The video frame size is 640 x 480 and the still shot mode claims 5.0MP. The product manual claims 30 frames per second, but the sample videos on their site shows what appears to be a variable frame rate. The EPIC Stealth Camera uses a CMOS sensor and most likely does not perform well in low light situations. The manual states a Camera aperture of 2.8mm- which is not considered wide angle, probably comes in around 48 degree field of view. Interesting to note, all of the sample videos have a white box watermark at the bottom with “Epic Stealth Cam (Date Time Stamp)” stamped on each frame. We’re not sure if they did this for marketing purposes after the footage was captured, or if the unit itself does. The product manual does not mention this feature. No mention of the video codec being used to compress and deliver the video. The audio on the sample videos is audible and quality is ok. The unit does have a internal clock that can be set with the 2 buttons, but the manual notes that when batteries are removed/changed that the clock will reset itself. The unit connects to PC’s and MAC’s via standard USB connections to transfer video, or the standard SD memory card the unit uses can be removed and inserted into a SD card reader. The unit takes AAA batteries, and reported runtimes are around 1 hour on a fresh set.

VholdR makes “the location” of your video easy to share.

Press Release - Seattle, WA (August 5, 2008) – VholdR.com, a video community enabling people to share life from their point of view, introduces video GeoTagging. Users are now able to relate their video adventures to the locations where it the action is captured. The launch of GeoTagging on VholdR.com adds a new dimension to the growing shoot and share VholdR community.

Powered by the VholdR wearable camcorder, VholdR.com becomes the first video community to embrace video GeoTagging as a focus of the community experience. VholdR users share video from exciting locations including running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, skiing steeps in Jackson Hole, biking slick rock in Moab, and motorcycling winding roads in the French Alps.

“VholdR users live life leaning forward, capturing video from within the action in the most amazing locations,” said Marc Barros, CEO of VholdR. “VholdR.com offers a whole new perspective on ‘real life video’ by making it easy to share the action and the location with the click of a button. GeoTagging is just the beginning in bringing ‘real life video’ and community together.”

Members of VholdR.com enter the GeoTag of their video either right out of the VholdR wearable camcorder or during the upload process. Visitors to the Web site are able to search for videos based on location through an interactive Google map.

Viewers are then taken into the action from the participant’s point of view and able to simultaneously view the location on a map while the video plays. Location meta data helps to establish VholdR.com as the user generated video community with the best riding, skiing, boarding, and biking locations from around the world.

The award winning VholdR wearable camcorder broke the mold of a traditional camcorder, by removing the need for your hands to record the action, while making video sharing easy. Just connect the VholdR camcorder to any computer and video uploads to VholdR.com with the click of a button. The camera weighs just a few ounces and features a completely sealed, brushed aluminum protective body that allows the camcorder to work in the rain, snow and mud. A single on/off button makes VholdR unbelievably simple to use.

Visit www.vholdr.com to experience amazing locations first hand.

Feature Overview for the HC-1/HC-2 Helmet Camera Systems:

• Available with 380, 480, or 560 lines of camera resolution (recorded to 480 max after conversion)
• Records to SD media (4GB Max supported)
• Wired microphone
• USB connectivity
• HC-1 camera uses 8 AA batteries, HC-2 camera uses proprietary battery
• DVR uses proprietary battery
• HC-2 includes waterproof box for DVR/batteries
• DVR unit can also be used as a stand-alone camcorder
• DVR functions as a digital camera and MP3 player

• What You Get
• Where the System Falls Short
• Things we like
• Recording Capacity
• Warranty and Support
• Software
• Summary
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

• Bullet Camera with Rugged Mount
• Camera Battery Pack
• DVR unit with Padded Pouch
• DVR Battery
• DVR AC Charger
• Microphone
• Cables
• 4 GB SD Card
• Waterproof Enclosure (HC-2 only)

We see nothing wrong with the basic concept of the HC-1 system. It includes the essentials all packaged together, and there are certain elements of the kit that we do like. However, we see a problem with its price-point. You’re essentially getting a low-end camcorder, a garden variety lipstick camera, and a cumbersome secondary/external battery pack. In the current helmet camera marketplace, systems providing good picture quality, along with high usability scores can be purchased for $350 and up. Unfortunately, the HC-1 ($629) and its underwater sibling, the HC-2 ($729) don’t match others in these areas.

Aside from the cost-factor, we have some usability issues with the included DVR unit:
1. There is no hold (lock) button to prevent the start/stop-record button from being accidentally pressed.
2. The auto power-off feature doesn’t work when the camera cable is plugged in.
3. From our experience, the one-way remote works only about half the time, even at very short range, and is not accompanied by an audio signal confirmation.

