Tachyon recently came out with an HD version of their popular camera to compete against the GoPro HD 960 and the Epic HD. Tachyon makes a nice product, which is very popular with the motor cross and paint ball crowds who are known to be rough and tough on equipment. The Tachyon HD gets people into an HD package at a very affordable price. Similar to the GoPro HD 960 and the Epic HD, the feature set on the Tachyon HD is not as extensive as the higher end cameras, but it provides enough customized settings to satisfy most camera enthusiasts. This new HD camera continues Tachyon’s tradition of offering a durable product that provides impressive video quality for a very reasonable price. One thing that sets this camera apart from the competition is the IR Remote that is included in the original package.

Table of Contents for Review of the 2011 Tachyon XC HD What’s Included Key Camera Features Performance and Comparison Conclusion and Pricing Sample Videos

Included in the box, you will find the following: HD Camera IR Remote USB Cable HDMI Cable A/V Cable Side Mount General Mount 3M Dual Lock Fastening Strip Lens Cover Batteries and SD Card not included Optional Accessories Green Power Pack Handlebar Mount 360 Degree Swivel Mount Rail Mount

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 105mm x 45mm x 55mm
• CMOS Sensor Size: Information Not Available
• Photo: 1M
• Shock Resistant
• Video Resolution & Recording Capacity

o   720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, __ Mbit/s data rate – Information not available

• File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
• Field of View (FOV): 120
• Weight:  5.5 oz (with Alkaline Batteries)
• Max Frame Rate: HD - 30fps
• Light Sensitivity: Information not Available
• Accepts up to a 32GB SD Card. Recording Capacity based on 32GB Card:

o   720p (30 fps): 8h 09m

• Photo Quality: 5 Megapixels
• Record NTSC or PAL
• Time Lapse Photo Mode (photo taken every two seconds)
• Water proof to 100 feet

SD Cards

The camera accepts a variety of sizes from 4GB to 32GB. Make sure you buy the higher quality class 6 or class 10 cards, which record at a faster rate to support HD recording requirements.

Operation

The camera is very easy to operate. It has three buttons on top that are marked Power, Start/Stop, and Menu. It also has a simple LCD screen on top that displays SD Card Status, Battery Status, Photo Mode, Video Mode, and a Timer. There is a red/green led on the front of the camera to indicate when the camera is in record mode and stand-by mode. The camera also uses audio cues to let you know when you are changing settings and functions. If the battery is not inserted properly, the LCD will display an error message. You will also see a flashing icon if the SD Card is full.

Battery

You can use Energizer Ultimate Lithium, Energizer Advanced Lithium, or alkaline AA batteries. The manufacturer recommends NEVER using rechargeable batteries. If you are shooting in cold weather, you will get better results using lithium batteries. Shooting in cold weather has a tendency to sap battery power, resulting in shorter camera operating times. You can expect about 2.5 hours of operation using alkaline batteries, and 6 hours of operation using lithium batteries.

IR Remote

This camera comes with an IR remote, which is a very nice feature. Neither the GoPro HD 960 nor the Epic HD offer a Remote. The camera manual states he IR Remote will operate up to a distance of 25 feet. In my tests, the Remote operated consistently up to 0 – 18/19 feet, and inconsistently from 20 – 25 feet. The Tachyon Remote’s performance was similar to other IR Remotes I have tested. The Remote runs on (2) AAA batteries, and allows you to start/stop recording once the camera is powered on. The Remote is neither waterproof nor water resistant, so be careful when using it in wet environments.

Frames Per Second (FPS)

The Tachyon HD shoots HD at 30 fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well compared to other cameras that record at this rate. More expensive cameras offer shooting HD at 60 fps, but unless you are doing slow motion effects in your movie production, 30 fps should be fine.

Alignment

Regarding the Tachyon HD, Epic HD and GoPro 960, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned. More expensive cameras ($200+) sometimes offer lasers or LCD screens to assist in camera alignment.

Audio

The camera is designed to be waterproof. The microphone is therefore located internal to the camera. This design, which is common for waterproof cameras, has a tendency to mute the audio performance. If you open up the back of the camera, the audio performance will improve significantly, but then you expose the internal components to the open environment. Also, when the back door is open, the door may have a tendency to rattle, which will be picked up by the microphone. During my audio tests with the back door closed, you could hear normal dialog up to two feet from the camera. With the back door closed, that camera is only good for picking up ambient sounds. When the back door was open, you could hear normal dialog up to eight feet.

Shock Resistant

The camera incorporates a patented shock resistant design, which helps ensure the batteries stay connected when the camera is exposed to heavy jarring or dynamic motion. This helps prevent against the loss of video footage during an active video shoot.

Water Resistant/Waterproof

The camera is waterproof to 100 feet (up to 30 minutes), which means you can scuba dive with it, or use it in about every extreme condition you can imagine (snow, mud, dust, rain, surf).

Mounts

The camera comes with two mounts, a general-mount and a side-mount. The side-mount is designed to attach the camera to the side of a helmet. The general-mount is designed to attach the camera to the top of a helmet. The mounts are designed to be used with the 3M adhesive strips (included), which are very strong and creates a very rigid camera mount. Tachyon sells a couple other mount designs, including a handlebar mount, rail mount, and a 360 swivel mount. Just as an extra safety measure….if there is a chance the camera could be jarred out of its mount (i.e. you crash), you can run a piece of fishing line through the latch on the back door and connect the other end to your person.

Connectivity

The camera ships with a USB cable (connect to PC), and A/V Cable (connect to standard TV), and an HDMI cable (connect to Plasma/LCD TV). Though the camera ships with a USB cable, I prefer to move the video files from the camera to my computer by popping out the SD Card from the camera and plugging it directly into the computer. By using the A/V or the HDMI cables, you can play back your photos and videos on your. I really like the fact this camera comes with an HDMI cable. Some cameras in this price category do not come with an HDMI cable, which means you have to drive to Best Buy and spend $20 for one.

Warranty

The Tachyon HD comes with a 90 day warranty, which is not as good as the GoPro HD 960, but it is comparable with other camera manufacturers like Epic and Oregon Scientific.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested 720 Resolution
• Neighborhood and highway driving on an overcast day in December
• Colorful outdoor and indoor holiday decorations to test color saturation
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution

Using the HDMI video cable that came with the camera, I played back the video on my 42” plasma HDTV. The 720 resolution quality was pretty good. I would say it was equivalent to the 720 resolution on the GoPro HD and the Epic HD. The image was well defined, clear and crisp. The GoPro HD 960 records at a higher resolution, but you cannot really see a difference between 720 and 960 on a 42” plasma TV.

Lens:

The lens quality is very good, and the camera ships with transparent lens covers to protect it while in storage, or to use in the field where the lens may be subject to projectiles (i.e. paint balls) that could damage the lens.

FOV

I really like the 120 degree field of view (FOV). I prefer it to the 170 degree FOV of the GoPro HD 960, which seems more distorted around the edges of the frame. The Tachyon FOV is plenty wide-angle enough to catch a lot of the surrounding action. Depending on your preference or shooting technique, the 120 degree FOV may/may not be the right solution for your needs. It really comes down to personal preference.

Color

Since I reviewed this camera during December in Ohio, it was challenging to find colorful areas outdoors to judge the performance of the camera. So I decided to do what I could outside during my driving tests to include more colorful holiday displays in the shot, and I also shot some test footage indoors. Based on my test results, though the color performance seemed good, it did seem slightly muted compared to the GoPro HD 960 in both my outdoor and inside shots. The Tachyon color performance was slightly better than the Epic HD.

Lighting:

POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. Most of my testing was done on overcast days in December. The camera did a good job compensating for various lighting conditions during my driving tests. The camera adjusted to changing lighting conditions in steps, which was noticeable when playing back the video. The step adjustment was similar to the Epic HD, which seemed a little more pronounced than the GoPro HD 960. The Tachyon HD performed equally well during dusk or “late evening” shots as the GoPro HD 960 and the EPIC HD. Like all the other cameras I have tested, I took the Tachyon HD down to my dark basement and shot some footage using a 500 lumen video light. Under these conditions, most POV cameras really struggle resulting in the video having a lot of pixilation. Regarding the Tachyon HD, its performance in extremely low light was typical of most CMOS based cameras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IRpQj7gRok

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zmM6FhJX9s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgpiIODqDK0

The Tachyon HD has a very sturdy and durable construction, performed well in all of my video tests, and has a nice profile. It comes with a 90 day warranty, which is typical for many cameras. It also comes with an IR Remote, which none of the other cameras in the same price range offer. Even some of the premium cameras do not offer an IR Remote. It has a streamline design, and ships with protective lens covers and an HDMI cable. The audio performance was as expected for a waterproof camera, and the Tachyon HD is very easy to operate. As compared to the higher priced Epic HD, the Tachyon is a better camera for the buck. The GoPro HD 960, which is in the same price range, has a better camera feature set (customizable settings), and has better audio and color performance. The Tachyon HD is a good value for the money, and performed as well as some of the more expensive HD cameras. Tachyon sells other types of mounts to provide the user with additional options for staging the camera. If you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera that provides good video results, operates in extreme conditions and can take a beating, you should definitely consider the Tachyon HD.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-TACH-XCHD.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

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.

Related Blogs

• 7 figures » Archives » The cost of electricity is going up. Consider switching to LED Lights.
• V.I.O. POV.HD VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM
• Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity, Second Edition | Good Ezines
• » Creaceed releases Elasty 2.0 – The Movie Toolbox for Mac The MacTrack – iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Mac News
• Helmet Cam | GoPro HD HERO Camera: Crankworx Whistler 2010 | Helmet Camera Central

GoPro is well known in the industry for making an excellent point-of-view (POV) camera, and they offer the best warranty. With the introduction of their 960 model, GoPro has targeted those camera enthusiasts who want HD quality but don’t have 300 clams. GoPro has trimmed down some of the features from their high-end 1080 model, and is selling this camera at a price well below the competition. At $179, you get beautiful HD video, an excellent assortment of mounts, GoPro quality, and the ability to shoot in extreme conditions including underwater. The main competitors of the GoPro 960 are the Contour HD, Oregon Scientific ACT9K, Drift HD170, and the Epic HD.

Table of Contents for Review of the GoPro 960 Differences between the GoPros What’s Included Key Camera Features Performance and Comparison Sample Videos Conclusion Pricing About the Author

To offer an HD camera at a very competitive price, GoPro decided to tone down some of the features that certain enthusiasts may not require. First, they reduced the highest resolution setting to 1280 x 960. Unless you have a large HDTV that is over 50”, the normal viewer cannot easily tell the difference between 720, 960, or 1080. Second, they removed the BUS expansion port, which would allow you to connect a GoPro LCD monitor or alternate power source to the camera. I would mention all POV cameras started off without an LCD monitor, and though they are nice to have for playback purposes, users have gotten by without them for years. Lastly, the 960 will only shoot HD at 30 frames per second (FPS). Unless you do a lot of slow motion effects in your final movie production, video shot at 30 fps should be fine for most folks.

Included in the box, you will find the following: (1) HD HERO 960 camera (1) Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery (1) Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180' / 60m) (1) Non-Waterproof Back Door for Housing (1) Curved & Flat, 3M™ Adhesive Mount (1) Helmet Front Mount (1) Headlamp-Style Head Strap (1) Quick-Release Buckle (1) USB Cable (1) Component Video Cable (HDTV) (1) Composite Video Cable + Audio Out Cable

Technical Specifications
•    Dimensions: 42mm x 60mm x 30mm
•    Sensor: 5M color CMOS, 1/2.5”
•    Shock Resistant

•    Video Resolution & Recording Capacity
o       960p = 1280x960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
o       720p = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 30 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
o       WVGA = 848x480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate

•    File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
•    Field of View (FOV): 170
•    Weight:  3.3 oz (with batteries), 5.9 oz with Case
•    Max Frame Rate: HD - 30fps, WVGA – 60fps
•    Light Sensitivity: Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)

•    Accepts up to a 32GB SD Card. Recording Capacity based on 32GB Card:
o       960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
o       720p (30 fps): 8h 09m
o       WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

•    Photo Quality: 5 Megapixels
•    Self-Timer: 10 seconds
•    Burst Mode (Photo): 3 Images
•    Exposure Control: Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
•    White Balance: Auto
•    Output Ports: PC Connection (USB), HDTV Out, Audio Out (2.5mm jack – stereo & composite video)

Accessories

GoPro offers one of the best selections of accessories which you can purchase through HCC. Besides various mounts (see below), you can purchase a replacement housing, replacement lens kit, waterproof wrist housing, spare battery, AC/DC wall charger, auto charger, and more.

