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Helmet camera is a video camera that's mounted on the helmet, which can either point forward, backward, or even both. While helmet cameras are not exactly an innovation, major developments and evolution have been made in terms of quality, shape, size, and other important factors. If you are contemplating on a helmet camera, read on and find out the major factors you need to take into account.
Factors to Consider When Buying Helmet Cameras
Resolution
In the world of video recording, resolution refers to the image quality of the video. Basically, the higher the definition, the better and clearer the captured video images will be. When you look for helmet video cameras, you will no doubt come across standard and high-definition cameras. Just note that the price of HD helmet cam is significantly higher.
Sound Quality
When using a helmet camera while cycling, one of the main concerns is the sound of the wind blowing in the background, which can mess up the audio. For this reason, you must choose a camera with good sound quality.
Size And Shape
Since helmet video cameras are mounted on the headgear, size and weight play an important factor in ensuring comfort. In addition to comfort, you don't want a bulky camera to get caught by branches when riding on a trail. The common shapes for helmet camera are cylindrical and square.
Field of View
The field of view reflects how your camera sees the world. Some cameras have narrower field of view, which can be down to 50 degrees, while others are available as wide as 170 degrees.
If your camera has narrow field of view, chances are, your subject will fill most of the shot, so it will not capture the surrounding action and the resulting video will be a little shaky. However, if your camera has a wider field of view, you will also be able to capture the surrounding action and the video will be significantly smoother. It is advisable to have at least 90 to 120 degrees field of view.
Ease of Use
When you are out on the field, you don't want to spend too much time on fiddling your camera and trying to figure the settings. It's practical to invest in one that is easy to use and requires minimal adjustments, quick installations, and removal of batteries. You can also consider buying one that comes with a wireless remote that you can easily attach to your gloves.
Water-Resistant
Most helmet-mounted cameras are water-resistant, which means you can continue shooting under a drizzle. However, make sure it is included in its list of features just to be on the safe side.
Construction and Durability
Unlike ordinary camcorders, helmet video cameras are specifically designed for dynamics environments, which mean they are specifically designed to be more resilient to dirt, water, cold, vibration, and even an occasional impact.
Wired or Wireless?
Wired Helmet Camera is strapped onto a helmet and then connected by a wire fed inside the cyclist's bag to a VCR that stores the video in its memory. Wireless Helmet Camera works by recording the videos onto a memory card. Wireless helmet cameras can be more easily mounted onto any surface or any part of the bicycle. This will give amazing points of view to the audience.
Battery Type
Camera batteries can either come off the shelf or the lithium type. These types of batters come with their share of pros and cons. Off the shelf batteries such as AA and AAA, can be readily purchased, inexpensive and more environment friendly, but they are known to be heavier and bulkier. On the other hand, lithium batteries are more expensive but considerably smaller and lighter.
Filming Tips..?
Here are some filming tips to consider:
- Know the limitations of your camera.
- Know the environment that you are going to cycle in. Adjust your camera accordingly.
- Find the best position and angle. is tricky, by trial and error.
Evaluate Your Needs
Now that you have a fairly good idea what specific features to consider, you have probably trimmed down your options significantly. Now it is the time to know your own application. You should ask yourself questions such as:
- What is your purpose for buying a helmet camera?
- What time of day do you plan to shoot?
- Will the camera be constantly exposed to water?
- How important is the video quality?
- Where and how do you plant to mount your camera?
Helmet Video Camera Buying Tips
What are your needs: Take time and consider what your recording needs are, the intended application, recording conditions among others.
Tip: Use a helmet camera to record your daily commute
Helmet cameras are not just used in filming bicycle touring action, bicycle commuters also use them to ensure that they capture any situations that may arise between them and other road users.
For instance a strategically positioned camera can record the license plate on a vehicle that knocks you down and drives off.
Recommendations: If you have a cycling friend who uses a helmet camera, seek their input in deciding which the best type to opt for is, as well as some of the things to consider.
Online reviews: The internet has numerous websites that are solely built to offer consumer and professional reviews on different cameras.
Budget: With the wide offering available take time and determine your available budget to narrow down your options.
Product comparisons: If you are torn between a couple of cameras, compare their features and establish which one offers the most value.
Sample output: You can find videos online that have been posted by users who own certain cameras, these give insight into what to expect.
Video Recording Tips
- Decide on the best camera to use: In this you will need to make up your mind on the camera you will use and learn how to use it.
- Choose the right camera settings: depending on the filming conditions you will need to adjust camera settings for the best output.
- Film from different point of views: Mix things up a bit and film from different angles by varying the direction of the camera and mounting it on different parts of the bike.
- Editing: After the activities of the day are done, sit down and edit the footage carefully removing unnecessary shots.
- Put together the final edited footage into the type of film that you want. This can be a documentary or an action filled feature.
The Beauty of Cycling Movies
Bicycle tours are great experiences that offer even better memories. Instead of using your mind to remember how everything went, why not go for a helmet video camera and use it to capture all the moments, sights and scenes.
This way you can be able to share it with your friends and family when you get back home. Remember that in today’s social media frenzy, video sharing is part of everyday life.
Whether you only have enough for a cheap helmet camera or can get the best there is, don’t let the opportunity to capture extraordinary footage pass you by.
My Cycling Movies
You can browse through some of my cycling movies to get a feel of what it’s like recording your own experiences on the trail touring.
Where to Buy a Helmet Video Camera?
If you are interested in buying a helmet video camera you are invited to visit these trusted online stores:
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Best Helmet Camera - Every cyclist dreams of filming their journeys. Let's take a look at some of the best cameras. This will help you pick the best helmet camera for your needs.
and dance like no one is watching."
Aurora Greenway
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