How to Make a Helmetcam for $15

[Sombeech]

This is assuming you have a camcorder, or you'd like to use your still camera in movie mode.

...and a helmet.

The mount itself? I bought a mini tripod for $15, and just used the adjustable head. You'll have to examine the tripod before you buy, to see if the head will work out for you. You will prefer an ADJUSTABLE head.

I prefer to keep some of the helmet in the frame, to add some stability to the movie.

Drill a hole in your helmet, it's better to go near the back so you can catch a slightly wider angle. Also pick a spot with plenty of padding inside, so the bolt isn't rubbing your skull.

If you have some locking, or even rubber washers, use them. No matter how tight you get the bolt, the metal will want to spin on the plastic helmet still.

Like most cameras, yours will have the 1/4" threaded tripod mount somewhere on the bottom.

Just in case your bolt snaps, secure the wrist strap to your chin strap. Preferably use a mini snap clamp, but I had this repair link laying around.

That's it. Now ride a trail, upload the footage to YouTube, and link it here. :2thumbs:

http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/402801410_b51b9ae345.jpg (http://digg.com/gadgets/How_to_Make_a_Helmetcam_for_15)

[denaliguide]

neccesity is the mother of invention.

very resourceful. and clever.

although i am curious what all the velcro is for?

[parrothead_madness]

Damned Rickroll! Aaaaaaughh!

[DiscGo]

That is awesome!!!!


How well does it work?

[Sombeech]

although i am curious what all the velcro is for?

This is indeed a multifunction helmet.

The velcro strip right down the middle was to put my old helmetcam on, and even the full camcorder.

http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/maple_trail_010__small_.jpg

http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/sundance_2007__14___medium_.jpg


The strips all around, were to hold the Afro. :afro:

http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/jem_trail_feb_2007__13___small_.jpg

[Deathcricket]

Damned Rickroll! Aaaaaaughh!

That was a pleasant Rick roll though with some nice scenery :P

Nice vid man, loving it! Crazy that we have 90 degree weather already down here in STG and you guys still chilling with snow.

[KanyonKris]

So hows the new video system working out? Any pros and cons you want to mention?

What camera did you select for video (looks like a Pentax Optio, what model)? What features were important? Is 30 frames/second needed?

I've got an older Pentax water-resistance camera I'm considering mounting on my helmet and taking video, but it only does 320x240 / 160x120 @ 15 fps.

[Ih8grvty]

Very nice Astin Beech.
that damned noise though... drives me nuts!
its the camera rubbing against the helmet, I think, or maybe its just the wind catching the mic?
mayhaps some padding with a bit of velcro to the helmet where the camera might touch?
Im now considering buying a camera just to do this with for caving and climbing. Wonder what ya can get out of those disposable digi video cams? Id hate to ruin good shit because I fell and smashed into a rock, or mash it against the roof of a cave, but a cheap disposable? I coudl sacrafice one of them, but Ill have to maybe epoxy that piece to a helmet, Im not drilling a hole in a 100 dollar helmet.
Nice work on the bikeoke though. maybe a mount on the handle bar, facing rear, next time so we can watch ya sing it with stuff flying past in the background?

[JP]

Last night and you still have that white stuff on the ground :lol8:

[Sombeech]

So hows the new video system working out? Any pros and cons you want to mention?

What camera did you select for video (looks like a Pentax Optio, what model)? What features were important? Is 30 frames/second needed?

I've got an older Pentax water-resistance camera I'm considering mounting on my helmet and taking video, but it only does 320x240 / 160x120 @ 15 fps.

Working great! I LOVE not messing with cables for the different filming positions. I've still got that clamp I use on various places on the bike, that I just screw the camera right on.

I'm using the Pentax W30 still camera for the video, 30 fps. I don't want to shoot video at any less, but you should try it just in case it works out for you.

Most of my videos are viewed on YouTube anyways, so the compression gets cut down a bit. There will still be a slight visible difference between 15 fps and 30 fps on YouTube. Plus, YouTube puts it at about 320 X 240 anyways.

I'd say go ahead and try your Pentax and see how it goes.

http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/2_380.jpg


Here are some sample videos I've filmed with the same setup:

Thunder Mountain
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Zi8818RcSk


Glenwild Loop
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eFDnULAtPDA


Ogden Shoreline
http://youtube.com/watch?v=twbm9s-dvQc

[Sombeech]

that damned noise though... drives me nuts!

Yeah, that was just a test a couple of months ago. I just put music to it now.

It's the creaking in the helmet, and it carries up into the camera mount.

Regular video is just fine on the audio.

[James_B_Wads2000]

What a lovely singing voice you have!


James

[Sombeech]

bump.

I get a lot of requests for what my setup is, so I thought I'd bump this up, make it easier to find.

[moab mark]

This is not a $15 fix but I have to say I am luvin the Vholdr helmet cam. Attaching it to your goggle straps is a breeze and it is very stable on a helmet.

Mark