These issues can result in missed video, along with compromised battery and storage efficiency. Aside from the DVR’s quirks, there are some issues with the connectivity of the various components:
1. Connectors are push-on type, as opposed to being threaded. Therefore, the cable can easily become unattached.
2. The camera uses an external battery pack (8 AAs). This component alone weighs more than most other complete helmet camera systems and does not feature battery life indication.
3. There is a seemingly unnecessary cable splice that adds three linear inches of bulk and rigidity to what is otherwise a surprisingly thin and easy to work with camera cable.

There are some additional less critical irritations that we have with DVR. The port cover protrudes up at an odd angle and is bound to break off when the camera cable is plugged in. Also, the DVR’s backup battery life is very low. If you’ve forgotten to charge up before your big day, you’re likely to show up for a day of missed-filming, because of a dead battery. Finally, as stated above, this unit offers poor usability and has worthless menu options, considering the typical intended use. Picture slide show, print, mp3 music player, voice memo recording, etc. do not justify the complexity level and are not features focused on a true helmet camera system.

One thing worth clarifying with this type of system is that actual recorded video resolution may not be as you expect. The system does offer a camera that captures motion with 560 lines of vertical resolution, however this analog image is converted to digital format with a max vertical resolution of 480.

In defense of the HC-1, there are some positive aspects and features worth sharing. Ironically, one of the areas where we ding the DVR above may appeal to some buyers. The DVR unit is actually a stand-alone camcorder when the analog lipstick camera head isn’t plugged in. So, it’s perfect for filming your buddy eating the whole bag of chips after the big ride. It also has a flashbulb, so you can photograph his gluttony even if he thinks he’s under the cover of darkness. If you get bored with his antics, you can pass the time by listening to MP3s that you loaded onto it. Basically, the HC-1 “helmet camera” is like an imitation Swiss Army knife. The HC-1 may feature a knife blade which is rather dull for the most part, but at least you’ve got the cork screw, the bottle opener, and the 5 inch ruler (you know, for measuring things while your camping). Hope you folks got the analogy!

Some other surprising “rays of sunshine” cast by this system are its waterproof case (up to 150 feet submerged!), fairly long battery run times, and higher than typical storage capacity (4GB). It also features a separate camera head housing that gives added protection to the camera body and lens from being crushed on impact. This is a biggie for the HC1… so much so that the manufacturer claims “so durable that you could run it over with a truck”. For most users, this one-of-a-kind metal housing won’t be worth its extra weight. However, it could prove to be useful for “crash and burn” users, as well as for off-road riders who are constantly exposing the camera lens to potential pitting and cracking from pebbles and what-not. The crushproof design is well noted, but beware of the potential for it to trap moisture and fog up.

Another not-so-obvious nice feature is that if you need the camera to be positioned very far away, one has the ability to daisy chain successive camera cables to create fairly long overall camera cable lengths. Helmetcamera.com claims that a 100 ft (30 m) length can be reached. However, because of analog cable impedance, a noticeable degradation in quality could be encountered at a much shorter length. Unfortunately, this option also explains the aforementioned largely unnecessary in-line cable splice that will be the subtle annoyance of most users. If longer cable lengths are a necessity, we suggest looking at other systems that have pre-built cables of various lengths, such as the ChaseCam PDR 100, ELMO SUV, or POV1.

As far as the waterproof case is concerned (HC-2), its bulkiness is definitely worth putting up with for underwater users and it will save you the time and effort of having to go and locate one on your own. However, surfers, wakeboarders, kayakers, and the like will be better served by getting a unit that already is waterproof outside of any cumbersome waterproof casing.

When set to 640×480 mode, the DVR has been tested to record 173 minutes on a single 4 GB card.

The recorder unit has a 3 month warranty. The external camera has a 1 year warranty.

The HC-1 and HC-2 systems do not include any special software for transferring or manipulating captured video.

The team here at Helmet Camera Central is not out to bash products, but to help you make more informed decisions. It’s always tricky when buying fringe technology and “Buyer Beware” is always a good precaution to live by. In general, the HC1 is not a bad system, but in today’s Helmet Cam market, we can’t see the price justification. With its total of nine onboard batteries, the unit might weigh three times more than others systems in its price range, but as far as we’re concerned, it should be priced three times less. This unit provides low-end video quality, and few of the features or conveniences that can be found in other higher-quality systems that can be purchased for the same price or less. If you are considering getting into helmet camera filming, keep in mind that we are at a critical time in the evolution of digital systems. Be leery of multiple detached components and generic types of recorders.