Other Comments

GoPro offers one of the best selections of accessories which you can purchase through HCC. Besides various mounts (see below), you can purchase a replacement housing, replacement lens kit, waterproof wrist housing, spare battery, AC/DC wall charger, auto charger, and more.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested all resolution settings
• Neighborhood and highway driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution
Using the composite video cables that came with the camera, I played back the video on my 42” plasma HDTV. The resolution quality at 960 and 720 was quite good, but I was hard pressed to notice a difference between the two. The image was well defined, clear and crisp. Needless to say, the HD video looked much better than WVGA.

Lens:
The lens quality is very good, and the image had clean lines. The nice feature about this camera is the ability to replace the lens should it get damaged. There are very few manufacturers that offer this capability. The specs on the lens are below:
·    Lens Type: Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m – ?), glass
·    Aperture: f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
·    Angle of View: 170º ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode

FOV
The camera has a FOV of 170 degrees, which is considered ultra wide angle. If you are interested in catching a lot of surrounding action, this is the right camera for you. The viewer will notice a certain amount of distortion around the edges of the frame. Depending on your preference or shooting technique, this ultra wide FOV may/may not be the right solution for your needs. It really comes down to personal preference.

Color
On a bright and sunny day, I decided to visit a local florist who had mums and other colorful flowers out for display. There was a full spectrum of colorful flowers that were yellow, orange, white, purple, deep red, violet, pink, etc. The colors captured by the camera were well saturated, accurate, and quite impressive. I was pleasantly surprised on how well the 960 performed. Some other HD cameras I have tested under the same conditions had problems in bright light, resulting in the colors being washed out. Not the case for the GoPro 960 – well done!

Frames Per Second (FPS)
The GoPro 960 only shoots HD at 30fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well compared to other cameras that record at this rate. More expensive cameras offer shooting HD at 60 fps, but unless you are doing slow motion effects in your movie production, 30 fps should be fine.

Lighting:
POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. Most of my testing was done on bright, sunny days. Driving around town and in the country side, the GoPro 960 performed very well. The camera did a nice job compensating for bright conditions, unlike other cameras I have tested where sometimes the video was washed out on a sunny day. As I was driving down some back roads, the camera also did well when transitioning from shady areas (bridges, tree cover) to sunny areas. In my low light tests around dusk, the camera again was a top performer due to its larger ½.5” CMOS imager. I also took the camera down to my dark basement and shot some footage using a 500 lumen video light. Under these conditions, most POV cameras really struggle resulting in the video having a lot of pixilation. Regarding the 960, though the image was a little dark, there was no pixilation – pretty amazing performance for a CMOS camera.

Alignment
Regarding proper camera alignment, the ACT9K uses a laser and has a built-in LCD monitor, the Contour HD uses lasers, and the Drift HD170 uses a built-in LCD monitor. Regarding the Epic HD and GoPro 960, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned.

Audio
The GoPro 960 microphone, which is located on top of the camera, records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. I tested the audio performance of the GoPro at distances from one and eight feet. During the test, the camera was in its protective housing with the non-waterproof back. I was expecting the performance to be marginal because of the housing, but the camera performed very well. You are able to clearly hear dialog up to a distance of eight feet, which is unusual for POV cameras. Most cameras lose audio clarity around 3-4 feet, so the GoPro 960 again out performed most of the competition in this category. When you put the waterproof back on the housing, obviously the audio performance declines, but the camera still picked up ambient sounds. I would note the Oregon Scientific ACT9K outperformed the GoPro 960 in this category. The ACT9K has an excellent microphone design.

Battery
The camera uses a rechargeable 1100mAh lithium-ion battery, and lasts for 2.5 hours of constant recording. You can recharge 80% of the battery in about two hours when you plug it into the USB port on your computer. You can also shoot video while the camera is charging (car charger).

Photo Mode:
The camera shots 5 megapixel photos, which is pretty typical. You can set the camera to single shot, or triple shot through the menu function. You can also change the timing setting in the menu to shoot a photo in 2, 5, 10, 30, and 60 second intervals. Lastly, the camera comes with a 10 second timer feature in case you want to take a group shot.

Mounts
The camera comes with a multitude of mounts, unlike a lot of competitive cameras. I like fact the camera comes with a flat AND curved adhesive mount. The camera also comes with a helmet strap mount that is well designed, and much better than Oregon Scientific’s version (I still prefer a rigid mount design). GoPro offers additional mount accessories such as a roll bar mount, handlebar mount, chest harness, tripod adapter, vented helmet mount, suction cup mount, surfboard mount, and more. Some competitors have a limited offering of mounts, which for me, has a significant impact on my buying decision. GoPro really excels in this category, and offers a very complete line of mount accessories.

LCD & Camera Operation
The camera comes with a simple LCD display, and navigation through the menu is pretty easy. You need to read the manual to understand the abbreviations on the display. The camera incorporates audio cues and includes an LED on the front of the camera that turns “red” when you are recording. By using the two buttons on the camera, you can configure the camera as follows:
·    10 Second Timer
·    Single Shot, Triple Shot, or Time Lapse Mode for pictures
·    “One Button Mode” operation
·    Default Mode on Power Up (Video, Single Shot, Triple Shot, Photo every “X” seconds)
·    Video Resolution (960, 720, WVGA)
·    Exposure Setting (Center Weight Average, Spot Meter)
·    Upside Down Image Capture (in case you have to mount the camera inverted)
·    LCD Screen Display On/Off
·    Blinking LED Light On/Off for Video Recording
·    Beeping Sound On/Off for Operational Audio Cues
·    NTSC/PAL
·    Delete Last File Saved
·    Delete All Files & Format SD Card
·    Auto Power Off (No, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, 300 seconds)
·    Time & Date

Water Resistant/Waterproof
The camera itself is neither water resistant nor waterproof. The camera comes with a waterproof case that is good for 180’ or 60 meters.

Warranty
The GoPro 960 comes with a one year warranty, which is about twice as long as any other competitor. This says a lot about the camera’s quality and that the company is willing to stand behind its product.

Other comments:
The GoPro 960 “looks” like a camera, where most of the competition has a cylindrical design. From an aesthetics point of view, I like the cylindrical design, but there is a logic behind GoPro’s approach. The GoPro housing is very robust and could probably survive a nuclear explosion.  If you were to drop the GoPro 960 (in its housing) along with any other of the competing cameras off a 10’ cliff, the GoPro camera itself would survive though the housing may have to be replaced. The other cameras would probably not survive the fall. It’s a lot cheaper to replace a housing than a whole new camera.

GoPro continues their streak of releasing a quality product for the sports enthusiast. The GoPro 960 is an excellent camera that can be purchased for less than $200. Though it does not have all of the features of its big brother (1080), there are a lot of users that do not need them, so why pay the extra money. The camera comes with everything you need to shoot in extreme conditions and underwater. It comes with a nice selection of mounts, shoots great HD video, and has a great microphone. The housing is practically bomb proof, so you don’t have to worry about camera damage. GoPro offers a great selection of accessories and replacement parts, along with the best warranty in the industry. The GoPro 960 is a great value for the money, and is highly recommended

As a side note, the only way to contact GoPro is through email. I contacted them regarding technical questions, and they replied within a 12 hour period. They have no customer service or sales phone number, though their competition VholdR (Contour HD) and Oregon Scientific (ACT9K) offer toll free numbers.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-GOPRO-HD-960.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

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.

Related Blogs

• 7 figures » Archives » The cost of electricity is going up. Consider switching to LED Lights.
• V.I.O. POV.HD VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM
• Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity, Second Edition | Good Ezines
• » Creaceed releases Elasty 2.0 – The Movie Toolbox for Mac The MacTrack – iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch and Mac News
• Helmet Cam | GoPro HD HERO Camera: Crankworx Whistler 2010 | Helmet Camera Central

Stealth Cam based out of Grand Prairie, Texas enters the HD market with the introduction of their Epic HD Action Cam. It shoots at 720p, and competes against the Oregon Scientific ACT9K, the VHoldR Contour HD, and the GoPro HD. The Epic is easy to operate, and includes an LCD screen to help navigate through the menu, and display shooting modes. It runs on AAA batteries that are readily available anywhere, and records to an SD Card (not included).  It comes with various helmet mounts and a USB cable to connect the camera to a computer.

Included in the box, you will find the following: HD Camera (3) Lithium AAA Batteries Manual USB Interface Cable Adhesive Mount Elbow Mount Strap Mount & Strap

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: 101.6mm x 41.3mm x 31.8mm
• Sensor: 5M color CMOS, 1/2.5”
• Shock Resistant
• Video Resolution & Recording Capacity

  o   HD, 1280 x 720 (720P) – 6.25 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

  o   DI, 720 x 480 – 11 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

  o   VGA, 640 x 480 – 15 minutes/GB memory on SD Card

• File Format: H.264 Video Compression (MP4)
• Maximum Recording Bit Rate: 2.6Mbits/second
• Output View Angle on stills: 168 Degrees
• Output View Angle on Video: 120 Degrees
• Exposure/Balance Setting: Auto
• Weight: 4 ounces with lithium batteries
• Frame Rate: 30fps
• Digital Zoom Settings: 1X, 2X, 4X
• Accepts up to a 16GB SD Card
• Photo Quality Settings: 8, 5, and 1.3 Megapixels

• Self-Timer Settings: 10 or 30 seconds
• Burst Mode (Photo): Select 1-9 Images
• Upside Down mode
• USB Port

Accessories

You can purchase additional accessories for the camera including: Adhesive Mount, Elbow Mount, Waterproof Shell, Strap Mount, Bar Mount, Suction Cup Mount, Clip Mount, Tree Screw Mount, and Shock Resistant Pads.

Other Comments

The camera comes with some nice features including the ability to adjust digital zoom settings up to 4X. It also offers a burst mode for photos, which can provide some interesting shots. Another feature is the self-timer, which is useful if you need time to set-up a shot (group photo). The upside down mode inverts the image so you can turn the camera upside down for mounting purposes.

Pictures

Camera Test Parameters

• Tested all resolution settings
• Neighborhood and highway driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance outdoors at dusk

Resolution

I tested the camera at all three resolution settings. Needless to say, the 720P setting provided the best picture. At 720P, the image was reasonably clear and detailed, and comparable to the competition at the same resolution. The other HD competitors mentioned in this article offer a higher 1080P resolution, which gives them an edge in this category.

Lens:

In my video tests and in some of the video links at the end, the camera was mounted to a helmet. When you turn your head left and right (panning), you can see image distortion that does not seem to be FOV related. I also noticed on sunny days, the camera can pick up a glare off the front of the lens. These effects may be caused by the bubble shape of the lens?

FOV

The camera has a FOV of 120 degrees when shooting video. A 120 degree FOV is really nice because you capture a lot of the surrounding action, and typically there is little distortion. When shooting stills, the camera has an FOV of 160 degrees, and there is noticeable distortion at the top and bottom of the picture. I like the 120 FOV for the video, but the 160 degree FOV for stills creates excessive distortion in my opinion.

Color

When shooting video and stills in sunny conditions, the colors seemed to be slightly washed out. Regarding video and stills shot in overcast conditions or shaded areas, colors were better defined/saturated. The camera’s color performance was acceptable, but I think the competition has a slight edge.

Frames per Second (FPS)

The Epic HD only shoots at 30fps, and the smoothness of the video was as expected. It performed equally well to other cameras that record at this rate. All of the other HD competitors mentioned in this article offer 60fps HD modes, which makes the video look smoother (less jittery), and makes slow motion effects look much better.

Lighting:

When driving on the highway and coming out from underneath a bridge, that camera took a few seconds to adjust to the changing lighting conditions (did it in steps).  Most POV cameras make adjustments to lighting the same way. The better quality cameras make these adjustments faster, so they are less noticeable in the video. The Epic HD performed adequately in this category. As mentioned in my other review, POV cameras are designed to shoot during normal daylight hours and typically perform less than desirable in low light conditions. The Epic HD and its competitors all fall into this category.

Alignment

The ACT9K uses a laser and has a built-in LCD to help with camera alignment. The Contour HD also uses lasers to help with camera alignment, and GoPro is coming out with an LCD this winter to assist with camera alignment. Regarding the Epic HD, the user must align the camera visually and should shoot some test footage to ensure the camera is properly aligned.

Audio

The Epic HD records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel.The microphone is internal to the camera, similar to waterproof cameras designs. This design results in the audio being muted. I tested the microphone’s performance and how well it picked up normal dialog. If you are more than two feet away from the camera, it is very difficult to clearly hear a conversation. The microphone design does a reasonable job picking up ambient sound. The microphones on the ACT9K, Contour HD, and the GoPro HD all performed better than the Epic HD. On a positive note, if you are shooting in windy conditions where you are apt to pick up a lot of noise, having an internalized microphone will lessen the effect.

Battery

Helmet cameras are currently being powered by either proprietary lithium batteries or lithium AAA batteries. The Epic HD uses (3) AAA lithium batteries, which are readily available at any store and provide up to 3.5 hours of recording time. AAA batteries do add bulk and weight to a camera, versus the smaller proprietary batteries.  The manufacturer says you can use alkaline batteries, but they are heavier than lithium and only provide 15-30 minutes of recording time. Regarding some features of the camera, when the batteries are low, the battery icon on the LCD screen will begin to flash along with a beep sound for 10 seconds.  To save battery power, the camera will also shut down after 3-5 minutes according to how you have set-up the camera.

