Video Cameras

[aharbi]

The dilemma: Wanted a helmet mounted video camera specific to motorcycle use. Easy on/off, multiple video speeds and sequenced pictures 1s, 3s, 5s, etc. External mic jack for inside helmet mounted microphone, replaceable/spare battery (2hr min each), waterproof, image stabilization, Bluetooth or WiFi some means of changing camera setting on the side of the road. Didn't want to put the dollars into a GoPo (nor look like sponge bob with it helmet mounted) as we already have two HD digital cameras that shoot HD 1080p/60 video and I always carry a digital camera (has video too) around my neck when I ride. I've been looking for sometime before I settled on one for Christmas.

 

I have used for a number of years a 720x480/30 $9.95 Mini DV80 from China. Not too bad but as technology has improved I wish to upgrade. My current "helmet cam" using velcro to mount to quickly remove to turn on/off.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Motorcycle/IMG_7519r1.jpg

 

Sample video from Mini DV80

http://vid278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/talimena2011%2001.mp4

 

I had my eye on the Mobius ActionCam as it has a great hobby RC following and these guys have done everything you can think off to/for this sweet little hobby camera. However it lacked waterproof, configure without computer, no external mic jack and mounting options. I should mention two things 1) I have tried RAM mounts but with a windshield it is limiting and the vibration was BAD even on cameras with image stabilization. Hence a helmet mounted camera. And 2) I have followed this guys reviews (he also rides motorcycles and his Action Cam reviews include clips while riding). His personal choice of a helmet cam is what I got, only the newer version. Anyway back on task - while reading the Modius forums I read a post about the Contour +2 on sale for 1/2 off. Yes, for $150 off $299.99. It met all my requirements except one - no image stabilization. I figure my head, neck and shoulders will provide enough vibration dampening for that.

 

I ordered it from B&H Photo Video ($149) Christmas week, got it in three days, free shipping, no sales tax. I'm impressed with this outfit.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/PC267501.jpg

 

 

I also ordered a spare battery and a couple more helmet mounts. The waterproof case is good for 190' (60meters). The other models are water resistant to 1 meter. But don't have a replaceable battery, Bluetooth, external mic jack. Guess you can't have everything but this one came the closest. And to be honest the price pushed me over the edge to purchase.

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/PC267500.jpg

 

Back open to see the micro SD card (up to 32GB), USB, HDMI, battery, 2 position record mode switch, and status button which also activates a leveling laser. The lens cap will rotate and with the aid of the laser you can ensure the camera is mounted level on the helmet.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/PC267504_1.jpg

 

Sorry for the shaky picture, had to turn the flash off so you could view the laser light.

 

Now for screen shots of the software. This camera has built in GPS and can display position (Google maps) altitude, distance while recording and speed graphs. Each display can be turned on/off or switched between main and side display. The view here is of a dinner room table top and my grandsons Lego Tie fighter. Haven't had a chance to road test yet :-( and with the rain in this weeks weather it will be a couple of days.

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/StoryTellerSSGPS.jpg

 

I will update with ride videos in a few days. Ride safe. Later

Edited December 27, 2015 by aharbi

[XV1100SE]

Good write up !

[videoarizona]

Thanks for the great write up!

I have two cams...GoPro and JVC. Mounting issues with both. Agreed... The Ram mounts are good but vibration isn't. Thanks for info on windshield vibration... That was going to be next for me. Helmet mounting is next.... Don't like GoPro look on head either.... But want mic input as well.

Waiting to hear/see your results!

Oh.....B&H is a good group of people. Bought most of my broadcast video stuff from them over past twenty years... Never a complaint.

[syscrusher]

Zeblaze for $100. Doesn't have GPS and that software looks pretty nice for the Contour.

 

The Zeblaze is worth looking at though, waterproof without an outer case so smaller, runs while charging.

It includes a wrist remote that controls stills/video and provides status by flashing leds.

Good HD captures.

With Zeblaze app on your phone you see what it sees and can control it somewhat.

Mounting system is compatible with GoPro accessories.

