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Budget Helmet Cam?

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Old 10-29-13, 06:55 PM
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Budget Helmet Cam?

I posted this in "Electronics" but got no replies.

I am considering a cam to shoot videos (for fun and possibly safety) but would like to keep it inexpensive. Like under $100 if possible.

I searched eBay and there are lots of helmet cameras in the $35-$60 price range.

I know they are cheap but do they work reasonably well?? Other options?
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Old 10-29-13, 08:02 PM
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What's a hemet?
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Old 10-29-13, 08:03 PM
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Ok I'll fix it, your "L" key must be broken.
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Old 10-29-13, 08:13 PM
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Google mobius camera. I don't have one but they look good for about $90.
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Old 10-29-13, 08:55 PM
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I can't help you with what cam to buy but if you want to catch license plates you want at least a 720p cam. I have a 480 (i.e. a regular SONY camcorder) and it's no good. It records the feed off of a 520 line cam (chasecam) so the feed is good, the clarity just isn't there.

I want to experiment with 1080p but I haven't yet. Clarity-wise the 720p seems to be better. All my experience is with ContourHD cams, a company that's out of business now. I have two ContourHDs and a Contour+.

I like the 130 deg lens on the ContourHD better than the 170 deg lens on the Contour+.

You piqued my curiosity so I looked in Amazon to see what was out there. I may get an inexpensive one for a rearward facing cam.
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Old 10-30-13, 02:54 AM
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How about a GoPro for $66? In 3D, haha!
https://www.cambriabike.com/Gopro-Cam...ero-System.asp

EDIT: Oops, it appears that it's a 3D kit, not the camera.

Last edited by hybridbkrdr; 10-31-13 at 09:46 PM.
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Old 10-30-13, 06:09 AM
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Thanks for the tip about möbius. Will look into it. I have a feeling that the $35 scambay units are a pos but was wondering if anyone has tried them. There was one YouTube review that affirms my impression.
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Old 10-30-13, 11:31 AM
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I would pay the little extra and get the contour roam as the company is in turmoil presently should be a bargain
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Old 10-30-13, 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Winnershcyclist
I would pay the little extra and get the contour roam as the company is in turmoil presently should be a bargain
Although it might be a great device, what about warranty and product support issues if/when you have problems?

"Contour recently announced that it will be exiting the digital camcorder business. Service & support (including warranties) have been discontinued and all Contour products, software and apps will no longer be supported by Contour following your purchase."

Last edited by FLvector; 10-30-13 at 11:55 AM.
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Old 10-30-13, 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by FLvector
Although it might be a great device, what about warranty and product support issues if/when you have problems?
Shouldn't be a problem they just got bought by their investors for 2 million
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Old 10-30-13, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by hybridbkrdr
How about a GoPro for $66? In 3D, haha!
https://www.cambriabike.com/Gopro-Cam...ero-System.asp
That's a mount, not the actual camera...
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Old 10-31-13, 12:26 PM
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Here is an idea: https://www.ebay.com/itm/180776698380...84.m1423.l2649

Here is more information about the camera than you probably want: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1556994
And More: https://www.chucklohr.com/808/C16/

Here is a video shot with the older version of the linked camera (with YouTube stabilization applied): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGUiM03API4
Don't forget to change the quality to HD.

The helmet "mount" is one new earth magnet taped to the top of my helmet with electrical tape and one magnet taped to the bottom of the camera (I couldn't come up with a more minimalist mount than two tiny magnets).
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Old 10-31-13, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by hamster
That's a mount, not the actual camera...
Gee, that was weird.
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