Helmet Cameras.......Tell me about them !.

[Ed Case]

I fancy getting a helmet camera but know absolutely nothing about them.........tell me..........Are they a self-contained unit ?, are they attached to a separate 'power-pack' ?, how is the information stored, a plug-in chip ?, if so how long a memory ?, does the unit/power-pack just plug in to the computer to download ?............any recommendations of which to get and which to avoid ?.
Pander to me I'm just a thickie !.....TA in advance.

[unitynotsocri...]

loads of types,they usually have batteries and memory card in them,just check the video quality before you buy........great way of protecting yourself from insurance fraudsters but self incriminating if you have a crash by stupid riding.
daughter joked years ago.....' get one dad,it would be nice to share your last moments with the family'.......my family did 'nt like bikes,said I could get seriously hurt.
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nearly a normal tax paying tosser.......with ferrileness suzi100,cg125,cb125scb100n,cb175,cd100,cj250t,kh250,c15,125 bantam,super 6,rickman gs750,xt500,250rs,dt175,lifan125,dolomite1850,metro,Morris220ld,morrisfg,leyland princess,range rover,corsa,vw camper .now struggling with legs. MORE ORDER = MORE CHAOS

[alexknight200...]

Basically a helmet camera is a camera that that, err, ?? goes on your helmet and takes fancy video clips.

Do not buy one unless you know the black art and trickery of said helmet camera paraphanalia.


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Current stable: Yamaha XVS 650 1996 - Honda Super Magna VF750 1988.

[Dazbo666]

My helmet cam is the DGS BulletCam

- Are they a self-contained unit ?
Yes it's a sealed, self-contained unit... and in the case of mine, also waterproof, which is good for all year round riding in UK weather

- are they attached to a separate 'power-pack' ?
The (non-removeable) rechargeable battery is contained within the camera body

- how is the information stored, a plug-in chip ?
Mine has a slot to accept a micro SD memory card, up to 32Gb

- how long a memory ?
Up to 3 hours recording on a single charge... which is more than enough for me commuting.
Although according to the website a 32Gb card will apparently provide enough space for up to 8 hours of "good quality" video & audio

- does the unit/power-pack just plug in to the computer to download ?
There's a USB cable with mini-USB connection to charge the unit, and/or for transferring video files to your PC

- any recommendations of which to get and which to avoid ?.
I believe my BulletCam is classed as a "mid-range" helmet cam, and I consider it to be decent quality for the price. You can get much cheaper, but usually at the expense of lower quality kit and/or less resolution etc
If you're willing or able to pay more for some of the best, the Gopro and the Ion ranges are often highly regarded.

Yes there are LOTS of options, and I don't envy you having to do some research, but rather that than waste your money on something that isn't fit for purpose?!

HTH
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

I have a GoPro.

Most are stand alone units now. Make sure the battery's charged, press record and forget.
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My Flickr

[Boxing]

If/When you get one, place it so the speed-o can't be seen. And don't do anything stupid whilst its running. Especially if you're uploading them to the internet.

[Ed Case]

Thanks very much everyone, especially Dazbo666, Wafer Thin Ham, and Boxing, very helpful indeed, exactly the info I was looking for.
Gracias Penis.....(Spanish for 'Thanks Cock').

[hellkat]

*searches for information on how to avoid looking like a complete Teletubby*
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Not nearly as interesting in real life.