 

I can't find Zeblaze anymore but it's the same as the SooCoo S60.

Edited April 16, 2016 by syscrusher
changes

[Larry1963]

Thanks for the info. I am looking for a good action cam, that doesn't break the bank to take with. I bought a Cool icam s3000 from WalMart not to long ago. It was cheap but it worked well with a handlebar mount. However I put on a bagger shield and the lower half is dark so it doesn't work with a crap now.

I do not want a bulky helmet cam, I want something that blends in.

[Dale124]

That seems like a smokin' hot deal, Art. Nice find. Nice write up too.

Dale.

[aharbi]

To continue on with my previous post. I had to find the correct helmet and then the correct spot to permently attach the camera mount. Not as easy as it sounds. The helmet mount will conform to a slight curve in the helmet. But once stuck on it can't be removed easily (sawing back and forth with dental floss will cut thru the 3M VHB adhesive). The mount has to be positioned up/down and right to left. Right to left is done by positioning along the frontal curve of the helmet. Too far forward you see too much of the helmet, too far toward the rear you see too much right or left of your field of view. I have a Sena blutooth module on the left so I can turn on/off raise lower volume with my non-throttle hand. The camera has a large single slide switch to turn on/off start/stop recording (very simple). This is what I did. The camera has blutooth, I turned it on, paired it with my iPad. Put the mount on the camera. Put on the helmet, held the camera to the helmet with my right hand, held the iPad with my left (to see the camera image) and walked around slowly tilting the camera up/down and moving it front to rear along the side of the helmet. When I got it exact I yelled for my wife who before hand was ready with a silver sharpie (the helmet is black) she very carefully marked the position of the mount. Not easy but kinda fun as you have to hold the camera still as she wiggles around you trying to reach between the helmet and camera to trace the mount :-)

 

The helmet should be room temperature (not cold) for the glue to stick better, they also suggest to heat the back of the mount where the glue is with a hair dryer to make it stick better and to leave it for 12hrs for the glue to set. I used woodworking clamps to hold it overnight.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1097514.jpg

 

I used my Shoei RF1000 as the sides were smooth without ridges/seams. It's a solid mount.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1127527.jpg

 

The next part - mounting an external microphone in the helmet was not easy. Not that it was difficult to do but dang near impossible to find the right parts! Have no idea why Contour does not provide them but refers you to the competition to acquire them! Either Drift or GoPro. I went for the less expensive Drift. The problem here is the external mic jack on the camera is 2.5mm, every mic with a mono plug (not stereo) is 3.5mm.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1057506.jpg

 

So you need a male 2.5mm to female 3.5mm adapter/cord, again a mono plug, stereo plug won't work. I did find a mono adapter plug at Radio Shack for $6 as part of an earphone kit. They can be had online for 60 cents. Also, the adapter plug was too large to fit in the hole! I had to cut it down to fit.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1057507.jpg

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1057510.jpg

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1057512.jpg

 

Done, ready for a test ride.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1107518.jpg

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1107519.jpg

 

Several things to note. I used a 32GB micro SD card. Battery lasted right around 2hrs. Last video saved just a few minutes before battery died mic quit recording sound/voice. Was impressed with video quality when filming into the sun. Audible beeps (recording on/off) from camera can be heard with helmet on. File size is limited to 4GB *(about 30 minutes of 1080) due to FAT32 files system. However, the camera will open another file and keep recording (till battery dies or micro SD card is full) I carry two 32GB cards and two batteries.

 

Recording at 1080 HD is a waste of time if posting to the internet. NO ONE LINKS TO NOR PROCESSES FILES THIS LARGE, everyone clips your files and hence degrades video quality, best to stick with 720/30 :-(

 

As luck would have it, while shopping today I ran across this. Has a mono 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter cord, can replace my whittled adapter plug. And a earphone/mic unit which actually works better than the Drift mic for $19.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1127524.jpg

 

Inside of helmet. Green circle is backside of breath guard where mic was clipped to during my test ride. Red circle

is where I have it velcro mounted now. Also wrapped another layer of foam around it to reduce further wind noise.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1127528r.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Photobucket won't allow 1080 (they say they do but it fails to upload) and limits video to 500mb or 10 minutes

