Before I start, I can't afford a go pro camera.
I do about 100 miles a day and a couple of European trips a year and always like to use a camera recording on the bike just for piece of mind really that I'll catch that knob that has me off.
I'll put some pics on below of what I have and what I'm planning.
I've been using the rechargeable bullet camera for a few which has given great service, but the rechargeable cells are no longer holding a charge.
The downfall with it when it was working great is that it only has a couple of hours charge and two and a half hours recording on a 8gig max card. So I would have to put it on charge all the time and keep taking the SD card out to pop in my phone or computer to wipe.
So i want a couple of things to make me happy.
A bike powered camera and one that will just keep recording over and over going over previously recorded film in a loop.
So I'm going to try this.
Its a cctv DVR that holds a 32 gig SD card and runs off of 12v and store's film in a loop so doesn't run out of space.
It will take any CCTV camera at the same frame rate as my old one.
Its two inches square by about three quarters so will drop into the tank glove box.
Just waiting for the camera to come to test it out.
You can also fit an external mike for sound however I normally end up editing the sound out due to the horrible wind noise but with an external mike that can be buried under the tank so you just hear the engine roar.
Anyway, If you are into bike cameras I would appreciate your views on my proposed project.
Hopefully be able to attach pictures as doing this on my phone.
If you check out the following thread you'll see what I bought, fits your needs exactly, as it's the same requirements I had when looking for one, great thing is you can hardwire it into the accessory wire and it will automatically start and stop every time the ignition is switched on and off... check it out, there are plenty of other cams available, but this one suited my needs perfectly.....
http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,2460.0.html
(http://img.rnudah.com/images/37/3747010576.jpg)
(http://img.rnudah.com/images/37/3747606569.jpg)
(http://img.rnudah.com/images/37/3756830025.jpg)
- being as i am also a cheapskate , had considered various car recorder units like those above. They're very very cheap , can take a memory card up to 32 GB and is powered from a cig.socket.
- only concern was the non-waterproof function and maybe they don't take vibration(s) very well.
- its probably a better "economy" setup than your convoluted thing that you're trying to do there with separate recorder + cam situation , where there are multiple possible failure modes. Something that you'd be very pissed at when you find you've not recorded anything after a 3 hours brilliant bit of road ...
- that said , my GoPro Hero3 is fantastic and would recommend it to anyone. It makes its money back easily with the quality of the recordings that it gives you , its durability and ease of use (ie , mount and forget). The budget White Edition is cheap and does most of what you would want from a cam mounted on a moving vehicle.
- that and with a GoPro , you can go crazy with mounting points (my next experiment is to strap it onto my boot). Mounted on the swingarm with a shaftdriven bike is no fun because of the whine from the shaft drive's gears esp from on-off-on-off throttle application.
- cheers
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Mr Snake I personally wouldn't bother with a camera such as you have bought as I fear the quality will be a disappointment....but I could be wrong. Even expensive cameras can produce poor quality results if the lens quality is poor.
I bought a camera system before the GoPro which set me back £250 and it was trash, it was promptly returned. A HD mini camcorder something from Comet would be a good idea, they are reasonably cheap now and offer full HD. Stick one on a Ram mount to the clutch reservoir bolts and Bobs your Uncle.
:agree: there are so many options available ...but the only way to establish if any of them are as good as they claim, is to try them, so give it a go Trousersnake, and don't forget to let us know what you think
I've used a Go Pro for about 3-4 years now and its very very good, but they are pricey.
Don't dismiss the really cheap end of the market as these little fellas do perform quite well, and its possible to attach them almost anywhere on your bike :yes:...okay I know they aren't super quality with edit facilities etc., but they do work, and possibly better than you might think
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=key+fob+camera&_sacat=0&_from=R40
I'll give my 2p worth.
hmmm, I understand the "want" for an accident camera, and actually, the cheaper end of the market will do fine for this, likely hood is, as along as it shows actions, what do you need it really detailed for? your only recording the last minute or so before the accident. it then becomes vitually useless as its potentially going to be pointing at the scenery from a very low vantage point! ;-)
If however your wanting to use it to record your trips across europe for posterity, then that a different matter. and some thing like the Go Pro or Drift 720HD is a must. The quality these cameras give is astounding and can be multi purpose for the cost. something like this is full 1080p and I would have thought more than adequate for you. the onboard footage on this link is the older 1080p drift camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF62Gbmu0LU.
