Helmet Cams. General info from me, other owners sound off!

[Billy Golightly]

Huffa was asking about Helmet cameras in another thread, and asked for me to talk about mine a little bit. If anyone has any questions about mine, ask away. If you've got one also, post your experience and thoughts about it too. We'll make an un-official helmet camera resource.

I have the Skullcamz Viper system www.skullcamz.com I got it as a birthday, and Christmas combination present. Before I go any further, after purchasing the system I found out a few things that bothered me.

#1: The PVR-800 is not made exclusively for skull camz, its marketed as a private investigator tool and is sold at many suppliers for that type of equipment. Its actually made by Panasonic.

#2: The PVR-800 is limited to its resolution. The bullet cam (actual helmet cam) can record a better picture then the pvr-800 can actually save. The Quality is fair, to good. Most definitely not miniDV quality like I was expecting. Its not that bad on a PC but on a tv its very blocky...


You have a remote on the side of the pouch that has 3 positions, off, on, and record. Theres about a 12-15 second delay from switching to off to the record position before it actually starts recording. When you want to stop, just flip it back to the off position. The PVR-800 has a built in 40gb hard drive which will hold more video then you can imagine before filling up. It uses the DivX video format, which I've had a little bit of problem with editing and then having the sound unsync from the picture, but if I leave it in the original format I dont have any problems. It also has the ability to record to an SD type media card, those are available up to 2GB commercially. According to Skullcamz when you record to the hard drive it is possible to get a skip occasionally (hasnt happened to me yet) and recording to the SD media eliminates that. The problem with the SD card is, that you must have a card reader to download the video from it. You cant copy whats been saved onto the card, onto the internal hard drive of the recorder. At least I haven't figured out how. The best thing to me is being able to record the video, and then stop right there on the spot and watch it. Battery life is really good so far from what I've seen. 8-10 hours of actual use before a re-charge. Extra batteries are super cheap, like $10 a piece. The carrying system they give you is more like for mountain bikers and stuff, its an entire harness. I just loop my belt through the pack and do that.

I'm really really particular about sound and video qualities, I can hear fuzz in the background of even the most pure recordings. Crappy video quality bothers me the worst. I had actually at one point decided to send this back because I was not happy with the video quality, but I decided to keep it and its grown on me since then. Everything else in the system works great. I'm not sure I'd buy another one, not atleast until I tried one of the "regular" helmet cams that plugs into a MiniDV or similar type normal camcorder to see how the quality was. You dont have a remote, or external microphone then, or the compactness of the viper system. I guess thats what it comes down to, video quality, or an easy to use and carry system.

[aquapunk]

Wow, for $759 you'd figure it would have awesome quality. I'd like to see what the $199 one offered, lol.

[Tri-ZNate]

Wow, for $759 you'd figure it would have awesome quality. I'd like to see what the $199 one offered, lol.

the $199 has really good video for what it is. We were playin with it on our buddy's projector, looked awesome. Havent tried sound yet though

[Billy Golightly]

Yeah exactly...For the price, I was just really dissapointed in the quality. The bottle neck is the PVR, but like I mentioned before if you dont use it, you dont have the compactness or good features like the remote, ability to play back on the spot, etc. Although I'm not positive, I believe if you had an actual Camcorder with an input on it, you could take apart the wiring harness of the viper kit and hook the bullet camera up to the camcorder, if you didn't want to use the PVR.

The sound is extremely touchy, and I actually keep the mic inside the pack and you still pickup normal conversations with it.

[Bryan Raffa]

I wanna run the MX with it billy!! We have to have a 07 tf vid this year!!!!!!!!

[Enigma]

I too have a helmet cam I have http://www.viosport.com/ Adventure Cam 3.

I have used it a hand full of time and I really like it. I got the Adventure Cam 3 because it had the highest resolution and it has a replaceable lens. I ride in the sand dunes so the lens will get pitted from the sand, but can easily replace it. It records to a regular camcorder so the quality is really good. I have an old Cannon that I got in 1999 or 2000 that records to Minidv and its 100% with the helmet cam. As for the sound quality, its Ok. The first time I used it I had the microphone inside the backpack and the quality was horrible. Since then I make sure to have the microphone outside the backpack and its better but its nothing special. I’m not sure if it will pickup normal conversation because I normally don’t start recording until I’m riding.

I just put the camcorder in its carrying bag then put it in my backpack. The LANC remote is a must have. With the camera all tucked away and safe, using the LANC remote I can turn it on / off, record stop and pause. Its also pretty durable because I crashed once with the it, it just scratched it up a little but it still but it still works fine.

Check out http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=51541 that thread to see the videos.

[TimSr]

I run mine into an 8mm camcorder, but the cam corder is just too big and bulky for racing. I did some team HS recordings, but took it off half way through. Another prob is for my camcorder I have to run helmet cam input in RCA jacks, and then hit record/play buttons on tape player controller and I dont think a Lanc will work for this. Im looking for a small inexpensive PVR and would be happy to entertain suggestions. They had some cheapos on Ebay for $99 but I had doubts about teh quality.

