Tried a Hero. Never published anything from the Hero, but I may incorporate footage into a new clip. I was not happy with battery life (sometimes, with new unexpired Duracells 10-20 min - I'd purchase batteries on a ride and it'd die minutes later), clunky design, awkward mounting, and lack of feedback when using it (is it recording? did I hit the button right?).

VHoldr - they make the VHoldr 720 and the Contour 1080. I got it because another BFer (slowroadie on YouTube, forget his name here) got it, tested it pretty extensively, and has been happy with it. It's also much lighter than my current 2-3 pound set up (DV camcorder, 8 AA batteries, helmet cam, wiring).

I got it because it was very easy to use, has very long battery life, and very long recording capabilities.

I also got it as a form of self preservation.

I realized that I could have outfitted almost everyone in the race on Aug 11 with the HD1080 cameras instead of paying it out in medical fees. I was out about $7k due to my crash that day caused by someone swerving deliberately across 2 lanes of riders. I had a double fracture in my pelvis and couldn't use my right shoulder for a while; another guy broke 4 or 5 ribs, and there was the standard bike damage. Incredibly my bike had no damage.

If everyone had helmet cams on (there were maybe 20 riders left in the race), it would have been clear what had happened. Instead, the swerver and 2 teammates had one very distinct story, the 8-10 others who witnessed everything had a second distinct story (and they didn't necessarily meet and compare notes). If I'd spent $7k on helmet cams before the race, or set mine up (I wasn't wearing it), I think it would have been a bit more compelling. The rider never paid a price for his indiscretion, and it's something he's done in the recent past multiple times.

The kicker is I had the helmet cam and I didn't wear it because it was heavy and a pain to set up. If I'd worn it, who knows?

The other kicker is that before the race the guy that took me out asked me if I was going to wear my helmet cam. I told him no. I don't think he thought of this and deliberately took me out (because of me). I just happened to be in the way.

cdr