Mounts

The camera comes with three different mounts including an Adhesive Mount, an Elbow Mount, and a Strap Mount. These mounts allow you to attach the camera to the top or side of a helmet. I really like the Elbow Mount (see below), because it has (3) joints which allow you to position the camera in almost any position – extremely flexible.  The Adhesive Mount is rather “permanent” once you apply it to a surface, so make sure you have it in the correct position before you apply it. Another option to consider is to remove the adhesive from the Mount and replacing it with a SuperLock Strip (3M Dual Lock). You can then place the mating Strip anywhere on the helmet. You may purchase SuperLock from HCC or RadioShack. It has incredible gripping strength (4-5 times stronger than Velcro) and is relatively inexpensive. The following is a link that talks about the 3M Dual Lock Strips. http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm.

LCD & Camera Operation

The LCD is clear, and incorporates a variety of icons (see below) to communicate camera settings to the user. The navigation pad on top of the camera has a variety of buttons to help the user change camera modes and set functions. The camera is easy to operate, but you need to read the manual to understand the LCD abbreviations. By pressing the M (menu) Button, you can scroll through the camera set-up features. The arrow buttons provide a navigation function, and the S Button starts/stops video recording or takes a picture depending on the camera mode of operation.

Menu Features

• Set Video Resolution (HD, DI, VGA)
• Select Video/Photo mode
• Delete Videos/Photos
• Set Digital Zoom (1X, 2X, 4X)
• Set Self-Timer (Off, 10 Seconds, 30 Seconds)
• Set Burst Mode (1-9 images)
• Select Upside Down Feature
• Set Beep Tone
• Select TV Out (PAL/NTSC)
• Set Auto Power-Off (3 or 5 minutes)

The picture below shows the different types of icons on the LCD display

Water Resistant/Waterproof

The camera is neither water resistant nor waterproof, so you can only use the camera in “dry” conditions. All of the competing brands are at least water resistance, or come with a waterproof case. If you need to shoot in extreme environments, you can purchase a Waterproof Shell for $30.00. The Shell is waterproof to 20 feet.

Warranty

The camera comes with a 90 day manufacturer’s warranty, which is similar to the ACT9K. Both the Contour HD and Go Pro HD have better warranties.

The Epic HD is a good camera that shoots HD video and takes high quality stills. It is easy to operate, comes with a nice selection of mounts, and the manufacturer provides a variety of accessories. It uses AAA batteries that are readily available at any store, and the camera is comparable in size to its competition. With the next generation, I would like to see Epic include a red/green LED as a visual cue to indicate recording/standby modes like other HD cameras. A cap to protect the lens from damage during transport or while in storage would also be a nice feature (often forgotten by manufacturers). This is the first HD camera for Epic, where its competitors are already on their 2^nd and 3^rd generation.  Though it is a decent camera, Epic has some work to do to catch up with its competition regarding overall camera performance and feature set.

Helmet Camera Central Price: $189.99 ( Check Availability )

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

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.

Related Blogs

• Order levothyroxine 200mcg generic without prescription | Xykas.msk.ru table
• Leica V-LUX 20 camera with 12-megapixel sensor, GPS tagging and 720p video shooting
• Digital Camera Swivel Viewfinder | STUDIO CRASHER
• Bank Holiday Monday Camping | Outdoor Enthusiasts
• New Battery Choice » Cell phone use and a variety of programs to address the issue of short standby time

Contour (formerly VholdR) has done it again! Helmet cameras have already reached the highest video resolution that is currently available, so what comes next? Integrated GPS of course! Introducing the ContourGPS. Record life-like, full resolution, 1080p HD video on your head, track your position, speed, and elevation and share it online in seconds with Contour’s new ContourGPS, the world’s first full 1080p HD wearable camcorder that allows you to shoot HD video AND track your progress on GPS. At just $349.99, the ContourGPS 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. Contour continues their successful ContourGPS series with the same form factor, and amazing video quality, and improves it with the addition of a GPS.

Highlights of the ContourGPS :

• Integrated GPS: Tracky your location, elevation, and speed.
• Full HD - 1080p (1920x1080) @ 30 fps
• Tall HD - 960p (1280x960) @ 30 fps
• Action HD - 720p (1280x720) @ 60 fps
• Contour - 720p (1280x720) @ 30fps
• Fast SD - WVGA (848x480) @ 60fps
• 135-degree wide angle lens
• 5 Megapixel Sensor
• Internal microphone (Adjustable)
• Quicktime H.264 MOV with AAC Audio
• MicroSD/SDHC up to 32GB (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 Contour TRail^TM mount system
• Contour Edit and Share software
• Read the full review with sample video after the jump!

• What You Get
• The ContourGPS
  • Pros
  • Cons
• ContourGPS Documentation
• Codec Settings
• Recording Capacity
• Battery Time
• Warranty and Support
• Summary and Recommendation
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

Included in the box, you will find the following:

• ContourGPS wearable camcorder
• MicroSD card (2GB)
• Goggle mount
• 2 new flat surface mounts
• Rechargeable battery (up to 3 hrs)
• USB cable
• Quick start guide

Pros

This was the obvious next step in helmet cam technology and boy does it look nice. We already know the 1080p video at a smooth 30 frames per second will please even the most demanding videophiles, as will the amazing color rendition, excellent exposure, and great contrast. The variety of video modes provided allows the consumer to capture video at frame sizes and rates to fit their needs. The 720p (1280 x 720) @ 60 fps is an absolute dream to watch when played back in slow motion! It features four HD settings (1080p, 960p, and two at 720p) with two frame rates (30fps and 60fps) and four configurable settings (metering, contrast, exposure, and microphone sensitivity). But most importantly, the ContourGPS software will share your adventures in "Lifelike" 1080p video to Contour.com.

The image sensor and video processing chipset focuses on motion and color so that the watcher has a like-like experience during viewing. The resulting HD footage is a true pleasure to watch whether it's in it's native video state - or viewed online at Contour.com. Another new addition to the mix is the abiltity to adjust Contrast levels, Light Metering, Exposure and Microphone Sensitivity. The settings can be easily adjusted when the ContourGPS is connected to your PC or MAC via the USB cable using the included Easy Edit software. In addition to powerful video settings and enhanced color saturation, the ContourGPS is also equipped with a 135-degree fisheye lens to record the entire scene without over-distorting the video. The overall video quality in the ContourGPS has AGAIN improved significantly.

The GPS adds an entire new layer to your storytelling! The built-in GPS receiver tracks your location multiple times per second with pinpoint accuracy so you are able to capture your location, speed, and elevation while recording in beautiful hands free HD. Make your video come to life with the Contour software. You can watch your run via interactive map and video player that allows you to see and control the action. The software interface is pretty dang sleek indeed, dear reader. Once we get some more seat time with the unit and the software, we'll update the review.

Contour provides a simple to use Storyteller application to download the videos from your camera to your computer in just a few clicks. Editing is as simple as an “Awesome” button to feature the best parts of your story, then you can become the ultimate producer by adding a title, description, and tags. Watch your run on the interactive map that lets you see and control the action as it happens.

So that users have a wealth of video to choose from, the ContourGPS uses an internal microSD memory card that easily stores up to eight hours of HD footage and is compatible with up to 32GB memory cards. The ContourGPS also features an upgraded microphone that records all of the action, without the wind noise due to its ability to adjust the microphone sensitivity.

Contour not only designed the ContourGPS to capture exceptional quality video, they also designed the camcorder for ease of use. The camera features a single, oversized record button, which you can slide forward to begin recording and slide back to stop. A rotating 192-degree lens and two lasers help users accurately align shots. Users simply rotate the lens until the lasers are lined up horizontally.

With all of these features, users might expect a delicate or cumbersome camcorder. However, the revolutionary ContourGPS is light (5oz, 116g), compact, and durable. The camcorder's water-resistant body is made of anodized aluminum and rigorously tested to withstand dirt, dust, mud, and snow. Additionally, the ContourGPS is impact, shock, and vibration resistant, and the all-in-one design of the ContourGPS means that users don't have to fumble with multiple wires.

Capture HD video anywhere and from any angle with this versatile camcorder. The ContourGPS is compatible with Contour's TRail^TM Mounts, which provide a variety of options, including mounts for goggles, handlebars, helmets, and vehicles. Included with the camera are 2 of the new helmet mounts and goggle strap mount. The new helmet mount is officially called the Rotating Flat Surface Mount. No more velcro! The ratchet type rotation lets you set the perfect angle and then push the lock button to hold the camera in place.  The goggle strap mount provides cool point of view and is very convenient to use.

Contour dramatically improved the quality of the microphone and it's positioning. The microphone has been relocated to the front of the camera, utilizing the camera body to divert air away from and around the mic which reduces wind noise.

Another cool upgrade is still photo mode - In addition to being able to choose from 3 resolutions and 2 frame rates, the ContourGPS has a still photo mode. When you want to freeze the action, the photo mode is your perfect shot. Pick from 6 rates (1, 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds).

There are also a few physical changes on the ContourGPS (besides the obvious GPS "hump"). The back door is now much more secure, and actually locks. There's also an LED light under the record switch that illuminates when in record mode, and a sliding record switch that clicks into place.

The ContourGPS makes it as easy to share videos as it does to record them. Thanks to Contour's  software (PC and Mac compatible) users can easily edit, upload, and share their videos with friends, family, and the world.

Cons
The Contour ContourGPS wearable camcorder is equipped with numerous features and upgrades to ensure that outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers capture the best footage in HD. However, there are some limitations. As with most camcorders, battery life is an issue; the ContourGPS is no exception. The camcorder features a rechargeable lithium ion battery and testing revealed that the ContourGPS only had approximately two hours of battery life. To avoid missing any shot, backup batteries are a great idea.

While the ability to capture 60 frames per second is exciting, it isn't particularly useful for distributing video footage because YouTube and DVDs do not support 60 frames per second. Contour's video sharing portal will support 60 frames per second. For those not using of Contour's sharing portal, a potential solution is to stretch out sections of the video to 30 frames per second resulting in super smooth slow mo.

A quick start guide is included with the ContourGPS .
Download a PDF Version of the guide (COMING SOON).

The ContourGPS uses a highly used codec called H.264 - also referred to as MP4, MPEG-4, or iPod Video. The audio codec is AAC. Both of these "codecs" are very portable and can be easily edited in any of todays off the shelf (or free) video editing tools.

The basic codec settings for the Contour ContourGPS are as follows:

• Full HD - 1080p (1920x1080) @ 30 fps @ 15min/GB @ 110 deg FOV
• Tall HD - 960p (1280x960) @ 30 fps @ 15min/GB @ 135 deg FOV
• Action HD - 720p (1280x720) @ 60 fps @ 15min/GB@ 135 deg FOV
• Contour - 720p (1280x720) @ 30fps @ 30min/GB@ 135 deg FOV
• Fast SD - WVGA (848x480) @ 60fps @ 60min/GB @ 110 deg FOV

The Contour ContourGPS is microSD/SDHC compatible (includes 2GB) and supports up to 16gb capacity cards. You can expect the following recording times:

• Full HD - 1080p @ 30 fps = 4 Hours
• Tall HD - 960p @ 30 fps = 4 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• Action HD - 720p @ 60 fps = 4 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• ContourGPS - 720p @ 30fps = 8 Hours on 16GB microSDHC
• Fast SD - WVGA @ 60fps = 16 Hours on 16GB microSDHC

The Contour ContourGPS runs on a rechargeable lithium ion battery and can record up to 3 hours.

Twenty20 offers a 180-day warranty, ensuring that the ContourGPS is free from workmanship and materials defects. Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased from us.

The Contour ContourGPS is a very nice piece of technology. It looks good, and so does the resulting video footage. The level of video quality coming from this device puts the Flip and many camcorders to shame! As the world's first wearable all-in-one 1080p HD camcorder that allows you to film, record your speed, elevation, and location via GPS, and share on the web, the ContourGPS is again breaking new ground. It is lightweight, yet rugged enough to withstand the elements while capturing exceptional quality video, regardless of the angle. The included t software makes editing and sharing videos easier than ever. The ContourGPS is recommended for outdoor enthusiasts interested in capturing adventures in HD and sharing them with the world.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-CONTOUR-GPSHD.html

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.