[Dammit!]

Are there any helmet cam/camcorder combos that can record in anamorphic widescreen?

[Billy Golightly]

Not yet, that I know of Doug. A German company is actually coming out with an HD(!) recorder that is about the size of the regular bullet cams we have out now, should be out in a year and I dont know what the retail is but I'm sure it'll be spendy. The video quality sure would be worth it though.

[hoser]

I have a http://www.helmetcamera.com camera and use my Sony digital cam corder to record on, I wish I would have bought the 480 or 560 line camera but the 380 does ok.

How can someone post videos on utube then point to them as a example of quality lmao

Also note this on the helmetcamera.com site, looks like they rate cameras like most company's boast HP numbers and suspension travel numbers, they lie hehe

Beware of false advertising!

# Fact #1: There is no such thing as a 580 line resolution bullet style camera.
# Fact #2: There is no such thing as a 600 line resolution bullet style camera.
# Fact #3: The highest quality chip available is a Sony 520 line chip. With advanced imaging technology available today, a max of 560 lines of resolution can be achieved.

[hoser]

Quote off the skullcamz.com web site lol I wonder what else they are stretching?

"SONY SUPER HAD BULLET CAMERA @ 580 VERTICAL LINES
We have just upgraded our bullet camera to incorporate the new Sony 1/3” color Super HAD CCD, with 580 vertical lines @ 30 frames per second. "

[Billy Golightly]

I've heard that before, and I did a little research and found quite a few retailers (outside of ebay) selling 580line cameras. I'm not saying the info on helmetcamera.com is wrong, but its liable to be outdated. The copyright on the bottom of their pages still says 2005.

[Howdy]

I just stumbled upon this set up. It sounds like a good beginer set up.
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Oregon+Scientific/idesc/ATC%2D2000+Action+Camera/Store/MG/item/112301/N/0

Some more info and reviews on it: http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/reviews/pwr/product-reviews/Gear/Climbing/Training/Mountain-Toys/Oregon-Scientific-Inc-774189/p/112301-ATC-2000-Action-Camera.html

Howdy

[hadar]

I just stumbled upon this set up. It sounds like a good beginer set up.
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Oregon+Scientific/idesc/ATC%2D2000+Action+Camera/Store/MG/item/112301/N/0

Some more info and reviews on it: http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/reviews/pwr/product-reviews/Gear/Climbing/Training/Mountain-Toys/Oregon-Scientific-Inc-774189/p/112301-ATC-2000-Action-Camera.html

Howdy


I just bought on of these off ebay for about the same price. Can't wait to get it and try it out. Ive been wanting to do a little onboard rz350 and more trike action. Thanks for the link, I will let everyone know what it's like. Hope it's durable enough for me.:lol:

[brapp]

i would love to have a helmetcam but the price just scares me

[mbg75]

anyone try one of the $50 tony hawk cams? i think it will hold up to 45 mins with a 2 gig sd card.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=tony+hawk+cam&category0=

[Dammit!]

I just stumbled upon this set up. It sounds like a good beginer set up.
http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/product.asp/imanf/Oregon+Scientific/idesc/ATC%2D2000+Action+Camera/Store/MG/item/112301/N/0

Some more info and reviews on it: http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/reviews/pwr/product-reviews/Gear/Climbing/Training/Mountain-Toys/Oregon-Scientific-Inc-774189/p/112301-ATC-2000-Action-Camera.html

Howdy

I have the first version of that camera. The atc-1000. It looks like spec wise, this new one isn't much different. Still can't do 30fps at 640x480. This one does 15fps. I think mine is 10fps. Audio quality is bad on mine. The reviews make the same complaint about this one. You can get the atc-1000 for less than fifty bucks on ebay.

[mywifeknowseverything]

I have the Bulletcam http://www.bulletcam.com/helmet_Cams_products.htm

I have the 480 Which feeds into my Cannon Digital...The biggest PITA is my Camcorder isnt LANC Compatible!! Sometimes I get it all Turned on Stuff it in my Pack and Take off....Hrs later when I return to camp and check it, it has turned itself off in within the first 3 minutes...:rolleyes: Im looking at getting a LANC Compatible Corder....Other than that it Records Fine....But when your at the Ocean...That Salt Air and Dampness Really Screw up the Lens and you wont know it until you Stop....Here is a Short clip from a Few yrs ago.....

Pismo Beach CA,,,,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE1xWvo3kx8

[Dammit!]

I just had a thought (I know it's rare but it does happen!). With this dual 100watt halogen light setup on my new R, how do you think some nightime helmet cam footage would turn out?

I don't even have a camera yet but I've been looking at some of these sub $200 mini-DV and hard drive cams. Do they typically have everything you need to use one of these helmet cam attachments? I haven't seen any that specifically say LANC compatible or anything. What should I be looking for feature wise?

