Helmet Cam Help

Mustangous · 02-04-2009, 10:39 PM

I trying to decide between a few helmet cams. This would be used mostely as a helmet cam atving, jet skiing( probably not on a helmet), snow boarding, motorcycling and whatever else. One that seems really interesting is the Fire Camera FCII http://www.firevideo.net/. Its very hard to find any reviews other than through the company, which is usually bias. Its seems that they have put a lot of thought into it and i really like the the fact that it is waterproof and its an all in one unit that mounts on the helmet. The case is replaceable too. I would have to experiment with mounting because its really made for a firefighters helmet.

I am also considering the VIO POV.1, very nice unit but the recorder seems a bit bulky. The Elmo SUVII seems a bit more sleeker , but the recorder is not waterproof, bummer. Not too many videos of the elmo either to compare and not impressed with what i seen. I also wonder if the cable will get annoying with mobility and when taking the helmet off and on during frequent stops. I guess somethign to you have to deal with. Any experiences?

The Vio seems to have the best video quality out of all of them, but the fire camera seems to have better low light video. I guess because its made for low light situations. I have seen a video at night with the vio and it is less than desireable. I guess i wouldnt be useing it at night much anyway. I also considered something like http://www.helmetcamera.com/ or putting together a kit, but than its not waterproof either unless i make a case for them. The price of these are up around the same as the Vio anyway, so i wonder if i will be better off with the VIO.

Any thoughts? anyone use the FCII?

DUX · 02-04-2009, 11:39 PM

I have the VIO.

At first I had a mixed experience.

- The first two camera units I had went bad.
- The first lens I had didn't work in cold weather and it would freeze out of focus.

That being said, VIO's customer support has been outstanding.

- The camera units were replaced and the current one has worked flawlessly.
- I bought mine before the wide-angle lens was available. VIO shipped me one for free when they were released and the wide-angle worked great last week while snowmobiling.

The unit is water-resistant, but I'm not sure about water-proof for jet skiing. It does seem to be very well made and ready for a bit more punishment than some of the other systems out there.

Video quality is very good for what it is...an action/helmet cam. Mount it to anything that vibrates and you lose quality. My best results have been with the lens mounted to my helmet for motorcycling and snowmobiling.

The cable hasn't been much of an issue for me. Having a separate lens/cable/recorder does have it's advantages. If one part gets damaged, it can be replaced without losing the entire system.

I'm running short on time tonight. Post up some more questions and I'll be glad to answer. I'll also get you some links.

Mustangous · 02-05-2009, 1:29 AM

The VIO is waterproof for 30min up to 1m/3ft. Thats the min so i think that would serve me perfect.
Helmet Camera & Helmet Cam Accessories - StuntCams Has some interesting equipment i am just not sure i want to put together a kit. If i would buy all the accessories needed it would be just about the same price as the vio, so i am not sure which route to go. Also the vio has a nice remote too.
Then i was thinking about the Fire cam II, just havent seen any videos from other users. I am just trying to justify double the price for the vio or comparable system to something like the fire cam for only $300. The vholdr is nice, but not waterproof...

DUX · 02-05-2009, 7:38 AM

The VIO's remote is nice, but it's one-way.

In other words, you have no indication on the remote what state the camera is in.

You can set the unit to beep when you press the start/stop button, but the only way to be sure that it's recording is to look at the screen.

VIO has received feedback on it for a while now. I'm hoping that they come up with a solution soon, like a remote with an LED that stays lit when in record mode.

Overall I really like and recommend the camera.

Mustangous · 02-05-2009, 7:08 PM

ok, after more researching i found the same camera/dvr that www.helmetcamera.com - Home uses on their system on the original manufactures website for MUCH cheaper!
Its a aiptek dv-5800 AIPTEK USA
So this changes things a little. They even have an HD video camera that looks the same and records 1280x720(60FPS). I think the resolution only matters what the lipstick camera puts out, but would thing the 60 fps would make a huge improvement, right?

rokitt51 · 02-05-2009, 11:09 PM

Check out Digital Hero Camera Home I am planning to grab one in the next week or two.

Mustangous · 02-06-2009, 12:18 AM

thanks
I pretty much looked at 99% of all my options so far. Just trying to would be best for me. In the beginning that was the one i was going to get but the battery life is pretty bad and thats what started me looking else where. Now i am considering a POV.1

The hero's resolution is the smallest out of alll...lol, but still a decent camera for the cost and what it is. With my atving, it would be an issue with trees and such. Helmet Camera Central - Reviews,Shopping,Forums,Live Chat THis is a great site for sample vids and reviews. They just need to review the fire camera II...

sheepofblue · 02-06-2009, 6:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mustangous

ok, after more researching i found the same camera/dvr that www.helmetcamera.com - Home uses on their system on the original manufactures website for MUCH cheaper!
Its a aiptek dv-5800 AIPTEK USA
So this changes things a little. They even have an HD video camera that looks the same and records 1280x720(60FPS). I think the resolution only matters what the lipstick camera puts out, but would thing the 60 fps would make a huge improvement, right?

I had one from them and they are not indestructable.... though it was a 100MPH lowside onto it at the track that ripped it off the bike and sent it tumbling for 60+ft... I am still using the case though

. The difference in quality between a 380 and 480 is HUGE and the newre 520/560 have much better white balance so you get better video. My original (480 old sony chip) usually had cloudy looking sky while the new one you can see clouds

Good cams I plan on upgrading my system to a ChaseCam recorder and maybe add a second Helmet Camera .com camera switched via a bar switch expensive solution but should be top notch.

Mustangous · 02-07-2009, 2:03 AM

Well i decided to pull out an old Sony DCR-TRV520 digital8 camcorder. It has A/V in and out and i.link DV interface, but the problem i am having is trying to connect it to my computer. It has the 4 pin firewire and i connected it to an old laptop that also has a 4 pin firewire, but not linking. My lates desktop doesnt had any firewire connections. Does anyone know how to connect this to the computer to convert to digital. I googled but no sucess.