Related Blogs

• Order levothyroxine 200mcg generic without prescription | Xykas.msk.ru table
• Leica V-LUX 20 camera with 12-megapixel sensor, GPS tagging and 720p video shooting
• Digital Camera Swivel Viewfinder | STUDIO CRASHER
• Bank Holiday Monday Camping | Outdoor Enthusiasts
• New Battery Choice » Cell phone use and a variety of programs to address the issue of short standby time

• Introduction

• What’s Included

• Key Camera Features

• Performance and Comparison

• Sample Video

• Conclusion

• Pricing

Introduction:
Oregon Scientific has upped their game with the introduction of the ACT9K. It incorporates a 5 megapixel CMOS sensor for high definition shooting, includes a nice quality LCD for video playback, and offers the ability to customize a variety of shooting parameters through its onboard menu.  The camera is waterproof to 20 meters, allowing you to shoot in extreme conditions and underwater. It records video onto a MicroSD Card (not included), and stores video files in an H264 format. Its feature set is comparable to the GoProHD and the ContourHD, and is priced at $299.00 USD retail.

What’s Included:
Below is a list of items that comes with the camera. They even include an HDMI cable so you can connect it directly to your TV.

• HD Camera
• Carrying Bag
• Software CD – Viewing video on PC, and uploading them to the Internet
• IR wireless Remote Control
• Rechargeable Battery
• Silicon Strap
• Velcro Strap
• Helmet Grip
• Handlebar Mount
• Base Mount & Tripod Mount
• USB Cable
• HDMI Cable
• Manual
• Misc Parts

Pictures of the Camera:

Technical Specifications:

• Sensor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD, 1/3.2” CMOS
• Lens Type: Fixed Focus (3m - ?)
• Aperture: F/N=3.2
• Supports MicroSD & SDHC, Class 6 Cards, Max 32GB
• Max recording bit rate: 12Mbit/s
• Movie Settings:
  • 1080p (1920 x 1080) @ 30 Frames Per Second (fps) – 1GB Memory = 9 minutes of recording
  • 720p (1280 x 720) @ 60 fps – 1GB Memory = 10 minutes of recording
  • 720p (1280 x 720) @ 30 fps – 1GB Memory = 15 minutes of recording
  • WVGA (800 x 480) @ 60 fps – 1GB Memory = 15 minutes of recording
• Based on using a 32GB Memory Card, recording time available:
• 1080p @ 30fps: 4hrs 48min
• 720p @ 60fps: 5hrs 20min
• 720p @ 30fps: 8 hours
• WVGA/60fps: 8 hours
• 1.5”, 320 x 240 Resolution, Color LCD Monitor
• Images stored in H264 format
• Rechargeable 1050 mAH Lithium Battery

Key Camera Features:
The camera dimensions are 40mm in diameter x 110mm in length, slightly larger than the ContourHD, and weighs around eight ounces. It has a 130 degree field of view (FOV) to capture wide angle shots, and the image only has a slight distortion around the edges unlike those cameras shooting at 170 degrees FOV. It is easy to operate with two buttons on top, one to activate recording and one to take a picture. When shooting video, the camera has a green LED in the front to indicate standby mode, and a red LED to indicate when the camera is recording. It also uses a variety of audio cues to communicate camera modes and functions. The camera accepts a space saving MicroSD Card for storing video footage and pictures. I like the fact Oregon Scientific includes an HDMI cable so you can connect the camera directly to your HD TV, which saves you a trip to Best Buy.  You can connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable to download video, or you can pop out the MicroSD Card and plug it directly into your computer using an adapter (not included).  The camera has a very nice appearance incorporating a sleek design with yellow accents. It also comes with a lens cap and LCD cover, which a lot of other manufacturers do not offer. The camera is packed with an extensive feature set similar to other high-end HD cameras. By viewing the LCD and using the navigation buttons below it, you have a tremendous amount of options for configuring the camera regarding exposure, white balance, resolution, sharpness, etc. You can use the LCD to verify the effects of your settings before you start shooting, which the ContourHD, GoProHD and most other competitors do not offer. You can also use the LCD to view your video, which will help you determine if you need to reshoot the video before you leave your shoot location. If you are interested in slow motion editing, the camera allows you to shot HD at 60 fps, so your video will look smooth. There are a couple other unique features offered by this camera:

• GPS Module:  This camera supports a GPS module accessory, which allows the user to map their route during their recording, and to measure their speed and elevation changes. This can be seen by using the included ATC9K software.
• G-Force Sensor:  The G sensor measures the G forces and acceleration during your recording – for instance, during a flip while wakeboarding, it can measure the G forces during that flip and your direction and magnitude of acceleration at that moment.

Camera parameters that are configured using the Menu:
Video

• Video Resolution (1080p/60fps, 720p/60fps, 720p/30fps, WVGA/30fps
• Video Quality (Fine/Good/Normal)
• EV (Exposure Level) +2.0 to – 2.0
• White Balance (Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Tungsten)
• Contract (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Sharpness (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Video Effect (Vivid/Negative/Black & White, Sepia or Art)
• Duration – Used to record a video with a time limit

Photo

• Resolution (5 or 3 megapixels)
• Video Quality (Fine/Good/Normal)
• Night Mode – Boosts exposure when shooting pictures at night
• EV (Exposure Level) +2.0 to – 2.0
• White Balance (Auto/Daylight/Cloudy/Fluorescent/Tungsten)
• Contract (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Sharpness (Standard/Soft/Hard)
• Timer – Countdown Timer
• Continuous Shutter (take 3 or 5 continuous shots at a time)

Tools:

• Laser Pointer on for  (5 sec, 10 sec, Off)
• Camera Volume (0-8)
• Privacy (On/Off)
• Time Stamp (Yes/No)
• LCD Sleep (Always On, 10 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min)
• Auto Off (Always On, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min)
• Date
• Time
• Time Zone
• Language (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese)
• Light Frequency
• Any a few other options

Camera Operation:

• There are two buttons on top, one starts and stops video recording, and the other snaps a picture.
• There are two LEDs on the front of the camera, the green LED indicates when the camera is in standby mode, and the red LED indicates when the camera is recording.
• The camera will beep once when the camera starts recording, and will beep twice when it stops recording.
• The LCD screen provides information regarding battery status, recording time, white balance setting, photo mode, photo resolution, video/photo quality, exposure setting, video resolution, SD card installation, privacy mode, GPS on, and G Sensor On.

Camera Test Parameters:

• Tested only in 720p, 60fps
• Neighborhood driving on a sunny day
• Trail bike ride during the day
• Tested low light performance indoors, and outdoors at dusk
• Tested at a local swimming pool, and at the beach

Resolution
You can configure a variety of different resolutions using the menu.  I chose 720P at 60 fps, since I have a 40”/720p Plasma TV and that I like smoother looking video. The footage was clear and well defined, and was comparable to the other high-end cameras mentioned in this review. The ACT9K video had a nice image, but I would say ContourHD and GoProHD images are slightly sharper. If your computer cannot support viewing or editing HD files, the camera can be set to WVGA at 60 fps. The camera provides many options regarding resolution and frame rates that should satisfy any user.

Field of View (FOV):
The FOV for this camera is 130 degrees, which provides a nice wide angle shot with just a slight distortion around the edges. To me, the 130 degree FOV is a happy middle ground between cameras that have a very wide 170 degree FOV, cameras that have a 90 degree FOV. If the FOV is very wide, the video subject gets lost in the shot (too much background). There is also a lot of image distortion (fisheye effect), which some users do not like. Regarding cameras that have a smaller FOV, you miss the surrounding action around the subject, which makes the shot seem boring.

Color
The color saturation was very good. The blues were “blue” and the reds were “red”. All in all, the camera captured very vibrant colors. For those of you who are creative, the camera allows you to configure it to shoot in a variety of special effect modes including Vivid, Negative, Black & White, Sepia and others. Though I typically use editing software to create these effects, the built-in special effects were fun to play with and watch on the TV.

Low Light

Like every other CMOS helmet camera, the ACT9K is designed to shoot outdoors during normal daylight hours. Needless to say, it performed well during my daylight shots with no pixelation. The ContourHD and GoProHD have larger CMOS imagers than the ACT9K, which would lead you to believe they would perform better in low light conditions. When I tested the ACT9K indoors where there was limited lighting and at dusk outside, it performed as well as the competition. I would still recommend using the ACT9K and other CMOS based helmet cameras during normal daylight hours to ensure the best video results.

Alignment
The camera alignment options for the ACT9K are superb. You can use the LCD to align your shot, or you can use the built-in laser that is similar to the ContourHD design. There are no other cameras on the market that offer BOTH of these features, which is really nice. I would also mention, since you can play back video on the ACT9K’s LCD screen, you can take a couple practice shots to ensure your alignment is zeroed in while in the field.

Exposure/White Balance
The camera offers the ability to tweak these settings through the menu. I changed the exposure settings to see how much they improved the image during over exposed bright lighting conditions (sunny day) and low lighting conditions (indoors/dusk). It is a nice feature and it did help a little in fine tuning the image. The LCD is really nice to use in this situation, since you can see the real-time effects of your changes.

Audio
The microphone is located on the bottom of the camera, next to the speaker. The ACT9K records mono audio on one channel like most other cameras. If you want a stereo affect in your final video, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. The microphone performed much better than expected. Other waterproof cameras I have tested tend to have a muted performance because of the camera design. Typically, you are unable to hear normal dialog beyond three feet from the camera. The ACT9K did incredibly well and I was able to hear normal dialog up to eight feet from the camera. When I drove around the neighborhood with the camera mounted to the outside of my car, there was noticeable wind noise at higher speeds. One way to lessen the noise would be to place a piece of tape over the “mic/speaker” section. Some camera manufacturers have incorporated this concept in their design by installing a plastic film over their mic to make it water resistant and reduce wind noise. I would also mention the ACTK9 has a very good speaker. Some waterproof cameras either do not have a speaker, or the speaker is very weak. The audio from the ACT9K’s speaker was loud and crisp.

IR Wireless Remote

I tested the performance at ranges from 5 to 20 feet. The remote performed pretty similar to other IR remotes I have tested. It would consistently change the camera operations at a distance up to 15 feet, but after that, performance became sporadic. With all IR remotes, you must have a clear line of site, and be able to accurately point the remote at the IR sensor on the front of the camera. Outdoor lighting, such as a bright sunny day, may impact the effective range of the remote. You can control six camera functions with the remote including video recording, photo snapshot, play/pause, FF (forward), RW (backward), and menu. All in all, the remote performed very well. I would note, though the camera itself is waterproof, the IR remote is neither waterproof nor water resistant. You will need to protect it if you are shooting in an environment where there is an exposure to water. There is also a notch on the bottom the Remote which you could attach a key ring using a small zip tie.

Battery
The camera uses a 1050 mAH rechargeable lithium battery, which you can charge by a computer by using the USB cable, or by using an external AC charger (accessory). The battery runtime is 1.5 hours, and it takes around 2 hours to charge. As with all lithium batteries, runtime may be somewhat shorter in cold temperatures. If you are going to be on a longer camera shoot, you may want to consider picking up a spare battery. In the camera menu, you can also set the camera to auto-power-off at various time intervals to save battery capacity.

Mounts
The camera comes with a quick release base and a variety of mounts, which allow you to attach it to a helmet, handlebar, or tri-pod. Other mount accessories that are available from Oregon Scientific include a Goggle Mount, a Suction Cup Mount, and a Motorbike Handlebar Mount. Below are some pictures where the camera was attached to some helmets using the base mount and elastic strap, both of which are included in the camera kit. The elastic band did an acceptable job holding the camera in place, though I prefer a more rigid mount. With this in mind, I got creative and came up with an alternate mount design. First, I removed the elastic band from the base mount. Then I jumped into my car and drove to my local Radio Shack and picked up their SuperLock adhesive strips, also known as 3M Dual Lock. The SuperLock strips have incredible gripping strength, and are relatively inexpensive. They are like Velcro on steroids being 4-5 times stronger. My idea worked out great, and the mount was very rigid. Once you snap the SuperLock strips together, it is very difficult to get them apart. I would recommend ordering some dual lock strips from HCC when you purchase the camera. The following is a link that talks about the 3M Dual Lock Strips. http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/superlock.htm

LCD
The camera comes with a 1.5” color TFT with a 320 x 240 resolution. The LCD display is clear, and the color resolution is quite good. The LCD is great for managing menu items and for playing back video. In the camera menu, you can set the LCD to auto-power-off at different time intervals to save battery capacity. As with smaller LCDs, they are a little difficult to see on a bright, sunny day. I had to shade the screen by cupping my hand around it. It’s a great feature to have, and sets the ACT9K apart from other HD cameras in its price range. Neither the ContourHD nor the GoProHD have a built-in LCD.

Waterproof
The camera is rated for 20 meters or 65 feet. You can use it in extreme weather conditions and  underwater.

Warranty
Oregon Scientific offers a 90 day warranty, which is common for the helmet camera industry as a whole. Though the ContourHD and the GoProHD have better warranties, Oregon Scientific is a well known company and has a good reputation for quality.

Comparison

Sample Video
The ACT9K was just released at the time of this review, so there is not much footage on the Internet. Below is some sample footage you may find interesting.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1550704008972
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1545903048951
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1545890928648

ATC9K Test from ATC9K on Vimeo.

