Just search helmet cameras and you will find quite a few. I got one from Hoyt a while back and it works fine. It velcro mounts to your helmet and connects to your video/audio inputs on your camcorder.
Not sure if it goes here but I'm in the Video area.
What type of cameras kits are used, this includes camera, mount and recording devise is the best for the price.
I've bought a few from here:
http://www.supercircuits.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=276
I use color 12Volt weatherproof cameras. Most will have RCA type jacks like a VCR. You'll also need something to record the video. The better Sony cameras (and others) have a connector for video input. I have also heard that some of the cheaper sony cameras have an undocumented feature where they will allow video input on the output plug. (I can't confirm that though) The camcorder will need vibration dampening. You will also need a mic if you want sound. I haven't looked at recorders in years so maybe there are better options now.
Another (perhaps better) alternative is one of those small solid state camera/camcorders. They are about the size of a cigarette pack and have no moving parts (other than zoom) which would be good on a kart/buggy. A friend owns one. The price was only about $120 and the video was decent for a TV. With a big enough memory stick you should be ble to record plenty of video. Oh, it can also take photos, play MP3s, store data, etc.
This is the manufacturer or importer: http://www.aiptek.com/
The more I think about it the more I think that option 2 would be a better than subjecting a good camcorder to the rigors of offroad. It also avoids the tangle of wires.
When you look at the specs, pay attention to the frame per second (FPS), resolution, and max memory capacity.
For mounting, I've found that hard mounting the camera to the frame produces better results than a helmet mount. The drawback is that on the chinese buggies, the vibrations may rattle the thing apart. Locktite anyone?
Kirk
PS. If you get one, let us know how it works. I may have to buy one myself
Just noticed this camera:
http://www.aiptek.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PKDV58-CS& ;Category_Code=DC1#parts
It has the ability to record from a video input. If the mpeg4 compression built into the camera can handle the high speed motion of an offroad ride, then this would be a good camera/recorder. You could use the recorder stand alone or with the wired cam of your choice.
I'll look into borrowing my friends camera to see how well it handles recording fast motion.
I should have mentioned, the reason helmet cameras don't work as well in a vehicle is that the rider gets thrown around a lot more and the result is a jerky video. A motorcycle rider on the other hand uses his legs and arms to smooth out the motion. (Your mileage may vary though)
With Steve's permission, I'll post a 114 meg clip of a trail ride in a full size buggy with a hard mounted camera.
CMOS pickup units give muted strange colors and ghosting. They work, but not crisp and clear.
-Steve
kirk22 wrote:
Just noticed this camera:
http://www.aiptek.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=PKDV58-CS& ;Category_Code=DC1#parts
It has the ability to record from a video input. If the mpeg4 compression built into the camera can handle the high speed motion of an offroad ride, then this would be a good camera/recorder. You could use the recorder stand alone or with the wired cam of your choice.
I'll look into borrowing my friends camera to see how well it handles recording fast motion.
I should have mentioned, the reason helmet cameras don't work as well in a vehicle is that the rider gets thrown around a lot more and the result is a jerky video. A motorcycle rider on the other hand uses his legs and arms to smooth out the motion. (Your mileage may vary though)
With Steve's permission, I'll post a 114 meg clip of a trail ride in a full size buggy with a hard mounted camera.
Kirk
_________________ 2004 KPX Xterro: pumper carb, oil cooling, 10 gram rollers, Toy junkies pipe, uni
2005 Blade 150 DX: 4 Valve head, 10 gram rollers, East Side pipe, uni
CMOS pickup units give muted strange colors and ghosting. They work, but not crisp and clear.
Agreed. CMOS chips are not the best in the quality department.
I've seen your videos. What was your setup when you used the frame mounted cam?
The beauty of that camera is that you can plug a stand-alone camera ($90-$150) into it and you have a recorder that can safely fit in a small foam filled tupperwear container. Camera aside, it's the cheapest video recorder I have seen so far.
Here's two others that are slightly more $$$$:
http://www.pimall.com/nais/vitocam.html
http://www.spygadgets.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=VR1&C ategory_Code=7
I've taken my camcorder offroad while hooked up to a lipstick cam and believe me, the dust, dirt, and vibration get to it no matter what you put it in. It's good quality video, but it takes away the fun factor. To me, the durability and ease of use of a solid state recorder would mean more videos and less fear of breaking a good camcorder. That is, if that thing can satisfactorily record high speed motion. Hopefully I can find out this weekend.
Below is a camera mount I whacked together one morning. (yes that is duct tape
Some of the best footage I've got is when I taped my camcorder to the side of my helmet and taped a rock of equal weight to the opposite side. Worked a treat. I tried to hold my digital camera whilst riding my bike and following my buggy the other day. There is no better feeling than the front tire slipping out on your 650 and you have one hand on your bars. _________________ If in trouble or in doubt, run around scream and shout.
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