Advocacy & Safety - Camera

I have been watching all the post about video cam and with the evidence it puts in your hands, I think it is a great Idea. I am going to start doing some research on them to see which one would be best for myself. My question:

I noticed some are mounted on the bike frames and on the helmet. I am trying to come up with pros and cons of which would be the best. maybe both. that would be at least $100 what is you thoughts on it ? Thanks

I use the Contour HD camera, and I've got 3 of them. I don't run all 3 at once, I have that many for race filming. But I do have a setup where I can run 2 on the bike; one facing forward, and the other mounted about bumper level on my traffic side pannier, facing rear to catch plates of vehicles as they pass.

As for bike vs. helmet, I find that helmet mounting is better. On the bike, your camera points where your bars point rather than where your head does. I like the ability to aim the camera to my view while travelling in a different direction, for instance, if you hear a tire screech or a car horn and you turn to look; the camera follows along.

I too run front and rear Contour HD cameras, I have them both very rigidly mounted to the bike frame, so as to limit the amount of vibration in my videos, plus lower pressure tires are helpful too. As for frame or helmet mounted, I chose frame mounted since I'm constantly working urban traffic and my head is basically on a swivel, which gave my early videos too much of a "Blair Witch effect", and my main goal is capturing vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.

I currently run with a GoPro on the handlebar. For a commuter, I find that their mount sucks for few reasons.

I am not about to leave the camera (or waterproof housing) on the handlebar when I park the bike. To get the camera off, I have to unscrew the camera from the mount. As luck would have it, I lost the screw once. So I had a choice to make, buy a replacement from GoPro (which isn't available as an individual part), or make my own.

To get the part, you have to buy the grab bag of mounts ($20.00) and you only get one replacement. To make the part, I was able to find a screw and a plastic thumbscrew part from ACE Hardware (a couple of bucks), but it didn't work so well. I did get lucky though, and was able to find the original screw I lost. I've since taken the precaution to tether the screw, but that occasionally gets in the way of unscrewing it, and slows me down even more. I've asked GoPro to come up with a mount that is similar to the NR MiNewt Cordless lights that would allow us to clip the camera in and out.

Due to the used nature of the camera I bought ($40 USD), I had to buy the Battery BacPac to charge the battery, and it gives me the time needed for my uses of the camera. With the BacPac attached, the camera likes to rotate down as I hit various (and normal) bumps in the road (esp. at the speeds I hit on the downhill segment (35-45mph)). To prevent this I have to tether the camera mount to prevent myself from having boring videos of my tire rolling and the asphalt under it.

I'm monitoring the video channel of Techmoan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3pKF6DKk0U&feature=channel&list=UL) for the waterproof DKV808 camera that he mentioned in one of his more recent videos that the manufacturer is supposed to coming out with soon.

I was watching a video with a guy that had a helmet mount and there were a lot of ground shots ( he was looking down) hmm not good I really see the need for two cams in this case...

I currently run with a GoPro on the handlebar.


I initially was going to purchase a GoPro, but the deal fell through and I quickly changed my mind towards the Contours for their more "stealthy" appearance. With the camera name blacked out, and very securely mounted on the black painted portions of my bike frame, none have been tampered with in the nearly two years that I've owned them. I thought of mounting one of my cameras to the handle bar, but I have an ever so slight habit of moving my front wheel from side to side while pedaling, and would make for more blurrier video shots.

I have a Go Pro and I usually mount it on the handle bars but I like the chest mount as well. Good thing about the chest mount is you can snap it off real quick if there is something you want to video or take a picture of.

Both the contour and GP are more than $100 though.

You could just use some duct tape and fasten your cell phone to something secure and save your money.

Both the contour and GP are more than $100 though........

Yeah I noticed that....

Both the contour and GP are more than $100 though........

Yeah I noticed that....

Your post said "at least $100", I take it you meant "no more than $100".

