I have been using point-of-view (POV) cameras for over five years, and this is the first one I have seen that was designed specifically for the Motorsport industry. It uses a unique vacuum cup mount that allows you to attach it to any smooth, non-porous surface including windshields, dashboards, hoods, etc. Hoyttech also sells a mount, which allows you to secure the camera to a roll bar or motorcycle frame. The camera includes a variety of video modes to select from including standard or high definition.
The Drift X170 Action Camera provides a tremendous value to the adventure sports enthusiast. If you are not looking for HD resolution, have a budget below current HD systems, or you want HD but your computer can’t deal – then the X170 is a great choice. It comes with everything you need to mount, record, and review footage and is very easy to use. With DVD Quality video and a built in LCD screen for review it is a great value. Read below to see how much is packed into this small cam..
Highlights of the Drift X170
The X170 delivers DVD quality video and 5Mp photographs
Functions can be controlled by a wireless RF remote control
A 1.5″ screen helps you to line up the perfect shot and to show off your video right away
Memory expansion up to 8Gb on SD card
With a wide angle lens of 170º you will get all the action in your shot
All the mounts that you need are provided, plus it has a metal 8mm mount
Hot on the heals of their ContourHD release, VholdR quickly comes to market with a premium version that supports full 1080p HD resolutions. Record life-like, full resolution, 1080p HD video on your head and share it online in seconds with VholdR’s new ContourHD1080pTM, the world’s first full 1080p HD wearable camcorder that allows you to shoot AND easily share high-definition video. At just $329.99, the ContourHD 1080p was designed with the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in mind. This durable camera provides amazing video clarity (choose between a plethora of high definition or high action video modes), ease of use, and a host of mounting options and accessories. VholdR continues their successful ContourHD series with the same form factor, and a increased level of video quality of prosumers and consumers alike. Highlights of the ContourHD 1080p:
Full HD – 1080p (1920×1080) @ 30 fps
Tall HD – 960p (1280×960) @ 30 fps
Action HD – 720p (1280×720) @ 60 fps
Contour HD – 720p (1280×720) @ 30fps
Fast SD – WVGA (848×480) @ 60fps
135-degree wide angle lens
5 Megapixel Sensor
Internal microphone (Adjustable)
Quicktime H.264 MOV with AAC Audio
MicroSD/SDHC up to 16GB (2GB included) – Up to 8 Hours of HD video
Rechargable Lithium Ion Battery – Up to 3 hours per charge
iPod(USB) Charge Compatible
Adjustable Contrast, Light Metering, Exposure and Mic Sensitivity
Fits VholdR TRailTM mount system
Easy EditTM and Share software
Read the full review with sample video after the jump!
GoPro, makers of the infamous Hero Wide line of cameras announced some astonishing news at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show this week. This Fall, they will be releasing the GoPro HD Wide, the world’s first full high definition 1080p helmet camera! Yes, that’s right, 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution) on a freak’n helmet cam, how awesome is that? What’s even more awesome is that the camera will retail for $299, quite possibly placing it among the world’s most affordable 1080P high definition camcorder of any sort.
The overall visual appearance of the high definition GoPro HD Wide is pretty much the same – but the insides of the GoPro HD are very different and the specs tell the full story! The GoPro HD still has the killer 170 degree wide angle lens and will have three recording resolutions: 1080p (1980 x 1080), 960p (1280×960, so it’s similar to 720p but at 4:3 ratio), and 720p (1280 x 720). What’s even better is the camera can record 720p at double speed 60 FPS for buttery smooth high-def slow motion deliciousness. Here are the full video specs with bitrates, please note bitrates may change in final production version:
Record HD video on your head and share it online in seconds with VholdR’s new ContourHDTM, the world’s first HD wearable camcorder. At just under $250, the Contour HD was designed with the needs of outdoor enthusiasts in mind. This durable camera provides amazing video clarity (choose between high definition or high action), ease of use, and a host of mounting options and accessories. Highlights of the ContourHD:
Been waiting for an update the POV.1? Well here it is! The POV.1.5 is the successor to the wildly popular POV.1. While not a completely new product, there have definitely been some changes made. The POV.1.5 now comes with a shorter, orange, tethered camera head, so no more bent or broken pins. It also comes from the factory with built in SDHC support, new mounting options, a 4Gb SDHC card, and tutorials on disc.
