Recording video while cycling- looking for input
05-25-10 | 04:00 PM
#1
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From: Boston area
Bikes: 2004 Felt F90, Sette Ace 26" MB, Specialized Shiv TT
Recording video while cycling- looking for input
I'm doing the B2B in a few weeks and would like to do a video recording/clip of the adventure. I'm looking at the Go Pro units and they look like a solid option. I'm thinking it would be great if I could buy a new traditional camera and use the video function to capture video, however. This way I can use the camera on my summer vacation, get much more use out of it in general and have an easier time justifying the expense. If I buy the Go Pro, I'll only use it a handful of times. I have access to a full CNC Machine shop, so creating a mounting system won't be a problem for the traditional camera. Has anyone mounted or used a traditional camera to record video while cycling? My concern is the video won't be as stable as the Go Pro unit. Any ideas or suggestions or do I need to bite the bullet and get the Go Pro unit?
05-25-10 | 04:51 PM
#2
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Well, depending on how compact your camera is and how stable you can mount it, I'd say just make a system yourself. I come from a small background in the paintball industry, and will contact a machinist who made some camera covers and mounts so you can get some ideas if you didn't already have some.
Otherwise, I'd suggest getting a different camera beside the GoPro. A lot of people here favor another one called the ContourHD. A bit expensive, though.
Otherwise, I'd suggest getting a different camera beside the GoPro. A lot of people here favor another one called the ContourHD. A bit expensive, though.
05-25-10 | 09:03 PM
#5
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From: Boston area
Bikes: 2004 Felt F90, Sette Ace 26" MB, Specialized Shiv TT
There is some camera and mount info in here
05-25-10 | 09:09 PM
#6
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
Well, depending on how compact your camera is and how stable you can mount it, I'd say just make a system yourself. I come from a small background in the paintball industry, and will contact a machinist who made some camera covers and mounts so you can get some ideas if you didn't already have some.
Otherwise, I'd suggest getting a different camera beside the GoPro. A lot of people here favor another one called the ContourHD. A bit expensive, though.
Otherwise, I'd suggest getting a different camera beside the GoPro. A lot of people here favor another one called the ContourHD. A bit expensive, though.
FWIW, you won't feel bad buying either a gopro hd or a contour hd, but there are a few difference you really want to research before biting the bullet.
05-25-10 | 09:36 PM
#7
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From: Boston area
Bikes: 2004 Felt F90, Sette Ace 26" MB, Specialized Shiv TT
05-25-10 | 09:41 PM
#8
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From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
That's an awesome thread! I've never seen a video with overlay like that. Do you use the software Contour provides to edit the video? If not, have you and do you think it's adequate for basic editing and sound overlay (I know nothing about how that's done)? I might have to pick up one of those....
The contour is a less obtrusive, but the gopro supposedly has better sound.
05-25-10 | 09:52 PM
#9
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,410
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From: Tariffville, CT
Bikes: Tsunami road bikes, Dolan DF4 track
I've used both the GoPro (not sure if it was HD, probably not) and currently own a ContourHD. I also ran a home made rig - Canon ZR100 camcorder, chasecam.com helmet cam powered by 8 AA batteries, cables, adpaters, etc.
The GoPro I used was very unreliable. Forget about the mounting and stuff. At first I recorded a couple seconds here and there, a tenth of a second at a time (not literally, but almost literally - most clips were sub-1 second long). Not very intuitive, and you have to look at the thing to see if it was working. The first time I really wanted it to work it stopped after 5 minutes. I bought new batteries etc and found it didn't get very much time - 35 minutes was a huge triumph for me.
The mounting system is very Tinker Toy like. Modular, yes, but not clean.
Haven't really used it in situations where audio counts so can't comment on that. I heard a lot of wind noise.