I don't know if it's available in the US or elsewhere yet, but I just bought an HD camera called the FunCam S-100 (or SportsCam S-100) made here in Taiwan. I too am debating on handlebar or helmet mount. After I test it out, I may start thinking of getting a second for facing the rear. I paid right at US$100 including an 8G mini SD for it. Says it'll run for 3 hours. 81x31x25.5 mm aluminum housing and 60 grams.
http://www.longintech.com/en/goods.php?id=4

If the target is < $100, you might barely meet that and still get something waterproof but not if you want high definition. You won't be able to reliably read licence plate numbers without HD. You can slide in under $100 and get HD if you don't need waterproof.

The 808 #16 cameras with an external power source provide decent 720p video and you can get both for < $50. I ran with that for a month or two until I decided to pick up a Contour Roam. I like the Roam well enough. If they'd add loop recording it would be nearly perfect.

I also have a Crocolis Extreme Cam, which has a full set of controls and a screen. It's a little larger than the Contour Roam but it has a lot more features for less money, you can get it on eBay for $170 shipped (from China, so it will take 3 weeks or so to arrive). It comes with a ridiculous number of mounting options and a full set of cables. I like it pretty well if you're OK with a little more size and weight.

Here's a video from the Crocolis at 720p:
http://youtu.be/X1pWIpWtdxI

and 1080p (which gives a narrower field of view)
http://youtu.be/6SZy5MaUcEU

Here's the Contour Roam:
http://youtu.be/PbZIfsCzSME

Here's a 808 #16
http://youtu.be/GciAFakwdX4

Here's the 808 #16 mounted on my helmet with an external power source, 2xAA "emergency charger"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13659531@N03/7009511885/in/photostream

Heres both the Contour Roam and the Crocolis cam on my helmet
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13659531@N03/7361304982/in/photostream

I have been watching all the post about video cam and with the evidence it puts in your hands, I think it is a great Idea. I am going to start doing some research on them to see which one would be best for myself. My question:

I noticed some are mounted on the bike frames and on the helmet. I am trying to come up with pros and cons of which would be the best. maybe both. that would be at least $100 what is you thoughts on it ? Thanks

I did a lot of research on GoPro and Contour. They each had their own positives. I finally decided on GoPro because they have a Chest Mount Harness as part of their accessories. Contour does not have a similar accessory to my knowledge.

I have the GP and I love it. I shoot mostly from the helmet mount. I have done Chest mount but I don't like it as much on the bike. I want to be able to aim the camera where I want. The chest is good for watching your arms, computer, etc up front but unless any action you NEED to capture isn't directly in front of you then it is useless.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=546xK3_hRjg

Here is a demo of how I have it mounted in the bar and helmet config and a shot clip of vids showing each position.

I have the GP and I love it. I shoot mostly from the helmet mount. I have done Chest mount but I don't like it as much on the bike. I want to be able to aim the camera where I want. The chest is good for watching your arms, computer, etc up front but unless any action you NEED to capture isn't directly in front of you then it is useless.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=546xK3_hRjg

Here is a demo of how I have it mounted in the bar and helmet config and a shot clip of vids showing each position.

Good point about the Chest Mount Harness.

Good point about the Chest Mount Harness.

Chest harness is awesome for other functions though, hiking and what not.

Chest harness is awesome for other functions though, hiking and what not.

Ah, ok.

Here is a demo of how I have it mounted in the bar and helmet config and a shot clip of vids showing each position.

After seeing what a GoPro looks like mounted on a helmet and handle bars, I'm glad that I went with the Contour.

I know, I look geeky enough with the Contour on my head. No need to go full geek. Never go full geek.

If the target is < $100, you might barely meet that and still get something waterproof but not if you want high definition. You won't be able to reliably read licence plate numbers without HD. You can slide in under $100 and get HD if you don't need waterproof.