In addition, VIO has also released the POV.1.5M which includes the POV DC Power Adapter for you vehicular POV users.
Some highlights of the VIO) POV.1.5:
New shorter camera head with tethered cable
Built in LCD screen on recording unit to view live video and review video
98 Field of View Wide Angle Lens with Infinite Focus
DivX MPEG4 AVI Compression, 1GB at 720×480@30fps = 40 Minutes
24P and 30P Progressive video ready, up to 720×480
SDHC card storage up to 8GB (6 Hours), USB 2.0 connectivity, and Analog video/audio output
No digital to analog conversion – digital from camera to compression
Wireless remote – start/stop record and nice TAG feature
4 AA batteries powers the recording unit and camera
1 cable from recording unit to camera
Waterproof in-line microphone integrated into camera cable
Lightweight (About 1 lb (375 grams) with batteries and camera) and power efficient
Includes POV Manager software to quickly edit and post to web
Recently, GoPro introduced the impressive GoPro Helmet HERO Wide to its wide lens camera family of products, which also includes the Wide HERO, the Motorsports HERO Wide, and the Surf HERO. Priced affordably at $189, the new Helmet HERO Wide produces unique video footage using a 170-degree fisheye lens, while the increased still photo resolution (from 3 megapixels to 5 megapixels) provides crisper, brighter pictures. With outstanding products and a broad range of mounting options, the HERO Wide series provides a great value for wearable video enthusiasts.
Highlights of the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide:
512 x 384 television quality resolution
30 frames per second
Super wide angle, 170 degree field of view
Supports NTSC and PAL formats for video playback on television
Waterproof to 100 ft
Take photos in single, burst, and timed modes.
5 megapixel resolution for still photos
Small LCD screen displaying battery, modes, and status
Automatic white balance
Removable SD card storage (up to 2GB SD cards)
RCA cable to television compatibility
USB cable to computer compatibility
AAA battery powered
4 different mounting bases
Waterproof and impact resistant case
Table of Contents for Review of the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide
5 Megapixel Helmet HERO Wide Camera with 170 degree wide angle lens
1 Shockproof/waterproof quick-release housing
1 Headlamp-style head strap
1 Vented helmet strap
2 Curved 3M™ adhesive mounts
2 Flat 3M™ adhesive mounts
1 Three-way pivoting side arm assembly
2 Quick-release buckles
1 USB/RCA combo cable
1-Year warranty
The GoPro Hero Wide
Pros
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide camera’s compact, cable-free design encourages new filming opportunities through creative mounting locations that are unhindered by proximity to the user, such as the stern of a 15-foot sea kayak, the nose of a long-board surfboard, the wheel well of a stock car, or the front fender of a motorcross bike. Waterproof to 100 feet, the Helmet HERO Wide can even scuba dive.
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide camera provides a wearable video system that allows users to capture the most sought-after shots, regardless of location.
Mounting Options
The Helmet HERO Wide comes impressively equipped with multiple hardware mounting options:
1. Headband mount: No bulkier or heavier than a high-powered headlamp, this strap configuration keeps the camera firmly attached to the user’s forehead for more accurate video capture. The sturdy headband mount allows users to quickly and easily remove the unit to check its status, change menu options, or store it for later use. The mount can even be worn outside of some helmets, especially those designed to accept headlamps. Although it is not as dignified as a lipstick camera, the headband mount makes up in usability what it lacks in style.
2. Helmet vent-hole strap mount: For activities that warrant a helmet with air ventilation holes, this non-adhesive mount is an easy method for attaching the camera to helmet surfaces. Furthermore, it is easily transferrable to a different set of ventilation holes on the same helmet or to a different helmet entirely. It has the benefit of being an adhesive-less and easy way to attach the camera to the helmet surface, as well as being easily transferable to a different set of vent holes or to a different helmet. Using vent holes located in thefrontof the helmet has the advantage of keeping the camera low profile and safe from clothes lines, tree branches, and other yard dangers during the occasional wipeout. The vent-hole strap mount provides the least risk of the camera being ripped from the mount. The straps are solid, yet there is enough slippage and flex to absorb some impact when necessary.