HC-1 MSRP: $629.00 / HC-2 MSRP: $729.00
These prices include a 560 line camera. Lower resolution cameras may be substituted, at a lower price.

Some history on us, the blog, and The Shop. In the Fall of 2005, 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 simple resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Over the past few years we have tried to review helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Generally, we focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. We have run the gamut of helmet cam systems and know what works and what does not. The type of reviews we produce are a by-product of our day to day experiences with helmet cam systems. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are at the top of our priority list. The helmet camera systems that we chose to Recommend and Sell at The Shop were chosen for a very good reason: They rock! If a review seems biased, it is only because we strongly feel that particular product is worthy of our bias! There are quite a few systems out there, and the ones we recommend generally provide the most elegant solution and the best return for your investment.

We are always here to answer your questions and help you purchase a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, we hope you will find that The Shop is a trusted storefront to supply your helmet cam equipment. If our recommended systems do not fit your needs we will not hesitate to put you in contact with the right vendor to find a solution.

If mass media outfits that did product reviews were apples, then the New York Times would be a big one. Known worldwide for its career making/breaking book and movie reviews, the New York Times has now given proper respect to the hobby of helmet cam-ing with its recent rave reviews of two our hottest selling helmet camera systems: The POV.1 and the VholdR. Their reviewer James Bogner tested the systems out on mountain bike trails in Queens and in Upper Manhattan (believe it or not). His review of the POV.1 unit, while perhaps not as in-depth as our own, never-the-less had very good things to say. Mr. Bogner praised the waterproof, shock-resistant and dustproof POV.1, saying it “inspired confidence” by being both “easiest to set up” and “painless to use”. He favored its design and the included software with a “quick” boot time. He also said the POV.1 videos, stored on an SD card, were “natural and appealing”.

The VholdR was also pleasing to this New Yorker’s highly refined palate: Sayeth Bogner about its wireless design: “simple all-in-one ease”. As to his impressions of the video that he pulled off of it: “natural and smooth”. Indeed, the video clips attached to this New York Times online article did look smooth and as natural as can be expected considering the mountain biking was done inside New York City limits. Here at HCC we are very excited to see these products given the attention they deserve, especially by such prestigious publications as this one.

We recommend that you take a look at this product review/slideshow, not for the wealth of information that it contains, but for the side by side video comparisons and for the consumer confidence that a trusted source of information like this one can provide.

Click here to read the story over at the New York Times - make sure and click the “Next Page” arrow in the upper right-hand corner of the pictures to read the full 5 page article.

Have a look at some actual footage! Click here to download some sample RAW, untouched Wide Angle video footage of kayaking on a sunny day. You will need the industry standard XviD Codec to view this - Go here to download the XviD codec for PC or Mac’s.

The wide angle has approximately a 98 degree horizontal field of view (or 110 degrees diagonal) as opposed the 78 degrees on the standard lens. It is wide enough to get more into a shot horizontally, but not so wide that it distorts the image like a “fish eye” lens does. Also, the new POV.1 wide angle camera head has infinite focus capabilities, meaning objects both near and far in the same picture frame will be crisp, as opposed to the standard camera head having a focal range of approximately 5 to 30 feet. The wide angle will give better “perspective” to action filming. Capturing a wider field of view can give context to the action by including other subjects in the picture (ex. fellow motorcycle rider racing neck and neck with you off to side) or can simply make more of the natural landscape visible (ex. the left and right bank of a river while kayaking.) Lastly, the wide angle can also help a bit with bumpy or shaky footage, making it more enjoyable to the viewer. This is due largely to the wide open feeling of the wide angle shot which minimizes the shakes in your video. We’ve also noticed that the wider angle lens allows more light into the CMOS sensor which helps improve overall color capture. All in all we are very impressed with the new camera head!

The original narrow view camera head (could also be referred to as the zoomed camera head) will not available again until late summer of 2008. VIO is in the process of reworking the lens element of the original camera head to also use an infinite focus approach. The Shop @ Helmet Camera Central has a limited stock of the original camera heads available and can be ordered upon special request.

