Helmet Mounted Camera

detones

Looking for suggestions on a helmet mounted camera. Far too many run ins on my commute. Looking for a camera that's not too bulky, the gopros etc seem huge and look horrendous. Is there anything about the size of a small front light? Would consider bike mounted but that obviously restricts the field of vision.

cython

detones wrote: »

Looking for suggestions on a helmet mounted camera. Far too many run ins on my commute. Looking for a camera that's not too bulky, the gopros etc seem huge and look horrendous. Is there anything about the size of a small front light? Would consider bike mounted but that obviously restricts the field of vision.

If you don't like the bulkiness you describe, it may simply be the form-factor of the GoPros, in which case you may be better looking for one of the "bullet" shaped options, of which there are many. While I own and have used none of these, I've seen all the below mentioned on here at different times so might be good places to start your research:

• Garmin Virb/Virb Elite (as distinct from the X/XE/Ultra which are GoPro shaped). These are relatively old models now and as such may be limited availability, though you might find a second hand market.
• TomTom Bandit
• Contour Roam
• Drift Stealth

Rogue-Trooper

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

detones

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Thanks for that the Fly 12 looks an interesting prospect too for front mount.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

does that mount under the standard garmin out front mount or does it require a custom one?

i have an oldish contour roam currently mounted to the handlebars but the lack of loop record functionality is really pissing me off. i also have the cycliq fly 6 on the back and agree it's superb! it's handy that you can also use it on an aero seatpost.

edit...i see a k-edge mount on the drift website that's currently sold out

Rogue-Trooper

detones wrote: »

Thanks for that the Fly 12 looks an interesting prospect too for front mount.

The Fly 12 is a great bit of kit but the price put me off! I also believe it's quite heavy (if that's a consideration for you).

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

does that mount under the standard garmin out front mount or does it require a custom one?

It relaces the Garmin mount altogether. The Garmin sits in on top as usual and there is a GoPro-type 3-fin jobbie underneath. The Drift Stealth II has a standard threaded tripod-type attachment on it so I just picked up an adaptor for a couple of Euro on Ebay to attach it underneath.

Simples.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

It relaces the Garmin mount altogether. The Garmin sits in on top as usual and there is a GoPro-type 3-fin jobbie underneath. The Drift Stealth II has a standard threaded tripod-type attachment on it so I just picked up an adaptor for a couple of Euro on Ebay to attach it underneath.

Simples.

would you have a link to an example? there's one on amazon for £60 :eek:

greenspurs

I use a garmin virb.
Excellent quality , good battery, and easy to use/download/edit any vids you make.
Can be put on helmet, or can be mounted on bars.

I would recommend ...

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

would you have a link to an example? there's one on amazon for £60 :eek:

There is a link in my first post to the mount. It's the Cycliq one but I've just noticed it's not available at the moment on their site. I got it on Kickstarter when they launched it last year. They are expensive but very well made and rock solid so there is no camera shake (other than that caused by our poor roads!).

Sigma Sport seem to have it in stock for €74 plus delivery which is the reseller on Amazon anyway.

Alanstrainor

I have a contour roam2, but it's quite old now so I wouldn't recommend you buy given how much camera tech has moved on in the last number of years.

I used to wear it on my helmet and have recently moved it to the bars. I think I prefer it on the handle bars tbh, better footage for the most part and a bit more discreet.

If you're going to mount on the bars a Xiaomi Yi action camera is a good option. Very good (2k) footage and since it mounts like a GoPro there's tonnes of accessories available. Added bonus is that it is quite cheap now too.

mr spuckler

Rogue-Trooper wrote: »

There is a link in my first post to the mount. It's the Cycliq one but I've just noticed it's not available at the moment on their site. I got it on Kickstarter when they launched it last year. They are expensive but very well made and rock solid so there is no camera shake (other than that caused by our poor roads!).

Sigma Sport seem to have it in stock for €74 plus delivery which is the reseller on Amazon anyway.

thanks and sorry OP for the tangent. found this on wiggle which unless i'm mistaken this should do the job, with the adaptor you mentioned.

thanks again.