The ContourHD is self contained. Mounts well on the helmet. Not sure of a solid mount (bars etc), although there are pictures of them on BF. It handles huge cards (16 GB). I have an 8GB card, good for 2.5 hours or so at the best resolution for helmet cams (60 fps, 720 or something). Not choppy, very clear, stunning actually. It has a fancy schmancy battery that holds a charge for at least 1:15.
It beeps when it communicates so you get an audio signal when something happens. You hear a beep-beep while you're riding and that's bad news. If you hear a beep-beep when you shut it off, that's great news - it means it was recording the whole time.
You can turn it on and off with gloved hands. There is a definitive click-feel when you get it to go on or off.
Excellent audio. I don't understand how they do it. You can hear all sorts of talking.
As far as cost goes... I have the philosophy that if you want to capture something, you should capture it well. The ContourHD is small, relatively light, easy to use, had good feedback, and costs a little bit more than a straight out camcorder. It's easy to clear, easy to download clips, easy to change the mini SD card. If I'm going to drag something around to catch video, I'm going to use something that works well. I waited a bit to get it, but when I could I did.
I actually want to get one or two more.
cdr
The GoPro I used was very unreliable. Forget about the mounting and stuff. At first I recorded a couple seconds here and there, a tenth of a second at a time (not literally, but almost literally - most clips were sub-1 second long). Not very intuitive, and you have to look at the thing to see if it was working. The first time I really wanted it to work it stopped after 5 minutes. I bought new batteries etc and found it didn't get very much time - 35 minutes was a huge triumph for me.
The mounting system is very Tinker Toy like. Modular, yes, but not clean.
Haven't really used it in situations where audio counts so can't comment on that. I heard a lot of wind noise.
The ContourHD is self contained. Mounts well on the helmet. Not sure of a solid mount (bars etc), although there are pictures of them on BF. It handles huge cards (16 GB). I have an 8GB card, good for 2.5 hours or so at the best resolution for helmet cams (60 fps, 720 or something). Not choppy, very clear, stunning actually. It has a fancy schmancy battery that holds a charge for at least 1:15.
It beeps when it communicates so you get an audio signal when something happens. You hear a beep-beep while you're riding and that's bad news. If you hear a beep-beep when you shut it off, that's great news - it means it was recording the whole time.
You can turn it on and off with gloved hands. There is a definitive click-feel when you get it to go on or off.
Excellent audio. I don't understand how they do it. You can hear all sorts of talking.
As far as cost goes... I have the philosophy that if you want to capture something, you should capture it well. The ContourHD is small, relatively light, easy to use, had good feedback, and costs a little bit more than a straight out camcorder. It's easy to clear, easy to download clips, easy to change the mini SD card. If I'm going to drag something around to catch video, I'm going to use something that works well. I waited a bit to get it, but when I could I did.
I actually want to get one or two more.
cdr
05-25-10 | 10:24 PM
#10
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
Contour HD doesn't come with a water proof case... thats another 40 bucks that needs to be spent for rainy day cycling and that creates more obstruction than the GoPros case.
Go Pro can switch between all video modes on the fly. Contour can only switch between 2 modes that have to be manually selected via a computer connection.
GoPro can be set to take 5MP pictures at set intervals for poster sized blow-ups of what you do <--I sound like an ad (shill)). Contour can't take photos
GoPro isn't as prone to wind noise as Contour
My bottom line - If its straight rides without fear of falling in a puddle - Contour HD
Everything else.. give yourself some flexibility and go with GoPro
Video Resolution:
Vholder: 1080/960/720/480
GoPro: 1080/960/720
Comments: We rank both of these about even. If you are buying a HD camera we really don’t understand what a 480p mode is good for.
Recording Speeds:
VholdeR: 30 and 60 frames per second
GoPro: 30 and 60 frames per second
Comments: Tie
Battery Life:
VholdeR: Continuous recording for up to 3 hours (Charges in 4 hours)
GoPro: Continuous recording for up to 2.5 hours (80% charge in 1 hour)
Comments: VholderR wins the recording time but GoPro battery is quick on the recharge. In our opinion, since recording time is more important than recharging time, we give the advantage to VholdeR.
