Helmet/Bike Camera

[Paul B Blues]

Hi Everyone,

I'm after some advice. One of some of my friends have suggested that I record/video my trips around the beautiful Scottish Highlands and put them on YouTube so they can see them. I think it's a good idea but I have no idea what camera to go for. I've had a look at the GoPro Hero3+ Silver, that's my kind of price range. Anyone have one, or something similar? Any help and advice is very welcome. Cheers.

Paul B......;hdrider;

[SmallPasture]

Hi Everyone,

I'm after some advice. One of some of my friends have suggested that I record/video my trips around the beautiful Scottish Highlands and put them on YouTube so they can see them. I think it's a good idea but I have no idea what camera to go for. I've had a look at the GoPro Hero3+ Silver, that's my kind of price range. Anyone have one, or something similar? Any help and advice is very welcome. Cheers.

Paul B......;hdrider;

Shoot Kurare79 a message. He is in Southern Germany and is doing just what you're wanting to do. I just picked his brain the other day and he came back w/ a load of info! I'm starting with nothing and limited knowledge on this subject as well. His information on what he uses and why has saved me hours of research as he's already found what works best for him. The proof is in his end product. I do know he doesn't use a GoPro....

Good luck Paul, and I look foward to riding along w/ ya in the Beautiful Scottish Highlands just as I ride along w/ Kurare79!

[Paul B Blues]

Shoot Kurare79 a message. He is in Southern Germany and is doing just what you're wanting to do. I just picked his brain the other day and he came back w/ a load of info! I'm starting with nothing and limited knowledge on this subject as well. His information on what he uses and why has saved me hours of research as he's already found what works best for him. The proof is in his end product. I do know he doesn't use a GoPro....

Good luck Paul, and I look foward to riding along w/ ya in the Beautiful Scottish Highlands just as I ride along w/ Kurare79!

Thanks for the info, I'll go give him a shout. Look forward to your company :yes:

[SmallPasture]

Thanks for the info, I'll go give him a shout. Look forward to your company :yes:


I can only imagine what wonderful blues tunes you will use when editing your ride videos! I would assume that Stevie Ray will be one! :yes::yes::yes:
There will never be another S.R.V.!!!!.notworthy.

[Paul B Blues]

I can only imagine what wonderful blues tunes you will use when editing your ride videos! I would assume that Stevie Ray will be one! :yes::yes::yes:
There will never be another S.R.V.!!!!.notworthy.

Funny you should mention that, I was just listening to a track from Gwyn Ashton's 2006 album Prohibition called Rest In Paradise "For Stevie". Yes he was such an inspirational guy, a guitar genius :icon_cool:

[SCMike]

My son records a lot of his rides with a GoPro Hero 3, but he just got hold of a new similar type of camera that Sony has just introduced, and he says it's much better. He works at a major electronics retailer, and the Sony rep loaned him the camera for him to evaluate. He says he likes it so much he's going to buy one, despite the fact that he has the Hero3.
I'll ask him for the name and model of the camera.

[badpapi]

i have a go pro hero 3 + silver edition . and to be honest i don't like that much . i like the videos from my cell phone better then the go pro .
don't get me wrong the go pro does a wonderful 1080 Hd videos . but we don't need that much quality to add on you tube. eats a lot of memory.and battery
i know i have to still playing with settings but I'm planning on getting a cheaper version of the go pro that i see on the market .

i also have couple riding videos version in you tube taken with the go pro and from my cell phone and you can see the difference .
i will post a link when i get home.

[SmallPasture]

Funny you should mention that, I was just listening to a track from Gwyn Ashton's 2006 album Prohibition called Rest In Paradise "For Stevie". Yes he was such an inspirational guy, a guitar genius :icon_cool:

Ahhh.....Just sampled it on Amazon...and promptly bought it! Thanks P.B. Blues!

[VP8]

I use a Replay XD 720. It's true, you don't need a full 1080 for youtube videos. But Replay just came out with a 1080 that's the same size as the 720. Check out www.replayxd.com and you can see how small it is. I mount it to the left of my helmet...its a bullet style camera...not boxey like the go pros. It's easy to operate, and you don't need a weather housing for it like you would need for the go pro. I've ridden with people who didn't realize I had a camera on until I told them I captured that beautiful senic ride on video.

[Paul B Blues]

Ahhh.....Just sampled it on Amazon...and promptly bought it! Thanks P.B. Blues!

My pleasure, I have it blasting out of my speakers right now and it's only 9 in the morning!!!! :yes:

[Paul B Blues]

Big THANKS Everyone,

I now know that the GoPro isn't going to be my choice, I'll go have a look at everyone's suggestions. 'all/right'

Paul B....:icon_cool:

[rumble-b]

I use a GoPro 3 White, and think it's great. The main draw back is working out the settings. They are not easily explained in the online manual. The video quality is great though and you don't have to record in 1080 HD.

[Jabbasan]

I use the Sony Action Cam AS15 (Sony now has newer Action Cams available).

