Helmet Mounted Camera

detones

Looking for suggestions on a helmet mounted camera. Far too many run ins on my commute. Looking for a camera that's not too bulky, the gopros etc seem huge and look horrendous. Is there anything about the size of a small front light? Would consider bike mounted but that obviously restricts the field of vision.

cython

detones wrote: »

Looking for suggestions on a helmet mounted camera. Far too many run ins on my commute. Looking for a camera that's not too bulky, the gopros etc seem huge and look horrendous. Is there anything about the size of a small front light? Would consider bike mounted but that obviously restricts the field of vision.

If you don't like the bulkiness you describe, it may simply be the form-factor of the GoPros, in which case you may be better looking for one of the "bullet" shaped options, of which there are many. While I own and have used none of these, I've seen all the below mentioned on here at different times so might be good places to start your research:

• Garmin Virb/Virb Elite (as distinct from the X/XE/Ultra which are GoPro shaped). These are relatively old models now and as such may be limited availability, though you might find a second hand market.
• TomTom Bandit
• Contour Roam
• Drift Stealth

Weepsie

Garmin Virb is heavy yoke however. Drift Stealth is small. The Shimano CM-1000 is a brilliant little camera. I lost mine coming down the Sally Gap last week, so could be a free one available if you look really hard!

Rogue-Trooper

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

detones

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Thanks for that the Fly 12 looks an interesting prospect too for front mount.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

does that mount under the standard garmin out front mount or does it require a custom one?

i have an oldish contour roam currently mounted to the handlebars but the lack of loop record functionality is really pissing me off. i also have the cycliq fly 6 on the back and agree it's superb! it's handy that you can also use it on an aero seatpost.

edit...i see a k-edge mount on the drift website that's currently sold out

Rogue-Trooper

detones wrote: »

Thanks for that the Fly 12 looks an interesting prospect too for front mount.

The Fly 12 is a great bit of kit but the price put me off! I also believe it's quite heavy (if that's a consideration for you).

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

does that mount under the standard garmin out front mount or does it require a custom one?

It relaces the Garmin mount altogether. The Garmin sits in on top as usual and there is a GoPro-type 3-fin jobbie underneath. The Drift Stealth II has a standard threaded tripod-type attachment on it so I just picked up an adaptor for a couple of Euro on Ebay to attach it underneath.

Simples.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

It relaces the Garmin mount altogether. The Garmin sits in on top as usual and there is a GoPro-type 3-fin jobbie underneath. The Drift Stealth II has a standard threaded tripod-type attachment on it so I just picked up an adaptor for a couple of Euro on Ebay to attach it underneath.

Simples.

would you have a link to an example? there's one on amazon for £60 :eek:

greenspurs

I use a garmin virb.
Excellent quality , good battery, and easy to use/download/edit any vids you make.
Can be put on helmet, or can be mounted on bars.

I would recommend ...

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

would you have a link to an example? there's one on amazon for £60 :eek:

There is a link in my first post to the mount. It's the Cycliq one but I've just noticed it's not available at the moment on their site. I got it on Kickstarter when they launched it last year. They are expensive but very well made and rock solid so there is no camera shake (other than that caused by our poor roads!).

Sigma Sport seem to have it in stock for €74 plus delivery which is the reseller on Amazon anyway.

Alanstrainor

I have a contour roam2, but it's quite old now so I wouldn't recommend you buy given how much camera tech has moved on in the last number of years.

I used to wear it on my helmet and have recently moved it to the bars. I think I prefer it on the handle bars tbh, better footage for the most part and a bit more discreet.

If you're going to mount on the bars a Xiaomi Yi action camera is a good option. Very good (2k) footage and since it mounts like a GoPro there's tonnes of accessories available. Added bonus is that it is quite cheap now too.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

There is a link in my first post to the mount. It's the Cycliq one but I've just noticed it's not available at the moment on their site. I got it on Kickstarter when they launched it last year. They are expensive but very well made and rock solid so there is no camera shake (other than that caused by our poor roads!).

Sigma Sport seem to have it in stock for €74 plus delivery which is the reseller on Amazon anyway.

thanks and sorry OP for the tangent. found this on wiggle which unless i'm mistaken this should do the job, with the adaptor you mentioned.

thanks again.

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

thanks and sorry OP for the tangent. found this on wiggle which unless i'm mistaken this should do the job, with the adaptor you mentioned.

thanks again.

Yep, that will do the job too.

The adaptor I got was this one.

Annie get your Run

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

I like the look of that Drift Stealth II, not overly expensive either.

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see? I don't know what 'loop recording' is but sounds like something that's good to have...

Crocked

Loop recording means that when the memory card is full it'll automatically start overwriting the oldest files on it. Means you don't have to bother with having to delete old files to make space all the time.

mr spuckler

Annie get your Run wrote: »

I like the look of that Drift Stealth II, not overly expensive either.

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see? I don't know what 'loop recording' is but sounds like something that's good to have...

i've just got the drift stealth and used it for the first time yesterday. will take a look at the footage tonight and let you know how it looks.

i started with front only but then had a few incidents where taxis were driving aggressively behind me in bus lanes so bought a cycliq fly 6, which is a light with a camera built into it.

loop recording imo is essential - my early version contour roam didn't have it and as a result would stop recording when the card filled up. loop recording means that it will continue recording even when the card fills up, by overwriting the oldest files.

edit: the question has been answered in the delay between my typing and posting!

Annie get your Run

mr spuckler wrote: »

i've just got the drift stealth and used it for the first time yesterday. will take a look at the footage tonight and let you know how it looks.

i started with front only but then had a few incidents where taxis were driving aggressively behind me in bus lanes so bought a cycliq fly 6, which is a light with a camera built into it.