 

854x480 30 frames - Changing gloves http://vid278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/Contour2testPC02.mp4

854x480 30 frames - Headed home into the setting sun http://vid278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/Contour2testPC03.mp4

 

By the way, two hours of 1080 video is an awful lot of video! I won't even get into what software is required between iPads, PCs and the internet. You could drop big bucks into video editing software, but I won't cause I'll use Linux :-)

 

I've opened a Vimeo account. They say they support 1080 and better. Not sure if I want to pay yet another online picture hosting service. I'll edit this post with the link if I go that route. Here is it https://Vimeo.com/151610015

 

 

If using and iPad or Android tablet and the Vimeo video does NOT appear above, Click Here!

Edited January 16, 2016 by aharbi
edited Vimeo link

[videoarizona]

Art,

 

I would stick to 720P resolution. It is Real HD, even though many marketing people don't agree. They think 1080 is the only Real HD. Sorry to disappoint them but real hd specs are both. Besides, 720P is far better for moving video and much smaller file sizes as well. Easier to edit, transfer and upload as well.

 

As far as the camera mount. Looks like a good solution for ya. I'm still not sure that's what I want to do...but do appreciate your pictures and explanations!

 

Vimeo is excellent, but not needed unless you really want to preserve high end video quality. I used to use Vimeo for my film and video business (important to show clients great stuff), but have since taken most of my pro stuff off the account and only have a few things left there...don't know why I'm even saving them.

 

Hmmm....I think after seeing your video, I think I'll take one of the curved sticky mounts for the GoPro and just put that camera on the helmet and walk away. Better than trying to fudge a mount for the scoots and I'm coming up on prime riding season down here. I prefer the JVC but maybe I can figure out a good place for it on one of the scoots.

 

Thanks, Art. Stay safe and enjoy the camera.

Oh, for inexpensive editing software that is truly fully functional...try Sony.

 

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio

 

I have the Pro version and have been able to send edited projects to theaters, broadcast, extremely large screen presentations, the web and everywhere in between. It simply works. Unless you on a MAC.

 

david

[aharbi]

Thanks David, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with me. Yesterday I went out again and filmed in 720P as you suggested. Yes you are correct, the video is much better, easier to manage. I've also played around with up/down loading video on Photobucket. Disappointing to say the least. It doesn't matter what quality setting I choose. Photobucket converts EVERYTHING to 640x360 and clips 60fps to 30fps. I will be looking elsewhere to host my videos. Vimeo appears to keep the HD quality but won't play it as a default, HD has tobe selected by the viewer AND the Vimeo link is NOT available on some device (iPads for one). Thank you for the suggestion on software. At present I'm using 4 maybe 5 different programs pending what I want to do. MacX Video Converter Pro for mild editing and conversation, bought the $39 3 in 1 holiday gift pac. Not so much for the helmet cam but our two better video recorders use M2TS blu-ray format which needs converted so my wife (who is slowly loosing her eyesight) can view on her "highest‑resolution Retina display of any iOS device" iPad Pro. It converts video specific to this device, also works well for all file formats and many many other devices. Windoze Movie Maker. Corel VideoStudio Pro. Avidemux in addition to all the software that came with the cameras (Lumix, SONY, Contour, Olympus, Nikon, non of which play well with the others). Strange as it may sound Facebook does a pretty good job in retaining the video quality and also provides the viewer the option to view in HD. Bottom line was I wanted to upgrade video quality and share simple clips with my friends on the motorcycle forums.

 

If using and iPad or Android tablet and the Vimeo video does NOT appear above, Click Here!

Edited January 16, 2016 by aharbi

[Larry1963]

@aharbi

Thanks for the info on this action cam, I was looking at it too. I do not always wear a full face helmet. I am in South GA and in the summer I do enjoy the shorter helmet. Couple quick questions.

1. is it easy to turn on and off the video as you are driving down the road. I do some group riding and I would like to be able to turn off and on, South GA much like Texas, many straight roads with no turns in them. I do not need a half hour of everyone riding in a straight line.

