Bike Cameras

AV277

Hi guys.

I work as a cycle courier and after a recent near miss I was thinking about getting a bike cam to record incidents should they arise and have the evidence to prove my inevitable innocence at the ready.

I tried looking online for bike cams but there aren't that many out there. So my question is does anyone know a place to get a high quality reliable cam? Thanks.

godtabh

AV277 wrote: »

Hi guys.

I work as a cycle courier and after a recent near miss I was thinking about getting a bike cam to record incidents should they arise and have the evidence to prove my inevitable innocence at the ready.

I tried looking online for bike cams but there aren't that many out there. So my question is does anyone know a place to get a high quality reliable cam? Thanks.

Not many out there? You are looking in the wrong places so! Plenty of choice out there

TheBlaaMan

Don't expect the gardai to pay to much attention to your videos, especially if you post them online with offenders identity being revealed.....

sy_flembeck

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

Don't expect the gardai to pay to much attention to your videos, especially if you post them online with offenders identity being revealed.....

On the contrary, I found the Gardai very receptive to my footage when I needed them to be, to the extent that it led to a conviction. Although perhaps it depends on who you get to deal with on any given day. That said, I didn't post anything online.

68 lost souls

Weepsie wrote: »

I just got a second hand sjcam. Form factor is perfect, but mine doesn't record so I'll be getting PayPal to refund it if it's seller doesn't refund it or get back to me.

There are a lot of fake SJ cams out there at the moment buyer beware

Chuchote

Here's a Wiggle page of them: http://www.wiggle.com/helmet-cameras/

outinthefields

gopro.com or ebay

Macy0161

Lidl have one coming up in their ski specials - haven't got one, but I think previously they've got alright reviews.

coolbeans

TheBlaaMan wrote: »

Don't expect the gardai to pay to much attention to your videos, especially if you post them online with offenders identity being revealed.....

Dunno where you're getting your info from. I've used footage in the past to prove dangerous driving in Ireland.

Danbo!

I've used a contour roam for nearly 2 years now. Mounted to helmet, it's a little weighty, but fine. Image quality is pretty good, not 4K, but enough. Waterproof out of the box, decent battery, etc.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contour-ROAM-Waterproof-Action-Camera/dp/B00METYIQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477645070&sr=8-1&keywords=contour+roam

GoPros will give excellent quality but their form factor is a bit weird for helmet mounting IMO, especially with their bulky mounts. I used a couple of ****ty cameras from amazon before getting the roam. Most I had mounted on handlebars which is easier/makes you look less ridiculous, but I do find that footage from helmet cam is better in terms of being more stable and easier to point in the right direction if needed.

There is a lot of choice out there but I still think there's a gap in the market for something lightweight and low profile for helmet mounting, maybe even something that sits within a vent.

In the two years I've used I've had pretty much no need for it, which I guess is a good thing.

Chuchote

Danbo! wrote: »

There is a lot of choice out there but I still think there's a gap in the market for something lightweight and low profile for helmet mounting, maybe even something that sits within a vent.

Lightweight, low-profile, easy-to-use computer app.

OP, maybe get an extra external hard drive where you can keep the date-stamped footage.

Danbo!

Chuchote wrote: »

Lightweight, low-profile, easy-to-use computer app.

You saying there is one?

Chuchote

Danbo! wrote: »

You saying there is one?

I am not, just adding to the requirements.

Danbo!

Chuchote wrote: »

I am not, just adding to the requirements.

Ah yes... definitely room for a kickstarter there. I like the fly6/12 but they're pricey and not really helmet material

mr spuckler

Danbo! wrote: »

I've used a contour roam for nearly 2 years now. Mounted to helmet, it's a little weighty, but fine. Image quality is pretty good, not 4K, but enough. Waterproof out of the box, decent battery, etc.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contour-ROAM-Waterproof-Action-Camera/dp/B00METYIQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477645070&sr=8-1&keywords=contour+roam

GoPros will give excellent quality but their form factor is a bit weird for helmet mounting IMO, especially with their bulky mounts. I used a couple of ****ty cameras from amazon before getting the roam. Most I had mounted on handlebars which is easier/makes you look less ridiculous, but I do find that footage from helmet cam is better in terms of being more stable and easier to point in the right direction if needed.