Weight: (Camera only, not including mounting, helmet straps, etc.)
VholdeR: 4.3 ounces
GoPro: 5.9 ounces
Comments: VholdR wins this one even though you probably won’t notice the difference in weight. If you can tell the difference in weight then you probably need to check yourself into rehab somewhere.
SD Memory Sticks:
VholdeR: 2GB included; Expandable to 16 GB
GoPro: Not included; offered as accessory; Expandable to 32 GB
Comments: While the memory stick is not included with GoPro, we like GoPro because it has more expandability than the VholdeR.
Camera Angle of View:
VholdeR: 135º
GoPro: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode; 170º ultra wide angle in 720p, or 960p mode
Comments: We are giving this one to GoPro as the wider angle in the 720p or 960p mode makes up for the 8º less viewing angle in the 1080p mode.
Moisture Protection:
VholdeR: WATER RESISTANT
GoPro: WATERPROOF to 180 feet depth
Comments: GoPro takes this one. If we ever have to hike out and cross a stream, we want the one that is waterproof, not water resistant. We really like the fact that we can take the GoPro surfing at the beach, play with it in the swimming pool, or fish it out of the toilet if the need ever arises.
Still Photography:
VholdeR: No photo capability.
GoPro: Can take 5 MP photos.
Comments: GoPro wins this one.
Appearance:
VholdeR: Cylindrical unique appearance.
GoPro: Rectangular prism in appearance, similiar to most hand held photo cameras.
Comments: We give this one to VholdeR. With its unique shape and dual rotating red lasers (for spotting your subject), its bound to make a good first impression on anyone who sees it.
Costs:
VholdeR: $320.00 (does not have online store; sells cameras through retailers; prices may vary from store to store)
GoPro: $299.99
Comments: Tie. You can expect to shell our additional money for an SD memory stick for the GoPro which makes the cost of the two about the same.
Our Results:
According to our count, GoPro won 4 factors while VholdeR won 3 with a tie in 3 of the factors.
Remember that you should give weight to whats important to you.
Lastly, you should know that we don’t own either of these cameras and have not done an actual physical comparision. If the VholdeR and GoPro companies are listening, we will gladly accept your camera donations, it may not change our opinion, but still you can contact us for a mailing address
!!!!
References:
https://vholdr.com/contourhd/features
https://www.goprocamera.com/index.php...2&productid=29
Vholder: 1080/960/720/480
GoPro: 1080/960/720
Comments: We rank both of these about even. If you are buying a HD camera we really don’t understand what a 480p mode is good for.
Recording Speeds:
VholdeR: 30 and 60 frames per second
GoPro: 30 and 60 frames per second
Comments: Tie
Battery Life:
VholdeR: Continuous recording for up to 3 hours (Charges in 4 hours)
GoPro: Continuous recording for up to 2.5 hours (80% charge in 1 hour)
Comments: VholderR wins the recording time but GoPro battery is quick on the recharge. In our opinion, since recording time is more important than recharging time, we give the advantage to VholdeR.
Weight: (Camera only, not including mounting, helmet straps, etc.)
VholdeR: 4.3 ounces
GoPro: 5.9 ounces
Comments: VholdR wins this one even though you probably won’t notice the difference in weight. If you can tell the difference in weight then you probably need to check yourself into rehab somewhere.
SD Memory Sticks:
VholdeR: 2GB included; Expandable to 16 GB
GoPro: Not included; offered as accessory; Expandable to 32 GB
Comments: While the memory stick is not included with GoPro, we like GoPro because it has more expandability than the VholdeR.
Camera Angle of View:
VholdeR: 135º
GoPro: 127º wide angle in 1080p mode; 170º ultra wide angle in 720p, or 960p mode
Comments: We are giving this one to GoPro as the wider angle in the 720p or 960p mode makes up for the 8º less viewing angle in the 1080p mode.