The 808 #16 cameras with an external power source provide decent 720p video and you can get both for < $50. I ran with that for a month or two until I decided to pick up a Contour Roam. I like the Roam well enough. If they'd add loop recording it would be nearly perfect.

I also have a Crocolis Extreme Cam, which has a full set of controls and a screen. It's a little larger than the Contour Roam but it has a lot more features for less money, you can get it on eBay for $170 shipped (from China, so it will take 3 weeks or so to arrive). It comes with a ridiculous number of mounting options and a full set of cables. I like it pretty well if you're OK with a little more size and weight.

Here's a video from the Crocolis at 720p:
http://youtu.be/X1pWIpWtdxI

and 1080p (which gives a narrower field of view)
http://youtu.be/6SZy5MaUcEU

Here's the Contour Roam:
http://youtu.be/PbZIfsCzSME

Here's a 808 #16
http://youtu.be/GciAFakwdX4

Here's the 808 #16 mounted on my helmet with an external power source, 2xAA "emergency charger"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13659531@N03/7009511885/in/photostream

Heres both the Contour Roam and the Crocolis cam on my helmet
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13659531@N03/7361304982/in/photostream

Is there a reputable source for the 808 #16 Cameras? Google search only reveals a long list of ebay auctions.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1556994

Post #2 lists "real" suppliers.

These little cameras are great!

DPN


Is there a reputable source for the 808 #16 Cameras? Google search only reveals a long list of ebay auctions.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1556994

Post #2 lists "real" suppliers.

These little cameras are great!

DPN


beautiful! Thank you kindly!

Is there a reputable source for the 808 #16 Cameras? Google search only reveals a long list of ebay auctions.

the eBay seller electoponline365 is the actual manufacturer of the good #16 cameras. That's the place to buy from.

A caveat on the Contour Roam - the internal clock is utterly worthless. Mine loses 4 or 5 hours per day. If I set it at noon it'll be an hour or more off by the time I leave work. By the end of the week it's more than a day off.

the eBay seller electoponline365 is the actual manufacturer of the good #16 cameras. That's the place to buy from.
Cool, thanks for the update.

You have to take the letter 'c' out of the ebay sellers name to pull them up...

I have one of these little 808#16's and it is surprisingly good quality!

can you take contours underwater ?

I know, I look geeky enough with the Contour on my head. No need to go full geek. Never go full geek.
I disagree. Own your geekdom....revel in it! :D

I use a GoPro on a stem cap mount found on ebay. Depending on the angle and stem length, you might need extensions so you don't have too much handlebars. I don't remember if the extensions came with the camera or the original GoPro handlebar mount.

I got the Contour Roam, like said, the clock is crap, changes time every use. It also doesn't record sound very well unless I'm not moving, the auto mute keeps muting with every bump in the road, but I didn't get it for sound so not such a big deal. What I do like is it's small size, 1080 HD recording, and water resistant in case I get rained on while out. Most people think it's a head light, or don't even think about it. I use the handlebar mount, hanging it under the bars, blends in well with the black bar, stem, and riser.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1556994

Post #2 lists "real" suppliers.

These little cameras are great!

DPN
How and what are you mounting these little cameras to? I'm definitely going to start with one of these. I'll then re-evaluate the need for a better camera.

This works for me, but there are many options.

I use industrial strength Velcro affixed to the bottom of the camera to attach it to a handlebar mount left over from a previous bike computer. Since the primary reason I record rides is to record license plates a frame mount works better than a helmet mount. I tried a helmet mount but a lot of the video was of the ground! When I adjusted the camera to compensate the next video was of the sky! So much for that!

I use a 808 #16 camera to which I added a female JST type plug. I use an external 1600 or 1800 mAh lithium polymer battery charged externally with a dedicated Lipo charger. With a 16 gb Sd card I can get 3 hours of video, more or less, depending on battery size and capacity. I attach the battery to the bike stem with a Velcro strap.



