Helmet Cam - The Best Way?
 

A client just forwarded me some scripts.
They want to simulate first person perspective (POV) of an Easter bunny cooking around the house (I know - strange). This would be a perfect use for a helmet cam but I am coming up with nothing on google.

I'd love to attach my HV-30 to the top of a bike helmet or something like that but would rather just purchase something pre-made and bill it to the client- budget is 500.

Anyone know of any products or mounts to achieve this?

Thanks!
-C

In my research just came across this: First GoPro HD Hero Helmet Camera Review With Videos - PointofViewCameras.com - Helmet Cams, POV Cam Store

Interesting stuff.

And of course the attached photo with a SI2K mounted.

Interestingly, I called two rental houses here in L.A.
Both thought I was crazy for asking for a helmet cam rental - go figure.

-C

Christopher here are some of very effective pov cameras.

Helmet Cams,Vholdr Wearable Cameras,Vio POV 1.5 Cams, Gopro Helmet Hero Cameras, Liquid Image POV cams - PointofViewCameras.com

Christopher, for what you are looking to do, your HV30 on a mount (most likely with a wide adapter) is probably your best bet. Check out skydiving gear companies, they have helmet mounts you can purchase. For example, Parachutes? Skydiving equipment? Shop ParaGear.com! lists some reasonably priced helmet mounts.

Do not, repeat DO NOT buy an SD helmet camera. The resolution is GARBAGE

Go to HD Helmet Camera and 1080p HD Helmet Cam - ContourHD by VholdR and opt for their ContourHD helmet camera in 1920 x 1080p or 1280 x72. I have several of these things and they ROCK.

If you need waterproof, consider the GoPro version but they are more difficult to operate.

I've tested the ContourHD to over 150 mph. They work flawlessly.

The are less than $350 all inclusive

Craig,
Please describe the grain of the VholdR in lower light. Is the picture noisy or very clean?

Actually, I went with the GoPro HD. Saw some footage and was amazed.
They are completely back ordered, even from the manufacturer, so won't get the unit until the end of November. The manufacturer told me they are releasing a firmware update to allow for Analog Component HD output for live view- which will allow me to bypass the SD.

Cool stuff.
Keep in mind, all these cam systems are fixed focus and almost fish-eye.

I also contacted doggiecam systems. It turns out they built that rig posted above for the SI-2K. Small world.
-C

My experience is that all of these "micro" HD cams suffer in extreme low light.

Watch this clip to see the camera in action in a range of lighting conditions.

Please note that these clips were filmed with their 1280 x720 cameras...their new versions are 1920 x 1080p.

Good stuff Craig. Didn't note any auto settings (aperture or auto-gain) from the footage.
I've seen that grading before - is MB Looks or Color?
The angle of view from these cams are crazy.
Noticed that windshield mount- does that have the standard 1/4" or is proprietary to VholdR?
Would it work with a HV-30?
-C

Some of the footage is MBLoooks...this was an early rendition.

No, the cameras seem to have fixed focus and settings...I'll investigate further.

The bracket and mount for the ContourHD is a weird deal.

The suction cup mount is normal and uses a locked/fixed 1/4" mount to a PROPRIETARY slide-style bracket that holds the actual camera.

Another words, the mount will ONLY work the Contour.

If you need other types of mounts, look at Panavise and at Filmtools: Hollywood's source for grip, electrical, lighting, sound, video and film supplies I have several types that I use for my HV20 and HV30 and they all came from Filmtools or Panavise.

I even developed a camera mount for car tow hooks and an adapter to RC cars...you should see some of that footage!

By the way, Chris...the HV30/HV20 is TERRIBLE for on car/in car use...in case you wondered. Too much jello from the CMOS sensor and the vibration just makes the footage shaky, no matter what we try, even with multiple mount points. We've found other solutions for in car, if you ever need that info, email me at craiglieberman@cox.net

Guys u won't believe but there's another thread i opened on the forum abou my difficult choice on these 2 cams!I need the camera to mount on a fighter jet cockpit.What do u suggest between the contour and the go pro?Here's a link to something i really like to achieve from the cockpit
YouTube - Speed and Angels (Pt.4)
other question:once i mount the camera, how do i know what am i framing?

thx a lot

Other question:
I live in EU, i'm planning to go in Us next mont;if i buy the cam over there will i have problem with the recording format?It records in NTSC over there right?We use PAL....Or is there a multiformat option?

thx

Short answer, you don't. Since they're both slightly fisheyed, you only have to be "close", or, you can frame it, film 10 seconds, view it on a laptop and make adjustments prior to takeoff.