I also mounted it on my helmet following the advice on this YouTube Video "How to go Moto Vlogging with a Sony Action Camera " by Techmoan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=839ST1b74k0&list=UU5I2hjZYiW9gZPVkvzM8_Cw

Here are some pics of my setup

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Hope this Helps - Good luck !!!!

[Paul B Blues]

Thanks Everyone, this has been a very worthwhile thread for me and has given me lots of great help and advice, just what I expected really. I've decided to start small and I've gone for the Replay XD Mini http://replayxd.com/cameras/replay-xd-1080-mini/ If my endeavours prove successful I'll look at a more expensive piece of kit. Thanks again to everyone who replied, been a great help :yes:

[ED209]

I use the GoPro myself. Would rather have the recording sunglasses though. That's the way I would go if I lost this GoPro, or sold it :poke:

[Hornblower]

For my first "action cam", I have decided on the Mobius Mini with wide angle lens. This seems to be a popular choice among the R/C guys due to the small size and light weight. In addition, the videos I've seen taken from vehicles looks very good to me. These are priced under $100 (if you look in the right places). The basic features are: HD video up to 1080P30, 116 degree lens, Micro SD card slot, and LiPo battery. If you're interested in checking this out, here is a good YouTube on it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wmIyD1fM4M

I haven't received this yet but when I do, in another week or so, I'll post an update. Finally, I definitely could have spent more on an action camera but just to see whether or not this is something I will really use, this seemed like a good one to start with.

[bobbyf6b]

I've used the GoPro for years. I'd like to get a newer one but lately I've just been using my iPhone. Whatever camera you get, make sure it has a wide angle view. GoPro sees 150 degrees so it's like actually being there. You get the full view. Here's one of many videos I've made with it. The music is from my sons band in high school and I'm on my old Dyna. I may have posted this before but I can't remember.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl_a5SCE3Og&list=UUsRJcXAgUAmH6hNRwYjeJRQ

[Paul B Blues]

Thanks Guys,

Both posts are full of good info, and I love the music :yes: I've gone for the Replay because it's small and is extremely light. I want to try it on my helmet, so I need it to be feather like. Because of my paralysis from the chest down I have no core stability and therefore no balance, so putting a helmet on without core stability means I simply fall forward. My new Shark Evoline 3 is very light and I can get it on without any help, but adding any extra weight to it could tip the balance so to speak. So I'll give this one a go and if I can get good results I'll look at a bigger camera that I can add to the bike. Thanks again for all the info guys. :yes:

[SmallPasture]

Thanks Guys,

Both posts are full of good info, and I love the music :yes: I've gone for the Replay because it's small and is extremely light. I want to try it on my helmet, so I need it to be feather like. Because of my paralysis from the chest down I have no core stability and therefore no balance, so putting a helmet on without core stability means I simply fall forward. My new Shark Evoline 3 is very light and I can get it on without any help, but adding any extra weight to it could tip the balance so to speak. So I'll give this one a go and if I can get good results I'll look at a bigger camera that I can add to the bike. Thanks again for all the info guys. :yes:

Hot damn!!! In no time I'll be riding along w/ ya in Scotland! Can't wait Paul! :icon_mrgreen:

[Paul B Blues]

Hot damn!!! In no time I'll be riding along w/ ya in Scotland! Can't wait Paul! :icon_mrgreen:

Thanks Greg,

It's 100% waterproof, just what I need. As soon as I get it I'll try it out and put it on here 'all/right'

[VP8]

Good choice Paul!! :clap2:

I think you'll like the ReplayXD...it's simple, easy to operate. I wish I had the new small 1080 version as that has more features than my 720 version...such as just pressing one button to power it on and record. Also, in the event your plastic lens/cover needs to be replaced in the event a pebble hits it or you drop your camera...whatever the case...they are super cheap and available for purchase on amazon. I believe they come in a set of five and also come with the replaceable gaskets.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your Replay as I have. The hardest part is the initial install...figuring out what angle is best from the helmet and rotating the camera in the mount so the camera is level to the ground. What I did is center myself to a TV set with the mount and helmet on, recorded a few seconds, then watched the image and adjusted accordingly. I didn't apply the mount permanently until I knew where to place it...so I just used tape to stick it onto my helmet until I find the sweet spot. After I figured out where to mount it and leveled the camera how I liked it, I penciled in some lines to line up to the mount's opening...so when you remove the camera from your helmet...you won't have to re-level it. Here are some pictures of how I mounted mine. I also use a Sena SMH10 Bluetooth comm system, which is mounted toward the left rearside of my helmet (in case you were wondering what that was).

[Paul B Blues]

Thanks Man,

This has definitely given me a starting point and will save me some work :yes: My camera is on the way from the US, so I should get it early next week once the robbing b******s at UK Customs have been paid their ransom money :jerkit:

[Hornblower]

Hey, Paul--What do you think about this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251319164130

Looks like a Chinese knock-off of the Replay XD, don't you think? Wow, talk about cheap! Don't know if I would trust this one :shrug:.