There is a lot of choice out there but I still think there's a gap in the market for something lightweight and low profile for helmet mounting, maybe even something that sits within a vent.

In the two years I've used I've had pretty much no need for it, which I guess is a good thing.

i've a contour roam too but just find it too big & obvious! would definitely like to get something more discreet.

Chuchote

mr spuckler wrote: »

i've a contour roam too but just find it too big & obvious! would definitely like to get something more discreet.

I got a tiny little camera for around €30 which I have never yet used (got it for the new bike I was about to buy, which never happened). Can't see any branding on it and can't remember what it was called, but it was recommended by people here.

But if you're a courier (sorry, not sure if you're the OP) wouldn't you like it to be obvious?

mr spuckler

Chuchote wrote: »

But if you're a courier (sorry, not sure if you're the OP) wouldn't you like it to be obvious?

i'm not the OP and my personal preference is for something more discreet. each to their own

Danbo!

Chuchote wrote: »

I got a tiny little camera for around €30 which I have never yet used (got it for the new bike I was about to buy, which never happened). Can't see any branding on it and can't remember what it was called, but it was recommended by people here.

But if you're a courier (sorry, not sure if you're the OP) wouldn't you like it to be obvious?

Could it have been this? http://www.veho-muvi.com/muvi/

it's tiny but quality is pretty poor.

Perhaps I'm asking too much

Chuchote

Danbo! wrote: »

Could it have been this? http://www.veho-muvi.com/muvi/

it's tiny but quality is pretty poor.

Perhaps I'm asking too much

Not sure; no branding on this one. I'll plug it in at some stage and give it a try, and it may then ask for software to be downloaded and identify itself.

Unknown Soldier

OP, there are sh1t loads of "bike" cams. Just search Bullet cams and the like, or google Techmoan, who is a good resource for cams.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=100944623&postcount=8

Example of GUI in Older post, with older battery.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=92653036

That said...

I have found the Drift Stealth 2 to be an excellent little camera with a 3 hour battery. But you have to mount it on a "mount" GoPro type mount, K-Edge etc. It is very, very good in low light/Dark

Kaisr Sose

Re the Drift Stealth. It looks good. Very Virbish I think? 3hr recording - excellent. Internal battery, not so great if not replaceable. I have an sj, but only used it skiing with cheat harness. Not into GoPro in cycle helmet. Tellytubbyesque! Looking for something for the bike/commute.
You say you have to use GoPro type mounts. That's for on the bike mounting? Over or under the bars I assume? What about its own mounts - are they only for helmet mounting?

Unknown Soldier

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

Re the Drift Stealth. It looks good. Very Virbish I think?

It's about a quarter of the size of the original virb.

I'll come back to you on the rest tomorrow.

This is the set up I have on my new build "Armageddon Winter" bike.



The stealth looks like the following https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLV5mzy8iL/?taken-by=david_r72

godtabh

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

It's about a quarter of the size of the original virb.

I'll come back to you on the rest tomorrow.

This is the set up I have on my new build "Armageddon Winter" bike.



The stealth looks like the following https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLV5mzy8iL/?taken-by=david_r72

Do you have enough cameras? Do you want another?

Kaisr Sose

godtabh wrote: »

Do you have enough cameras? Do you want another?

I think he has all the important angles covered. It looks a very 'commute friendly' pset up.

Kudos to Unknown Soldier for the pics. Perhaps with all the film footage, not so 'Unknown' anymore

Unknown Soldier

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

Re the Drift Stealth. It looks good. Very Virbish I think? 3hr recording - excellent. Internal battery, not so great if not replaceable. I have an sj, but only used it skiing with cheat harness. Not into GoPro in cycle helmet. Tellytubbyesque! Looking for something for the bike/commute.
You say you have to use GoPro type mounts. That's for on the bike mounting? Over or under the bars I assume? What about its own mounts - are they only for helmet mounting?