Again, this is why I chose the go pro hd - they will release a firmware upgrade that will allow live monitoring. So far, this is the only one on the market to offer such a feature and was my deciding factor for the camera.

-C

You could borrow a wide angle lens (or not) and do it handheld on the hv30. These POV cams are great, but unless the script calls for a different 'look,' you may interrupt the flow of the story with such a dramatic change in visual styling. In other words, I don't think the POV cams will match the hv30.

Jad's right.

The HV30 would require you to use the VividRGB (Cine) setting (IIRC) to even come close.

The ContourHD's provide pretty vivid colors. Good in many cases, requires tweaks to match to any other HDV camera.


Nevertheless, their stability at speed, durability and ease of mounting on vehicles make them a must have for me.

For your project, there are many options, me thinks.

I use a Mino HD120 (720p) for car shots and Kodak Zi8 for bike shots. Not sure why these have not been mentioned here.

Hi Craig,

Marcus you can achieve those shots with either camera. I have had great results with CountourHD and GoPro mounted to the inside windshield of a helicopter with the suction cups. Also some of those clips the camera is mounted on the shoulder of the pilot easy with the right mount.

I prefer the GoPro since it is 1080p the CountorHD I have is 720p. But CountorHD now has a 1080p option. Remember these are very low bit rate cameras 12-15Mbps on the 1080p cameras so use sparingly if the production is for more then just the web.

Sup Paul?
Check what i found it on the site of this awesome photographer.Look what kind of system do use European Aerobatic team to shoot from the cockpit
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ci2009_258.jpg

Whaere can i find your interesting on board shots?I m very curious

Paul is what u use on your video"Bird's Eye View Helicopter Promo"..

awesome footage on your site

Hi Marcus,

Thanks glad you like the short promo for my pilot's company and some of my footage.

I have not posted any of the interior clips from the helmet cam shoot yet. It is on my list of items to edit.

I do have one still that I grabbed from the helmet cam footage here it is. We have been flying and shooting together for 6 years and have a blast as a team. This is one of the rare shoots where we do not have a producer in the front seat.

Just saw this pic on your blog.....

Now finally i have the right person to speak with talkin about shooting from helicopters!

Just went on board a couple of times here in EU but i was only with a z1 handheld no gyros oe wescam! Do you have any suggestions to shoot from a small helicopter?

thx mate

What do u think about the picture linked above?

The picture linked above is nice if you have room for a bigger camera and it is inside. You can not have any camera outside unless it is approved in the US by FAA.

Hand held is a tough deal. Go into my blog and you will see a post that shows three options of shooting. Hand held, Gyro hand held (two Kenyon KS-8's, and our old gyro rig mounted the machine with four KS-8's. This post was done a few years ago so it is old info but still a go idea on how the footage will look. Gyro Stabilized shooting – WhiteCap Video Blog

Our new rig is two KS-12's which is four times more stable then four KS-12's. The reason we keep upgrading is more focal length while still staying rock solid. We compete with the Helicopter with mounts outside at less then 1/2 the price.

If you must hand hold I would suggest you rent two KS-8's and have one inline with the lens under the lens and the other off the back of your shoulder brace with the gyro 90 degrees to the one under the lens. Attached are two pictures of how I did this years ago. But the clients I have now this footage will not be accepted.

Now the next items in my opinion is a must: I record to the Convergent Designs Nano. this lets me use high bit rates up to 280 Mbps I-Frame or 180 Mbps Long GOP. This makes a world of difference for the fast moving footage. Currently I do this on the EX1 but in one month I will be doing this on the new Sony PMW-350 a 2/3" camera. This will open of tons of lens options. We already have 4 days of flight testing lined up in Jan when I receive the camera to test lens options for different focal lengths.

Shooting from helicopter is fun exciting work but you have to be perfectly prepared. I mean perfect. Too much at stake. The pilot should IMHO have at least 3000 hr of flight time in the machine you will be flying. And the list goes on and on. I do not discourage you I encourage you. When we fly and we nail the shot there is no better feeling. Then when I do a shoot on the ground wow it seems easy.

Sorry here are the two stills I said i would upload.

We should start a new Thread on Helicopter shooting.

Awesome gyros...How much do it cost to rent them in US?