Rogue-Trooper

mr spuckler wrote: »

thanks and sorry OP for the tangent. found this on wiggle which unless i'm mistaken this should do the job, with the adaptor you mentioned.

thanks again.

Yep, that will do the job too.

The adaptor I got was this one.

Annie get your Run

I have a Drift Stealth II mounted under my Garmin on an out-front mount. Captures everything, is very light, discreet, relatively cheap and battery gives me about 3 hours of record time. Also does the 'loop recording' thing so I don't have to worry about deleting files. Mounted there, the field of vision is not an issue.

I'm also rocking a Fly 6 on the back which is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

I like the look of that Drift Stealth II, not overly expensive either.

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see? I don't know what 'loop recording' is but sounds like something that's good to have...

Crocked

Loop recording means that when the memory card is full it'll automatically start overwriting the oldest files on it. Means you don't have to bother with having to delete old files to make space all the time.

mr spuckler

Annie get your Run wrote: »

I like the look of that Drift Stealth II, not overly expensive either.

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see? I don't know what 'loop recording' is but sounds like something that's good to have...

i've just got the drift stealth and used it for the first time yesterday. will take a look at the footage tonight and let you know how it looks.

i started with front only but then had a few incidents where taxis were driving aggressively behind me in bus lanes so bought a cycliq fly 6, which is a light with a camera built into it.

loop recording imo is essential - my early version contour roam didn't have it and as a result would stop recording when the card filled up. loop recording means that it will continue recording even when the card fills up, by overwriting the oldest files.

edit: the question has been answered in the delay between my typing and posting!

Annie get your Run

mr spuckler wrote: »

i've just got the drift stealth and used it for the first time yesterday. will take a look at the footage tonight and let you know how it looks.

i started with front only but then had a few incidents where taxis were driving aggressively behind me in bus lanes so bought a cycliq fly 6, which is a light with a camera built into it.

Thanks! Yes was looking at the fly 6 too but I've no space on my seat post :rolleyes: Not sure where I would put a rear one actually... Pity there isn't one that has a front and back lens!

mr spuckler

quality on the drift stealth is really good - once you have it at one of the higher settings.
i recorded at the lower quality also and really struggled to make out license plates etc.

Annie get your Run

mr spuckler wrote: »

quality on the drift stealth is really good - once you have it at one of the higher settings.
i recorded at the lower quality also and really struggled to make out license plates etc.

Thanks for that, will make the purchase so!

SteM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

What is the general consensus here, is it more important to have a front or rear camera? I think I'd be inclined to mount this on my helmet so it sees what I see?

I have a fly 6 and fly 12. The thing about having a mounted helmet camera is, if you're looking over your right shoulder to check for traffic and a car pulls out from a drive or side road on the left you'll probably miss the collision.

Annie get your Run

SteM wrote: »

I have a fly 6 and fly 12. The thing about having a mounted helmet camera is, if you're looking over your right shoulder to check for traffic and a car pulls out from a drive or side road on the left you'll probably miss the collision.

If I mount it on the handlebars it would pick up traffic coming from the sides? My main problems are close passes and roundabouts where cars overtake you and then swing left across your path. The camera can be bought with different mounts.

CramCycle

Just having a look at my contour roam quality, in good weather, it really was exceptional at picking out plates at speed.

SteM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

If I mount it on the handlebars it would pick up traffic coming from the sides? My main problems are close passes and roundabouts where cars overtake you and then swing left across your path. The camera can be bought with different mounts.

It sounds like you want a helmet mounted camera alright.

axer

I'm torn between the Drift Stealth 2 and Mobius 2 cameras (which Unknown Soldier has posted good things about before). The Drift Stealth 2 is about £100 on amazon whereas the Mobius 2 is about £75. The Mobius 2 however is not water resistant so needs some sort of cover like this which then makes them nearly the same price. The mobius 2 is about 2/3's the size and half the weight of the Drift Stealth 2, however, and can run at 60fps @ 1080p. The only thing I dont like is that I need to get that silicone cover which needs to be ordered from the US. I think I will be going for the Mobius 2 though as the more discrete the better and the Fly6/12, which are nicely discrete, are just way too expensive (although they do look great).