I was wrong about size... it's about 3/4s the size of the Virb but about 1/4 the weight. It does have a quick release system but that is for helmets (Drift seem to be Motorbike orientated) You could probably use a similar velcro solution, as I have done with the Mobius, for a helmet cam. But the Mobius is about the size of a box of matches, and weighs nothing.

Both the Mobius and the Drift use the old 1/4 quarter turn Camera mount system. (The way you would attach a Photography Camera to a tripod!)

Bang for buck, the Mobius is savage.

The main reason I am using the Virbs at the moment is that they come with their own Cradle system, and they are easy on/off the bike for charging while at work. Sadly they don't have a "Dashcam" loop type mode, so you have to wipe the SD card every few days.

It does actually have a "loop" mode but that just records/keeps the last 20 minutes. So if you had an accident and 30 minutes passed before you remembered to turn off the camera...

But for the Drift you can see the mounts here...
https://driftinnovation.com/collections/mounts/stealth-2

godtabh wrote: »

Do you have enough cameras? Do you want another?

I have bought and flipped quite a few at this stage! I should have started my own Techmoan type site Do you have something interesting on offer?

Kaisr Sose wrote: »

I think he has all the important angles covered. It looks a very 'commute friendly' pset up.

Kudos to Unknown Soldier for the pics. Perhaps with all the film footage, not so 'Unknown' anymore

I gave up on Inter'menets anonymity quite awhile back.

As someone who does cycle solo a lot, I can't express value that having Cameras add. They won't stop accidents*, but they do help kill off the "lies" afterwards.

There's a good reason dashcams in cars are so popular now!

*I think that the rear mounted Virb is so Visible now, it might just be helping make cars pass me a lot wider!

Kaisr Sose

Thanks for all the info. I have also been doing most of my cycling solo. I have been off the bike ages now due to being hit by a car.
I got out today for a while and it was awesome to be out. One motorist performed 3 dangerous overtakes of me in less than 2km! All were pointless and aggressive given the traffic volumes. I need something to record such things!

Chuchote

Mobius! That's the one I have, I think.

Kaisr, I find keeping to back roads where possible makes life a lot less overtakey.

Rogue-Trooper

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

The stealth looks like the following https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLV5mzy8iL/?taken-by=david_r72

How have you the Drift Stealth mounted in that pic (it's hard to make out)? Is it mounted under the garmin on the same out-front mount? Looks nice & neat - just wondering is it quick/easy to take on and off for charging purposes. Also, are the buttons easy to access with it in that position?

Does the loop record function work well? I'd be looking to have it on all the time 'just in case'.......

greenspurs

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

How have you the Drift Stealth mounted in that pic (it's hard to make out)? Is it mounted under the garmin on the same out-front mount? Looks nice & neat - just wondering is it quick/easy to take on and off for charging purposes. Also, are the buttons easy to access with it in that position?

Does the loop record function work well? I'd be looking to have it on all the time 'just in case'.......

They are Garmin Virbs (?) in that pic.

I have used a Virb for 2years, Brilliant cam imo, until 7 weeks ago, when after installing a "Garmin suggested" update, the Edit suite will not work now....
Dozens of emails and tweets, and still receiving the fob off/stock reply !!!
But, apart from that, it WAS a great cam!

Rogue-Trooper

greenspurs wrote: »

They are Garmin Virbs (?) in that pic.

I have used a Virb for 2years, Brilliant cam imo, until 7 weeks ago, when after installing a "Garmin suggested" update, the Edit suite will not work now....
Dozens of emails and tweets, and still receiving the fob off/stock reply !!!
But, apart from that, it WAS a great cam!

Garmin updates scare me (I've never updated my Edge 520).

It was the last link I was referring to (the Instagram one) which was a pic of the Drift Stealth.

