Helmet mounted Video Cameras

Paul Bryant

Living Legend
Joined
Jun 17, 2008
Messages
3,217
Location
Hamilton. New Zealand
Ride
2006 Rocket
I'm looking at getting myself a video camera that I would like to mount on my helmet.
Do any of you Guys have a unit that you would recommend ?
What's available out there, quality etc.
Also how do you get around the wind noise ? can you get a unit with a remote mic so I could have it in my pocket etc so as not to get the wind noise.
 
I like this but it is SPENDY - dont know mic....
MOHOC - Military and Tactical Camera
 
Hey bud. I use the GoPro. Pretty standard for multi-sport use. Mine is the 3 Silver edition...don't understand the need for the Black edition, as it only adds a remote, which you can just skip by using the app on your phone and adds $100. Mine tops out at 1080p, as it's about 5 years old now, but it's been a f'n gem. I use it for all my sports... The newest editions are full 4k, even in their base models I believe. I THINK the GoPro is capable of a remote mic, like inside your helmet, etc., but you can also use the open or close rear cover to add or limit wind intrusion. Couple examples, so you get a vibe of how each works. First, was an open rear case (two slits in it, not waterproof obv...) on the top of the amazing Beartooth Highway. 11000ft elevation where video starts, and something ridiculous like 119 curves, 19 switchback in 59 miles. Just northeast of Yellowstone Nat'l Park. Do miss the unique gear-driven-cam whine of the 5th Gen Honda VFR800! Note: The footage you're seeing on YouTube has been compressed a little, so raw is noticeably better.

Next up, closed back while snowboarding. Learned my lesson the trip before, and used the little white rubber vibration dampener that was included with the kit. REALLY silenced any squeaking.

And lastly, a side mount on my downhill mountain biking helmet. One huge upside of the GoPro is the quick change mounting system. I have little adhesive mounts, top and side, on all of my different helmets. Easy peasy.
 
I have a go pro hero 5 and like it a lot. I've never had anything else so can't compare. External mics are available, although I'm not a vlogger so don't bother. And even on my handle bars i don't find i need one, although I don't talk to myself much. The only thing I wish I could do is have it in waterproof case with power attached. With the older go pro 3 or 4 you can get a battery eliminator to mount in the waterproof case with hard wired power. You can then set up auto recording with ignition on your bike - nifty. It depends what you want to do. There's also apps on your phone you can use. I'm sure someone that's more into it than me will be along with some grown up advice.
 
A friend of mine at the gun club who also rides posted these videos for us at the club. He's pretty good at improvising things.If you buy the GoPro it doesn't come with the Sand Disk 35 or 65...There's a ton of videos on YouTube but i thought the way he hooked up the microphone to cut out the noise was pretty cool..

 
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I have two main requirements.
NO wind noise, you can't hear the Engine/Exhaust note with all the wind noise.
This is why I was thinking of a remote mic.

Two, being able to mount it on my helmet.
I'm keen on getting as close to real life riding as possible so think that if the camera is close to my eyes, you will see what I'm seeing when riding.
Initially I thought a box type unit like the GoPro may be too much drag on the side of my helmet, maybe, maybe not.
But surely there are small, bullet type camera's out there that would offer minimal drag.
 
Not sure about the rest of the world but here in 1960's western australia your not allowed to have things protruding from your helmet. I believe there is an acceptable height (not go pros though, they are too big) but have yet to seek legislative clarification on the topic.

I have used a go pro 5 in the past and it worked well for me...i was always wary about using the sticky mount but so far they've stayed stuck