2. Second question to anyone riding a Venture, I noticed that bike was not a Yamaha.....

I would like to mount to the bike, but where? I did have a camera that worked well mounted to the handle bars, but when I put a dark bagger shield on there I kind of killed that idea.

 

Again thanks for taking the time to post all the information.

 

larry

[videoarizona]

Larry, so far I've haven't found a mounting position I really like on my 89 VR or my 05 RSV. It's either to high and vibrates like mad or to low and makes me sick to watch the road going by at what looks like a gazillion miles an hour. Not a good visualization of what I see.

I ruled out the windshield based on other comments but am hesitating on the helmet as well. Don't want the aerodynamic drag, additional noise of wind flow and prefer a more stable environment as I'm always looking around.

 

Chest mount is a possibility but not sure I would care to keep putting the harness on/off, on/off.

 

Sigh...

[aharbi]

@Larry1963

Larry, I'll try to answer your questions. Yes the camera is easy to turn on or off with one hand while riding whether mounted on the right, left, or on top of the helmet and start recording with a single slide switch on top of the camera. The camera has two preset recording modes. So whichever of the two modes (out of a dozen you can select with the PC software or smartphone app) you have selected. That is what will be recorded when the switch is pushed forward.

 

Notice the big black switch on top of the camera, here it is OFF

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1157533.jpg

 

Here it is ON. Moving the switch forward will turn camera on and start recording. The camera will beep when turned on and beep when turned off.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1157534.jpg

 

I guess for really rough conditions you could "lock" the slide switch into position by using the little button left of center in the above picture. I never had a need to.

 

This is what it would look like on a short helmet. I'm using the flat rotating mount in this picture. On my helmet I use the profile mount.

They have a whole series of mounts available.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1157531.jpg

 

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1157530.jpg

 

Also the camera lens can be rotated to make the video level, so the camera can be mounted on it's side, leaning to right or left. My first post shows the laser light used to assist with rotating the lens.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Videos/P1157536.jpg

 

I did not try mounting this on the Venture. I have used a 6" ram arm in the past but vibration was pretty bad the longer the ram are. Ram mounts

make a variety of Ram mounts that fit on either the brake or clutch reservoir. I may give one a try. Oh the camera also has a tripod mount on the bottom of the camera.

 

So, in the next day or two you want me to film while riding the Venture wearing the shorty helmet?

[aharbi]

@syscrusher, the Zeblaze camera looks good for an action cam.

It does have some nice features. Charges underwater! 190 feet water proof. Uses GoPro mounting accessories. I like the watch makes it so much easier to start/stop recording on that type of action cam. Just don't know if I'd mount it on my helmet, not me.

Edited January 16, 2016 by aharbi

[Larry1963]

@aharbi

 

Thanks for the pics and the post, I am getting interested in getting one of these. I like how it looks on the half helmet. I wear that a lot down here in the summer.

 

Larry

[syscrusher]

@syscrusher, the Zeblaze camera looks good for an action cam.

It does have some nice features. Charges underwater! 190 feet water proof. Uses GoPro mounting accessories. I like the watch makes it so much easier to start/stop recording on that type of action cam. Just don't know if I'd mount it on my helmet, not me.

 

The charging underwater cable was a $10 add-on at the time I bought mine. I really haven't used the Bluetooth connection with the phone much but for people who have their phones mounted on the bike I think it would be handy to see the camera's view at a glance.

 

It has a wide field of view making it good for accident documentation, maybe not as good for zeroing in on landmarks and scenery though. Much smaller than GoPro with a case but not as small as GoPro Hero 4 Session. Has it's own usable screen that GoPro just started offering. It won't make 4K video but the video is very clear. I wish it would do better in low light because it won't capture license plates after dark.

[aharbi]

I wouldn't worry about 4K if we can't send 1080 with any regularity. And low light video calls for a big CCD which is big bucks. The thing I've found with technology is to buy it when you need it, not when on sale. It will always be less expensive someplace else next week. And the technology window is getting shorter and shorter. Technical obsolescence is now less than 18 months. Hey if it does what you need it to do - good buy.