Moisture Protection:
VholdeR: WATER RESISTANT
GoPro: WATERPROOF to 180 feet depth
Comments: GoPro takes this one. If we ever have to hike out and cross a stream, we want the one that is waterproof, not water resistant. We really like the fact that we can take the GoPro surfing at the beach, play with it in the swimming pool, or fish it out of the toilet if the need ever arises.
Still Photography:
VholdeR: No photo capability.
GoPro: Can take 5 MP photos.
Comments: GoPro wins this one.
Appearance:
VholdeR: Cylindrical unique appearance.
GoPro: Rectangular prism in appearance, similiar to most hand held photo cameras.
Comments: We give this one to VholdeR. With its unique shape and dual rotating red lasers (for spotting your subject), its bound to make a good first impression on anyone who sees it.
Costs:
VholdeR: $320.00 (does not have online store; sells cameras through retailers; prices may vary from store to store)
GoPro: $299.99
Comments: Tie. You can expect to shell our additional money for an SD memory stick for the GoPro which makes the cost of the two about the same.
Our Results:
According to our count, GoPro won 4 factors while VholdeR won 3 with a tie in 3 of the factors.
Remember that you should give weight to whats important to you.
Lastly, you should know that we don’t own either of these cameras and have not done an actual physical comparision. If the VholdeR and GoPro companies are listening, we will gladly accept your camera donations, it may not change our opinion, but still you can contact us for a mailing address
!!!!References:
https://vholdr.com/contourhd/features
https://www.goprocamera.com/index.php...2&productid=29
GoPro can be set to take 5MP pictures at set intervals for poster sized blow-ups of what you do <--I sound like an ad (shill)). Contour can't take photos
GoPro isn't as prone to wind noise as Contour
My bottom line - If its straight rides without fear of falling in a puddle - Contour HD
Everything else.. give yourself some flexibility and go with GoPro
05-25-10 | 10:31 PM
#11
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
I've used both the GoPro (not sure if it was HD, probably not) and currently own a ContourHD. I also ran a home made rig - Canon ZR100 camcorder, chasecam.com helmet cam powered by 8 AA batteries, cables, adpaters, etc.
The GoPro I used was very unreliable. Forget about the mounting and stuff. At first I recorded a couple seconds here and there, a tenth of a second at a time (not literally, but almost literally - most clips were sub-1 second long). Not very intuitive, and you have to look at the thing to see if it was working. The first time I really wanted it to work it stopped after 5 minutes. I bought new batteries etc and found it didn't get very much time - 35 minutes was a huge triumph for me.
The mounting system is very Tinker Toy like. Modular, yes, but not clean.
Haven't really used it in situations where audio counts so can't comment on that. I heard a lot of wind noise.
The ContourHD is self contained. Mounts well on the helmet. Not sure of a solid mount (bars etc), although there are pictures of them on BF. It handles huge cards (16 GB). I have an 8GB card, good for 2.5 hours or so at the best resolution for helmet cams (60 fps, 720 or something). Not choppy, very clear, stunning actually. It has a fancy schmancy battery that holds a charge for at least 1:15.
It beeps when it communicates so you get an audio signal when something happens. You hear a beep-beep while you're riding and that's bad news. If you hear a beep-beep when you shut it off, that's great news - it means it was recording the whole time.
You can turn it on and off with gloved hands. There is a definitive click-feel when you get it to go on or off.
Excellent audio. I don't understand how they do it. You can hear all sorts of talking.
As far as cost goes... I have the philosophy that if you want to capture something, you should capture it well. The ContourHD is small, relatively light, easy to use, had good feedback, and costs a little bit more than a straight out camcorder. It's easy to clear, easy to download clips, easy to change the mini SD card. If I'm going to drag something around to catch video, I'm going to use something that works well. I waited a bit to get it, but when I could I did.
