Sport Cams

Been researching for a sports cam on the Net and YouTube comparisons. You have to be careful what you see on YouTube and only consider posts from reputable mags etc, so not to be duped. After much consideration, I went ahead and ordered an iON Air Pro 3. Choice ended up between the Contour+2 and this unit. I just found the Contour+2 image more washed out and not as warm as I liked. And it was about $30 more. I also strongly considered the SJCAM 5000 Plus (there are 3 models in the 5000 series). Which also has an excellent picture and can be used as a car dash cam and is about $30 cheaper.. But in the end, I liked the profile of this one and think it is much better suited for motorcycles as far as appearance point of view. The idea of having a box format which other sport cams have sitting atop my helmet didn't appeal to me. Doesn't have the cool GPS tacking video/map overlay feature like the contour+2 (there is a iON model which does). But I really didn't see myself having an need for that feature or using that all that much. And this unit is water proof up to 49 ft without the aid of a waterproof case. I did wish it had the rotating lens like the contour however. But it is supposed to do it internally via software I think. The GoPro Hero 3 Black has the best picture and slow mo, but too expensive. I just found this unit to have the most bang for the buck. Won't be here until Monday. But will test it the following weekend.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1015369-REG/ion_air_pro_1022_ion_air_pro_3.html

However, I paid $199.99 from them. Just have to keep searching and they do offer that price.

 

that's cool, I want to get a camera for riding to record all the morons out there and to protect myself in the unlikely event of an unlikely event. the gopro cameras are out of my price range, but I sure would like one.

FU

 

I was expecting questions about lift and duration.

 

K-moe, lol. I know exactly what you mean. About 15 minutes after posting I noticed that and tried to change the heading. But did not see a way to do so in edit mode. I should have used "Action Cam" instead.

 

lol! that was my first thought too.

FU

 

I got the hero 3+ silver for Christmas. Has pretty amazing picture quality for what I expect. I've only used it snowboarding so far, but I picked up a mount kit off amazon so once summer comes I'll have all kinds of videos.

 

I like the streamlined shape of yours though

 

I will have to see how it turns out. I know some people out there have complained about the auto orientation not working. I think I have learned enough to be able to fix it. Must be some kind of weight in there which tells the camera at what orientation its at. Some guy said his didn't work and he shook the camera vigorously and it worked there after.

A little story about my purchase. I initially found one on Craigslist for $150.00 unopened about an hour from me. I go to the office that way once a week and figured I would buy it. Contacted the seller and offered him his price which he accepted. He was out of town and would not be in for a couple of days which I was fine with. When he returned, he send me a email stating that so so told him they are selling for $349.99 brand new and that he was increasing the price to $200.00 instead. Personally, even it may be his right to sell it for whatever he wants, once I make a promise with people I keep my word. I was a bit peeved about it so I respond by informing him that I could purchase it brand new for $199.99 and many vendors. This would give me the added benefit of having an enforceable warranty due to getting a receipt under my name. I also said if he honors the original agreed price I was still interested, otherwise I will pass. About an hour after I sent the email, I just decided this not the sort of person I want to do any transactions with and decided to purchase the camera from B&H. This was a few days ago and his posting is still up on CL for the $200.00.

 

So I finally got a chance to try out my Air Pro 3 which I received last monday. I can only do a grab bar and handlebar test since I am waiting on an "L" ball joint attachment for the helmet mount.
I found laying around a cheap microphone. I wanted to use this external mic option and try mounting it at different points. Here is the first go at it. So far so good. Will post one with it mounted on the SECA soon. Bike needs a battery right now. From my first test, I am finding out how important it is to have an external mic that can be sheltered from the wind. I found the best placement for the mic is inside one of my jacket pockets.

 

Beekman, post a link to your videos brother! Would love to check them out.

 

edit; never mind.

FU

 

...... I just decided this not the sort of person I want to do any transactions with and decided to purchase the camera from B&H. This was a few days ago and his posting is still up on CL for the $200.00.----

So show us a link to his ad so we can NOT buy it from him either.....

 

HTC's been sending me e-mails about this for months
http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/24/htc-re-camera-review/

 

hogfiddles, ad is not up anymore, so no worries for anyone. So maybe he sold it. I am very pleased that I was able to get it from an online retailer for the same price instead. I bought my SLR from B&H a few years ago and feel they are a good company. As a mater of fact, I could have gotten it cheaper from an individual (new) on ebay. But decided to purchase it from the retailer instead for a little higher price but piece of mind.

 

HTC wasn't one of the camera's I considered at the time. Didn't know they offered one. But, from checking couple of reviews, it looks like it is better suited as a hand held unit. No external microphone capability and mounting systems are limited. It is waterproof but only to 3 ft where as the iON is 49 ft. Limited for someone that wants to do snorkeling or scuba. The HTC does have better resolution though. One camera that probably would have been a great option for me is the SJCAM 5000 Plus. It looks like a GoPro clone. Good video image with great reviews. As the added advantage of having a car mode setting where it can be used as a dash cam. Also cheaper than the iON but no external mic jack.

 

Here's a short clip of my girlfriend and I doing some night sliding at blue mountain about a month ago I think. Cameras set to 960p, 60fps. Put it on 960 so I could get the super wide FOV but forgot to switch it. Anywho enjoy, its nothing special. I'll look to see if I have a 1080p yet