Some highlights of the Twenty20 VholdR:

• All-in-one unit (no wires or separate components)
• MPEG4 AVI Compression, 1GB at 640×480@30fps = 50 Minutes
• Compact size: 95mm x 53mm x 34mm (3.75 in x 2.1 in x 1.35 in)
• Lightweight: 136 g (4.8 oz)
• Removable Lithium polymer battery
• microSD card storage (up to 2GB), USB 2.0 connectivity
• Includes VholdR Desktop software for organizing/sharing videos to web

• VholdR Documentation
• What You Get
• The VholdR Camera Unit
  • Pros
  • Cons
• MPEG4 Codec Settings
• Sample Video Clips, RAW and Unaltered
• Sample Video Frame Grabs
• Recording Capacity
• Battery Time
• Warranty and Support
• Software
• Summary and Recommendation
• Pricing
• About HelmetCameraCentral.com
• Review Change Log

At this time, an in-depth VholdR manual is not available from Twenty20. However, a basic Quick Start Guide is packaged with the VholdR. It provides just enough info to get you going with this simple to use device. The latest revision of the guide is available for download here. As is typical with products for this hobby, no instructions, tips, or other attention is directed towards mounting. This is one of the reasons we are here at Helmet Camera Central!

Included in the box, you will find the following, in addition to the compact VholdR camera unit:

• Helmet Mount with Leash
• Battery
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• VholdR Desktop Software CD
• MicroSD Card Reader

Pros
What we really like about the VholdR has to do with usability and… workability. “Workability” meaning all the claims about what the unit supposedly does come through. Remember people, there’s a big difference between saying and doing… especially in the helmet camera market at the present time. According to my own testing, the LED’s indicating SD card space remaining and battery life remaining worked well. The recording LED did its job to reassure me that the unit was still recording. All the scheduled beeps, which help to eliminate frustration and guesswork as to what the unit is up to, worked every time. As far as usability, the camera has two buttons that allow one to STOP/START recording, turn ON/OFF unit, check battery life, check SD card storage availability and turn on the laser beams to verify the camera’s line of sight. Four different LEDs allow one to check the unit’s status (whether it’s charging, fully charged, recording, and what the remaining SD card or battery life is). Audible beeps notify when the unit is turned on and successfully booted up, as well as when it has powered off. The record button is big and slightly grippy and worked every time during our use. The slide style “button” is more manageable with gloves on than a traditional ‘Soft Key’ would be. For helmet mounting situations, the audible beep notifies one when recording has been initiated. The LED can indicate to your partner standing next to you (barely) that the unit continues to record. The manual instructed me to hold down the back button for TWO seconds to boot up or turn on the unit, for THREE seconds to turn it off, and for one second to illuminate the LEDs and check the battery and SD card storages space left. It did exactly this, and during the beginning, the one or two beeps helped me get my timing down for on and off button pushes.

While nothing beats a small video screen on the recording unit to see exactly what the camera frame is capturing during recording (a feature found on many higher end helmet camera systems), the all-in-one design of the VholdR can’t afford the size and weight that this would require. To compensate, the VholdR substitutes two laser pointers to assist in determining if the camera is orientated correctly in both the X and Y planes (whether it’s level and pointed straight ahead). The lasers are VERY cool in that they are a totally novel concept in the ever evolving helmet camera market, and they seem to work great (don’t blind the dog). The idea here is to check the camera mount to see that it points the camera appropriately before one starts recording . Unlike the camera’s LEDs, the laser dots are fairly bright and easy to see. Although, in bright conditions they cannot be seen beyond a distance of about 4-5 feet. In very bright sunny conditions, the laser dots are a bit harder to discern, so it might be wise to check and adjust the mounting alignment back at home, rather than in the field. For helmet or head mount situations, one can reach up and press the soft key button on the back of the unit “on the fly” to briefly illuminate the two red lasers. It’s worth mentioning that when pressing the button on the back of the unit like this (or when sliding the record switch forward to initiate recording) one needs to be careful not to inadvertently slide the whole unit off its rail mount.

A bit about mounting now… shall we? A recommendation on how to avoid mounting headaches. Stick the mount to the side of your helmet, not the top. The VholdR slides onto a rail system which has a very well designed hook and loop connector on the back, which attaches to the actual curved plastic helmet mount. This, in turn, attaches to the mounted surface. Make sense? The hook and loop connector bond is very adequate in terms of strength and is further fortified by 360 degrees of indexed “teeth” to make the camera-mount connection very strong, but at the same time, possibly serving as a breakaway point in a hard crash. The idea being that the hook and loop would give way before the plastic rail system were to break. A short, thin, yet strong nylon “leash” connects the camera to its mounting base should it get pulled off its mount in a crash. A small, but sturdy buckle makes for easy attachment/detachment. Furthermore, the camera probably won’t get ripped off the mounting rail (causing damage to the somewhat vulnerable plastic construction), because their is a breakaway velcro attachment (the stiff plastic velcro, not the ‘fuzzy’ kind) that is also meant to lessen the impact on the camera itself in the event of a fall. More importantly, the hook and loop/indexed teeth attachment also allows one to make adjustments to the camera’s angle. For this reason, the VholdR is better suited for a (helmet) side mount, be it directly to the (helmet) surface or using the goggle mount accessory. If one were to mount the device to the top of a helmet, he or she would need to get the fore/aft positioning of the sticky mount just right, or the camera would be pointed excessively low or high. The side mount also allows one to make adjustments for different recording situations. Unfortunately, only the single supplied mount is currently available. While I think that this mount is passable for most situations, the other four mount types are not yet available as accessories. Fear not though… they will be in the coming months.