[hoser]

I just had a thought (I know it's rare but it does happen!). With this dual 100watt halogen light setup on my new R, how do you think some nightime helmet cam footage would turn out?

I don't even have a camera yet but I've been looking at some of these sub $200 mini-DV and hard drive cams. Do they typically have everything you need to use one of these helmet cam attachments? I haven't seen any that specifically say LANC compatible or anything. What should I be looking for feature wise?

Have a link to one of these mini-DV's I would like to check one out, how about something that would record right to a flash card you can get 8 gig cards for under a 100 bux now
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2070070068+1053313634&name=8GB

[Billy Golightly]

Well mines officially dead, no video signal. I had issues with it at the last Ocala ride and also at Eastbay this past weekend. It does not appear that Skullcamz even has the Viper system anymore. I cannot locate a phone # on their website either right now. I did send them an email, hopefully I'll get reply or I'll have a very expensive electronic paper weight :(

[hoser]

Well mines officially dead, no video signal. I had issues with it at the last Ocala ride and also at Eastbay this past weekend. It does not appear that Skullcamz even has the Viper system anymore. I cannot locate a phone # on their website either right now. I did send them an email, hopefully I'll get reply or I'll have a very expensive electronic paper weight :(


No phone number on their web page? you would think with a cool name like Skullcamz they would at least have phone support.:cry:

[hoser]

Here is the phone number phone (M-F) 10am-5pm MST: 720-226-0644


http://www.skullcamz.com/category_s/28.htm

[Howdy]

Well mines officially dead, no video signal. I had issues with it at the last Ocala ride and also at Eastbay this past weekend. It does not appear that Skullcamz even has the Viper system anymore. I cannot locate a phone # on their website either right now. I did send them an email, hopefully I'll get reply or I'll have a very expensive electronic paper weight :(

I may be able to get a phone number for you. Call me if you want it.
Howdy

[Billy Golightly]

Thanks Hoser and Howdy, I'm fixing to call them in a few minutes.

[Billy Golightly]

Number not in service! BAH

[SpeedBump]

Sucks about the Cam, Billy. Hope ya get some satisfaction. If they don't reply or if they do and you get the run-around, just put a link to your site here. Show em all the potential BUYERS that will NOT be purchasing anything from THEM. The bad exposure may help them see fit to work things out with YOU!

Anyway, I took my cam out last weekend for some riding. Over at Youtube I got a few clips posted up. As was stated before, the quality on YT is poor at best. In person, it looks(and sounds) quite good. I run a HelmetCam camera hooked to a Canon ZR90 Digi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89wk56mOetY

[Rustytinhorn]

Any updates on the helmet cams.
What about the ATC2000, how is it workin out for ya?

[Billy Golightly]

A friend of mine managed to get mine working again, the wired evidently pulled out of the plug from the bullet cam. He put some new ones in it and it works, sort of now. The remote/on/off switch does not work near like it ought to and you have to switch it into about a 3 different position combo to get the stupid thing to come on or switch back off. It might be solvable by getting a new switch setup if I could find where to even get one at.

[edog]

Hope i like it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=320302011075&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=011

[edog]

I just bought on of these off ebay for about the same price. Can't wait to get it and try it out. Ive been wanting to do a little onboard rz350 and more trike action. Thanks for the link, I will let everyone know what it's like. Hope it's durable enough for me.:lol:
How did it work out for ya?

[hadar]

How did it work out for ya?

Sadly it just didn't work so well. That sound was horrible and any vibration would send waves through the picture. It's a cool toy but it's just that, a toy. I wish I had a better one. If anybody knows of one that works good for a low price, be sure to tell us about it. Sorry for not following up on that initially.

[edog]

This one is not so bad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PsRYvzmaqM

[edog]

Sadly it just didn't work so well. That sound was horrible and any vibration would send waves through the picture. It's a cool toy but it's just that, a toy. I wish I had a better one. If anybody knows of one that works good for a low price, be sure to tell us about it. Sorry for not following up on that initially.

Where did you have it mounted?

[hadar]

Where did you have it mounted?

I had it on the bars.

[edog]

I had it on the bars.

What trike was it mounted on?

[hadar]

What trike was it mounted on?

I had it on my rz350 street bike, I didn't try it on a trike. I also tried it on the frame but it was worse.

[edog]

Got my ATC3 2000 helmet cam today.Still messing around with it.

Here are some pics of it mounted on the helmet with strap.
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_5808.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_5810.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h196/edog_02/100_5811.jpg

[300rman]

SD's are available in 4GB, as are mini-SD.
i have a 4 gig mini in my phone, and i had a bit of an issue getting my SD reader in the comp to recognize it, i would up having to modify the driver for the reader in order for it to recognize it.

as for editing and the sound/video syncing, run the file through a divx to mpeg converting program before editing it, i was running into the same problem with my regular camera.