Action Cameras

[Urban_Legend]

Hi All

I am looking at getting an Action camera to put on the bike (helmet cams illegal here) and wanted to know who has what brand (Go Pro, Sony etc) and the pros and cons. Also do any of you do voice overs while riding? What do you use to do this? Sena 10/20, cabled mic? I am trying to start off a YouTube Channel/Blog.

Mark

[Bones]

G'day Mark, I use Gopro's on my bike, first gen hero mounted under the gear rack for rear vision, and a hero 2 mounted on the fairing for front vision. The pro's are they are fairly compact, totally waterproof if needed with the sealed door fitted, and give excellent footage provided their mounted where vibration isn't an issue. With a 16gb card fitted you get about 2hrs footage before the battery goes flat and with the card nearly full, so if you want more footage you'll need a spare battery and bigger card.

As for mounting, you can buy mounts to put them on just about anything and anywhere these days, I originally started at the top of the screen but vibration affected it there so I kept moving down until I found the best spot was just above the headlight which also gives an unobstructed view ahead.

Not too sure, but I think the newer ones might have a slot where you can plug in a mic, otherwise just add the voice overs when editing. I use Windows live movie maker which is easy enough to use and has enough features to do a reasonable video plus it's free.

A pic of the front mount.

[PaulG]

I bought a Ion Air Pro three yrs ago.   https://aus.ioncamera.com/air-pro-2/  I've posted several videos here but you can check some out here

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxg-SbJoK2b8yKhT3rctopw - but don't watch too much of them - I've had to take people to the hospital to get the glaze surgically removed from their eyes.

The picture quality is very good - plus multiple definitions - 1080, 960, 720 - other features also - waterproof to 30ft - though that may have been improved since then.  Sony makes one good for 300ft for some reason.   No need for external case to protect from the elements.  The lense is replaceable if it breaks.  It has an internal mic which is pretty much useless over 5mph, so I dub tunes over the footage.  Basically the same stuff you get from a Go Pro just in a different package.

They also have multiple mounting kits - since helmet mounting is illegal there (WTF? What about chest mounts?) - I have mounted it to my stock left mirror stalk in the past.  Not so much now as I have some cheapo aftermarket mirrors for better visibility - but they vibrate too much (more area but blurry - yes I need the VFR900 ones).  You could mount it on crash bars too (I don't have any yet) - or anywhere else basically depending on your mounts.  I siliconed strips of dense foam (for auto parts packaging) to the bar mount to take care of any vibration.

I don't know if the newer ones have have voice over capability.  Mine has a 32G chip with 4 hrs capacity at 1080 - built-in lithium battery lasts for two hrs if left on continuously.

I'm fairly satisfied with it - but I have no comparison as it is the first and only one I've bought so far.  I paid less than $400 CAN for mine including a mounting kit package, plus cables , chargers etc.

This is a Google search for comparisons

https://www.google.ca/search?q=action+camera+comparison+2015&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=lXc7VtfPOMXxerODhLgF

There are a lot of different ones out there now.  Go Pro is still the leader in the marketplace, but there is a lot more choice now, which ironically can make it more difficult to make up your mind.  Just remember you get what you pay for as usual, so paying a little extra for quality is worth it in this case.  Mine has been virtually trouble free so far...

[racerrad8]

Mark,

     The new GARMIN VIRB XE ACTION CAMERA
is one sweet camera. It has a wide angle lense that shoots at 1080P. It comes with all the mounts you need for your bike, or you can take it diving up to 50 meters without a case. You can link it to any of the newer Garmin products and some of the older ones and it will lay a map of your video, track your speed, g-force, altitude, and distance traveled when linked to the Garmin GPS units. Here is a video of it in action at the Renegade Rally this year Renegade Rally Part 1. You can bluetooth link it to your Sena products to voice over as well.