3. Base mount with single pivot: This mount provides numerous camera mounting options courtesy of the well-built pivot mechanism, which ensures that your footage will be captured in the angle that you desire. After sticking the base to a smooth surface with the provided adhesive patches, sliding the quick release camera mount onto the base, and pivoting the camera to the desired field of view, simply tighten the knob (by hand or using the recessed screw head improved strength).
4. Base mount with double pivot: When a helmet isn’t the ideal mount to capture the best footage, the double pivot mount is useful for the side of a bike, car, four-wheeler, or similar places. The second pivot simply returns the camera to a horizontal position, while the camera’s menu settings give users the option to rotate images 180 degrees or 90 degrees.
In addition to these mounting options, users should also take advantage of other mounts from GoPro, including handlebar/seatpost, chest harness, roll bar, and surfboard mounts.
Usability
The Helmet HERO Wide scores high in overall usability. It has a simple one-page manual for quick reference or easy (partial) memorization. The two-button configuration is ideal for adjusting settings or using different modes, such as video, triple shot sequence, photo every five seconds (up to 700 photos on a 2 GB SD card), and self-timer photography,all of which are displayed on the unit’s compact LCD screen. A single camera cord is used as an A/V cable connector (NTSC and PAL), as well as a USB connector to a computer. Both Mac and Windows users can seamlessly upload and edit files. The open design of the camera and two-button configuration make it simple to record. Additionally, two different flashing LEDs display recording status on both sides of the camera.
The Case
The camera’s waterproof case (up to 100 feet) is one its most impressive features. Inside the case, the camera is durable enough to be placed on a keychain, attached to a backpack, or clipped to a climbing harness, making it easily accessible for capturing great footage. The 100-foot waterproof rating combined with the graceful movements of snorkeling or scuba diving make it ideal for underwater pictures or videos.
Super Small
Outside of its case, the Helmet HERO Wide is exceptionally small. In fact, the camera can fit easily inside a closed fist, yet it can hold approximtely an hour of video footage.
Cons
While the Helmet HERO Wide is a strong, versatile camera, there are some drawbacks that users should keep in mind. One drawback centers on the video quality, which is not adequate for producing high-quality professional videos. However, the quality is perfect for the Web or standard television viewing.
Another significant problem with the camera is its short battery life. During testing, the Helmet HERO Wide only provided about two hours of recording time using NiMH rechargeable batteries and three hours using lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries produced even shorter recording times.
Many users have also found the upside-down LCD screen cumbersome. It should be noted that the design was intended to benefit users viewing the screen while upside-down. The camera also does not include a video monitor for reviewing footage, thus footage can only be reviewed using a video monitor, such as a computer.
Angle reference marks on the camera would be a useful addition to the camera because it would allow users to switch angles for different applications.
GoPro Helmet HERO Wide Documentation
To view the instruction manual for the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide, click here.
MPEG4 Codec Settings
The basic codec settings for the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide are as follows:
Video: MJPEG, 30 fps, saved as .AVI file
Audio: 8kHz, mono
Sample Video Clips, RAW and Unaltered
Here are a few sample videos that have been uploaded and compressed through Vimeo and are intended to give you a feel for the ultra-wide field of view and overall video quality.
Sample Video Frame Grabs
Recording Capacity
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide has removable SD card storage for up to 2GB SD cards, which allows users to record up to 56 minutes of video or capture up to 700 photos.
Battery Time
The GoPro Helmet HERO Wide camera requires 2 AAA batteries. For best results, the manufacturer strongly recommends lithium batteries, which provide up to three hours of battery life. Using NiMH batteries, users can record up to two hours.
Warranty and Support
GoPro provides a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on the device. Returns are only accepted for defective or unopened packages.
Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased from us.
Software
A software bundle is not available with the GoPro Helmet HERO Wide.
Summary and Recommendation
With the new wide angle lens and numerous mounting options, the GoPro Digital Helmet HERO Wide is designed to meet the needs of consumers searching for a quality camera at a great price. The waterproof rating of 100 feet makes this an ideal unit for scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing. The durable bomber case provides ample protection from the elements to ensure the longevity of the camera.