Cons
The main cons, as previously mentioned, have to do with wireless, all-in-one systems in general, not the VholdR specifically. See the Battery Time section for info on battery limitations.

As for mounting options, the one standard mount that comes in the box stuck to my helmet fine for our testing, but I’m not sure if that luck would continue indefinitely. In an effort to make a mount that would stick both to a flat and a rounded surface (like a helmet) they came up with something that only does an OK job of sticking to both. Basically, it’s just barely curved enough for the adhesive patch to get enough surface area to stick to on a helmet surface, and barely flat enough to stick to a flat surface. Actually kind of clever, come to think of it. However, I would plan on changing out the adhesive patch regularly to ensure the camera doesn’t mysteriously disappear someday. To counter, the VholdR helmet camera will offer goggle, rollbar, handlebar, and vented helmet strap mounting kits (May 2008) to help you solve these mounting puzzles as they come up. Of course, you will be able to purchase these accessories here at Helmet Camera Central as soon as they become available. One could always improvise in these matters, but this system in particular, with its mounting rails, makes jury-rigging a little harder. Though some fat strips of high-strength adhesive velcro on your helmet and the side of the VholdR would probably work just fine!

Another aspect of the overall design that could have been engineered a bit better is the recording status LED indicator light. It is barely visible in regular outdoor lighting conditions (almost all helmet cam systems seem to have this problem). Twenty20 has noted this, and plans on improving the LEDs in the future. The result is that the audible beeps (one for start record, and two for stop record) are the best method to keep track of the recording status. The VholdR audio quality is great, until it is seriously compromised by any type of wind noise or vibrations (snowmobile engine). Some electrical tape over the microphone, which we are unable to visually locate, would probably help.

Swimming anyone? Not with your VholdR. One feature that is nice to have with these all in one systems is a certain level of water resistance. Both the camera and the recording unit are exposed to the recording “environment”, which in the case of the VholdR, better not get too wet. Scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing… sorry. Fishing, canoeing, spring skiing, road biking in a drizzle, muddy mountain biking, heavy powder snowstorm… not a problem! Basically, the unit cannot be submerged at all, and shouldn’t get anything more than a splash (it might survive a shallow dunk after drying thoroughly, but it would shutdown for sure). The whole rear hatch area seems somewhat delicate and vulnerable in general. So keep in mind when using the VholdR that beyond the hatch door is the SD memory card, battery, and USB port. Take care with alignment when inserting the SD card, battery, and USB cable. The same precaution applies to the complete hatch door itself.

I hesitate to mention the VholdR’s relative lack of sophistication here. This is because an all-in-one system at this particular stage of helmet camera development cannot be expected to have features such as different microphone settings, external microphone jacks, sleep mode settings, or video resolution settings, etc. Although, with some simple Computer->USB->VholdR communication, things like that could be configured without additional buttons or jacks on the actual VholdR. It should also be mentioned that the VholdR does not come with AV out cables for television playback.

Only one obvious technical glitch was encountered during our testing of the unit: the green light that indicates the battery has been fully charged doesn’t turn on after charging is complete. The documentation states that a soon to be released firmware update will fix this issue. Also, this update, which the user will be automatically informed of once available, will help to solve some of the battery related challenges this unit presents.

The basic codec settings for the VholdR are as follows:

Video: MPEG-4 @ 640×480 @ 30 fps @ 1457 kbps
Audio: PCM Audio, 8000Hz, 128kb/s, (single channel)

Click the thumbnail below and you will see a screenshot of the video compression codec details for the VholdR from the GSpot Codec Appliance.