[Paul B Blues]

Yes I saw this one, I had a look and it's a rip off for sure. It is too good to be true, but if you are brave and don't mind taking a chance.....Not me though, I'd rather play safe.

[bobbyf6b]

I just picked up a pair of these locally. I'll try them out this weekend.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Arrival-15MP-Video-glasses-HD-1080P-Sport-Action-Camcorder-Sunglasses-Camera-/290912799597

[Paul B Blues]

I just picked up a pair of these locally. I'll try them out this weekend.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Arrival-15MP-Video-glasses-HD-1080P-Sport-Action-Camcorder-Sunglasses-Camera-/290912799597

Now they do look impressive and a great idea. Please let us know how you get on with them. Thanks.

[Hornblower]

Just a little update for all those considering bike cameras...my Mobius with wide angle lens arrived and I've run the setup and shot a few short clips with it. There is a bit of learning curve so it will take a little time to get it sorted to my satisfaction. Initially though, the wide angle lens, along with the wide FOV (field of view) setting, resulted in more "fish eye" effect than I was hoping for. Picture quality at 1080P30 is fantastic though and low light performance is also great. The lens is easily replaceable so I might wind up comparing the standard lens. From what I have seen, the standard lens brings objects a little closer and there is less fish eye. OTOH, the wide angle lens offers better low light performance and obviously, a wider view (about 116 degrees). For under $100, I think this little camera will be hard to beat. I particularly like the very small size and light weight and, it's really simple to operate :yes:.

[Paul B Blues]

Thanks Ken,

Practice makes perfect, and I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon. I guess it all depends what you happy with, but I'm sure like others I'm interested to see what it all looks like. No sign of my camera yet so the waiting continues.. :icon_rolleyes:

[Hornblower]

Thanks Ken,

Practice makes perfect, and I'm sure you'll get the hang of it soon. I guess it all depends what you happy with, but I'm sure like others I'm interested to see what it all looks like. No sign of my camera yet so the waiting continues.. :icon_rolleyes:

Yeah, Paul, it's not complicated. Actually, the default settings are not bad at all so the tweaking I'm now doing is just to make it even better. I'll be very interested to compare to your Replay, once you have it dialed in. Hopefully, you'll get that soon. I just set up my YouTube channel (Hornblower) but haven't uploaded anything to it yet. I'm thinking about doing a walk around video on my bike to show some of the after market items including Madstad, HeliBars, Ultimate seat, Rush exhaust, etc. I may even video some of the special effect LED lights (emergency flashers courtesy of Blackbetty 12) :yikes:.

[Paul B Blues]

Yeah, Paul, it's not complicated. Actually, the default settings are not bad at all so the tweaking I'm now doing is just to make it even better. I'll be very interested to compare to your Replay, once you have it dialed in. Hopefully, you'll get that soon. I just set up my YouTube channel (Hornblower) but haven't uploaded anything to it yet. I'm thinking about doing a walk around video on my bike to show some of the after market items including Madstad, HeliBars, Ultimate seat, Rush exhaust, etc. I may even video some of the special effect LED lights (emergency flashers courtesy of Blackbetty 12) :yikes:.

Well that's seems like a rather good idea Ken, I'd love to see around your bike, show off all that bling :yes:

[Paul B Blues]

Well the good news is that the camera has now arrived, and there was no import tax to pay.."Ya beauty" :icon_lol: Bad news is that the remnants of Hurricane Bertha have been stuck over Scotland since Sunday and is due to stay here until the beginning of next week, that means right now it's wetter than a fishes armpit!! Still, it will give me time to sort out the camera and have a play with it.

7571 7572 7573

[Injun Joe]

I'm planning on going with the Mobius, but mounted on the bike itself front and back. Wired so they are a constant on and the video could be used in court or insurance claims as well.

* Look up the user techmoan on youtube. He's a rider that does excellent reviews of bike cams as well as other things. (This is for others Paul -- I know you've already decided on a direction and I look forward to seeing the results. I'm a musician into the blues as well so I'm looking forward to the soundtrack as much as the visual. :icon_wink:)

[Hornblower]

I'm planning on going with the Mobius, but mounted on the bike itself front and back. Wired so they are a constant on and the video could be used in court or insurance claims as well.

* Look up the user techmoan on youtube. He's a rider that does excellent reviews of bike cams as well as other things.

Bigcabdaddy--Totally agree on techmoan videos :yes:. He is the expert when it comes to action cams. One of the main reasons I bought the Mobius was his favorable review. And, of course, the price on the Mobius played heavily :icon_biggrin:.

OK, I'm really new at all this action cam stuff but have mounted the cam and recorded the first couple of videos. Here is my initial setup:

7710 7711

Now, my next step is to learn how to upload to YouTube. It seems that Handbrake software is popular to use in optimizing videos for the web and for YouTube. I've started on that learning curve and hope to publish a video soon. I hope you and Paul will post your tips on mounting and publishing videos so we can all compare notes. We can all help each other to do better than we could do on our own :shake2:.