Project BikeCam

[Gosling1]

I haven't got the 2nd camera yet, but will hook it up with a switch, so only 1 recording device needs to be used. I am a big fan of old-school tape, so I am using a Canon MV830i, and its a reasonable result as long as the camcorder is all tucked up with foam in the undertail, to prevent any drop-outs over big bumps (well, reduce them as much as possible.... ).

I am really looking forward to setting up the 580 line camera - it should give as good a picture as that seen on MotoGP footage !! well, thats what they tell me ....

I really should update the Camera's and Tech thread on our local forum here - I did a shitload of research early last year, and put up a heap of info about every type of video-capture device on the market - here, the UK and the US - and the pro's and con's of every different style. Its been 12 months since that thread was done, so there will have been a few changes to models etc in that time.

The best info I reckon was from the DogCamSports site in the UK. Those guys know their stuff.....

[ausyonline]

Awesome ! Yep know DogCam well got my first bullet cam from them back in 2001

[Birdman]

Nice, i have a POV 1.5 i have been taking some vid with on the R1 , as yet to find the perfect spot for it

[ausyonline]

Nice, i have a POV 1.5 i have been taking some vid with on the R1 , as yet to find the perfect spot for it

hehe another R1 in the KSRC forum...shhhh we are outnumbered would love to know Where you have mounted it so far and what results did you get ?

[bishboy]

For those of us who have no idea about cameras on bikes, what should we look for in a camera at a reasonable price (ie; cheap ), where do we get them (I get staff discount at WOW as are in the same centre ) and the mounting hardware required for different positions.

[ty]

I've been kind of looking for something to just hook up to my JVC Cam (if that'd even work).
Though that ContourHD (self-contained unit) seems to be similarly priced as most bullet cams.
So what's the dealio?

[ausyonline]

For those of us who have no idea about cameras on bikes, what should we look for in a camera at a reasonable price (ie; cheap ), where do we get them (I get staff discount at WOW as are in the same centre ) and the mounting hardware required for different positions.

The real trick is what sort of footage do you want to get i.e where would you want to mount the camera - you can mount everything from a handycam to a bullet cam on the tank behind the windshield pretty easily but if you want to hang it off the fairing or other cool spots you need to look at something more compact like bullet cams or the self contained devices like the contour.

with the WOW discount Were you thinking of using a camera that can do video as well like the little pocket point and shoot cams ? I know people who are doing this but the issue is capacity normally.

Mounting hardware again can be anything from good Velcro or double sided tape to home made rigs like the ones I am using - again depends on what you want to achieve.

The oregon scientific all in one devices are small, cheap and easy to mount if you are just after footage to post on the web but dont expect crystal clear video - the contour devices with the current exchange rate are a few hundred dollars cheaper imported from the US than the local providers at the moment as well - landed mine for about $300 Aus after conversion and shipping.

I writing a few BLOGS as we speak on mounts and different cam options and hope to have them published soon.

[ausyonline]

I've been kind of looking for something to just hook up to my JVC Cam (if that'd even work).
Though that ContourHD (self-contained unit) seems to be similarly priced as most bullet cams.
So what's the dealio?

You first need to see if the JVC has an AV Input option - if so you can plug a bullet cam into it while the handycam sits under seat or in a tank bag, the limitation i found with that was putting the handy cam somewhere and running the cables (there will be two as you need to power the bullet cam as well as run the av cable) but otherwise it works well... if you go this option also look at if your JVC works with a LANC switch that will allow you to start and stop the cam with a small button you can mount to handle bars (take a look at my blog on Bikecam BETA it describes this)

As you said most good quality hires Bullet Cams will cost you the same (or more depending on what you get and where) as the Contour HD and from testing the contour will give you the same type of results with a lot more convenience and mounting flexibility, all you need is a few batteries ($29 US) and some 16 gig Micro SD's that will fit in your pocket if you are out for a whole day.

[ty]

Thanks - good stuff.
Now to find $300

One other question with these things - how do you know you have it pointed in the right spot?
ie I assume there's no little preview window or anything, so I gather it's just trial-and-error/suck-it-and-see?

[ausyonline]

Thanks - good stuff.
Now to find $300

One other question with these things - how do you know you have it pointed in the right spot?
ie I assume there's no little preview window or anything, so I gather it's just trial-and-error/suck-it-and-see?

If it is a bullet cam plugged into a handy cam AV input you can normally use the video camera's screen.

With the contour HD it has two laser's that you can turn on to align the level

Will have a full review of the Contour HD up on the site after I play with it on the weekend that should give you all the juicy details

[Richo]

Awesome video Rich! ..

Nice to see a lack of boom gates coming down this time

Keep it up .... I love goin through your OPH photos and Im sure to be ... videos

[ausyonline]

Cheers Richo - will be back up on the old road taking pics again on Sunday so there will be more for you to browse

Am lining up to do a killer vid once I get all my parts that will include footage from lots of angles as well as from the side of the road... if it works out the way it looks in my head should be pretty cool

[Birdman]

Nice, i have a POV 1.5 i have been taking some vid with on the R1 , as yet to find the perfect spot for it

hehe another R1 in the KSRC forum...shhhh we are outnumbered would love to know Where you have mounted it so far and what results did you get ?

yeah not surprising we are out numbered considering its a Kwaka forum

had the camera on the swing arm and rear fairing so far, really want to get a lens protector before i start facing it forward where it can catch rocks

[ausyonline]

yeah just picked up a lens protector for that very reason... copped a lot of bugs last weekend.

How did it go on the swingarm ? was thinking of using that position but wasn't sure if there would be to much movement ?

[Birdman]

was fine on the swingarm a little too much vibration a certain times but thats always a problem on bikes, i reckon on the helmet is probably about the best for lack of vibration but the footage isnt as good