Coming Soon…

The VholdR uses MicroSD media and is currently limited to 2 GB capacity. In the future, a firmware update will allow the use of higher capacity cards. You can expect recording times somewhere near the following:
1 GB card - 50 minutes
2 GB card - 1 hour 40 minutes

Wireless systems are naturally prone to shortened battery run times when outside temps are approximately 45F degrees or less. The unit and its batteries are fully exposed to air temperatures, plus the super cooling effect of wind chill as well. Battery run times during our outdoor winter test were as low as 60 minutes per charge. This is in the somewhat mild Sierra Nevada region (25F/-4C ). But, on a fast moving snowmobile, even those odds might not be favored. Note: For those sled-neckers reading this, do not worry… you may simply want to stick one or two hand warmers right on the unit itself. When I took the unit back-country skiing it had no problem recording the five runs that I enjoyed, without hand warmers. Just to make sure the battery didn’t get cold, in between runs I put it into a warm pocket. You might want to consider having some open hand warmers in the pocket, as well. This is easily done because the unit is so small, and it seems to be a quite effective technique to get longer run times in cold conditions. For cold weather users and/or real high speed users, an extra battery might be a convenient, if not just plain necessary, accessory (April 2008). The wall charger accessory (April 2008) will help alleviate this problem, as the USB port charging system seems to take forever (VholdR’s manual claims 2 hours, but testing shows 3 to 4 hours. Perhaps it depends on the computer, not sure). Check back with Helmet Camera Central’s online retail site for more cool charging options coming soon!

The VholdR has a 180 day warranty. Repair service will require the product owner to ship it back to Twenty20, pre-paid. The warranty does not cover accidents, mis-use, or exposure to elements beyond what it was designed to handle. Helmet Camera Central is here to assist with any issues that may arise with any products that have been purchased by us.

The packaged software CD includes the FFDshow codec pack, along with a link to the latest downloadable version of VholdR Desktop. VholdR Desktop allows you to download, organize, and share your recorded videos. I encountered no problems using their software, save perhaps that it is a good idea to boot up the unit before plugging it into the USB port. Failing to do so created the classic failure when the computer is not able to recognize the VholdR helmet camera as an external drive. Recap: Turn the VholdR on, wait for the beep, connect to computer!

Twenty20 has developed a ground-breaking product at a very reasonable price. Our gripes with the unit affect all-in-one units in general, and will likely continue to do so for a good time to come. This is simply due to the small size and increased exposure of all-in-ones. With a well thought out design, ultra-compact and lightweight packaging, and great video/sound quality, we highly recommend the VholdR.

Helmet Cam Central Price: $349.99 + Free Shipping (Order Here)

We are available toll-free at 888-409-4408 to answer your questions.
Please contact us directly to discuss quantity discounts.

Some history on us, the blog, and The Shop.In the Fall of 2005, 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 simple resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Over the past few years we have tried to review helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Generally, we focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. We have run the gamut of helmet cam systems and know what works and what does not. The type of reviews we produce are a by-product of our day to day experiences with helmet cam systems. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are at the top of our priority list. The helmet camera systems that we chose to Recommend and Sell at The Shop were chosen for a very good reason: They rock! If a review seems biased, it is only because we strongly feel that particular product is worthy of our bias! There are quite a few systems out there, and the ones we recommend generally provide the most elegant solution and the best return for your investment.

We are always here to answer your questions and help you purchase a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, we hope you will find that The Shop is a trusted storefront to supply your helmet cam equipment. If our recommended systems do not fit your needs we will not hesitate to put you in contact with the right vendor to find a solution.

Checkout the VholdR video below for a piece of VholdR footage (compressed for the web) from a stormy pow day here in Mount Shasta.

Upon further reflection, however, where the Hero is found wanting has more to do with exactly that : user wants, and not user needs. One can still get good footage without the LCD screen for playback, and video storage capabilities are ample for most users. It may not be as small as a tube of lipstic, but the GoPro Hero still comes in under other “cable-less” helmet camera systems both in size, weight, and cost. So, if your willing to wait until you return home to view your video footage, and you don’t mind changing memory cards when taking more than an hour of Motion JPEG video, then purchasing the GoPro Hero instead of one of the pricier -and albiet more sophisticated- helmet camera systems can instantly put several hundred dollars or more towards making that next footage ladden vacation a reality.

The core differences between the GoPro Helmet Hero 3 and it’s siblings, the GoPro Digital Hero 3 and the GoPro Motorsports Hero 3 are the mounting options. The Helmet Hero 3 includes 4 unique mounting systems, which is by far the most versatile selection of mounts that ships with any system on the market today. The Digital Hero 3 only includes the wristband mount, the Motorsports Hero 3 - I really don’t know, their website is so confusing!

