Note to all: This is a general request for a product that would meet the needs of many videographers using wearable video systems.

Update 9/25/2007: To date, we have only found one system that is meeting most of the requirements below. That is the POV1 from VIO. Click here for a full review.

To whom it may conern-

I am a Field Tester for Helmet Camera manufacturer and have also written an article for VideoMaker Magazine (July Issue, 2007) on this subject. I currently use a Sony DCR-HC32 combined with a waterproof helmet camera system that includes an external wearable camera, microphone, and LANC based remote control to record extreme outdoor events. I am interested in the evolution of recording technology such as DVR’s (Digital Video Recorder) that use a solid-state flash memory based technology for recording. For a helmet camera application, some key features for a “good” DVR solution would be:

1. True 30 fps NTSC (D1) video that is editable by standard desktop editing suites such as Adobe Premiere. Ideal would be 720 x 480 @ 30 fps, next best 640 x 480 30 fps. MPEG2 or MPEG4 format is acceptable.
2. Flash Memory based storage medium with support for the largest storage formats. (i.e. Sandisk 8gb SD Card, Ultra II). They key requirement here is NO MOVING PARTS that can fail from excessive shock.
3. Right-Angle A/V input connector using Sony’s new 1/8″ A/V 10-Pin connector format and a input jack.
4. LANC based remote control with Right-Angle connector for Power On/Off, Start/Stop Record, and visual signals showing power status, recording status, and recording media status. (i.e. Skytools Product – http://www.skytools.m.se/)
5. Lithium Ion Battery, with at least a 2-3 hours of total recording time as it pertains to battery life and actual recording (the longer the recording time, the better).
6. An Auxillary Power Port to provide power to a Helmet Camera – aka One Battery for recording device and helmet camera. Also, a battery level indicator with Low Battery Alert.
7. A simple, 2 1/2″ LCD screen & speaker or head phone jack (mostly to verify you are recording what the external camera is viewing.).
8. On-Board Buttons for Play, Stop, RWD, FWD.
9. USB 2.0 Port for PC download.
10. LED Indicator Lights for: Charging, Charge Complete, Power On, Recording.
11. Selector switch for On/Record/VCR Mode.
12. Usability is also a critical issue. Easy to use and efficient. Easily accessible buttons, but the buttons must be able to be protected from accidentally being pushed! These recording devices are usually stored in backpacks and are accessed wearing gloves, etc.

As of now, I have not found a product that meets these requirements. If your company is working on a product that could provide this functionality, or you could direct me to a manufacturer you may know of – plese let me know.

Kind Regards,
Mike Stoll
mike@helmetcameracentral.com