helmet cams

[heligal]

POV.1

I have a POV.1 setup and am very dissatisfied with the quality of the video. I switched to the GoPro and will likely put my POV.1 equipment on eBay soon.

Just saying...GoPro video quality is far superior than POV.1. IMHO

[gliderpilotuk]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone for their helpful input. I'm inclined towards the GoPro despite is clunky shape.

[Runway101]

I know this thread is looking more and more like an ad for GoPro, but I just saw that they now offer a 3D helmet mounting system to record full HD 3D footage (using 2 cameras).

GoPro now offers a 3D helmet mounting system that allows extreme sport enthusiasts to record full HD 3D footage. While it costs just $99.99, you’ll need to own, or purchase two 1080p HD HERO cameras, each which cost $259.99. An included synchronization cable connects the two cameras, which record independently in 2D. The provided GoPro Cineform Studio, their 3D editing software, allows you to easily convert the footage to 3D at your discretion. The 3D waterproof housing is rated 180’ and GoPro includes 3 pairs of Anaglyph glasses.

GoPro 3D Helmet Camera Mount Now Available | GadgetReview

[heliduck]

Product | Micro video camera system SUV-Cam

I've been eyeing the Elmo Cam off for a few years now but I haven't been able to get the CAPEX past the minister for financial affairs yet. If anyone has tried it I'd be very interested in the results. I'm looking for something I can use for a helmet mounted pilots eye view of long-lining as well as a fixed installation looking forward.

[rotorrookie]

Here is on I took with gopro, while filming with Cineflex at the volcano that was bugging you europeans last year....

http://vimeo.com/13843442

[Machismo]

I am also a skydiver and we have been using GoPros for quite sometime so I can attest to their quailty. I am wanting to use it for flight instruction as well, my question is, is there a way to have external audio into the video so you can record the cockpit "chatter" as well so my students can hear themselves when they go into controled airspace? Or is this not a function that is offered on a GoPro?

[Rotorwashed]

I am wanting to use it for flight instruction as well, my question is, is there a way to have external audio into the video so you can record the cockpit "chatter" as well so my students can hear themselves when they go into controled airspace? Or is this not a function that is offered on a GoPro?

this is the most important feature for me too. I would rather have audio then great film quality. I know that the nflightcam does this, but it only has the airplane plugs. Ive been thinking about getting one and trying to convert the airplane style plugs to helicopter ones but havent got the budget for it yet.

another thing I thought about trying was getting a bluetooth headset that transmits to a 3.5mm headphone jack so I could plug it into an external audio plug in the camera. then I could just take apart the bluetooth headset and and fit the mic and other important bits inside my headset. I have yet to find a bluetooth headset that would work though

[Mungo5]

this is the most important feature for me too. I would rather have audio then great film quality.

Very true.. it's often the audio that makes the film. Constant wind or engine noise means you're usually left having to take the audio out, or overlay some cheesy music.

I was toying with the idea of a ContourHD or GoPro too.. ended up deciding on the GoPro, but at the same time work bought me a Kodak Zi8 for video blogging.

The Zi8 is about the size of a Blackberry, but importantly has an external mic jack. So i bought a small lavalier mic to slip under the heaphone cup and catch the cockpit audio.

All in all the setup works very well and the video quality is just as good, if not better than the GoPro. Kodak also do a wide angle lens you can add to the Zi8 as well.

[Runway101]

Many of these cameras don't have external audio out of the box, so you need to do it yourself. Here is a way that seems tow work for the GoPro's 30 pin connector (iPod connector I believe, so connectors and breakout boards are available online at stores that fix iDevices and electronic part suppliers):

GoProUser.freeforums.org • View topic - the GoPro Hero HD "bus" interface

I am not sure what kind of signal comes from the audio/com circuit, so there may be more to it than just wiring the audio to audio-in though. I believe I've seen adapters (preamp circuit?) in aviation stores to connect to audio-in for recording... there was also a thread here on pprune a while back with info how to build one yourself.

Also, you could just put the internal microphone on a longer cable and put it on your headset.

Here is a helicopter pilot that shows both methods:

You Tube

[birrddog]

One of the outfits I fly with purchased a Contour+ which impressed me so much I purchased on for my upcoming trips. I always wanted two cameras so I'll get to try it "side by side" with mty GoPro Hero HD.

It has 3 features that impressed me:

It has a GPS and the software that comes with it allows you to view a moving map when playing the video

Bluetooth interface so you can check the image from your iPhone (and hdmi out)

3 the camera and the mount looks much sturdier than the GoPro, resulting in less vibration.

The lipstick form factor is also a plus.

Hopefully some good footage for my upcoming trip for the videos thread.