Helmet Camera Central recommends this unit to cost conscious consumers looking for a sturdy, reliable helmet camera for capturing events and posting them on the Web. This unit is not recommended for a videographer or consumers looking for production equipment to produce DVD quality video.
We are available toll-free at 888-409-4408 to answer your questions.Please contact us directly to discuss quantity discounts.
We Review and Sell Helmet Camera Systems
Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business, Two Brothers Video. Helmet Camera Central is a resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Since 2005, we have reviewed numerous helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Our reviews focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. Since we use helmet camera systems in addition to selling them, our reviews result from actual day-to-day experiences with the products. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are our top priority. Rest assured, the helmet camera systems that we recommend and sell at HelmetCameraCentral.com were chosen for good reason: they rock! There are many systems out there, but the ones we recommend provide exceptional quality and services for the best return on your investment.
We are also here to answer your questions and help you choose a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, you can find it at HelmetCameraCentral.com. And if our recommended systems do not fit your needs, we will put you in contact with the right vendor to find the best solution.
Change Log
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Let’s welcome yet another player to the consumer wearable camcorder marketplace. The EPIC Action Sports Camera from StealthCam is an entry level helmet camera that directly competes with the GoPro Hero and the Oregon Scientific ATC Series. The form factor is similar to the ATC2K series, but differs in that a waterproof housing is available. There are 3 mounts included standard with the EPIC: A waterproof housing (no depth rating), Strap Mount (helmets, etc), and a Shock Resistant Saddle. The retail price is $149.99. Overall this is an inexpensive but fun helmet cam mostly targeted at very entry level videographers and YouTube’ers.
The video frame size is 640 x 480 and the still shot mode claims 5.0MP. The product manual claims 30 frames per second, but the sample videos on their site shows what appears to be a variable frame rate. The EPIC Stealth Camera uses a CMOS sensor and most likely does not perform well in low light situations. The manual states a Camera aperture of 2.8mm- which is not considered wide angle, probably comes in around 48 degree field of view. No mention of the video codec being used to compress and deliver the video. The audio on the sample videos is audible and quality is ok. The unit does have a internal clock that can be set with the 2 buttons, but the manual notes that when batteries are removed/changed that the clock will reset itself. The unit connects to PC’s and MAC’s via standard USB connections to transfer video, or the standard SD memory card the unit uses can be removed and inserted into a SD card reader. The unit takes AAA batteries, and reported runtimes are around 1 hour on a fresh set.
The HC-1, sold exclusively by helmetcamera.com, is a helmet camera system pieced together from analog and digital components. The HC-2 system is exactly the same as the HC-1, except that a waterproof box is included, along with a slim rechargeable camera battery that fits in the box. All in all, it’s a heap of wires and batteries, with lackluster video quality. The included DVR is a typical generic digital recorder, similar to the Archos AV 500, which was not designed for rugged wearable video applications. Rather, it is a basic handheld digital recorder, which can function completely on its own. What helmetcamera.com has done is package this general-purpose camcorder along with a lipstick camera kit, necessary cables, a memory card, and power options. The external camera plugs into the recorder’s auxiliary input, causing the integrated camera to be bypassed. Keep reading, as we share our thoughts on this product offering.
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The VholdR, made by Twenty20, is a great all-in-one helmet camera; very simple with a user friendly design. Most importantly, the video footage I took while skiing and snowmobiling looked great! The VholdR is an All-In-One system, and provides some significant advantages over typical “all-in-one” or “wireless” systems: it’s super light, and it has laser pointers that give the user an idea as to what they are capturing in the picture frame. Last but not least, the price is right. At $279.99 (with free shipping) the VholdR is an affordable system that functions great! Twenty20 VholdR Helmet Camera: it looks cool, and it is cool. It should also be mentioned that Twenty20 has been doing a great job at customer service. (more…)
Well, here it is, the holy grail of the helmet cam world (for now) -The POV.1 from VIO. We have been waiting for the POV.1 since the inception of wearable video. The POV.1 is a fully integrated, fully digital, DVD quality helmet cam system. We have a POV.1 in-house, and are so impressed with this system we have moved it to the top of our recommended helmet cam list, and to our inventory over at the The Shop @ Helmet Camera Central. Also, based on our hands-on review of the POV.1, it has met most of the specifications for our dream helmet cam system.
