ATV Helmet Camera off road advice anyone?

[atvbull]

Well, as follow is my conclusion on the two helmet (atv) cameras I got for my ATV rides: (check out my original post below)

** The Adrenaline Systems ATV Cam Sport I action camera came as a complete kit (except you have to provide your own recording device). The camera is a 580 TVL Sony HAD ExView CCD camera. It comes with an extreme military grade microphone with a windsock (windguard) which works great when you get up to speed. It comes with 3 mounting devices. Two for your ATV itself and one Helmet Mount which allows you to mount the camera anywhere on your helmet.

Connecting the camera, microphone and power source together is pretty easy.

There is plenty of cable slack to allow for very comfortable camera placement. I connected the entire set up to my Sony camcorder. You can also connect it to a DVR but currently this is on my wish list.

The mounts are not typical of any helmet camera set up. You can mount the cam on your handlebar using the handlebar mount which bolts on super tight and will survive a crash. What I liked the most is that you can place and remove the camera easely with no hassle and there is no need to remove the whole mount.

There are two additional mounts. One you place on you helmet. This mounting is great as anything you look at is captured. The other is a neat and lightweight mount called the Fender mount which can lay your camera flat on the fenders or any other flat surface.

I used all 3 mounts with my camcorder either in my backpack or on the gas tank (in my homemade tank pack). The video I picked up is excellent. I was able to capture some great angles both behind and in front of my ATV. My edits captured action which I only see in pro features. I must say I was surprised. There is no comparison with the limited angles I was able to capture with my camcorder alone.

Also, it allows me to capture more radical footage as I am not afraid to damage my expensive camcorder. It now sits safely tucked away.

** The Oregon Scientific ATC2K Helmet Camera is completely self contained unit which comes with on board recording via an SD card. It is easy to use and mount, though it does not come with atv specific mounts. For this I had to adapt some clamps to hold it on my handlebar. Mounted on my helmet felt ok and was realtively easy to complete the whole mounting procedure.

Functionality is good with no real hickups during use. The buttons are easy to set and recording is easy as well.

As I had read in reviews, once I downloaded the video files to my computer, the quality was not good at all nor was the sound. It looks more like video you would want to use on video sharing sites but nothing of any decent quality. Moreover the recording length is limited by your SD card. For the price this helmet camera is ok as a hobby camera.

In conclusion I will have to say the Adrenaline Systems ATV Cam produces super performance and quality with the most flexibility and pricing is reasonable when you compare to other systems out there which can get pretty prices. The Oregon scientific is great as a hobby cam but nothing more. For a few more dollars you can get what the documentary makers are using.

I got the adrenaline systems kit at the Adrenaline Camera website (AdrenalineCamera * com) and the Oregon Scientific at their corporate sales site.

Please PM if you have any input and thanks for your suggestions!

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I finally got around to getting an action camera for my off road riding. I purchased two of them so that I can try them out and figure out which would be the best.

I would like to ask for some advice on how best to test these cameras out? what should I keep in mind? any good ideas out there?

The two systems I got for testing are The Adrenaline Systems ATV Camera which I read on the boards has some great features. I also got the Oregon Scientific sd cam.

The adrenaline systems atv cam comes with the full set up, including a real neat microphone which allows me to put the mike anywhere I want. The mounts look very well made.

They are very sturdy. I already ran into some brush and the mount did not move an inch or get damaged. Also, the camera was very easy to hook up to my camcorder.

The oregon scientifc is next.

I will post my results as soon as I can. Any feedback will be appreciated on these sports cameras.

[SCRider]

I have been thinking about getting one. I will be interested to see how it works for you. I don't know anyone who has used one.

[Raptor8]

Mine is a BulletCam, had it about 3 years now, it's the one NASA uses on the space shuttle.

It too has a 'place it anywhere' mic with wind noise reduction. You have to carry a camcorder with this one but they keep getting smaller...

