Helmet Camera

[oincman]

Howdy All,

Who uses what camera and mic for recording in their helmets?

I got an Akaso (2nd one now) and it will not record through the external mic.

I know about GoPro's but was trying to cheap out. Guess that might not be the best route to go?

Any suggestions?

[Megadan]

Personally, I find it worth the investment to spend a bit more on a quality camera. The way I see it, you can buy one good camera for $150-250, or three budget cameras for $50-100.

I use a GoPro Hero 5 black. I bought it when they were first introduced about 3 years ago and it still works just fine. It can do 4k recording at 30fps, but that only really makes it good for stationary work. For clear images while riding you will want at least 60fps. I do most of my recordings in 2.7k or 1080 60fps

My biggest complaint about it and all of the new GoPro cameras is the need for that stupid enormous mic adapter that costs $50+. I hate that thing.

I too have been looking for a more budget friendly version, but when I find one that supports the higher quality video capability they either don't support an external mic and/or have limited sd card capacity. Or, the quality long term seems lacking.

I was going to suggest the Yi 4k camera, but they basically don't exist anymore and their prices went way up as well and are as much as the previous gen GoPros

My next camera is likely going to be a DJI Osmo camera. It's not a sub $100 camera like the ones you are looking at and retails for $259 which is about 80 bucks less than the equivalent GoPro with the same specs and while it does use a mic adapter, it is tiny and plugs directly into the side of the camera.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJMK2GV...mofilmfestu-20
The cost for the Osmo with the mic adapter and a 128gb SanDisk V30 high speed Micro SD card is $309 through Amazon. For another 11 bucks they have a big accesory kit bundle with the camera that includes the SD card I mentioned and a bunch of mounts, tripod, etc.

You could get a Hero 5 or 6 black or Hero 7 silver for $150-170 these days through Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-Hero5-B...0947829&sr=8-3

But, you are then required to use the Brick of a mic adapter which is currently $90.

I would be interested to see what other people are using though. I am in no hurry to buy a new camera because the one I have now works rather well. I just want a second camera so I don't have to swap around a bunch between my mounts with the one I do have.

[oincman]

Thanks for the info (much appreciated). The Akaso does 4k 30fps and has stabilization and honestly I think takes great video.

I've reached out to Akaso to see if they can remedy this issue. I have their mic and a purple panda and it's quite obvious the sound is coming from the camera mic and not the external mic (you can't hear my voice, but definitely the bike and wind noise).

If they can resolve this, then this is definitely the cheapest way to go, but I'll keep everyone posted and also look up this other DJI camera. And if not, I'll return it and get something else.

On a side note, I created a build video I posted on my YouTube about the KPM-200. Can I put that video on Chinariders as well? My YouTube is gregdhayes, or search for KPM200. My first (and not by any stretch great) attempt at a YouTube video.

[Wild Dog]

Originally Posted by oincman

Howdy All,

Who uses what camera and mic for recording in their helmets?

I got an Akaso (2nd one now) and it will not record through the external mic.

I know about GoPro's but was trying to cheap out. Guess that might not be the best route to go?

Any suggestions?

Don't cheap out on the camera, get a gopro or a dji, they will last for a long time.

Cheaps cameras usually have issues everywhere, from bad waterproof to problems with the I/O

Right now, i think the best bang for the buck are the Dji cameras.
https://www.dji.com/osmo-action

Plus you can use go pro mounts which means cheap parts

Also imho, the best mounting point is chin area.
IMG_3290.JPG

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Wild Dog

Don't cheap out on the camera, get a gopro or a dji, they will last for a long time.

Cheaps cameras usually have issues everywhere, from bad waterproof to problems with the I/O

Right now, i think the best bang for the buck are the Dji cameras.
https://www.dji.com/osmo-action

Plus you can use go pro mounts which means cheap parts

Also imho, the best mounting point is chin area.
Attachment 21685

I am picking up the Osmo tomorrow and already sold my go pro. Main reason, 60fps 4k and a mic adapter that isn't a huge turd that is awkward to use. It also seals off the usb port window which is a plus. Best part? It's 20 bucks.

I am going to use the money from my gopro to buy some batteries and a couple other accessories for it.

[Wild Dog]

Originally Posted by Megadan

I am picking up the Osmo tomorrow and already sold my go pro. Main reason, 60fps 4k and a mic adapter that isn't a huge turd that is awkward to use. It also seals off the usb port window which is a plus. Best part? It's 20 bucks.

I am going to use the money from my gopro to buy some batteries and a couple other accessories for it.

Dij willl give gopro a run for their money. If i had to change my gopro i would get a Dji. I can use all my gopro accessories and like you said a better mic adapter.

[oincman]

Thanks for the help. I'm looking at the on Amazon today.

Megadan, lemme know how you like it compared to the GoPro.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by oincman

Thanks for the help. I'm looking at the on Amazon today.

Megadan, lemme know how you like it compared to the GoPro.

I definitely will. The mic adapter is on back order until the 8th, so I can't do much with the audio, but once I get it charged I will record myself riding around and test different settings.

As far as video quality goes, the GoPro will likely be better by a little bit, especially with their image stabilization, but everything I have seen of the Osmo tells me it won't matter too much for helmet cam duty.

I will post up the video testing if you would like me to. I just picked it up today and am charging the battery. I have to work tonight, but I might record my ride to work tomorrow just to test it.

[JerryHawk250]

The Crosstours CT8500 has been a good camera for me. It's about the only other camera i have found besides the GOPro that has an external mic.
https://www.amazon.com/Crosstour-CT8.../dp/B08239RL91

Another camera i've been wanting to get but has always been out of stock is the GitUp G3 Duo which has the GPS capability. Usually goes for about $100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQQLMWG...v_ov_lig_dp_it

[Wild Dog]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Another camera i've been wanting to get but has always been out of stock is the GitUp G3 Duo which has the GPS capability. Usually goes for about $100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQQLMWG...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Seems to be a good camera for motorcycles rides.

615WhQTLVQL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Wild Dog

Seems to be a good camera for motorcycles rides.

Attachment 21693

Yes, you can also add a secondary camera. I've found the complete kit with two cameras and GPS for under $170. On the slow boat from China. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3291...c003iBwRo&mp=1

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Yes, you can also add a secondary camera. I've found the complete kit with two cameras and GPS for under $170. On the slow boat from China. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3291...c003iBwRo&mp=1

That G3 definitely seems like a decent camera. good value for your money at the very least. I would still question it's durability long term, but it might be like a Hawk, cheap, but reliable.

[oincman]

I did read that about the Dij mic adapater. I watched a couple of your video's already and thought the video was good. I'm sure the Dij will be just as good. This Akaso takes good video, just bummed about the sound.

But I'm gonna check out these other cameras as well.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by oincman

I did read that about the Dij mic adapater. I watched a couple of your video's already and thought the video was good. I'm sure the Dij will be just as good. This Akaso takes good video, just bummed about the sound.

But I'm gonna check out these other cameras as well.

I have been playing around with my Osmo a little bit. One thing I do have to say about it is the internal mic is loads better than my GoPro. I could record a video without an external mic and you would actually hear my quite clearly.

Me not being a camera person, so far I am quite pleased with it. I have to wait for some accessories to arrive before I can mount it to my helmet, but so far I am impressed. I am sure people that are far more involved in video capture, editing, and know their settings better might find fault, but the simpleton that I am is quite happy with my purchase.

[roundhouse]

I have found the cheap cameras work well while they work. They normally last me until the heat of summer then go haywire. I bought a gopro hero 3 for $30 from a buddy. Antiquated but still does what I need.