Conclusion:
The ContourHD and the GoProHD are the two primary competitors of the ACT9K, and the new Oregon Scientific camera now gives buyers three HD choices from which to pick. The ACT9K is waterproof, whereas you have to purchase a waterproof case for the ContourHD and GoProHD (which significantly mutes the audio performance). The ACT9K also comes with an IR Remote unlike the other two competitors, allowing the user to operate the camera from distances up to 15 feet.  If you look at the performance specifications between all three, they are very similar. The image clarity of the ACT9K was good, though the ContourHD and the GoProHD images were slightly sharper.  If you like a slow motion effect, you can set the ACT9K to shoot in HD or WVGA at 60fps to get a smooth look to your video. The camera is easy to operate with two buttons on top for recording and photo. There are also audio queues to convey different modes of operation. Needless to say, the LCD on the camera is the icing on the cake, giving it an edge over the competition. It lets you navigate through the camera menu, view real-time camera configurations (i.e. exposure, white balance), align shots, and playback video. The ACT9K comes with a very nice feature set and about every bell and whistle available. It has a nice cylindrical profile similar to the ContourHD, and is more streamline than the GoProHD. For the retail price of $299.00, it is competitively priced and offers more features than other competitors in its class.

Manufacturer’s Link: http://www2.oregonscientific.com

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-ORESCI-ATC9K.html

About the Author:
Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over seven years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

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.

Related Blogs

• NEW AUDIO VIDEO HDMI AV CABLE GAMING CABLE FOR XBOX 360 | Everything XBOX 360
• Oregon Scientific 10% Off Voucher Code Until 31st January 2011 | UK Voucher Code
• Over HALF Of All Homes Have An HD TV | KING.NET
• V.I.O. POV.HD VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM
• Oregon Scientific ATC9K 1080P HD GPS-Ready Video Camera | High Definition Helmet Cameras

Highlights of the Drift HD170

• The HD170 delivers full 1080p HD 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 32Gb on an SDHC card
• Wide angle lens of 127° in 1080p and170° in 720p & WVGA
• All the mounts that you need are provided, plus it has a metal 8mm mount
• HDTV component out cable included

• What You Get
• The Drift HD170
  • Pros
  • Cons
• Drift HD170 Documentation
• Codec Settings
• Sample Video Clips
• Image Gallery
  
• Recording Capacity
• Battery Time
• Warranty and Support
• Summary and Recommendation
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

Included in the box, you will find the following:

• HD170 Action Camera
• Remote Control
• Handlebar Grip
• Goggle Mount
• Head Strap
• Helmet Grip
• Universal Clip
• Velcro Strap
• Component Cable for playing back on HDTV
• USB Cable for downloading to your computer
• Lithium-ion Battery Pack
• Quick Guide to get you started
• Industrial strength sticky pads
• Industrial strength velcro adhesive pad

One of the first features that you’ll notice when taking your new HD170 out of the box is the 1.5" screen. We found that having a screen on the camera itself is a seriously useful function to have for two main reasons; firstly you can line up the best angle when mounting the camera so that you don’t get home after a long day out expecting to see brilliant videos only to find that you have been filming blue sky all day. Secondly, and more importantly is watching your videos on the screen straight after you’ve come off the slope, track, or water with your mates!

On the front of the camera it’s easy to see how wide the 170º lens is. With previous narrower angle cameras it was difficult to gain perspective of the speed that you were going because the lens only saw the track in front of you. With 170º field of view you won’t only see the what’s in front of you but also the scenery around you or any other sports people around you. This truly puts the speed in perspective and is the way forward for point-of-view cameras.The rear of the camera houses the back hatch which, when opened exposes the USB slot for downloadingvideos to your computer and charging the battery. The component output allows you to play your videos straight onto your HDTV. The SD card slot accepts SD and SDHC cards up to a maximum of 32Gb. You will also find a door which houses the lithium-ion battery pack.

On the underside of the HD170 there is a built-in steel quarter inch thread (8mm thread) which is the standard thread on most cameras. Having this thread on the camera opens up a world of opportunities for mounting as you can attach it to suction mounts and roll bar mounts. However you don’t really need to look further then your HD170 box for all the mounts that you might need.
The mount adapter inserts into the quarter inch thread securely. This adapter is a quick release adapter which is used to attach the camera to each of the mounting options in the box.

The handlebar mount fits onto handlebars of motorcycles, bicycles and mountain bikes. There is a rubber pad on the inside of the mount to keep it steady and it can be tightened into place with the lock-screw. The helmet mount is designed to fit onto a helmet or smooth surface such as a bikes fairing. To fasten this on there are some industrial strength adhesive pads provided. There is no need to doubt the strength of these sticky pads, just make sure that you have them in the correct place before sticking them down as it’s really tough to remove but you don’t have to worry about your paint.

The goggle mount is a simple but really easy mount to use. Simply put your goggles strap into mount and you’re ready to go. The headstrap can also be used together with the goggle mount whenever you don’t have a helmet with you.

So what if you want to mount the camera on it’s side or upside down? No worries as the lens rotates 180º from one side to the other. This gives you the flexibility to mount the camera on either side of your helmet and on top while still being able to have an upright image by simply twisting the lens around. There are breaks at the main positions that will hold the lens steady once you have found the angle that you want.

One of our favorite parts of the HD170 kit is the radio frequency wireless remote control. It comes with a strap to put it around your wrist, on handlebars or wherever else you may want it. The buttons are large enough to be used with any ski or bike gloves on and it couldn’t be simpler; the only two buttons are start and stop; this way you won’t confuse yourself half way through a ski run. Because it works radio frequency (as opposed to infra-red) it doesn’t need line-of-sight to operate which just make life all that much easier. The remote will work up to three meters (10 feet) from the camera.

Just in case you’ve managed to read this far down the review without being able to understand English, you would be pleased to know that the instruction manual and the cameras menus are multilingual. The manual with six languages already on it and the language on the camera can be changed easily in the menu settings.

Choose between:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- German, or
- Portuguese

Pros

The first thing we noticed about the HD 170 is it's build quality. It seems more solid and well built than it's predecessor. They layout and design is pretty much identical otherwise. The screen is still there with all the same controls, making it easy to adjust settings and review footage. We said it in the review for the X170 as well, but the screen really does make things that much easier.

The most outstanding feature about the HD170 is without a doubt it's video quality. It is incredibly high quality! Colors are well saturated, details are nice and sharp, and the contrast is nice and high. This is clearly a huge step up from the X170, there's just no comparison. It shoots video at full 1080p (1920x1080), and it shows. I hooked this badboy up to my 50 inch plasma via the included component cables and it simply blew me away! 720p footage also looked very good. Rolling shutter, an effect often plaguing cameras with CMOS sensors, is kept to a minimum. Rolling shutter is the effect you may have seen that causing things to look wobbly and elastic when there's a lot of motion in a video. The video format is h.264 compressed .mov files so it should be very easy to work with.

Another pro is the battery. Where as we could rarely get 2 hours out of the X170 with AA batteries, the HD170's 1100mAh battery pack lasted just over 4 hours! Not only that but we've heard that Drift Innovation will be releasing a 1700mAh battery sometime in the future, so you could be looking at some serious battery life.

Audio quality is also much improved over it's predecessor and we really like the fact that it has an external microphone jack, which can be very handy when trying to capture great audio, especially in a high wind situation.

Having an LCD screen is an absolute life saver. It makes it a dream to change menu settings and camera functions it also enables to set up your mounts correctly without trial and error and to review your footage on the spot, without needing a computer or external monitor.

Cons
Like the X170 before it, one issue with the Drift HD170 is it's size. It's a little on the large size, and while it does look pretty bulky in pictures, it's not quite as big as it looks (it's pretty thin). Drift Innovation claims it's because of the added screen size, which is understandable, but it still seems like it could have been a bit smaller. However it's pretty light, so it's bulk is in volume, not weight.

It would be nice if the HD170 was able to record 60FPS in 720p, it really is a neat feature and the competition does include it. 60FPS footage can be turned in to some sweet slow-mo. It's definitely not a deal breakter though.

The only other issue we have with the camera is the fact that the remote is not waterproof. Which isn't a huge deal considering the competition doesn't even have a remote to begin with. Still, it would be nice to be able to take the remote anywhere you can take the camera.

A quick start guide is included with the HD170.
Download a PDF Version of the manual here

Video format: h.264 MOV Files

Frames per second: 30 fps

Video resolution: 1080p (1920x1080) 720p (1280x720) or WVGA (720x480)

Fixed Gear Bike, Drift HD170 from Drift Innovation on Vimeo.

Paragliding Drift HD170 from Drift Innovation on Vimeo.

The Drift HD170 is SD/SDHC compatible. You can expect to record around 15 minutes for every gigabyte of storage space on your memory card.

The HD170 runs on a new 1100mAh battery which can provide more than 4 hours of record time under the right conditions.

The Drift HD170 has a 1 year manufacturers warranty

We can't recommend the HD170 enough, build quality, video quality, waterproof, remote control, it has it all! This is absolutely one of the best helmet cams available on the market today. Video quality is un-matched.

If you're looking for a camera that records in stunning HD, has an LCD screen and a remote, and has amazing battery life, look no further. The Drift HD170 is a clear winner and we have no qualms recommending it anyone.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-DRIFT-HD170.html

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.

Related Blogs

• Joe Reifer » Blog Archive » Canon 5D Mark II wide angle lens sharpness issues
• Premium Lithium-Ion Battery | GoPDA Windows Mobile(Windows Phone) Android iPhone Blog
• office supplies for cheap:Velcro Industrial Strength Sticky-Back Hook and Loop Fasteners, 2 Inches x 15 Feet Roll, White (90198) On Sale | office supplies for cheap
• konmundun network » Archive du blog » Velcro Industrial Strength Sticky-Back Hook and Loop Fasteners, 2 Inches x 15 Feet Roll, White (90198)
• Door and Window Alarms >> Wireless Door and Window Alarms | Magnetic Door and Window Alarms | Ziplak.com

2010 Tachyon XC Product Review

1. Introduction
2. What’s Included
3. Key Camera Features
4. Camera Performance
5. Sample Video
6. Conclusion
7. Pricing
8. About HelmetCameraCentral.com
9. About The Author
10. Changelog

The 2010 Tachyon XC is an inexpensive helmet camera that is well constructed and waterproof to over 30’. It uses the same CMOS chip as its little brother the XC Micro, making the video and audio performance is pretty much the same as the Micro version. There are other similarities, so a lot of the comments in this review are the same for the XC Micro. The main difference between the XC and the XC Micro, is that the XC offers a lot more features that you will read about later on in the review. Like its little brother, the XC is built for extreme conditions, and could be used in a variety of sports where rain, snow, water, and mud are a factor. This camera is particularly popular with the paintball crowd. Tachyon offers Lens Armor to protect the camera lens from a paintball impact, and other flying objects. No other manufacturer offers this type of feature for their camera. The manual for the XC is only available on Tachyon’s website, so you can either read it on-line, or download it to your computer. The XC’s primary competitors in its price range are the GoPro Wide, the Oregon Scientific ACT3K, and the Epic Action Cam. The XC records video in AVI format, and can accept up to a 32GB SD Card. It is slightly larger than the XC Micro, and runs on (2) AA batteries. It comes with a nice selection of mounts that allow you to secure the camera to the top or side of your helmet, or to other mounts that use a ¼-20 thread (i.e. tripod). Its CMOS chip boasts low light performance, though it is configured to shoot best during a sunny day. As you will read, I think you will realize that the XC is the best in its class (along with the Micro version).

Tachyon XC  Tachyon XC Micro

Camera Remote Control Various Mounts USB Cable TV Cable 3M Dual Lock Fasteners Lens Armor (Cover)

The camera measures 4” L x 2” W x 2.5” H, and weighs 4.4 oz (without batteries). It has a 90 degree field of view, which is far superior to its competition. The Tachyon XC is a “point and shoot” type of camera, and is very easy to operate. It has (3) buttons on the top, one for power on/off, one for start/stop recording, and one for menu functions. The camera incorporates audio cues to convey different modes of operation, and has an LED on the front to visually convey recording modes (Red – Recording, Green – Standby). It can accept up to a 32GB memory card, where its competition can only accepts up to 4GB. This allows you to record up to 8 hrs of video if you max out the card (1hr/4GB). The XC shoots in four different video resolution modes at 30 frames per second, and has an on-board microphone. It is very well built and incorporates a patented shock-proof battery cartridge design, which helps to prevent loss of video (sometimes an issue with other cameras). The camera can also operate deeper underwater than most of its competitors. You can connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable to download video, or you can pop out the flash card and plug it directly into your computer using an adapter (not included). The camera also comes with a TV interface cable so you can watch your video on the big screen. If you are interested in being creative, the XC comes with the ability to shoot time lapse photography. For those of you who live across the Atlantic and use PAL versus NTSC, the camera supports both formats. When you buy the camera, make sure you pick up an SD Card and some batteries, which are not included.