So I think, you need to work out what its really for first. Suggestion though - for a 15min trip - suction mounts are excellent, for anything longer - I wouldn't use one! Drift has bounced down the motorway twice - but it still works. :-)
hope that helps.
Neil
Im going to get this one when I can afford it... It was rated very highly on the gadget show..
http://dx.com/p/hd-1080p-mini-sports-dv-5-0mp-cmos-water-resistant-camera-camcorder-with-tf-2-leds-1-red-laser-119097
BTW.. Re the GoPro.. What does it record in? Most Ive seen record in AVI and requires converting to MP4
Mine records in AVI Debs, I don't know about the latest GoPro Hero models
Quote from: Debs on February 10, 2013, 11:27:11 AM
BTW.. Re the GoPro.. What does it record in? Most Ive seen record in AVI and requires converting to MP4
- my Hero3 records in MP4
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Quote from: pistole on February 10, 2013, 11:58:40 AM
- my Hero3 records in MP4
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Thats interesting to know. thx pistole
My car cameras also record in AVI and its a right pain in the ass to convert it..
If you have an android phone then they take the memory cards from the cameras and you can download apps that play the AVI files or you can download apps to convert them to other type of files. And there are also apps where you can edit and shorten and add music.
Quote from: trousersnake01 on February 10, 2013, 03:27:38 PM
If you have an android phone then they take the memory cards from the cameras and you can download apps that play the AVI files or you can download apps to convert them to other type of files. And there are also apps where you can edit and shorten and add music.
I have those apps but its still a pain.. Plus I use a Mac.. I also have windows installed on it.. Cannot play AVI files from my cameras on Mac, so have to do it all on windows.. Grrrr
Also have a windows phone so no removable memory card, but dont have that problem as it works great on Mac with a lead... Bloody technology... Grrrrrrrr :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Deb's, what about getting yourself a cheap android tablet, about 70 quid, or get yourself the best phone ever, the Galaxy S3, or wait a month for the S4 to come out.
This is a video recorded on my cheap camera that I have just retired due to its battery.
This was taken when I was in Spain last year. I love being able to look back at my trips, we normally do one a year to World War One and Two stuff around Europe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEDEh3PM51Y
This is a picture taken from my current CCTV so I'm hopping it will be good enough on the bike. But we're see.
- sorry to say , but that resolution from a static camera is very poor. If the same camera were mounted on a moving platform , the resolution would be even worse.
- just for your comparison , below is a moving photo grab on the GpHero3 using the 0.5 seconds time-lapse setting :
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/pistole/GoPro%20Jan%202013/G0010627_zpsacbca951.jpg)
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(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/pistole/GoPro%20Jan%202013/G0010482_zps7f992f1e.jpg)
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- not trying to deter you ... and good luck with your testing.
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Nice clear pictures there pistole, so clear it looks like the local kids have gone a bit wild with some sticker sheets.. :popcorn:..
Fabulous quality pictures
- ah , here !
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/251204154875?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
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Full HD 1080P 1.5" TFT LCD Outdoor Sport Bicycle Action Camera Camcorder DVR DV New
Description:
Sports HD DV supports full HD video recording and motion detection. Also it supports cycle recording. 1.5" TFT screen and 120 degree A+ grade high resolution ultra wide angle lens will give you different feeling. Various kinds of language can be selected. You can use it on your car, bicycle, and motorcycle. Keep the perfect memory.
Features:
Full HD 1080P
1.5" TFT screen
120° wide angle lens
Video recording
Motion detection
Cycle recording
Built-in1400mAh rechargeable lion-battery
Support 32 GB TF card (not included)
Specifications:
Name: sports camera
Features: HD lens, HD video recording
Display: 1.5 LTPS
Lens: 120 degree A+ grade high resolution ultra wide angle lens
Language: Russian /Japanese /French /Italian /German /Portuguese /Spanish /English /Chinese /Korean
File format: AVI
Resolution: Max 1080P/1080P/720P/WVGA848*480/VGA640*480
Video compressing format: M-JPEG, Audio: AAC
Color: standard
Cycle recording: seamless loop recording
Motion detection: support
Y/M/D/H/M: support
Carrier Media: built-in memory (total 64 MB)
Photo mode: 5 Mega
Photo format: JPEG
Memory card: TF (max 32 GB) (not included)
Microphone: support
Video format: NTSC/PAL
Frequency: 50HZ/60HZ
USB: 1 USB-Disk 2 PC-Camera
Power interface: 5V 800ma
Battery: built-in 1400mAh
Package Includes:
1X Full HD DVR
1X Travel charger
1X USB cable
1X Bracket and other accessorie
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(http://thmb.inkfrog.com/rsz.php?username=amazinglerway&image=E007000581000-b.jpg)
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(http://thmb.inkfrog.com/rsz.php?username=amazinglerway&image=E007000581000-a.jpg)
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Quote from: Debs on February 10, 2013, 11:27:11 AM
Im going to get this one when I can afford it... It was rated very highly on the gadget show..