Robert - RPM

[Urban_Legend]

Mark,

     The new GARMIN VIRB XE ACTION CAMERA
is one sweet camera. It has a wide angle lense that shoots at 1080P. It comes with all the mounts you need for your bike, or you can take it diving up to 50 meters without a case. You can link it to any of the newer Garmin products and some of the older ones and it will lay a map of your video, track your speed, g-force, altitude, and distance traveled when linked to the Garmin GPS units. Here is a video of it in action at the Renegade Rally this year Renegade Rally Part 1. You can bluetooth link it to your Sena products to voice over as well.

Robert - RPM

Hi Robert

I just did a google search for the camera in Australia. The cheapest you can buy retail here is $499. so even with our exchange rate you are the cheapest around. I am thinking it would be a nice Christmas present for me.

Mark

[Yamifj1200]

If you are looking for a camera for a deal I can recommend the Yi camera. It is inexpensive and works very well.  Frank Moore has one and has made some very nice vids with it. It looks cheap but the proof is in the video quality. Read the reviews and see if will work for you.

http://www.cnet.com/products/xiaomi-yi/

http://www.gearbest.com/yi-camera-_gear/

I was able top pick up the camera w/battery, two spare batteries, a charger, waterproof case, aluminum case, 32 gig memory card and chest mount for less than 120.00 dollars shipped.


The few simple films I have made looked fantastic in my pc and tv.

Eric M

 

[racerman_27410]

Xiaomi Yi camera

  Awesome video quality.... best bang for the buck on the market today.

there is also iphone and google apps that allow complete remote control of the camera and all it's settings via the wi fi connection

i wasn't about to drop 500 bucks on something i would probably just lose on the trail anyway.



https://dashcamtalk.com/xiaomi-yi/

[PaulG]

Mark,

     The new GARMIN VIRB XE ACTION CAMERA
is one sweet camera.

....  Here is a video of it in action at the Renegade Rally this year Renegade Rally Part 1.
Robert - RPM

First off, you guys sell too much stuff that is too good!     Now another thing for my wish list on top of the dozen other things I "need".  What to do, what to do...  Maybe if I tape the list to the bathroom mirror, fridge, and toilet seat the wife will get the hint for Christmas.  At least I might be able to strke one item off - but which one? Fork valves and springs, rear shock, crash bars, fork brace, camera?  Just to name a few... (oops, but first it's new carb floats and screw kit)

Second, now I know why you California guys shred through two or three sets of tires in a year.  Great video!    Great road too.   

Question for Randy : Is any mounting hardware, cables, etc. included in the sale price or is it just for the camera?

[racerrad8]

Question for Randy : Is any mounting hardware, cables, etc. included in the sale price or is it just for the camera?

The Virb XE comes with the charging cable a battery, flat and curved adhesive mounts, standard and vertical mount adapters, short and long extension arms and short and long mounting screws. Everything included is pictured in the 3rd picture on our website.

Don't forget, there is a 10% off sale at the end of the month too if you need to click a couple things off your RPM wishlist.

Robert - RPM

[The General]

Hi All

I am looking at getting an Action camera to put on the bike (helmet cams illegal here) and wanted to know who has what brand (Go Pro, Sony etc) and the pros and cons. Also do any of you do voice overs while riding? What do you use to do this? Sena 10/20, cabled mic? I am trying to start off a YouTube Channel/Blog.

Mark

Check out the website www.soundrider.com.au for the Sena 10C system. Neat and inconspicuous , Iphone and android compatible and excellent Bluetooth Intercom , phone and GPS pairing also, and no shoebox mounted on your helmet or bike.

I usually write no affiliation etc, but in this case I should mention the owner of Soundrider is my mate Jim that I have included in a ride (or pub) report on occasion here, without mentioning his business.

Excellent service, knows his stuff, no employees and has the cleanest workshop I have ever seen.  While most of his service is via mail and telephone (Incl The Police), I have met guys that have ridden across many states (incl Darwin) just to have him install, demonstrate and link everything personally.  I`ve even seen him set up a group of dirt bikes being sent to Russia for a bit of Aussie adventure fun!  .....Guess I`m a bit bias, but he`s worth a call.