Unknown Soldier

axer wrote: »

I'm torn between the Drift Stealth 2 and Mobius 2 cameras (which Unknown Soldier has posted good things about before). The Drift Stealth 2 is about £100 on amazon whereas the Mobius 2 is about £75. The Mobius 2 however is not water resistant so needs some sort of cover like this which then makes them nearly the same price. The mobius 2 is about 2/3's the size and half the weight of the Drift Stealth 2, however, and can run at 60fps @ 1080p. The only thing I dont like is that I need to get that silicone cover which needs to be ordered from the US. I think I will be going for the Mobius 2 though as the more discrete the better and the Fly6/12, which are nicely discrete, are just way too expensive (although they do look great).

Firstly, the Mobius 2 is a newer camera than any I have mentioned, I only have the older version, with the buttons on top. That's about 59 STG on Amazon. I do have V1 and V2 of the old one.

As for that waterproof cover... yes it's fine but mine is in tatters at this stage and I am nearly sure you could make it as water proof with clear sellotape.

The lens would be fine (I think) it's the top and rear that need to be covered. Defo the rear what with the SD Card hole and USB charging port.

One day I'll get around to wrapping mine in a bit of cling film with some Blue Peter type sellotape action to see how that works out. I think it would be just as good as that rubber case.

I wouldn't bother with the C2 Wide lens btw.

Another site worth considering is https://www.mobius-cam.com/en/mobius-1-action-camera-c-6/?zenid=1p1b6erlqasjpp3vs8qtu9b7h5

josip

I'm thinking of getting another Mobius for the bike, I already have an older gen one (780p) in the car and am very happy with it.
I don't think I'd spend anything extra for a waterproof cover, cling film would be enough and there are no air vents to worry about blocking.
I'd prefer to mount it on the bars, the standard lens has a good wide field of view so would catch most of what currently concerns me.
My only uncertainty about the bar mount however is that unless you've got something specialised for stability, most online feedback says that there'll be a lot of camera shake that you don't get with a helmet mounted cam.
Anybody here got suggestions for minimizing camera shake?

mr spuckler

i've mounted my drift stealth under my garmin duo mount as recommended by rogue trooper on the first page. i don't find camera shake to be a problem.

07Lapierre

josip wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting another Mobius for the bike, I already have an older gen one (780p) in the car and am very happy with it.
I don't think I'd spend anything extra for a waterproof cover, cling film would be enough and there are no air vents to worry about blocking.
I'd prefer to mount it on the bars, the standard lens has a good wide field of view so would catch most of what currently concerns me.
My only uncertainty about the bar mount however is that unless you've got something specialised for stability, most online feedback says that there'll be a lot of camera shake that you don't get with a helmet mounted cam.
Anybody here got suggestions for minimizing camera shake?

I found the opposite. Mount the camera to your bike (not your helmet)
Shoot at lower frames per second..e.g 25 also helps. (although its not a problem really)

CramCycle

07Lapierre wrote: »

I found the opposite. Mount the camera to your bike (not your helmet)
Shoot at lower frames per second..e.g 25 also helps. (although its not a problem really)

I got some shake with the handlebar mount but not terrible. The Helmet mount was always much smoother though.

mr spuckler

CramCycle wrote: »

I got some shake with the handlebar mount but not terrible. The Helmet mount was always much smoother though.

you mentioned having a contour roam? i definitely got more shake with the handlebar mount on that vs the helmet mount.

07Lapierre

CramCycle wrote: »

I got some shake with the handlebar mount but not terrible. The Helmet mount was always much smoother though.

Smooth road also helps.. here's two cameras.(GoPro hero2 and session). one on handlebars, the other is under the saddle

https://youtu.be/BrP5W9pAHAE

CramCycle

mr spuckler wrote: »

you mentioned having a contour roam? i definitely got more shake with the handlebar mount on that vs the helmet mount.