Thanks! Yes was looking at the fly 6 too but I've no space on my seat post :rolleyes: Not sure where I would put a rear one actually... Pity there isn't one that has a front and back lens!

mr spuckler

quality on the drift stealth is really good - once you have it at one of the higher settings.
i recorded at the lower quality also and really struggled to make out license plates etc.

Annie get your Run

mr spuckler wrote: »

quality on the drift stealth is really good - once you have it at one of the higher settings.
i recorded at the lower quality also and really struggled to make out license plates etc.

Thanks for that, will make the purchase so!

SteM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see?

I have a fly 6 and fly 12. The thing about having a mounted helmet camera is, if you're looking over your right shoulder to check for traffic and a car pulls out from a drive or side road on the left you'll probably miss the collision.

Annie get your Run

SteM wrote: »

I have a fly 6 and fly 12. The thing about having a mounted helmet camera is, if you're looking over your right shoulder to check for traffic and a car pulls out from a drive or side road on the left you'll probably miss the collision.

If I mount it on the handlebars it would pick up traffic coming from the sides? My main problems are close passes and roundabouts where cars overtake you and then swing left across your path. The camera can be bought with different mounts.

CramCycle

Just having a look at my contour roam quality, in good weather, it really was exceptional at picking out plates at speed.

SteM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

If I mount it on the handlebars it would pick up traffic coming from the sides? My main problems are close passes and roundabouts where cars overtake you and then swing left across your path. The camera can be bought with different mounts.

It sounds like you want a helmet mounted camera alright.

axer

I'm torn between the Drift Stealth 2 and Mobius 2 cameras (which Unknown Soldier has posted good things about before). The Drift Stealth 2 is about £100 on amazon whereas the Mobius 2 is about £75. The Mobius 2 however is not water resistant so needs some sort of cover like this which then makes them nearly the same price. The mobius 2 is about 2/3's the size and half the weight of the Drift Stealth 2, however, and can run at 60fps @ 1080p. The only thing I dont like is that I need to get that silicone cover which needs to be ordered from the US. I think I will be going for the Mobius 2 though as the more discrete the better and the Fly6/12, which are nicely discrete, are just way too expensive (although they do look great).

Unknown Soldier

axer wrote: »

I'm torn between the Drift Stealth 2 and Mobius 2 cameras (which Unknown Soldier has posted good things about before). The Drift Stealth 2 is about £100 on amazon whereas the Mobius 2 is about £75. The Mobius 2 however is not water resistant so needs some sort of cover like this which then makes them nearly the same price. The mobius 2 is about 2/3's the size and half the weight of the Drift Stealth 2, however, and can run at 60fps @ 1080p. The only thing I dont like is that I need to get that silicone cover which needs to be ordered from the US. I think I will be going for the Mobius 2 though as the more discrete the better and the Fly6/12, which are nicely discrete, are just way too expensive (although they do look great).

Firstly, the Mobius 2 is a newer camera than any I have mentioned, I only have the older version, with the buttons on top. That's about 59 STG on Amazon. I do have V1 and V2 of the old one.

As for that waterproof cover... yes it's fine but mine is in tatters at this stage and I am nearly sure you could make it as water proof with clear sellotape.

The lens would be fine (I think) it's the top and rear that need to be covered. Defo the rear what with the SD Card hole and USB charging port.

One day I'll get around to wrapping mine in a bit of cling film with some Blue Peter type sellotape action to see how that works out. I think it would be just as good as that rubber case.

I wouldn't bother with the C2 Wide lens btw.

Another site worth considering is https://www.mobius-cam.com/en/mobius-1-action-camera-c-6/?zenid=1p1b6erlqasjpp3vs8qtu9b7h5

josip

I'm thinking of getting another Mobius for the bike, I already have an older gen one (780p) in the car and am very happy with it.
I don't think I'd spend anything extra for a waterproof cover, cling film would be enough and there are no air vents to worry about blocking.
I'd prefer to mount it on the bars, the standard lens has a good wide field of view so would catch most of what currently concerns me.
My only uncertainty about the bar mount however is that unless you've got something specialised for stability, most online feedback says that there'll be a lot of camera shake that you don't get with a helmet mounted cam.
Anybody here got suggestions for minimizing camera shake?

mr spuckler

i've mounted my drift stealth under my garmin duo mount as recommended by rogue trooper on the first page. i don't find camera shake to be a problem.

07Lapierre

josip wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting another Mobius for the bike, I already have an older gen one (780p) in the car and am very happy with it.
I don't think I'd spend anything extra for a waterproof cover, cling film would be enough and there are no air vents to worry about blocking.
I'd prefer to mount it on the bars, the standard lens has a good wide field of view so would catch most of what currently concerns me.
My only uncertainty about the bar mount however is that unless you've got something specialised for stability, most online feedback says that there'll be a lot of camera shake that you don't get with a helmet mounted cam.
Anybody here got suggestions for minimizing camera shake?

I found the opposite. Mount the camera to your bike (not your helmet)
Shoot at lower frames per second..e.g 25 also helps. (although its not a problem really)

CramCycle

07Lapierre wrote: »

I found the opposite. Mount the camera to your bike (not your helmet)
Shoot at lower frames per second..e.g 25 also helps. (although its not a problem really)

I got some shake with the handlebar mount but not terrible. The Helmet mount was always much smoother though.

mr spuckler

CramCycle wrote: »

I got some shake with the handlebar mount but not terrible. The Helmet mount was always much smoother though.

you mentioned having a contour roam? i definitely got more shake with the handlebar mount on that vs the helmet mount.