259429


DPN

How and what are you mounting these little cameras to? I'm definitely going to start with one of these. I'll then re-evaluate the need for a better camera.

For those wanting a rear facing camera, I saw some saddle rail mounts for GoPro at JensonUsa and Ebay.

I have a Contour ROAM ($200) mounted under my handlebar just left of center using the Contour Bar Mount ($30). It's pretty new and I've been on perhaps a dozen rides with it. I'm a satisfied customer. What I like and don't like:

LIKE: Size (small, unobtrusive and lightweight); mount (quickly clips in and out of the bar mount, and has a safety cord in case the camera or ball detaches from the bracket), color (flat - not matte - black); flexibility (lens rotates 270 degrees); media (micro SD card with a USB 2.0 cable in the box); HD (1080p & 30 fps), USB charging; 170 degree angle view; IPX7 waterproof rating; software is intuitive; the laser level is kind-of cool to set pre-ride, but I don't have the bar mount tight enough yet - the camera will sometimes tilt during rides.

DON'T LIKE: Must connect with computer to change settings for resolution, frame rate and volume; internal battery (can't charge and swap); poor sound quality.

When I review rides, I am amazed at the image clarity in all kinds of light (low-light and riding into early morning sunlight), the depth of field, and wide angle of view with minimal distortion. I can view individual frames, and the "freeze-frame" quality is superb - license plates would be a breeze to capture and I can tell what gear other guys are in next to/in front of me. The audio is lousy - even with the volume set at maximum, you can barely make out conversation when stopped (except for my cursing when changing out a flat 1.1 miles into Saturday's t-shirt ride).

I shot a few pictures of how it's mounted, but I'm on my iPad right now and can't get them uploaded. Let me know if you'd like to see my setup.

I'd buy this again in a heartbeat.

A couple o' pics of my Contour setup...
261998261999

Is it possible to read license plates from the 808 camera output? I tried to in some youtube samples and could not.

Also, has anyone tried this camera?





Swann 720 HD ThumbCam Mini Video Camera and Recorder : SWVID-THUMBC-GL

I use a Swann Freestyle HD on a Minoura handlebar mount.

The Minoura mount is a better handlebar mount than anything I've seen from the bike camera manufacturers -- quick mounting, easy adjustment, stays put.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7750581032_1f87d40420.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jputnam/7750581032/)
Swann Freestyle HD camera on Minoura handlebar mount (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jputnam/7750581032/) by joshua_putnam (http://www.flickr.com/people/jputnam/), on Flickr


Sample output at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jputnam/7469800704/

I tried to make out the lic plate in the sample video with HD resolution and was not able to for the couple of cars parked on the right in the beginning of the video. Is that the case or am I viewing incorrectly?

I tried to make out the lic plate in the sample video with HD resolution and was not able to for the couple of cars parked on the right in the beginning of the video. Is that the case or am I viewing incorrectly?

I reduced the resolution setting on my Contours from hi res 1080p to 720p to gain more recording time, but my ability to read license plates and view scenery in more vivid detail was considerably reduced. If you wish to see license plate numbers in detail, a higher resolution camera is in order, along with one that has a high memory storage capacity or can be upgraded to a higher capacity.

After using the 808 #16 a few times, and my new GoPro Hero3 Black, I have to say the 808 is so simple to mount and use, I can see it becoming my go-to camera for the bike. Just tape it to a tube, such as the top of the handlebars, or down on the chain stay. Next I will see If I can mount it under the crown of my cyclocross fork since there's some clearance there. Here's a couple samples of each camera, shot simultaneously, and edited as such to play side by side. Attached is a photo of how I taped the 808 on the chain stay as well. The GoPro was mounted to the seatpost with the GoPro handlebar/seatpost mount accessory. You can hear a little rubbing on the thighs each pedal revolution.

290193



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asdn3CBhDDQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAdx52nv_J8

I want a GoPro, because, Contour doesn't have a Chest Mount Harness.