Virb is nice if a little bulky, but the limited battery life along with the lack of a loop function is what puts me off it.

mr spuckler

i'm looking at getting a camera to record rear facing and am in the US the week after next so hoping i can pick one up a little bit cheaper over there. any thoughts on whether the virb is the best option?

as i'm sure is obvious i haven't done much research so hoping to piggyback the experiences of others!

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

i'm looking at getting a camera to record rear facing and am in the US the week after next so hoping i can pick one up a little bit cheaper over there. any thoughts on whether the virb is the best option?

as i'm sure is obvious i haven't done much research so hoping to piggyback the experiences of others!

I'm rocking a Fly6 on the back and it's great. It's discreet, great light, good battery life (about 6 hours on the flashing mode with the camera recording) and the 720p camera is reasonably good quality. It's also hassle-free with loop recording and USB rechargeable.

It's no GoPro but then that's not what it's designed for. For me I just want a clear view of what's going on behind and can read reg plates. I've already had one successful result with the footage from a double punishment pass by the same vehicle. Guy denied it when confronted by the Gardai and apparently his face crumbled when she told him that "the cyclist has provided us with incredibly clear footage of the incident".

It's slightly cheaper on Wiggle (€136) with free delivery than on the Cycliq website (€149 delivered). All that said, I'm not sure if you would get it cheaper state-side.

I would love a Fly12 for the front but at €316 on Wiggle it's a bit steep which is why I was considering a Drift Stealth at a third of the price.

cython

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I'm rocking a Fly6 on the back and it's great. It's discreet, great light, good battery life (about 6 hours on the flashing mode with the camera recording) and the 720p camera is reasonably good quality. It's also hassle-free with loop recording and USB rechargeable.

It's no GoPro but then that's not what it's designed for. For me I just want a clear view of what's going on behind and can read reg plates. I've already had one successful result with the footage from a double punishment pass by the same vehicle. Guy denied it when confronted by the Gardai and apparently his face crumbled when she told him that "the cyclist has provided us with incredibly clear footage of the incident".

It's slightly cheaper on Wiggle (€136) with free delivery than on the Cycliq website (€149 delivered). All that said, I'm not sure if you would get it cheaper state-side.

I would love a Fly12 for the front but at €316 on Wiggle it's a bit steep which is why I was considering a Drift Stealth at a third of the price.

Probably not enough of a drop in steepness, but same light can be got for 280 or a bit less on Merlin at the moment by virtue of 10% off lights. Should be about 275 but need to add parcel motel or similar fee though, as they'll not ship it to Ireland directly.

ED E

Danbo! wrote: »

I've used a contour roam for nearly 2 years now. Mounted to helmet, it's a little weighty, but fine. Image quality is pretty good, not 4K, but enough. Waterproof out of the box, decent battery, etc.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contour-ROAM-Waterproof-Action-Camera/dp/B00METYIQ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477645070&sr=8-1&keywords=contour+roam

GoPros will give excellent quality but their form factor is a bit weird for helmet mounting IMO, especially with their bulky mounts. I used a couple of ****ty cameras from amazon before getting the roam. Most I had mounted on handlebars which is easier/makes you look less ridiculous, but I do find that footage from helmet cam is better in terms of being more stable and easier to point in the right direction if needed.

There is a lot of choice out there but I still think there's a gap in the market for something lightweight and low profile for helmet mounting, maybe even something that sits within a vent.

In the two years I've used I've had pretty much no need for it, which I guess is a good thing.

Do you have front shocks or how did you mount on the bars? Both cams I've tried on there have suffered way too heavily from the vibration (even OIS wouldnt have helped).

Currently rock a clone cam on my satchel strap, does all right though I suspect its gonna struggle now that we're getting into the dark season.

Alanstrainor

I also have a contour roam2 which I reckon I've had for 3 years at this point. I use it 5 days a week, and have done since I got it (except for holidays etc). Great camera, and it still performs really well, even the battery holds up well. I have been considering a change however, a Gopro Hero 5, or Hero Session 5 are on my list. They're very expensive though.

godtabh

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I also have a contour roam2 which I reckon I've had for 3 years at this point. I use it 5 days a week, and have done since I got it (except for holidays etc). Great camera, and it still performs really well, even the battery holds up well. I have been considering a change however, a Gopro Hero 5, or Hero Session 5 are on my list. They're very expensive though.