http://dx.com/p/hd-1080p-mini-sports-dv-5-0mp-cmos-water-resistant-camera-camcorder-with-tf-2-leds-1-red-laser-119097
BTW.. Re the GoPro.. What does it record in? Most Ive seen record in AVI and requires converting to MP4
Debs, you have too much money
Quote from: trousersnake01 on February 11, 2013, 06:28:29 PM
Debs, you have too much money
I dont.. Its not an expensive camera.. :no:
Hi all,
QuoteStick one on a Ram mount to the clutch reservoir bolts and Bobs your Uncle.
I stuck the GoPro on the clutch reservoir, and was disappointed with the amount of vibration translated through to the camera. You can see what I mean from the beginning of my montage as the revs increase here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ-s3LP170o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ-s3LP170o)
a much better place I found was here:
(http://i512.photobucket.com/albums/t328/rosbif_2000/Rosbif%20S2/20120817_113709.jpg)
By the way, you can also see the mount on the clutch reservoir from there too...
Regarding GoPro and video formats, editing etc... If you go to the gopro website, they provide a tool to trim and convert your footage.
It's called GoPro CineForm Studio and it's available for PC or Mac (just for Debs... :wink: )
Check it out here: http://gopro.com/support/cineform-studio-software-support (http://gopro.com/support/cineform-studio-software-support)
Just one other thing, even though the mounts for the GoPro are very sticky, I still tether it with a cable tie... just in case !
This doesn't really help the ol' TrouserSnake though - who isn't looking at a GoPro. I think his original idea is excellent - and the tiny recording device is a brilliant idea... but as others have said, I would personally want to have something with usable quality. If you're going to have a camera mounted to film any event that might or might not take place... Wouldn't it be a bonus if you could use the footage to show us where you went as well? :clap:
Just my 2 cents :)
Cheers
Ros
Hi
It is all well and good to have a camera that may show the idiot etc etc and also to record tours and trips out etc.
However you have to bear in mind any video footage can also be used against you if the authorities consider that you are not riding in an appropriate manner for the conditions.
I do have a Poseidon Waterproof 720HD video camera that I use occasionally, bought via Amazon for less than £100 incl delivery. The image quality is pretty good and even comes with a remote control for starting/stopping recording. The re-chargable battery will last 3-4 hours and will take any size SD card. I have mine fitted to the right hand adventure bar.
Steve
I havent read all the replies so i may be talking old stuff now but ive had a camera on the bike for the last 3 years and have enjoyed it much to the annoyance of my friends. However you need to accept the limitations. I went at the time for the 4KAM bullet cameras which as a kit was about £300. Whilst its fun, that is all it is. If I was involved in a fail to stop accident it would only indicate what happenned. it is poor for number plates and identifications unless really close up. If all parties are present then great this would supplement any other evidence.
for my car ive recently bought a blackvue 400 v2 HD. This is a fantastic improvement and provides gps map overlay and speed. In summary go for HD as a minimum. This applies for home cctv aswell. For work my role includes investigating RTC and other crimes and the phrase "evidential value" always comes into play. if your a victim we need evidence or reasonable lines of enquiry to pursue not just a ghostly apparition damaging your car on your drive or a VRM for the idiot who just knocked you off your bike.
There are other cameras other than the ubiquitous GoPro which are more suited for motorcycles and don't have a wide distorted view :-(
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7183699874_c6dbfe1b68_b.jpg)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7183699250_444a068a80_o.jpg (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7183699250_444a068a80_o.jpg)
http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/170946801879?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0 (http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/170946801879?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0)
http://youtu.be/JMEFK8gVR7Y (http://youtu.be/JMEFK8gVR7Y)
http://replayxd.com/support/faq/ (http://replayxd.com/support/faq/)
I must admit I usually use 720 & 60fps as it doesn't strobe moving wheels so new cheaper camera would be an option http://replayxd.com/product/replay-xd720-video-camera-system/ (http://replayxd.com/product/replay-xd720-video-camera-system/)
well if my experimental camera ever turns up from Hong Kong I'll let you know how I get on.
