New Helmet Camera

Roaddawg

Well-Known Member
This Friday (28 Aug) myself and three others are heading west from MN to CA. We expect to take 3 days (maybe 4) on the way out and 4 on the way back. On the return route, we will travel from San Diego up to Laughlin, NV then to AZ. We will hit the southern rim of the Grand Canyon and proceed through Monumental Valley. Then on up into CO. and head east back to MN.

Because it sounds like such a great trip, I just purchased a hemet camera. It is a digital camcorder, fully enclosed. I researched them for awhile and decided I wanted a self contained unit, that being no wires, DVR, battery pack etc. Then I looked at reviews for different models (such as the Hero) and others and finally settled on the Tachyon XC. The reason I chose this particular brand and model was:

1. Price (only $149 which included all connecting cords (usb, TV etc., several different mounts - helmet, handlebars, tripod mount, top mount and remote).

2. Durability (waterproof to 28', shockproof, dustproof, etc.)

3. Video storage (only camera to accept up to a 32 GB SDHC card), records in HD and regular and uses AA batteries to boot!

So, last night I mounted it on my helmet with the side mount for a helmet (all their mounts have quick releases for the camera) and then this a.m. I shot my first video on the ride into work.

Here is a pic of the camera before mounting on the helmet



Now, on the helmet





and here is the video I put together. I took about a half hour of video and shortened it to 4 minutes. I used Windows movie maker and did some real simple editing and adding a sound track. First time doing something like this.

What do you think?



The only thing about this helmet camera that is below quality is the audio. Because it is completely waterproof, the microphone is sealed. Audio is very muffled. If you open the back of the camera, the audio is much better, but it also negates the waterproof aspect.
 

Ratman

Active Member
Very cool! I have been wanting to do something like that-but I don't even know how to upload photos of my bike.
 

MN K9

Well-Known Member
Cool. It looks like good picture qualilty. Great job on the editing. Yes, the sound is muffled, but then you don't get all the wind noise either.

Does the camera feel heavy hanging on the side of the helmet?
 

MN K9

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the link Hippy. I see they are sold out. I'm off to ebay to look for one there.
 

Roaddawg

Well-Known Member
The camera hardly weighs anything. When I first mounted it on the helmet I was cognizant that it was there, but after about 10 miles you don't even realize it is on there. It also does still photos (camera mode) but I haven't tried that yet.
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Pretty kool. I like the fact it uses AA batteries as I charge these off my bike. I'll have to look into this one. :2thumbs:
 

Roaddawg

Well-Known Member
Well I just figured with my luck I would definitely need something waterproof!! 'Course Ray would need that also!!
 

toomanybikes

not enough time 4 riding
According to the website the 2010 XC is now shipping

Tachyon XC - Helmet Camera Main Page

The price is $179.99 plus shipping which includes three different mounts and USB cables.

Ray, according to the FAQ, the company recommends against using rechargeable batteries.

The manual also says that sound recording can be improved by opening the back door of the camera.
 

Fibersnake

Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
Nice vid, good job for first time out. Seems like a good decent quality and excellent price.

Mounting on helment is always best for the head provides and natural gyro system. Do recommend though that you be aware about making fast movement from one view to another as when it is on the helment, those movement get applified more than most realize.

Nice song also, music always helps to set the mood and get rid of the white noise from wind and exhaust.

Thanks for the post and enjoy, and reminds me that I need to get out and do some riding and filming myself soon.

Be safe
 

MN K9

Well-Known Member
I bought the lastest and greatest version of the camera.

What they call the handle bar mount fits on my fork tube perfect. It gets vibrated way too much though, just like I thought it would. I really like the swivel mount part of the handle bar mount. I'll use that swivel mount for someplace else.

I took some videos with the camera mounted on the hood of my Bronco out rock crawling. Works great. I need to do that some more.

I guess I'll have to break down and wear a helmet (to mount the camera) to get some good vids with the Dog.
 

toomanybikes

not enough time 4 riding
I received mine Thursday and did some filming on Saturday. The tip about leaving the rear of the camera open to have the microphone pick up sound better is true, I shot a few seconds of my exhaust

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kjIAUG6aB8]YouTube - troublemakers[/ame]

Now I need to edit the video that I shot.
 
Top