UNIQUE feature: if you have a SONY camcorder that has a LANC connector on it, most do, they sell a LED equipped switch that plugs in there. So instead of just starting the camcorder and going for a ride, I have a waterproof button in the corner of my visor with red and green LEDs. Pushing the button turns the camera on and off when you want, which saves editing time and the LED blinks for things like low battery, low tape, malfunction so I know what is going on inside the backpack. I KNOW I got the shot this way.

Plus it comes with Lexan lenses that cover the genuine SONY camera lens. I can wipe off the lexan lens or replace it on the trail as needed. :rolleyes:

altogether very pleased. Helmet Cameras from Bullet Cam. Helmet Cams for motorcycles, boating, hunting and virtually any activity

[mywifeknowseverythin]

I had the Bulletcam for several yrs....I used it with my Canon ZR80 but it didnt support the LANK so I was almost always Frustrated when trying to Start the and Stop the Thing.....Sometimes the Canon would somehow shut down and I had no Idea until I stopped.....Now I have an ARCHOS404 DVR with the ARCHOS 480 Cam.....I havent really had a too much of a chance to Really test it though....But next month when Im at the Oregon Dunes for a Week Ill have Ample opportunity......

What I like about this is that there is only 1 Wire to deal with....remote Start and Stop with integrated Mic.......And the DVR fits in my Shirt pocket and will record up to 8 Hrs of Video.....The only Down fall so far is that it charges off the Computer....No Biggie....Ill just bring the Lap Top.....

As for the Oregon Cam....My Buddy in the Coast Guard uses these for Field Training....Says that they work Well For what they are......

I dont know about the other one......

[wheeler0801]

one time when i was learning to ride i took my digital camera that records videos and taped it to my barpad on my handle bars...

it was pretty interesting watching I'll try to find it, if I do, I'll post it on here!!!!

Just an inexpensive way to catch some video of riding...but you definitely need to make sure the camera's secure!!!!

[Raptor8]

MWKE: Let us know how that new cam goes- I wouldn't be above buying a new one if it comes highly recommended...

[spartanracing43]

GO PRO awsome cam easy to use, comes in HD version "GO PRO WIDE" All you need is a memory card, uses tripple A batteries user friendly great video quality.

[mywifeknowseverythin]

GO PRO awsome cam easy to use, comes in HD version "GO PRO WIDE" All you need is a memory card, uses tripple A batteries user friendly great video quality.

I dont have the WIDE,,,,I have the Regular....works great....

BTW......I didnt see ya at Dunefest.....Or did we????

[Stoopidbot1]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM3ZSCDV1N8]YouTube - C.O.R.E. 100 Mile Race 8-16-09[/ame]

This is my standard GoPro cam.

[wylde1]

I just found this thread and as an example the videos I have on this site are shot with the ATC2k. I put it in various places, trees, my helmet, front bumper, on the ground, it is a lot of fun for a small price if you are creative with it. It is also very durable, I wash it often in muddy water and even landed on it while jumping over it.

[Ajmboy]

I never had a helmet cam...how much did it cost you?

[wylde1]

The ATC2K is an older model you can get for under $100. The ATC3K is the newer model for around $150.

[Smoothbassman]

I use a GoPro Hero Wide on my quad and my motorcycle. They are really nice. The colors are dry and the video gets washed out in heavy sunlight but I have been pleased with it so far. Saving up for the HD version this summer.

[Ajmboy]

I use a GoPro Hero Wide on my quad and my motorcycle. They are really nice. The colors are dry and the video gets washed out in heavy sunlight but I have been pleased with it so far. Saving up for the HD version this summer.

I just took a look at their site: GoPro Official Store: Wearable Digital Cameras for Sports

Seems lke a nice camera. HD is the way to go these days. I'm actually thinking of getting a flip just for personal use..not a helmet cam...

[quadracer69]

I have the GoPro hero wide and it does a great job very pleased and was only a $140 bucks at Cli-Max Riding gear