Menu Functions:  Set Video Recording Mode (S, H, M, L) Set Video or Time Lapse Mode Set NTSC or PAL Set Day and Time (Military Time) Set Privacy Mode LCD Display: Video Mode (S, H, M, L) Recording Time  - Flashing Icon when Recording NTSC or PAL Mode Record or Time Lapse Mode SD Card Status (blinks when full) Privacy Mode Battery Charge Status

Special Features:

Video Modes:

• Superior – 640 x 480 VGA, 30 fps
• High - 640 x 480 VGA, compressed, 30 fps
• Medium – 320 x 240 QVGA, 30 fps
• Low – 320 x 240 QVGA, compressed, 30 fps
• You can get longer recording times with lower resolutions, but you sacrifice video quality.

Privacy Mode:

This function is set through the MENU. If you want to make your recordings, both video and still, in “secret”, you will not want your camera beeping or showing any LED indicators. There is an icon on the LCD that designates this mode.

Time Lapse:

This function is set through the MENU. One photo will be taken every two seconds. The number that you see displayed on the LCD will be the number of photos remaining until your memory card is full. There is an icon on the LCD that designates this mode.

Auto Save:

After you have been recording for 30 minutes, your camera will pause for five seconds to auto save your video footage to your memory card

Audio Cues:

There are a variety of audio cues which advise: Power-Up/Down, Recording Mode, Stand-by Mode.

Remote:

The remote uses a “line of site” IR technology to control the camera recording function. It is very simple to operate, having only a Start/Stop Recording Button. It would be nice if there was an LED on the remote to visually communicate when the camera is in “record” mode, but there is an LED on the front of the camera. The Remote “works” up to 20 feet away from  the camera. The working distance might be lower if you have interference from the sun shining into the sensor on the front of the camera. The remote is NOT waterproof, so you will need to protect it when working around environments where there is an exposure to water. The Remote requires AAA batteries for operation.

Available Accessory:

Tachyon offers an optional Green Power Pack (GPP) that can be used to plug your camera into a wall socket or into your car’s lighter adaptor. This will give you unlimited power when plugged in. When the GPP is unplugged and fully charged, you will also get one hour of power.  So the GPP is also, in effect, a rechargeable battery cartridge, and not just an adaptor.

Lens Armor (Cover)

This cover goes over the front of the camera to protect the lens from flying objects, and during storage or transport. If the lens gets damaged, usually the whole camera has to be replaced. This is the first camera I have reviewed where the manufacturer provides this important feature.

Test Environment:

1. Hand pans with the camera on different types of outdoor scenery  - color performance test – sunny day
2. Driving around the neighborhood in my car – general performance test - sunny day
3. Riding my bike around the neighborhood – general performance test - sunny day
4. Hand pan at dusk around the neighborhood– low light test
5. Shooting video in the rain – Waterproof Test

Resolution

The Tachyon XC can shoot in a variety of resolution modes. The video looked very good at the “superior” setting. The video in fact looked better than some of the higher priced cameras like the Drift X170. If you want more recording time, you can accomplish this by reducing the video quality in the MENU (trade-off). Picture clarity was pretty good too, which means the camera has a good lens. As mentioned in my review of the XC Micro, there may be some people who may not consider this camera because it is not HD, but HD cameras cost around $300, and you need a state-of-the-art computer to edit HD video files due to their size.  I personally like standard definition, and I think the video shot with this camera looks pretty good on your computer or uploaded on YouTube.

Field of View (FOV):

The FOV for this camera is 90 degrees, which is close to what the human eye sees. It is much better than its competitors, which I feel are too narrow. With the XC, you capture a reasonable amount of the surrounding action in a shot.

Color

The Tachyon XC did pretty very in this area. Blues were really blue, and all of the other colors were well saturated. Colors were more pronounced in brighter lighting conditions, but this is typical with all CMOS based cameras.

Low Light

Like every other CMOS helmet camera, the XC is specifically tuned for shooting in sunlight. The camera did pretty well in transitioning between light and dark shooting conditions. CMOS cameras typically struggle in low light settings, but the XC and the Micro version did very well in my low light tests. In fact, they both outperformed the higher end Contour HD that I tested a few months ago.

Alignment

All the cameras in this price range use the same camera alignment technique. You have to use your eyeball to line up the camera mounting and shoot some test footage to verify its position. Once you get it set, you are good to go.

Audio

The XC records mono audio on one channel, like the Micro version. If you want a stereo affect, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. The microphone is internal to the unit, and as with all waterproof cameras, its performance is muted. The only way to improve the audio performance is to open up the camera’s back door, but that will expose the camera’s internal components to the environment. I tested the audio performance with the back door closed and with it open, with me speaking toward the camera at distances of 1, 2, and 3 feet. With the back door closed, the audio performance was really poor. It picked up some ambient sound, but you could not hear any speech. With the back door open, the audio performance drastically improved. Besides ambient sound, you could hear my speech with reasonable clarity at all three test distances. Lastly, low frequency sounds, such as engines, and underwater sounds tend to come through better than others when the door is closed.

Battery

The XC incorporates an auto-save feature. In a situation where the camera senses batteries are running low, it will stop the recording, save the current video footage, and then shut off. You can use alkaline or lithium AA batteries for the camera, but the manufacturer recommends lithium because they are lighter, and provide longer operational times. Alkaline batteries die quickly in cold weather, so you should only use lithium batteries under these conditions. The manufacturer advises not to use rechargeable batteries because they will not fit into the battery tray, their voltage ratings are irregular and can “fry” the camera, and they do not work properly with the auto-save feature risking the potential loss of video footage. Name-Brand Alkaline Batteries will give you around 2:45 (Energizer); 3:10(Duracell) hours of recording time. Energizer Lithium/Ultimate Lithium Batteries will give you up to 10 hours of recording time.

Mount

The camera comes with a nice selection of mount options. You can mount it to the top or side of your helmet and it includes a mount with a ¼-20 thread. This allows you to attach the camera to a tripod, or to a suction type mount used on a windshield or car body panel, or to some other type of rigid mount for a motorcycle or ATV.

Waterproof

The camera is rated for 30’. There is a YouTube link in this article where someone is using the camera while scuba diving, which is pretty cool. For my test, there was a storm front moving through my neighborhood over the weekend, so I set the camera out in the rain and let it record for 5 minutes. There were no issues with the recording.

Remote

I tested the remote on an overcast day (no sun interference) at 5’, 10’, 15’, and 20’. The remote worked fine every time up to 5’ and 10’. Once I got to 15’, the performance was inconsistent. At  20’ I was unable to activate the camera after several attempts. As it pertains to audio cues from the camera, the neighborhood was quiet that day, and I was able to hear the audio cues at 15’. Based on my tests, I would say the Remote works consistently up to 10’ from the camera.

Warranty

The camera comes with a standard 90 day limited warranty from date of purchase, which is typical for all cameras in this price range.

Feature		XC		Epic		ACT3K
Price		$149.99		$149.99		129.95
Max Resolution		640 x 480, 30FPS		640 x 480, 30FPS		640 x 480, 30FPS
Max SD Card (GB)		32		4		4
Batteries		(2) AA		(2) AAA		(2) AA
Battery Life		Up to 10 hours		2 hours		2 hours
Water Proof		To 30’		To 20’		To 10’
Field of View (Degrees)		90		45		48
LCD – Monitor recording time		Yes		Yes		Yes
Dimensions		4”L x 2”D x2.5”H		2.7”L x 1.3” Wide		4.25”L x 1.75”D x 2”H
File Format		AVI		AVI		AVI
Shock Proof		Yes		Questionable		Yes
Mounting Hardware		Nice Selection		Adequate		Nice Selection
Remote Control		Yes		No		No

Promo Video (A compilation of user’s video clips)

http://www.youtube.com/user/TachyonXC?feature=pyv&ad=4346904184&kw=airsoft#p/u/0/M2TLFjSew0o

RC Indoor Car Racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QauIvLrS4hg

Underwater Spear Fishing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckJHxgm_1jQ

Road Bike Footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TBthFvwyu4

Snowboarding:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4CtabPeoGA

The XC Camera is a little larger than its competitors, but it has a more robust design and construction. The camera is built to operate in extreme conditions and is shock resistant. It can accept up to a 32GB flash card, which its competition cannot match. The video performance was pretty good regarding resolution, clarity, smoothness, and color (same as Micro version). The field of view is far superior to the ACT3K and the Epic, along with its waterproof rating. The GoPro’s resolution is not as good as the XC, and the GoPro’s FOV at 170 degrees shows image distortion. The Tachyon XC is very easy to operate, and provides audio cues regarding its operation. For $150, you get a great camera for the money. The manufacturer includes ¼-20 mount so you can attach it to a tri-pod and some other type of camera mounts. The camera is now shipping with Lens Armor to protect the lens while in storage, transit, or in the field. Based on video performance, I think the XC and its little brother are the best helmet cameras in their class. In closing, the Tachyon XC shoots nice looking video, and if you like bells and whistles, this is the camera for you.

Manufacturer’s Comments about the camera:

• If you are not going to use the camera for long period of time, always remove the batteries from the camera. Also, store the camera in a cool, dry place with the back door open
• When selecting an SD Card, only purchase a Class 6 or better to ensure a fast encoder rate (smoother video)
• After using the camera in a salt water environment, always rinse it off since salt water is a corrosive.

Check out the manual for the Tachyon XC

Also check out the Tachyon XC website

Check out the shop for latest Tachyon pricing.

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over six years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business. 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.

Related Blogs

• LOOK! – Found On EBAY – Micro-Trains Z Scale 51500609 Ringling Billboard Car #9 | Z Scale Trains
• Oregon Scientific ATC 3K Waterproof Action Cam Flash Memory Video Recorder with Web Cam Capabilities (Black) « Francisco Wilsey
• Sunny Day Real Estate – Seven (live @ John Stewart) | Investors Club - Zentrica.net
• Uberi.com » Duracell NiMH Rechargeable AA Batteries 4-Pack Package for $8.16 Shipped - Your daily source of the best deals!
• Uberi.com » Oregon Scientific Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer for $10.27 - Your daily source of the best deals!

Tachyon XC Micro Product Review

1. Introduction
2. What’s Included
3. Key Camera Features
4. Camera Performance and Comparison
5. Sample Video
6. Conclusion
7. Pricing
8. About HelmetCameraCentral.com
9. About The Author
10. Changelog

The Tachyon XC Micro is an entry level helmet camera that is well constructed and waterproof to over 30’. It is built for extreme conditions, and could be used in a variety of sports where rain, snow, water, and mud are a factor. The manual for the XC Micro is only available on-line, so you’ll need to download it to learn how to operate the camera. Its primary competitors in its price range are the Oregon Scientific ACT3K, and the Epic Action Cam. The XC Micro records video in AVI format, and can accept up to a 32GB Micro SD Card. It is relatively compact and runs on (2) AAA batteries. It comes with a universal mount that allows you to secure the camera to the top or side of your helmet. Its CMOS chip boasts low light performance, though it is configured to shoot best during a sunny day. As you will read, I think you will realize that the XC Micro is the best in its class.

Camera Mount USB Cable TV Cable 3M Velcro Strip for Mounting

As mentioned, the camera is relatively small measuring 3.7”L x 1.4”D x 1.5”H. It has a 90 degree field of view, which is far superior to its competition. The XC Micro is a “point and shoot” type of camera, and is very easy to operate. It has one button on top of the camera to start and stop recording, and incorporates audio cues to convey different modes of operation. It can accept up to a 32GB memory card, where its competition can only accepts up to 4GB. This allows you to record up to 8 hrs of video if you max out the card (1hr/4GB). The XC Micro shoots in standard definition at 30 frames per second, and has an on-board microphone. It is very sturdy and shock resistant, and the camera can operate deeper underwater than its competitors. You can connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable to download video, or you can pop out the flash card and plug it directly into your computer using an adapter (not included). The camera also comes with a TV interface cable so you can watch your video on the big screen. If you are interested in being creative, the XC Micro comes with the ability to shoot time lapse photography. For those of you who live across the pond and use PAL versus NTSC, the camera supports both formats. When you buy the camera, make sure you pick up a Micro SD Card and AAA batteries, which are not included.

