Which digital video recorder for a helmetcam?
June 5, 2007 7:49 PM Subscribe
I am putting together a helmetcam system for mountain biking. Which digital (flash or HD based) video recorder should I use?
OK, I'm going to use a camera simlar to this one with 520 line resolution.
I need something which will record the video.
I don't want a DV camera because of the pain of having to digitize everything in real time, and the likelihood of severe shocks when I fall off the bike.
So that leaves either a flash-based or HD based recorder. I think flash would be a better choice for me. The cheapest option appears to be the Aiptek MPVR which I like because it will record third-person video as well and is cheap enough not to worry about.
What other options are there for better quality in a similar form factor with or without lens? Do any other of the new HD/Flash-based camcorders offer video-in (which is the sine qua non here)? Bonus points for (a) a lens (b) toughness (c) quality (d) toughness (e) mac-friendly output format (eg .mov) (f) remote.
Obviously it must fit in a camelback and have a battery life of >1hr while recording.
OK, I'm going to use a camera simlar to this one with 520 line resolution.
I need something which will record the video.
I don't want a DV camera because of the pain of having to digitize everything in real time, and the likelihood of severe shocks when I fall off the bike.
So that leaves either a flash-based or HD based recorder. I think flash would be a better choice for me. The cheapest option appears to be the Aiptek MPVR which I like because it will record third-person video as well and is cheap enough not to worry about.
What other options are there for better quality in a similar form factor with or without lens? Do any other of the new HD/Flash-based camcorders offer video-in (which is the sine qua non here)? Bonus points for (a) a lens (b) toughness (c) quality (d) toughness (e) mac-friendly output format (eg .mov) (f) remote.
Obviously it must fit in a camelback and have a battery life of >1hr while recording.
You could also try the Aiptek GO-HD.
It uses 720p, and the quality is pretty damned good. As a bonus - you can use 8GB SD cards.
Here's a thread on AVS with a whole bunch of info, along with sample videos and photos : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=844531
posted by revmitcz at 3:45 AM on June 6, 2007
It uses 720p, and the quality is pretty damned good. As a bonus - you can use 8GB SD cards.
Here's a thread on AVS with a whole bunch of info, along with sample videos and photos : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=844531
posted by revmitcz at 3:45 AM on June 6, 2007
digave.com has some good advice on making a helmet cam in its "About" section. (It also has some awesome videos.)
posted by dseaton at 7:56 AM on June 6, 2007
posted by dseaton at 7:56 AM on June 6, 2007
On rereading, I realize this doesn't really answer your questions. But it's still a good site for inspiration and information.
posted by dseaton at 7:57 AM on June 6, 2007
posted by dseaton at 7:57 AM on June 6, 2007
here's a howto from petefagerlin.com. he's apparently using a dv camera, though, but he might have some other valuable insights for you.
posted by the painkiller at 8:10 AM on June 6, 2007
posted by the painkiller at 8:10 AM on June 6, 2007
flash... there is no way hd can survive on trails like mountain biking.
Its the same if you are using a music player, for running, exercise purposes... flash is best
posted by radsqd at 12:15 PM on June 6, 2007
Its the same if you are using a music player, for running, exercise purposes... flash is best
posted by radsqd at 12:15 PM on June 6, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
(I'm of no help when it comes to brand or product recs, though. sorry)
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 10:46 PM on June 5, 2007