| Major Benefits Of A Helmet Cam |
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| Electronics - Gadgets |
| Written by Mike Brooks |
| Friday, 05 June 2009 10:04 |
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Point of view cameras, formerly known as helmet cams has dramatically changed sports videography in the last few years. The helmet cam moniker came about because early sports video fanatics would duct tape regular videocams to their bike helmets. Things have changed quite a bit since then.
Point of view cameras, formerly known as helmet cams has dramatically changed sports videography in the last few years. The helmet cam moniker came about because early sports video fanatics would duct tape regular videocams to their bike helmets. Things have changed quite a bit since then. Point-of-view cameras are so called because they provide an immersive image or video from the perspective of the person shooting the video. You get to see and experience from the perspective of the main character. Point-of-view or POV camera technology has been embraced by many action sports fans and they have even found their way into more job related uses for technicians, firemen and even police tactical units. Look for helmet cameras to become mainstream in a big way over the next few years. One popular use of this technology has been the traditional attachment of point-of-view cameras to helmets but with much improved and elegant mounts than the old tape and screws. The new mounting enhancements makes it possible for people to very easily mount pov cameras helmets to capture images and videos wherever they go on land or water. For example, motocross bikers wearing helmet cameras can record all the jumps, slides and sharp turns they experience on the track. One may wonder how such a complex technological unit can withstand increased physical activity, such as riding a bike. Experts have created helmet cameras to ensure that they are fully functional during a user's traveling experience. Consequently, helmet cameras have been designed to be water resistant, shock-absorbent, and durable. These extra considerations built into helmet cameras means they can handle all sorts of traveling conditions. Dirt bikers don't need to worry about vibrations or a little bit of mud getting on their camera, skiers don't need to hide their cam whenever a small rain drizzle appears. These extras make a big difference to action video jocks. Of course you don't want to lose your concentration and safety by fiddling with knobs and controls when you're in the middle of the action. Helmet cameras are also designed to be very easy to use. Many units often have just a few buttons on the case unlike the cockpit like buttons and knobs you see on some consumer video cams. The hands-free recording component of the helmet cameras does not require that a user do any other adjustments after turning it on. Once activated, the camera will record until the battery runs out or the memory card is maxed out. This feature makes helmet cameras extremely valuable when attempting to capture split second action that would be missed if the user has to make camera adjustments. For instance, a biker pedaling on the last few seconds of his or her race could capture those final moments with the hands-free technology. The actual cameras that attach to the helmets are extremely light in weight. Most users do not even notice the unit when they are wearing it. Some of the smallest units can weigh as little as 10 ounces. In most cases, the camera is covered in an aluminum shell to help it absorb any unwanted shock. Developers have performed tests to ensure that the helmet cameras can withstand a significant blow. Some units have even survived a car being driven over them. While helmet cameras are rugged, water resistant and extremely convenient, they are not necessarily expensive. You can buy one for as little as $140 or so. Mid range units like the excellent Vholdr Contour HD go for around $300. High end models like the Vio Pov with the works can cost up to $600. These are very reasonable prices for such specialized equipment that can shoot DVD quality videos. Considering all the benefits a point of view camera brings to sports videos and with a price range to suit everybody it is hard for anyone recording sports not to consider a pov cam. About the Author: To find the best resources for shooting with helmet cams or point of view cameras check out the helmet cam youtube channel or follow the helmet camera blog at www.pointofviewcameras.ca/blog |