Camera Operation:

• There is a small LED just above your start/stop button. When you push the button to record, the unit with give you an audio cue, and the LED light will turn red.
• When you are in Time-Lapse Photo mode, this light will flash red - green - red - green.
• When your Micro SD Card is full, it will flash green (short pulses).
• If there is no Micro SD Card in your camera, or if there is an error with the card, it will flash green (long pulses).
• After you have been recording for 30 minutes, your camera will pause for five seconds to auto save your video footageto your memory card

Test Environment:

1. Hand pans with the camera on different types of flowers  - color performance test – sunny day
2. Driving around the neighborhood in my car – general performance test - sunny day
3. Riding my bike around the neighborhood – general performance test - sunny day
4. Hand pan at dusk around the neighborhood– low light test
5. Shooting footage in my basement with supplemental lighting – low light test
6. Spraying camera with a garden hose – waterproof test

Resolution

The Tachyon shoots in standard resolution. The video looked pretty good, and better than some of the higher end competitors priced at $200. Picture clarity was pretty good too, which means the camera has a good lens. There may be some people who may not consider this camera because it is not HD, but I would mention HD cameras cost around $300, and you need a state-of-the-art computer to edit HD video files due to their size.  I personally like standard definition, and I think the video shot with this camera looks pretty good on your computer or uploaded on YouTube.

Field of View (FOV):

The FOV for this camera is 90 degrees, which is close to what the human eye sees. It is much better than its competitors, which I feel are too narrow. With the XC Micro, you capture a reasonable amount of the surrounding action in a shot. There may be some instances where it would be nice to have a FOV around 120 degrees, but I think 90 degrees will fit most helmet camera shooting events.

Color

Fortunately, I reviewed this camera around spring, and had a chance to evaluate the camera’s color performance by shooting flowers. The camera did a great job in this area, with all the colors being well saturated, bright, and vivid.

Low Light

Like every other CMOS helmet camera, the XC Micro is specifically tuned for shooting in sunlight. The camera did pretty well in transitioning between light and dark shooting conditions. CMOS cameras typically struggle in low light settings, and I was anxious to see how well the XC Micro would perform. I shot some test video in my neighborhood around dusk, and the camera still performed quite well. I also tested the camera in my basement using supplemental lighting. The manufacturer boasts the camera’s low light performance, and I have to agree with them. The XC Micro performs well in low light, and actually outperformed the higher end Contour HD that I tested a few months ago.

Alignment

All the cameras in this price range use the same camera alignment technique. You have to use your eyeball to line up the camera mounting and shoot some test footage to verify its position. Once you get it set, you are good to go. This technique is a bit more cumbersome that some of the higher end cameras that use lasers or an LCD screen for alignment, but then again, they cost $200 more.

Audio

The XC Micro records mono audio on one channel. If you want a stereo affect, you will need to use editing software to duplicate the channel. The microphone is internal to the unit, and as with all waterproof cameras, its performance is muted. The only way to improve the audio performance is to open up the camera’s back door, but that will expose the camera’s internal components to the environment. I tested the audio performance with the back door closed and with it open, with me speaking toward the camera at distances of 1, 2, and 3 feet. With the back door closed, the audio performance was really poor. It picked up some ambient sound, but you could not hear any speech. With the back door open, the audio performance drastically improved. Besides ambient sound, you could hear my speech with reasonable clarity at all three test distances.

Battery

The XC Micro incorporates an auto-save feature. In a situation where the camera senses batteries are running low, it will stop the recording, save the current video footage, and then shut off. You can use alkaline or lithium AAA batteries, but the manufacturer recommends lithium because they are lighter, and can provide up to four hours of operation. Alkaline batteries only provide one hour of operation in a warm environment (5 minutes in a cold environment). The manufacturer advises not to use rechargeable batteries because they will not fit into the battery tray, their voltage ratings are irregular and can “fry” the camera, and they do not work properly with the auto-save feature risking the potential loss of video footage.

Mount

The camera comes with a universal mount that allows you to mount it to the top or side of your helmet. As long as your helmet has a smooth surface, it works fine. If your helmet has irregular surfaces, you may find it challenging to mount the camera properly. There are no other mounts available for this camera, unlike the Oregon Scientific ACT3K, which includes a variety of mounts with its camera. The other gripe I have with most helmet cam manufacturers is that they do not offer a mount that includes a ¼-20 thread. If they did, you could use the camera with a multitude of camera mounts (bar, vacuum, tripod, etc).

Waterproof

The camera is rated for 30’, and based on its design and construction, I can believe it. My waterproof test included turning my garden hose on the camera while it was recording. Needless to say, it performed flawlessly.

Warranty

The camera comes with a standard 90 day limited warranty from date of purchase, which is typical for all cameras in this price range.

Feature		XC Micro		Epic		ACT3K
Price		$129.99		$149.99		129.95
Max Resolution		640 x 480, 30FPS		640 x 480, 30FPS		640 x 480, 30FPS
Max SD Card (GB)		32		4		4
Batteries		(2) AAA		(2) AAA		(2) AA
Water Proof		To 30’		To 20’		To 10’
Field of View (Degrees)		90		45		48
LCD – Monitor recording time		No		Yes		Yes
Dimensions		3.7”L x 1.4”D x 1.5”H		2.7”L x 1.3” Wide		4.25”L x 1.75”D x 2”H
File Format		AVI		AVI		AVI
Shock Proof		Yes		Questionable		Yes
Mounting Hardware		Adequate		Adequate		Nice Selection

• The universal mount that comes with the camera is adequate. It would be nice if Tachyon offered a mount with a ¼-20 thread to expand the camera’s mounting capabilities.
• Some of the competitors include a simple LCD display to show recording time. This might be a nice feature to add in the future. Adding this feature, though, may impact its waterproof performance. None of the competitors can match the XC Micro’s performance in this area. Also, if you know the capacity of your memory card and have a watch, you can track the recording time yourself.
• It would like to see the LED indicator light moved from the top of the camera to the front. This would allow an observer to advise the videographer if the camera is in record mode.
• I would like to see the camera come with a lens cap. This is another gripe I have with most manufacturers. Protecting the lens from damage is very important, and I have yet to see a helmet camera manufacturer provide a lens cap.

• Camera mounted to Remote Control Plane
• Time Lapse Photography Example
• Motorcycle Run - Low Light
• Jet Ski

The XC Micro is slightly heavier than its competitors, but it has a more robust design and construction. The camera is built to operate in extreme conditions and is shock resistant. It can accept up to a 32GB flash card, which its competition cannot touch. The video performance was pretty good regarding resolution, clarity, smoothness, and color. The field of view is far superior to the ACT3K and the Epic, along with its waterproof rating. The camera is very easy to operate, and provides audio cues regarding its operation. For $130, you get a great little camera for the money. I watched video shot with the ACT3K and the Epic on YouTube, and the XC Micro video quality is much better. Based on video performance, I think the XC Micro is the best helmet camera in its class. If you search YouTube for XC Micro footage, there are pages and pages of video footage, which says a lot about the camera’s popularity and acceptance.

Manufacturer’s Comments about the camera:

• If you are not going to use the camera for long period of time, always remove the batteries from the camera. Also, store the camera in a cool, dry place with the back door open
• When selecting a Micro SD Card, only purchase a Class 6 or better to ensure a fast encoder rate (smoother video)
• After using the camera in a salt water environment, always rinse it off since salt water is corrosive

Check out the manual for the Tachyon XC Micro

Also check out the Tachyon XC website

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-TACH-2010XCMICRO.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over six years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business. 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.

Related Blogs

• How do I spilt the cable going to my modem and run it to my TV and get a signal on both?
• Forex Robot World Cup Review | Vacuum Robot - Robotic Vacuum Cleaners
• What is the best hd video camera available for production work?
• Behavioral Sciences: One Degree, Many Job Options | How to Tips
• Sony DCR-DVD105 DVD Handycam Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom Review | The Camcorder Review

Hoyttech – MSR-200 Product Review

1. Introduction
2. What’s Included
3. Key Camera Features
4. Camera Performance
5. Comparison
6. Sample Video
7. Conclusion
8. Pricing
9. About HelmetCameraCentral.com
10. About The Author - Mike Stoll
11. Changelog

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.

MSR-200 High Definition MotorSports Camera with Built-In Mic Suction Cup Mount 3-Point Mounting Bracket Wired Start/Stop REC Remote Control (1 meter) Remote Control Extension Cable (2 meters) Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter Quick-Swap Internal Li-Ion Battery AC Power Adapter/Charger A/V Out Cable (Playback videos thru your TV) USB Cable User Manual 2GB SD Card ArcSoft Software for easy YouTube uploads

The camera is relatively small. It measures out at 100mm x 69mm x 25mm. It includes a 2X zoom, allowing you to adjust the focus for an ideally framed shot. This is a nice feature over most other POV’s that only have a fixed focal length. The lens provides a 110 degree wide angle field of view, allowing you to capture a lot of the action, without the distortion often seen with other POV’s with wider fields of view. The camera can shoot at 60 frames per second (fps), which is great for when you want to add a slow motion effect. Video shot at 60 fps will look a lot smoother in slow motion than video shot at 30 fps. The kit includes a 3 foot cabled remote so you can start and stop recording at the touch of a button. This is much more convenient and safer than having to lean over to a windshield mounted camera and operate it via its onboard controls. The camera ships with a suction mount that allows you to position the camera in a variety of locations and positions. If you do decide to mount the camera on the outside of a car using the vacuum mount, make sure you tether it just in case the vacuum loses its seal. The mounting bracket for the camera has several threaded mounting holes, so you can attach it to a tripod or variety of other camera mounts. The camera can accept up to a 32GB SD Card, providing you with up to 12 hours of HD footage, and over 24 hrs of standard definition footage.

The camera includes a 2.4” TFT LCD screen, which is a very nice size for framing a shot or watching video playback. The screen quality is sharp with good color resolution. The rubberized cover does a nice job in protecting the camera from everyday bumps and dings, and also protects the camera from the elements including rain, mud, and snow. Besides shooting video, you can take high quality JPEG pictures. The difference between this camera and other POV’s, is that the Hoyttech can shoot pictures at either 3MP, 5MP, or 8MP, where most other POV’s are limited to only 5MP. When you are ready to edit or upload your video (H.264 format), you can move it over to the computer via the built-in USB connector, or pop out the SD card and plug it into a computer port. The camera includes a feature where you can connect it to your TV to playback video or view pictures. The camera comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides 1.25 hours of HD recording time, and two hours of WVGA recording time. The battery is located in the front compartment of the camera and can be swapped out very quickly. The camera comes with a variety of charging accessories including an AC Charger, Cigarette Lighter Adapter, and a USB connector for a computer. If the camera is mounted on the outside of a car, or on a motorcycle, there is a chance the lens could be hit by flying rocks, bugs, and other debris. With this camera, you can replace the external lens should it get damaged. This feature is typically not available on other types of POV’s. If for some reason the camera develops a mechanical problem, it is covered by a 12 month warranty by the manufacturer.

Camcorder Mode: In this mode, you can adjust the white balance to compensate for different lighting conditions; change the video resolution from standard to high definition; select from one of three shooting modes (color, black and white, and sepia – old movie); and if you are shooting in very low light conditions, the camera offers a “night mode”.

Setup Mode: In this mode, you can elect to have a histogram displayed on the LCD screen to help evaluate lighting and exposure; select auto power on/off (none, 1 minute, or 5 minute); select NTSC or Pal; select video format; reset the camera to original default settings, select a display language (English, French, German, Spanish, Italian); select either 50 or 60 Hz frequency, and set the time and date.

This camera provides a lot of cool menu driven features that most POV’s in its price range do not offer, allowing the user to tweak the performance parameters to help guarantee a great shot.

When mounting a camera inside a vehicle, behind the driver and facing out the front window, the view outside the car can get over exposed. This camera offers the ability to adjust the exposure to help eliminate the video from looking “washed-out”. This is another great feature typically not found on other POV’s.

Video Modes and Performance:

• 1280x720 (HD) @ 30fps – 20 minutes recording time per Gigabyte of memory (SD Card)
• 854x480 (WVGA) @ 60fps – 48 minutes recording time per Gigabyte of memory (SD Card)
• 320x240 (QVGA) @ 30fps - 190 minutes recording time per Gigabyte of memory (SD Card)

The primary competition for the Hoyttech MSR-200, is the VholdR Contour HD 1080, and the GoPro HD Motorsport. All are within $30.00 of each other, and also record in HD. The Contour HD 1080 and GoPro HD Motorsport can be used either as a helmet camera or a Motorsport camera, where as the Hoyttech MSR-200 can be used as a Motorsport camera or a pocket camcorder.

Comparative Camera Performance

Test Conditions:

1. Test Condition #1: I mounted the camera to the windshield of my Hyundai Sonata, with the camera pointed back at me and pointed out the front windshield. I recorded video between 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. on overcast and sunny days.
2. Test Condition #2: I attached the camera onto the hood of my car, pointing back at the front driver and passenger area. I made sure I tethered the camera incase the vacuum seal broke.
3. Test Condition #3: Since there were no rainy days during this evaluation period, I tested the camera’s weather resistance by attaching it to the hood of my car and showering it with water from my garden hose.