+1 I made a steadier camera mount than their own that helped with the handlebar mount but the roads here are often too rough regardless.

Unknown Soldier

A helmet cam is generally better than a rigid mounted one depending on the road/surface.

That does not mean to say that the video of a rigid mounted camera will be crap!

07Lapierre

The road surface coming down off mount Leinster is not great. There are a few cattle grids too....

https://youtu.be/JbqU2Apd5_s

Annie get your Run

07Lapierre wrote: »

The road surface coming down off mount Leinster is not great. There are a few cattle grids too....

https://youtu.be/JbqU2Apd5_s

Couple of close passes there at high speed :pac: That decent takes skill I don't think I"ll ever have, I'd undoubtedly come off the bike if I tried that...

07Lapierre

Annie get your Run wrote: »

Couple of close passes there at high speed :pac: That decent takes skill I don't think I"ll ever have, I'd undoubtedly come off the bike if I tried that...

Skill? Nah....don't tell anyone,but I only went that fast because I was so scared, I couldn't let go of the bars to pull the brakes!

Danbo!

Some info I put on the near miss thread a while back below

In short, contour roam is great, I had a poor experience with the drift stealth but plenty of reviews say otherwise, so it was likely a dud, and I love the gopro session if you can get over the price..

Basically if someone makes a camera with the form factor/weight of the stealth, the big switch/battery of the roam, and the quality/stabilisation of the gopro, they'll be minted

+1 for the Roam - price/quality/size/shape are all great as a helmet cam.

Used the roam for 2.5 years and it was great. A little heavy on the helmet, but battery life was 3+ hours and it's easy on/off switch was amazing. No faffing about taking it off mount or taking helmet off to double check it.

I recently "upgraded" to the Drift Stealth 2. It's smaller and lighter than the roam, but I found it awful. Very unreliable, extremely noisy image quality in even slightly dull light. Shame, as it's a nice form factor.

Ended up returning the Stealth and biting the bullet, bought a go pro hero 5 session. It's pricey, but the quality and stabilisation is insanely good. When it's mounted on the bars, it doesnt move an inch, but when I review the footage you can see the handlebar hoods moving all around and in and out of the image, all thanks to the stabilisation. Battery life is poor though, just over an hour, but it's enough to get me in and out of town, then charge overnight.

Danbo!

SteM wrote: »

I have a fly 6 and fly 12.

I'm considering a fly6, how you finding it?

SteM wrote: »

The thing about having a mounted helmet camera is, if you're looking over your right shoulder to check for traffic and a car pulls out from a drive or side road on the left you'll probably miss the collision.

I flip between bars and helmet, theres pros and cons to both - generally I think recording where you are looking is a bit better, but the situation above is where you may miss out.

brianomc

The GoPro Fusion may well be a game changer, no need to worry about missing something by turning your head. 360 all the way, I can't see it being cheap though.

https://youtu.be/PygsKZXpYrI

Another vote here for the Fly6 as a rear camera/light, I have the original one but the newer version is even smaller with a better battery life.

I had the virb mounted on my handlebars but a poor battery life and having to manually delete files instead of the device just recording over the oldest video meant I kept finding that it wasnt recording and I just couldnt be bothered with it anymore.

tvercetti

Any trusted sellers have the Drift Stealth 2 at the moment or any idea when it might be available again? Seems to be sold out everywhere!

Chuchote

I have a Mobius, but it has its own mind; sometimes it feels like recording and sometimes it doesn't.

I want what Citizen Wolf has for his joyful films of his journeys to work (I hope his work is as much fun)

Macy0161

SteM wrote: »

I have a fly 6 and fly 12.

How are they as lights - good enough for rural nighttime use, particularly the fly 12? Is it good enough for a "see" or is just a "be seen" light?

A big step up of too close for comfort (not quite near miss territory) on the saturday spin, and the battery life of the fly lights really makes them an option for the longer spins!

mr spuckler

Macy0161 wrote: »

How are they as lights - good enough for rural nighttime use, particularly the fly 12? Is it good enough for a "see" or is just a "be seen" light?