My Go Pro Hero is a few years old now but still performs well, although obviously not as well as the latest generation Go Pro.
The only issue that I have with it, is that it's difficult to mount onto one of my classic bikes, well, that is unless I want to attach a U-Bolt Handlebar attachment, which isn't always possible/desirable, and having tried attaching it to a helmet I really don't like that idea.
So, I might have to consider a camera that is smaller/more compact that will attach to the side of my helmet, or onto my jacket.
At the moment I can't really a££ord anyway, I'm watching this thread with interest as the latest breed of action cameras are certainly capable of producing some amazing images
Roger have you any points on the bike where you could fit a RAM mount?
I'm guessing you're referring one of the classic bikes Steve ?
I could easily attach a u-bolt type mounting to the bars, but i'm reluctant to do so on the H2c as it would/could damage the chrome and I understand from others with Triples that the vibration tends to spoil and captured images.
Some have attached other types of lighter weight cameras to other parts of their Triples with some degree of success. as far as attaching a camera to the BSA, well TBH I haven't really looked at that possibility but I will do. I do have a few RAM mount fittings i kicking about in the Rev Shed...I'll dig them out and give it a go
Ive at last received my DVR and camera from Hong Kong, tested it in doors and it works great. Got to fit it on the bike now for a proper test. Will post when done.
Quote from: trousersnake01 on February 26, 2013, 01:47:52 AM
Ive at last received my DVR and camera from Hong Kong, tested it in doors and it works great. Got to fit it on the bike now for a proper test. Will post when done.
- yay ! Post up a pic of the equipment so that we have an idea about what sort of a setup you're going towards there.
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Quote from: pistole on February 26, 2013, 05:02:31 AM
- yay ! Post up a pic of the equipment so that we have an idea about what sort of a setup you're going towards there.
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:yes: pics please
He already has. First post of this thread includes photos. :hammer:
Its not Gopro HD, but it will do for my needs, this is just gaffa tapped to my tank bag to test. Im going to mount it now permanently.
It records as soon as I put the bike on and rewrites it self when full and is waterproof.
Im going to source a HD bullet camera now and see what that difference makes. Its not bad for £36. Powered from the bike so haven't got to worry about batteries and 32gig of hard-drive, well micro sd card.
Ive tried uploading the video what I took today, its shot through a dirty screen. It is grainy and not HD but well good enough for bike trips.
2.5 hours took up just over 2 gig.
It must still be too big for here so I'll put it on utube with a link.
Forgot to mention that it also has a socket for a microphone so going to put a micro one on £2.99 from fleabay and bury it under the fairing when I wire the cam in so there is only engine noise not the wind distortion
http://youtu.be/IPGqPUG7Wd0
That's not actually that bad especially when you consider what it cost you. :clap:
Quote from: Lonewolf on February 26, 2013, 11:23:27 AM
He already has. First post of this thread includes photos. :hammer:
Thanks for the clarification Steve, I was referring to the camera mounting not the resulting pictures which I agree are very good :yes:
Don't bang your head tooooooo much it'll send you crazy :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
For the money that looks like a really neat setup - the output is still usable and if your away on a 2 week touring trip would be really useful....
Well done TS.
Quote from: olde coney on February 28, 2013, 07:47:28 AM
Thanks for the clarification Steve, I was referring to the camera mounting not the resulting pictures which I agree are very good :yes:
Don't bang your head tooooooo much it'll send you crazy :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Steve, I now see what you meant, having just read this thread again from the start my post does seem a bit dopey....(nowt new there)
I must pay more attention :mfr_lol:
Roger, it's an age thing don't worry about it. :mfr_lol:
Most interesting! Looks like your bike is pulling a bit to the left though... :mfr_lol:
Seriously though, if you mount it 'permanently' will it not be particularly visible and susceptible to theft?
Ros
Ross, it was £13 quid and will be on a locked ram mount and wired in so they would have to be cut rendering it useless
A bargain ! :yes: