at it.

 

[HIspyder]

I have a camera mounted helmet but it is old, heavy technology and I'd like to update to a better, lighter system. I've always built my own mounting hardware and will probably do the same with this one. I may just try to move the mount from my skydiving helmet if it will work. I see a lot of references to GoPro cameras but I know nothing about them. Light weight and long battery life are prime considerations. Being able to control the camera while on the go is also desirable. Suggestions, pictures?? Bike mounting does not seem to be a good idea. I'm going to shoot some video with my existing gear just to learn how best to do it while I decide on a new set-up. But my video helmet is really heavy...not a concern in freefall but a real problem on a cycle I think.

The Garmin Virb XE is worthy of consideration. I just purchased one this week and it's a very nice camera. Image stabilization, built in GPS and Bluetooth to connect an external mic such as the my Sena 20s, which I paired to without issues. It can do image overlays to display route, speed etc. It can also do fish eye correction, resident without the use extra software. http://virb.garmin.com/en-US/virb-xe

A comparison to the go-pro is here:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Bike mounting does not seem to be a good idea.

Actually, I found bike mounting to be better than helmet mounting. When I watched some video I took with the camera on my helmet I almost got sea sick from the constant back and forth motion of my head. The bike body is surprisingly steady and vibration free. I fixed up a rotating mount between the headlights with a remote knob on the dash so I can pan the camera back and forth. I do need to raise it though as right now it's so low it doesn't see very well over the barriers along highways. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of my setup, and it's not all on the Spyder at this time.

 

[Spyder RTL]

I like the Garmin VIRB XE

I posted this thread about the Garmin VIRB XE: http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?84114-Is-this-Goodbye-for-my-GoPro-Hero
It has some helpful links including how I mounted my GoPro Hero.

Update since I posted my VIRB XE thread: I have grown to really like this camera. The image quality is better "in-person" than on YouTube. And I found that to maintain the trip distance total, you have to leave the camera on. So when I stop for lunch, I'll stop recording BUT I'll leave the camera on. I power my VIRB XE using a 6000 mAh Mophie Powerstation Duo.

I plan to update my original VIRB XE thread soon.

 

[markyodo]

We own a GoPro and have mounts on the bike for it. We love it and use it on all trips.
One of the plus sides to bike mounting is the options for camera position. I can shoot video of the forward road trip and then switch to show video of the rider and passenger, I also have a swivel mount which I can move in any direction. It makes for some interesting perspectives and if you know the route ahead of time you can plan your shots.
If the camera is "out of reach" a remote to operate the camera can be purchased but I also have a smartphone app and can control the camera from my phone which is mounted between the handlebars.
With the camera mounted to the bike there is only camera shake when there are extreme road conditions.

 

[MEP]

Here's a video (raw, without any editing) of short clips taken with the Garmin Virb Basic mounted on the dash. The design of the Virb mounted there allows for easy 'on and off' operation without the need for a remote. Battery life while recording is in the neighborhood of 2 hrs. 45 mins. to 3 hrs..The Virb Basic was/is being discontinued to allow room for newer, more sophisticated models, and can be bought now for under $100. If you want bells and whistles I'd look elsewhere, but for basic recording and stills it works just fine.

 

[SailnDive]

After watching video, it looks like bike mounted is better than helmet mounted. I used wide angle lens for skydiving video but doubt that my lens would fit these new cameras. May not be better anyway. I'll shoot some with my old gear just to compare.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

If you want an easy to operate, inexpensive camera that takes great pictures check out the HTC RE. You wear it on a lanyard around your neck and you can take pictures from just about every angle while riding and it also takes video. Three people had them on our North to Alaska trip and the picture quality was fantastic.

 

[Chupaca]

Are you confused yet..??

choices choices...there was a time when there were two..:roflblack: now look what they have done..I have the GoPro but recently saw an amazing one at SITR. The vendor is zoozmc.com. Check with Sharon he can get you set up...don't know the others so I'm hyea:

 

[finless]

GoPro camera here. Mounted to the chin bar of my modular helmet.
Have a Sena GoPro backpack on it so it links to my Sena 20S headset MIC.
Audio is PERFECT!

After trying many things this works best for me. I prefer it mounted to my helmet as it looks where I look which is what I want. Waswinger must be a bobble head Kidding WW.

Example video:

Bob

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Waswinger must be a bobble head Kidding WW.

A lot more so than I had any idea! :roflblack: :roflblack: :roflblack:

 

[Darren111]

Actually, I found bike mounting to be better than helmet mounting. When I watched some video I took with the camera on my helmet I almost got sea sick from the constant back and forth motion of my head. The bike body is surprisingly steady and vibration free. I fixed up a rotating mount between the headlights with a remote knob on the dash so I can pan the camera back and forth. I do need to raise it though as right now it's so low it doesn't see very well over the barriers along highways. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of my setup, and it's not all on the Spyder at this time.[/QUOTE

When I went to see OJ UK, I talked to him about helmet cameras and he also suggested mounting camera on handlebars because somebody could easily knock camera of your helmet.

 

[Tracey@Leader]

Tips on mounting a camera

http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/blog/mounting-a-camera-on-a-motorcycle-helmet-cam-vs-suction/
This may be helpful

 

[wyliec]

I fixed up a rotating mount between the headlights with a remote knob on the dash so I can pan the camera back and forth. I do need to raise it though as right now it's so low it doesn't see very well over the barriers along highways. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of my setup, and it's not all on the Spyder at this time.

Can you provide a little more info about the rotating mount, remotely operated? Is it electrical or mechanical. This question may sound a little off; but, I have a GS, and I can't visualize what you may be using.

When I had my gopro attached to the spyder (in many different places) it was static vs dynamic when helmet mounted. Two of the reasons I don't use it is, I don't care for the look of helmet mounted, and current spyder mounted only gives one view.

Thanks

 

[Gerald755]

Camera Mount

Here's a video (raw, without any editing) of short clips taken with the Garmin Virb Basic mounted on the dash. The design of the Virb mounted there allows for easy 'on and off' operation without the need for a remote. Battery life while recording is in the neighborhood of 2 hrs. 45 mins. to 3 hrs..The Virb Basic was/is being discontinued to allow room for newer, more sophisticated models, and can be bought now for under $100. If you want bells and whistles I'd look elsewhere, but for basic recording and stills it works just fine.

I too have the Garmin Virb, which I love. I have 2. How did you mount the one on the front of the Spyder? Mounting the one to the rear was easy.

 

[Woodsrider]

I use an SJ4000 wifi, helmet mounted. Cheap as chips, has been through all kinds of weather. I use it mostly on the sportbike, video quality is fantastic. This is on one of the lowest resolutions: https://www.flickr.com/photos/117138176@N06/shares/tD3KYY

 

[MEP]

I too have the Garmin Virb, which I love. I have 2. How did you mount the one on the front of the Spyder? Mounting the one to the rear was easy.

Hi, Gerald. I mounted it on the crown of the dash using one of the curved Garmin OEM adhesive mounts. I got the idea from Fred Rau's website review of the Virb Elite posted here: http://www.fredrau.com/zumo-590lm-virb-camera/

If you scroll down to the camera review you will find a couple of pictures that he posted of the dash mount. Mine is mounted exactly the same way.