I have a virb and havent used it really due to the size. The Session 5 really appeals to me but havent pulled the trigger (its in my amazon basket) as I am not sure I can justify the price if I cant do it justice ie will it jut be another gadget.

Have been looking at similar form factors but there are so many dodgy ones out there.

Unknown Soldier

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

How have you the Drift Stealth mounted in that pic (it's hard to make out)? Is it mounted under the garmin on the same out-front mount? Looks nice & neat - just wondering is it quick/easy to take on and off for charging purposes. Also, are the buttons easy to access with it in that position?

Does the loop record function work well? I'd be looking to have it on all the time 'just in case'.......

Howdy! I have a Garmin Out in front mount, the one that suits "GoPro" fitting.

Like the following http://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-cycling-combo-mount-for-edge-virb/

It is handy enough for taking on and off but I'd have prefered a "quick release" mechanism. That is why the Virb is handy, it has its own cradle.

The buttons are easily accessed from the right hand side. One you have it setup (to dashcam mode) you hold in the button at the front for a few seconds, it makes three loud beeps, and then you give it a couple of seconds and press that button again once and it beeps/starts recording. I was actually able to start if on Saturday with thick fingered winter gloves.

It has an actual dash cam mode (little pic of a car) and I have it set (or maybe it defaults to) 10 minute clips. You can see a sample below. I've added some pics so you can see the mount/buttons/size etc. I think I had to by the "Tripod" gopro mount somewhere else.

Personally, I would wait until Black Friday to see what prices various Cams are. (This was a previous year from Facebook)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHFA_Kwol3o

Alanstrainor

godtabh wrote: »

I have a virb and havent used it really due to the size. The Session 5 really appeals to me but havent pulled the trigger (its in my amazon basket) as I am not sure I can justify the price if I cant do it justice ie will it jut be another gadget.

Have been looking at similar form factors but there are so many dodgy ones out there.

The big failing point of my contour roam2 is the night footage. It's very dark, and it wont pick up much. So that's a primary thing I would want from any new camera. Tbh, I'll probably just keep on going with what I have, I'm just in the process of buying a house, that's enough expense for the mean time I think!

MB Lacey

I don't suppose anyone knows a way to discover which front and back cameras this Yellowdublincyclsist youtube user uses?
Seems very good night and day.

dsaint1

MB Lacey wrote: »

I don't suppose anyone knows a way to discover which front and back cameras this Yellowdublincyclsist youtube user uses?
Seems very good night and day.

He mentions gopro in the comments... Why don't you just ask him the exact model, I'm sure he'll tell you in the comments!

MB Lacey

dsaint1 wrote: »

He mentions gopro in the comments... Why don't you just ask him the exact model, I'm sure he'll tell you in the comments!

I don't have a log in for youtube, go pro in comments is good enough for me thanks.

Unknown Soldier

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

Personally, I would wait until Black Friday to see what prices various Cams are.

Currently 99 pounds for the Stealth 2 on the Drift Innovation site but if you enter the code BLACKFRIDAY you get 29.99 off, so 70 pounds. You have to use Parcel motel to avail of the free carriage.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Alanbt

Weepsie wrote: »

Ive just bought the shimano camera. Very compact. Makes the Virb I have look gargantuan

This available on special offer?

Rogue-Trooper

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

Currently 99 pounds for the Stealth 2 on the Drift Innovation site but if you enter the code BLACKFRIDAY you get 29.99 off, so 70 pounds. You have to use Parcel motel to avail of the free carriage.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Oh, you little beauty - thanks for that D! Order gone in for one.

Happy Christmas to me!

blobbie

+1 for the heads up.

To save a few quid more, if you opt for the RoW shop, they deliver to Ireland for free so you don't need to go via PM