Which Helmet/Handlebar Camera ~£100 for Cycling - GoPro/Contour/Sony/etc ?

[flyinghaggis]

I'm looking to buy a camera to use when I'm out cycling. I'm probably going to opt for a GoPro Hero as it seems to be the one everybody recommends. Not sure whether I'll mount it on my bicycle helmet or directly onto the front handlebars of the bike yet? The only thing giving me pause for thought on the GoPro is that, providing the weight isn't too noticeable, I think I'd ideally want to mount it on my helmet and the GoPro looks like a very awkward shape and form factor for that purpose. I'd like a camera that looks a bit more subtle so that people don't obviously know that you're filming! Something like the Contour ROAM2 looks stealthier and more suitable for helmet mounting but it's not been refreshed for a couple of years and I suspect the GoPro would be technically better.

 

Any recommendations, thoughts or suggestions before I follow the herd and "Go Pro"?

[flyinghaggis]

Hmmm, seems that the GoPro Hero I was looking at getting has ended up out of stock in the places I was going to order it from? Not sure if it's proving popular due to the weather improving now it's spring or a sign that it's about to be replaced soon?

 

[bald_pig]

I'd go for the Xiaomi Yi, less money for a quality camera

 

[flyinghaggis]

The Xiaomi Yi looks good. Does it use the same mounting as the GoPro or does it need it's own custom accessories?

[Griff]

So GoPro recently released the HERO as they call it entry level £100 quid one which I think is what you are looking at? You're right about the awkwardness of it personally I wear a chesty when I bike with mine gives a really nice view (vid below)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPdUns9XP6k

 

If you do handlebar mount it be very careful of the standard mount you can get from GoPro I have heard some horror stories of it GoPros tumbling off, you might want to consider a K-Edge handlebar mount very expensive but you won't get more secure than that.

 

When I first started filming I had a DogCam Bullet HD it was ok, waterproof but the image quality just couldn't even get close to the GoPro stuff although it did mount on my helmet nicely

[tech_guy]

As above. With the GoPro you can get a chest harness as an alternative.

[flyinghaggis]

Yeah, the £100 Hero is the one I was going to opt for. Not sure I like the idea of also wearing a harness when going out cycling as I think it would feel a bit cumbersome along with the backpack I normally wear.

 

It's a shame the GoPro shape is so awkward for helmet mounting as by all accounts it seems like the best for footage quality and has the widest selection of mounts available due to it being the most popular. I'll probably get the GoPro, try bar mounting it to begin with then take it from there.

[SteveBentley]

I got one of these, it's surprisingly decent for 30 quid Buy Vivitar DVR783HD 5MP Action Camera - White at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for Tough and action camcorders.

 

 

Only 720p, but it does come with a decent set of fixing accessories and a waterproof housing.

[timbo343]

For mounting cameras on things for cycling or just general stuff, have you looked at a priduct called SUGRU? Its like bluetak but on another level.

[flyinghaggis]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've decided to order a GoPro Hero with the K-Edge handlebar mount. Will post some footage once it arrives!

[flyinghaggis]

Finally got round to setting up my GoPro on my bike so thought I'd upload some footage.

 

 

I think the handlebar mount works pretty well and I like how it manages to catch both my hands so you can see when I'm braking and changing gear.

Edited June 12, 2015 by flyinghaggis