VIO has invested quite a bit of time and money into designing this product from the ground up, and it shows. A lot of thought must have went into the hundreds of design decisions behind this unit. So far there seems to be good reason behind each issue I have with the unit. Keep reading as I discuss usability, pricing, quality, the good and the bad. Fast forward to the end for a deal on the POV.1 as well!
Some highlights of the Viosport (VIO) POV.1:
The whole system is waterproof to 1m (3ft)
Built in LCD screen on recording unit to view live video and review video
98 Field of View Wide Angle Lens with Infinite Focus
DivX MPEG4 AVI Compression, 1GB at 720×480@30fps = 40 Minutes
24P and 30P Progressive video ready, up to 720×480
SDHC card storage up to 8GB (6 Hours), USB 2.0 connectivity, and Analog video/audio output
No digital to analog conversion – digital from camera to compression
Wireless remote – start/stop record and nice TAG feature
4 AA batteries powers the recording unit and camera
1 cable from recording unit to camera
Waterproof in-line microphone integrated into camera cable
Lightweight (About 1 lb (375 grams) with batteries and camera) and power efficient
Includes POV Manager software to quickly edit and post to web
When I review helmet cam systems I generally look at the big picture – which boils down to usability, reliability, and performance. Xtreme Recall excels in all of these areas. Some highlights: One battery to power camcorder and helmet camera, Right-Angle Sony 10-Pin AV Connectors, Durable & Waterproof cable connects, Fog Proof Cameras, great microphones, and a killer waterpoof LANC remote. If you are considering purchasing a helmet cam setup, please read on….
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Here’s a new helmet cam entry from BlackEye – the BlackEye Head and Helmet Cam. The basic jist of this product is their unique mounting setup. Instead of a top mount or side mount, the BlackEye head cam uses a unique shorty camera that mounts right in the center of your helmet, just above your eyes – or it is simply worn like a headband in the same location. This product is being marketed towards bikers, climbers, etc. Click below to read more…
The Drift X170 Action Camera provides a tremendous value to the adventure sports enthusiast. If you are not looking for HD resolution, have a budget below current HD systems, or you want HD but your computer can’t deal – then the X170 is a great choice. It comes with everything you need to mount, record, and review footage and is very easy to use. With DVD Quality video and a built in LCD screen for review it is a great value. Read below to see how much is packed into this small cam..
Been waiting for an update the POV.1? Well here it is! The POV.1.5 is the successor to the wildly popular POV.1. While not a completely new product, there have definitely been some changes made. The POV.1.5 now comes with a shorter, orange, tethered camera head, so no more bent or broken pins. It also comes from the factory with built in SDHC support, new mounting options, a 4Gb SDHC card, and tutorials on disc.
Recently, GoPro introduced the impressive 
Let’s welcome yet another player to the consumer wearable camcorder marketplace. The 
The HC-1, sold exclusively by helmetcamera.com, is a helmet camera system pieced together from analog and digital components. The HC-2 system is exactly the same as the HC-1, except that a waterproof box is included, along with a slim rechargeable camera battery that fits in the box. All in all, it’s a heap of wires and batteries, with lackluster video quality. The included DVR is a typical generic digital recorder, similar to the 
The VholdR, made by Twenty20, is a great all-in-one helmet camera; very simple with a user friendly design. Most importantly, the video footage I took while skiing and snowmobiling looked great! The VholdR is an All-In-One system, and provides some significant advantages over typical “all-in-one” or “wireless” systems: it’s super light, and it has laser pointers that give the user an idea as to what they are capturing in the picture frame. Last but not least, the price is right. At $279.99 (with free shipping) the VholdR is an affordable system that functions great! Twenty20 
Well, here it is, the holy grail of the helmet cam world (for now) -The POV.1 from VIO. We have been waiting for the POV.1 since the inception of wearable video. The POV.1 is a fully integrated, fully digital, DVD quality helmet cam system. We have a 