Results:

• Video Resolution: The Hoyttech MSR-200 performed very well in this category, and has three different resolution settings. The Contour HD (4 resolution settings) and the GoPro HD (3 resolution settings) performed slightly better regarding resolution and image sharpness.
• Exposure: The ability to modify the exposure setting helps you avoid having video looked “washed out” in unique lighting situations. The Hoyttech allows you to manually tweak the exposure setting from +2 to –2, and Contour HD allows you to tweak the setting between +4 to –4. The GoPro HD does not provide this feature. The Hoyttech and Contour HD performed better than the GoPro HD in unusual lighting conditions. I would mention that all of these cameras use a CMOS imager, which are energy efficient, but do not perform well in low light conditions. To get the best results, all of these cameras should be used during the day in plenty of light.
• Zoom: The Hoyttech includes a 2X lens, which helps you frame a shot using the built-in LCD monitor. This is a very nice feature, which the other two cameras do not offer. The zoom and LCD also allows you to effectively use the Hoyttech like a pocket camcorder.
• Wide Angle/Distortion: The GoPro HD was a 170 degree field of view, which I consider an extreme wide angle. The camera captures a huge amount of area around the video subject, but there is also a noticeable amount if image distortion. The Contour HD and the Hoyttech MSR-200 both have wide fields of view between 110 and 135 degrees, which still capture a lot of the surrounding area, but with much less image distortion. Depending on the type of shot you want to capture, some people like extreme wide angles, while others do not.
• Configuration: The GoPro HD allows you to configure some of its camera settings, but it is very limited. The Hoyttech MSR-200 allows you to configure a variety of shooting parameters affecting lighting, video appearance (Color, B&W, Sepia), and very low light conditions. This can all be done on the camera via the built-in LCD screen and function keys, which is very convenient. The Contour HD allows you to configure a significant amount of camera settings, but your camera must be connected to a computer.
• Audio Performance: All of these cameras have muted audio performance because of their designs. They all have some type of cover to protect the microphone from water, or to reduce wind noise. These cameras are really designed to only pick up ambient sound, not dialog. No matter which camera you are using, if you want to pick up dialog, the subject must be within 2 feet of the camera. The Hoyttech MSR-200 records MONO audio, but on both the left and right channels. This is a nice feature, because most of the competing POV’s only record Mono on one channel, which means you have to use video editing software to duplicate a channel to get a “stereo” sound. When I played back the Hoyttech video segments on my computer, I heard a high-pitched noise in the background. It was faint, but noticeable. Hoyttech knows of the problem, and is investigating the situation. One type of audio test included mounting the cameras on a stationary tripod and without any type of waterproof case. This eliminated the affects of wind noise and the muting affect of a case. Based on this test, the GoPro HD had the best “raw” audio performance, followed by the Contour HD, with the Hoyttech coming in third.
• Road/Wind Noise: External Mounting - If you expose any of these cameras to speeds over 20 miles per hour, the wind noise makes the audio unusable in my opinion. Internal Mounting - Once you reach highway speeds, the road and traffic noise also makes the audio from any of the cameras unusable. All of the cameras performed the same under these test conditions.
• Water Resistant/Proof: The Contour HD and the Hoyttech MSR-200 are both splash, rain, and snow resistant. Hoyttech does not offer a waterproof case for their camera, but you can purchase a $40 waterproof case for the Contour HD if you want to shoot underwater. The GoPro HD is not water resistant, but a waterproof case is included with the camera kit, which is very nice. The Hoyttech did very well when I tested it using my garden hose to simulate rain.
• Alignment: The Hoyttech includes an LCD screen, which is great for aligning a shot, and for playing back video. Neither the Contour HD, nor the GoPro HD have this feature. The Contour HD uses onboard lasers to help with alignment, and GoPro HD relies on your eyeball and its very wide 170 degree field of view to ensure your subject is in the shot. Needless to say, I preferred the Hoyttech’s LCD screen for aligning my shots versus the methods offered by the other two cameras.
• Suction Mount: Suction mounts only work on smooth surfaces like windshields, or body panels. I could not get them to stick on my “textured” dashboard. The Contour HD suction mount seems a little light. It works fine for mounting the camera to the inside windshield of the car, but I would be apprehensive about mounting it to the outside of the car. The suction mounts for the Hoyttech MSR-200 and GoPro HD are much more robust, and performed well in all applications. I really liked the Hoyttech’s mount flexibility and adhesion strength. It also did a great job isolating the car vibration from the camera resulting in the video looking very stable. You could position the camera to point out through the windshield, or back into the driving cabin. Hoyttech says their mount has been used at speeds in excess of 150 mph (Wow!).

Opportunities for Improvement – Hoyttech MSR-200

• In a shooting condition where you have the camera mounted on the windshield pointing back at you, it would be nice if the camera had an LED on the front to visually indicate when the camera was in standby mode or when it was recording.
• Since the camera has an LCD to view video playback, it would be nice if the camera also had a speaker so you could hear the audio.

Regarding the three, the Contour HD 1080 wins on raw video and audio performance, and the Hoyttech wins on features, such as the LCD monitor, suction mount, weather resistance, and the ability to configure various camera settings. The Hoyttech MSR-200 was easy to operate and change various camera settings. The video segments had good color and looked “smooth” at both 30 and 60 fps. When using it in a car, I really liked using remote control cable to stop and start the recording function. Neither the Contour HD nor the GoPro HD offer a remote control feature for recording. The on-board microphone did a reasonable job picking up the dialog inside the car, and the suction mount firmly held the camera in place whether it was mounted on the windshield or the hood. I liked the weatherproof rubberized casing, though the rubber is a little tacky and has a tendency to attract fuzz and dust. The replaceable front lens is a great feature considering the camera’s primary application in the motorsport industry. The camera comes with software that helps transfer the video to your computer and then upload it to YouTube. Based on my evaluation of this product, and how it compares to other POV’s with similar features, the MSR-200 is a very good value for the price and very well designed for Motorsport.

http://shop.helmetcameracentral.com/HC-HOYT-MSR200.html

Mike Stoll has been using helmet cameras for over six years in a variety of outdoor sports including caving, whitewater rafting, and downhill racing to mention a few. He has also written articles relating to helmet cameras for VideoMaker, Canoe & Kayak, and Paddling Life.

Helmet Camera Central was born as a result of our helmet cam experiences from our video consulting business. 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.

Related Blogs

• HQRP Heavy-Duty AC Power Adapter / Battery Charger + Cord compatible with MSI Wind U123 / U123T / U123H / U200 / U210 Netbook Replacement + Coaster
• Laptop/Notebook AC Adapter/Power Supply Charger+Cord for Toshiba Satellite A100 A110 A135 A135-S4527 A135-S4656 A135-S4666 A135-S7404 A200 A205 A215 A85 L25 L25-S119 L25-S1192 L25-S1193 L35 M115-S1061 M35X P205 a135-s2246 a135-s2276 a135-s7403
• Cel Cel Cordless Blower With 18v Li-ion Battery And Fast Charger for $64.99
• Tech Owned Gadgets - Garmin compatible 12v Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter for StreetPilot III Deluxe, GPS 60 GPSMap 60C & 60CS, GPS 76, 76CS, 76C, GPS V, etc.
• How many blackberry videos can I hold on a 2gb sd card? | TechManch

Some highlights of the Liquid Image Video Scuba Mask HD320 :

• This is the worlds only swim mask that has an integrated waterproof digital still and HD video camera
• The 5 MP camera can operate to a depth of 115', making it ideal for use when scuba diving, free diving, or snorkeling
• Video Mode - 30 FPS @ 720p HD
• Image Resolution - 5.0MP CMOS Sensor 2560x1920
• Light attachments available for deeper dives
• Record all your underwater adventures!

Table of Contents for Review of the Liquid Image Underwater Video Mask

• What You Get
• The Liquid Image Under Water Video Mask
  • Pros
  • Cons
• Liquid Image Documentation
• Codec Settings
• Sample Video Clips, RAW and Unaltered
• Recording Capacity
• Battery Time
• Warranty and Support
• Software
• Summary and Recommendation
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

Included in the box, you will find the following, in addition to the Video Mask:

• USB Cable
• User Manual
• Carrying Case
• ArcSoft Photo Impression Software
• ArcSoft Video Impression Software
• 4 AAA Energizer Lithium Batteries
• Silicone Grease

Pros

One of the first things you notice when you inspect the Liquid Image Video Scuba Mask HD320 is the streamlined design of the unit. The dive mask is a hybrid, combining 720p HD video capabilities and 5 megapixel camera with a sleek dive mask made of very solid composite materials with a flashy metal-flake blue paint job. The lenses are made of high quality tempered glass and have a cross hair in the center of each - helping you to frame in your video and photos. There are two compartments on either side of the mask, both double sealed and accessible via threaded caps, which  house the 4 AAA lithium batteries which power the unit. You can expect battery run time of over 2 hours with high quality batteries.

On top, there is another, larger cap that seals the USB port and microSD slot (32GB max). All of the compartments are threaded and have washers in addition to O-rings for optimal water resistance - a tube of silicon grease is included to make the seal even more effective. Two lever buttons is all it takes to operate the mask, the left side of the lever powers the camera on and off and switches between video and photo modes. The right side of the lever is the shutter/record button, it's function depending on the mode you're in. Two bright LEDs which you can see through the smokey premium grade silicon skirt tell you whether you are in photo or video mode, red for photo, and a blue LED for video. A status LCD tells you battery life, how many pictures and clips you've taken, and whether you're in photo or video mode. The mask weighs barely more than a regular swim mask and allows you virtually hands free operation of the camera.

The mask size seems to be a good compromise that will fit most people without leaking. If you have a much larger than average size head your view may be slightly limited. Likewise, if you have too small of a head, you may get leaks. The goal was to fit the majority of people with this mask, for people with larger noses and who generally need larger masks, the HD321 is available and features a larger skirt. The mask seals nicely given you don't have a huge amount of facial hair. The strap is highly adjustable and features a quick release mechanism on either side. If you have longer hair that tends to get tangled up, you may want to get a strap pad available at diving supply stores.

We took a few sample snapshots at the office before actually field testing the unit, and the results were quite surprising. The pictures turned out sharp and had decent contrast. Certainly better than expected for the retail price of $249.95, especially for a camera with no adjustibility.

Our underwater footage turned out amazing! Resolution is crisp and well saturated at 1280x720, and the frame rate is a smooth 30 FPS. Colors were well saturated, nice and contrasty, and had minimal artifacting. The rolling shutter issues associated with the original 302 mask, which would be a concern for serious videographers but not most recreatonal users, have mostly been eliminated. When used in conjunction with a blue or green water filter, the results are absolutely dreamy!

Bottom line is the mask works wonderfully underwater! The red and blue LEDs are very visible, making it very easy to tell what mode you're in. When in video mode, the LED blinks to let you know that you're recording. The buttons are placed in an easy to reach spot on the "shoulder" of the mask, allowing you to change modes and start and stop recording without fumbling. The power/mode button is a few mm higher than the shutter/record button, making it easy to distinguish between the two. We think the design is a solid one which most people will appreciate.

Cons
While the mask is very user friendly, more controls would be nice. Some people will miss the ability to adjust focus settings for the camera mode; although this would be difficult with no viewfinder or live preview LCD.

It would also have been nice if the status LCD reported how many pictures/video clips the memory card has space for, as opposed to how many have already been taken.  The unit also has a microphone, which seems unnecessary as most of the sounds captured are generally the gurgle made when breathing out.  A different frame color might have been nice, you can have any color you want, as long as it's blue, but that's really down to personal preference.

Another issue is battery life. The ocean tends to be pretty cool, and coupled with the fact that water has a much, much higher heat capacity than air, it tends to affect your battery life rather quickly. For this reason Liquid Image recommends and includes a set of disposable lithium ion batteries. Until they release rechargeable lithium ions, you can expect to spend a decent amount on batteries for your dives.

All in all, the negative aspects are certainly outweighed by the positive.

Included with the unit is a 25 page manual that covers everything you need to get your mask up and running. Also included is a USB Cable, 4x AAA Lithium batteries, a tube of silicon for the washers, and a carrying case.

The basic codec settings for the Liquid Image Underwater Video Mask are as follows:

Video: h.264 @ 1280×720 @ 30 fps
Audio: no audio codec information available.

Download a sample RAW video clip from the HD320

You can expect recording times somewhere near the following:
1 GB card - 30 minutes
32 GB card - 960 minutes

Battery life is around 2 hours of video, or 2000 pictures with lithium ion batteries.

The mask has a 90 day limited warranty.. Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased by us.

Bundled with the mask are ArcSoft's Photo Impression and Video Impression Software. These programs, while minimal and simplistic, are very user friendly and allow for easy and straightforward video, slide show and photo editing.

We think Liquid Image has a superb product here. It is a quality piece of work with a surprisingly low retail price of $249.95. It functions perfectly and has video and photo quality that will please even the most scrutinizing videophiles.

The Scuba series gets a definite Dive Cam Central recommendation. It does it's job quite well, and it's simple operation will ensure that everyone who uses it will be able to easily record their aquatic adventures in high definition!!