A big step up of too close for comfort (not quite near miss territory) on the saturday spin, and the battery life of the fly lights really makes them an option for the longer spins!

i only have the rear light but find it excellent all round. much better battery life than my drift stealth on the front and works really well as a light too. you can change the mode on the light to extend battery life but tbh even as a standalone light i'd recommend it.

SteM

Macy0161 wrote: »

How are they as lights - good enough for rural nighttime use, particularly the fly 12? Is it good enough for a "see" or is just a "be seen" light?

A big step up of too close for comfort (not quite near miss territory) on the saturday spin, and the battery life of the fly lights really makes them an option for the longer spins!

The Fly 12 is a great light. 3 brightness settings on solid, the same on flashing, I think there's a pulse setting too. Also, you can record with the light off in the summer to conserve battery if you want. The highest solid setting would easily light up a road in darkness, medium setting probably would too to be honest.

Danbo!

tvercetti wrote: »

Any trusted sellers have the Drift Stealth 2 at the moment or any idea when it might be available again? Seems to be sold out everywhere!

They brought out a new 4k cam a while back, maybe discontinuing the stealth 2?

CramCycle

Danbo! wrote: »

They brought out a new 4k cam a while back, maybe discontinuing the stealth 2?

It comes and goes out of their online shop quite a bit. It was in stock two weeks ago. It is a pity they don't have a stock notification system on the site. It would be foolish to discontinue the sleath 2 because of the 4k one as they are completely different price markets.

tvercetti

Danbo! wrote: »

They brought out a new 4k cam a while back, maybe discontinuing the stealth 2?

CramCycle wrote: »

It comes and goes out of their online shop quite a bit. It was in stock two weeks ago. It is a pity they don't have a stock notification system on the site. It would be foolish to discontinue the sleath 2 because of the 4k one as they are completely different price markets.

I dropped them an email and they said the Stealth 2 "has been discontinued to make way for our newest camera the Ghost 4K". Ones 3 times the price of the other!

Any more recommended alternatives? Preferably water resistant. Mobius 2 seems to be out of stock most places too. Is a Mobius 1 the best option in that price range.

CramCycle

tvercetti wrote: »

I dropped them an email and they said the Stealth 2 "has been discontinued to make way for our newest camera the Ghost 4K". Ones 3 times the price of the other!

Well, I'll be damned. Must start looking elsewhere so.

Alanstrainor

Alanstrainor wrote: »

If you're going to mount on the bars a Xiaomi Yi action camera is a good option. Very good (2k) footage and since it mounts like a GoPro there's tonnes of accessories available. Added bonus is that it is quite cheap now too.

Just a note on this one. I bought the Xiaomi Yi 2k from Amazon in February, and I've just had to send it back for a refund now. The camera had been recording nothing but a blank/black screen for some time and then failed to turn on at all. No amount of different SD cards of batteries fixed it. Thankfully Amazon have great customer service, but I don't know what to replace it with.

If only there was a good modern Contour Roam... it's the best action camera I've used.

Danbo!

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Just a note on this one. I bought the Xiaomi Yi 2k from Amazon in February, and I've just had to send it back for a refund now. The camera had been recording nothing but a blank/black screen for some time and then failed to turn on at all. No amount of different SD cards of batteries fixed it. Thankfully Amazon have great customer service, but I don't know what to replace it with.

If only there was a good modern Contour Roam... it's the best action camera I've used.

Agree on both. Amazon were amazing in taking back the dud stealth I got.

Even with the insane quality and tiny size of the GoPro session, I still miss the contour. It was almost perfect.

CramCycle

Danbo! wrote: »

Agree on both. Amazon were amazing in taking back the dud stealth I got.

Even with the insane quality and tiny size of the GoPro session, I still miss the contour. It was almost perfect.

I regret selling mine as well, looking at the roam 3 as a replacement. I was about to pull the trigger on a sleath2 but I guess that decision is made for me.