Unit Specifications

• 512 x 384 TV quality resolution
• 30 Frames per second
• Supports NTSC and PAL formats for video playback on television
• Waterproof to 100Ft
• Also takes still photos in single, burst, and timed modes.
• 3-megapixel resolution for still photos
• Small LCD screen that shows battery, modes, and status.
• Automatic white balance
• Removable SD card storage (up to 2GB SD cards)
• RCA cable to television compatibility(included)
• USB cable to computer compatibility(included)
• AAA battery powered (included)
• Four different mounting bases (included)
• Waterproof and impact resistant case (included)

Advantages

Interestingly enough, this unit opens up some windows of opportunity not available to “point-of-view filmers” possessing pricier models. For example, the GoPro Hero’s small, compact, cable-less design encourages the user to discover more creative mounting locations; locations not limited by proximity to user. As an example the stern of a 15 foot sea kayak, or the nose of a long-board surfboard, or the wheel well of a stock car, or the front fender of a motor-cross bike. Sometimes, to get that highly unlikely camera angle, or to capture the seldom documented event, its best to leave the $500+ camera at home. Enter, the GoPro Helmet Hero 3 at $169, with no cables, no high price tag, you get no worries. At the $169 price point, the GoPro Hero 3 product line provides a wearable video system totally bomber durable and is waterproof to 100 ft! ( Yes, the GoPro Hero can scuba dive! )

Mounting Options

Death-wish mounting locations aside, your Helmet Hero will most likely utilize one or more of the following (included) mounting hardware options:

1. Headband mount: No bulkier or heavier than, say, a high powered headlamp, this strap configuration will keep the camera firmly plastered to your forehead where its easier to tell what the heck is in the picture frame. This method also allows one to easily and quickly pull it off one’s head to check unit status, change menu options, put it back in pocket or pack, etc. The headband could also be worn on the outside of some helmets, especially those designed to accept headlamps. While perhaps not as dignified to wear as a lipstick camera, the headband mount can easily make up in usability what it lacks in style.

2. Helmet vent-hole strap-mount: If your activities definitely warrant a helmet, and it has air ventilation holes, then this mount has the benefit of being an adhesive-less and easy way to attach the camera to the helmet surface, as well as being easily transferable to a different set of vent holes or to a different helmet altogether. Using vent holes located in the front of the helmet has the advantage of keeping the camera fairly low profile and therefore safe from clothes lines, tree branches and “yard sale-ing” during the occasional wipeout. The physical world can place strain on action video camera systems (and their users!) and this attachment method seems to provide the least risk that the camera is going to get ripped of its’ mount (or mounted to surface). The straps are super strong, yet there is enough slippage and flex in the system to absorb some impact should things come to that.

3. Base-mount w/ single pivot: This well built pivot mechanism keeps the camera locked into the exact angle that you spent 5 minutes trying to fine tune. After sticking the base to a smooth surface with the provided adhesive patches, sliding the quick release camera mount onto the base, and pivoting the camera to the desired field of view, one simply tightens down the knob (by hand or by using the recessed screw head for that extra tight crank). This mount provides a plethora of camera mounting options.

4. Base-mount w/ double pivot: Maybe your not into wearing the Hero on your melon? The double pivot could be used for a side of helmet mount position, but is particularly useful for the side of a bike, car, 4-wheeler, or whatever. The second pivot point simply acts to bring the camera back to a horizontal position (the camera’s menu settings allow for a recorded image to be rotated 180 deg., or upside down, but not 90 deg., sideways). Here again solid construction prevents preset angle drift. It would have been nice of the manufacturer to put angle reference marks on the mount itself, for changing from one useful angle for one application to another useful angle for a second one (a person could possibly create one’s own if desired).

Usability

In terms of overall usability the Hero scores pretty high. It has a simple 1 page manual for quick reference or easy (partial) memorization. Its two button configuration doesn’t leave room for much confusion when adjusting settings or utilizing different modes: video, triple shot sequence, photo every 5-seconds (up to 700 photos on a 2 GB SD card)- and self timer photo, all of which are displayed on the unit’s small LCD screen. The LCD display first appears to be in an upside down -and hence slightly inconvienent- orientation until you consider that many users will be utilizing the camera as a wrist-mounted device, where upside down display is essential for usability. The one (and only) cord provided with the camera covers AV cable hookup to a television (NTSC and PAL) for quick and easy playback, and doubles as a USB hookup to your computer (careful with the somewhat delicate looking camera port). Mac and Windows users will be able to upload and/or edit files just like they would with any other digital camera or camcorder. While the unit does not come with any type of remote control device, the fact that the camera -and its two buttons- will be out in the open when recording can make for easy record on/off button manipulation (depending upon mount location in relation to user). Two different flashing LEDs make recording status evident from either side of the camera.