[syscrusher]

One thing it does that possibly yours also might is to produce a new video for a couple minutes and then start another. The Zeblaze overlaps the content between these files so you don't miss a thing. It makes it easier to pinpoint which file has good stuff, etc. When card is full the oldest file is sacrificed. A 2 minute file uses 194MB. Over 8 hours of operation you're at 46.6GB. 11 hours fills a 64GB card and you're losing your oldest files to make room for new ones (5.8GB/hr). It powers up when I plug in it's USB cable and starts recording. When I unplug the cable it saves the last video file and shuts off. It's not easy to change the memory card, I just connect it as a drive in Windows.

[aharbi]

@Larry1963

OK Larry this video is for you. Took the Venture out today, enjoy (I wore the full face helmet). ps Next I'll try editing the videos with title screens, transitions, clips etc.

1280x720x60fps on Vimeo

This rides for you Larry1963:

Twists & turns:

New gloves:

[aharbi]

@syscrusher Those are wonderful features for a car dash cam. On and record when power applied, 64GB card is great and the ability to re-record when card is full. With that size card and the ability to re-record I don't see a need to get to the card very often if ever. Now you have me seriously thinking about this one for a dash cam in the car :-) I've download the specs and the user guide. Thanks.

[Larry1963]

@aharbi

 

Thanks for the video post, you are a good spokesman for that camera. I am going to look and see about getting one

[aharbi]

Thanks Larry1963, Still learning. Noticed in some videos I had more of the helmet showing. Took me a minute to figure it out. When filming in 720 the field of view is a wide 170º and in 1080 it is 125º. You can see more of the helmet when the field of view is 170º. So far I'm very pleased although I find documentation is limited beyond the basic user guide of turning on/off and mention of software and apps. For a helmet cam I think it ideal. For an action cam I think there are other (however more expensive) options. GoPro, Drift, ZeBlaze to mention a few.

[Larry1963]

@aharbi

 

Rewatching video, on your bike, the one you change the gloves on, what is that orange box on the right handle bar?

[aharbi]

@Larry1963

That is a SPOT Gen3 GPS locator http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=120 It works worldwide on land, sea or air. Let me explain, I'm retired and all I do is ride. However most morning when I take off I have no idea where I'm headed. I check the weather, open the garage, pick a bike and take off. I may ride a hundred miles or several hundred miles. I may find myself so far out I have to spend the night (I don't ride at night) and return the next day. This of course is a concern for my wife who is still working not knowing where I may have wondered off too. We tried using cell phone tracking however I often ride out of cell phone coverage and it drains the battery very fast. So I came across the SPOT, does not use cell phone, uses direct sattelite coverage. Pending what options you have It can send your position every minute to hours. Mine is set every 10 minutes. So my wife has an app on her phone where she can track me and zoom in using Google maps to view my exact location (within 7 feet). The SPOT also has the capability to send 4 predefined messages (you define what they are). 1) OK status 2) Custom (Mine says "off road, in hotel for the night") 3) Non emergency help/assistance needed 4) SOS life/death emergency. On number 4, pending where you are pends upon the emergency service contacted, Coast Guard, Forest Service, Fire/Police.

 

The little black circles are shoe prints used when tracks is turned on. She can also see a text list of my GPS coordinates. I've had some health issues in the past. This puts her mind at ease and I can still ride!

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk100/aharbi/Motorcycle/image.jpeg

[Larry1963]

@aharbi

 

thanks for the info. I was looking for something like this. I cannot think of the guys name now that did the music tour on his bike, he had APRS (Amateur Positioning Radio System), but the problem with it is, is that you are relying on other volunteers to have it setup in their homes to make it work.

 

I was looking for something more reliable for this purpose. My wife does not ride with and I know she wont admit it but she worries when I am on the bike. If I am not at home on time my phone rings off the hook. What is the monthly cost of this.

[Larry1963]

PS. you are living my life, ride a motorcycle all day!