I actually want to get one or two more.
cdr
The GoPro I used was very unreliable. Forget about the mounting and stuff. At first I recorded a couple seconds here and there, a tenth of a second at a time (not literally, but almost literally - most clips were sub-1 second long). Not very intuitive, and you have to look at the thing to see if it was working. The first time I really wanted it to work it stopped after 5 minutes. I bought new batteries etc and found it didn't get very much time - 35 minutes was a huge triumph for me.
The mounting system is very Tinker Toy like. Modular, yes, but not clean.
Haven't really used it in situations where audio counts so can't comment on that. I heard a lot of wind noise.
The ContourHD is self contained. Mounts well on the helmet. Not sure of a solid mount (bars etc), although there are pictures of them on BF. It handles huge cards (16 GB). I have an 8GB card, good for 2.5 hours or so at the best resolution for helmet cams (60 fps, 720 or something). Not choppy, very clear, stunning actually. It has a fancy schmancy battery that holds a charge for at least 1:15.
It beeps when it communicates so you get an audio signal when something happens. You hear a beep-beep while you're riding and that's bad news. If you hear a beep-beep when you shut it off, that's great news - it means it was recording the whole time.
You can turn it on and off with gloved hands. There is a definitive click-feel when you get it to go on or off.
Excellent audio. I don't understand how they do it. You can hear all sorts of talking.
As far as cost goes... I have the philosophy that if you want to capture something, you should capture it well. The ContourHD is small, relatively light, easy to use, had good feedback, and costs a little bit more than a straight out camcorder. It's easy to clear, easy to download clips, easy to change the mini SD card. If I'm going to drag something around to catch video, I'm going to use something that works well. I waited a bit to get it, but when I could I did.
I actually want to get one or two more.
cdr
The GoPro HD uses a lithium battery just as the Contour HD.
05-25-10 | 10:32 PM
#12
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
05-25-10 | 10:34 PM
#13
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
Go Pro HD includes two doors to get better audio over 100mph and underwater. Obviously won't be doing either on a bike... but it would sure be nice to use on that vacation to Maui, right?
05-25-10 | 10:38 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Freak video,,,Im alive!!!
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10866539
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post10866539
05-25-10 | 10:43 PM
#16
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
05-25-10 | 10:48 PM
#17
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
It is a bit extreme, yes. I find its a quick cheap visual way to let folks know that waterproofing is a bit better than resistant.
05-25-10 | 11:05 PM
#18
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
05-25-10 | 11:22 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I have the gopro and it's okay but not great. I recently got the contourhd 1080p and it blows doors on the gopro. There's instructionals to show how to hotwire the contourhd microphone to eliminate wind noise. Get the 16GB memory and whatever mounts you need. The only issue I have is they need to make a 31.6mm bar mount. GL
05-25-10 | 11:24 PM
#20
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT
05-25-10 | 11:31 PM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
05-25-10 | 11:36 PM
#22
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
I have the gopro and it's okay but not great. I recently got the contourhd 1080p and it blows doors on the gopro. There's instructionals to show how to hotwire the contourhd microphone to eliminate wind noise. Get the 16GB memory and whatever mounts you need. The only issue I have is they need to make a 31.6mm bar mount. GL
05-25-10 | 11:42 PM
#23
Gimme back my gears!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 0
From: San Jose
Bikes: Cannondale Caad9-5 2009, Scattante XLR TT 2009, Trek Y-Foil 77 1998
05-25-10 | 11:45 PM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
The contourhd on the other hand pops with clarity. Mounting is very easy, still want an oversized handlebar mount, and it's easy to operate. The gopro buttons are hard to operate from a helmet mount. The contour sliding switch is much simpler to use.
The wind noise on the contour is an issue which is why people are modding them. Not really an exhaustive review there but I hope it helps.
05-25-10 | 11:50 PM
#25
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,387
Likes: 3
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac SL2, Specialized Tarmac SL, Giant TCR Composite, Specialized StumpJumper Expert HT