The Case

One of the more impressive accessories that comes with the camera is the waterproof case (up to 100ft). While I didn’t rent scuba gear to test this theory, I did clothesline a branch while tree skiing, and then later tripped and landed on it while running up my driveway to look at the days footage. After these abuses, I proceeded to take it in the bathtub with me… tight as a drum. Not exactly a field test, but I was personally convinced anyway. This camera’s 100′ waterproof rating combined with the graceful movements of snorkeling or scuba diving might make it particularly well suited to underwater recording. The waterproof case has a removable lens cover that is designed to accommodate a soon to be released (early 2008?) wide angle lens, which will definitely make capturing action video easier. However, while the case’s plastic clasp does seem durable, if one isn’t careful it has an annoying habit of popping off its hinges when the case lid is open. So does the battery compartment door on the camera proper (not a problem when camera is in waterproof case). The batteries themselves can present some problems being AAA and particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. If NiMH re-chargeables or higher cost lithium batteries don’t solve this problem then a hand warmer pack is easily pinned between the back of the camera and the pivoting camera mount plate. Inside its case, the camera is so tough that one could put it on a key chain, or clip it to the outside of one’s backpack or climbing harness, where it will be within arms reach, just two button pushes from taking a picture. No worries about it getting wet, or getting banged around and broken, and no case to take it out of; Just grab the camera, press and hold on and press the other (shoot) button.

Super Small

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the case itself, is just how small the camera can become if the case isn’t utilized. I took the camera out of its case and put it in a closed fist and couldn’t tell the difference between it and my other empty hand (and I have small hands!) 56 minutes of video in a unit no bigger than a match box car. Nice.

Additional Information

GoPro provides a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty on the device. From what we hear they are pretty good about exchanging units. Returns are only accepted for defective or unopened packages.

Recommendation

The price is right, and for many applications the GoPro Digital Helmet Hero 3 will meet the needs of many cost conscious consumers.The waterproof rating of 100 feet makes this an ideal unit for scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing. The bomber case provides ample protection from the elements and will ensure the longevity of the unit. GoPro has been manufacturing this for quite a while and has their production quality under control as well. Helmet Camera Central recommends this unit to the cost conscious consumer who is looking for a helmet cam to capture their events and post to YouTube. This unit is not recommended for a videographer or when you are looking for DVD quality video.

Pricing

Helmet Cam Central Price: $169.99
Visit The Shop @ HelmetCameraCentral.com to order one up today.
We are available toll-free at 888-409-4408 to answer your questions.
Please contact us directly to discuss quantity discounts.

We Review AND Sell Helmet Cam Systems. Wha-Wha-What!?!
Some history on us, the blog, and The Shop.In the Fall of 2005, 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 simple resource designed to help people find objective and pertinent information about helmet camera systems. Over the past few years we have tried to review helmet camera systems with an unbiased and objective point of view. Generally, we focus on the functional and usability aspects of helmet camera systems. We have run the gamut of helmet cam systems and know what works and what does not.

The type of reviews we produce are a by-product of our day to day experiences with helmet cam systems. Ease of use, reliability, and quality are at the top of our priority list. The helmet camera systems that we chose to Recommend and Sell at The Shop were chosen for a very good reason: They rock! If a review seems biased, it is only because we strongly feel that particular product is worthy of our bias! There are quite a few systems out there, and the ones we recommend generally provide the most elegant solution and the best return for your investment.

We are always here to answer your questions and help you purchase a helmet camera system that meets your needs. If one of our recommended systems is a fit for you, we hope you will find that The Shop is a trusted storefront to supply your helmet cam equipment. If our recommended systems do not fit your needs we will not hesitate to put you in contact with the right vendor to find a solution.

With all the fresh snow here in Mount Shasta, we’ve been out and about playing with the POV1 from VIO. This video was shot solo by our newest team member, Eric Schweitzer. Eric is an avid outdoor enthusiast - he regularly gets out and hits it hard!

In this video, the camera was mounted on a rigid pole across the top of the helmet, with the camera at the end pointing back at the face. Quite an interesting view!

Note: Revver has compressed this video for web viewing.

1. After watching the video, read our full review of the POV1.

2. The POV1 retails for $850, and is currently on selling for $679.95 with free shipping at The Shop @ Helmet Cam Central.

[VIA Mtbr.com's Interbike 2006 Coverage]