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Friday, May 29, 2009

Why Choose A Helmet Camera?

By Chris Wapner

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.

How can these cameras withstand all the bumps and harsh environment that strenuous sports activities like mountain biking encompass? Point of view camera experts have specially 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.

Helmet cameras operate in a simple fashion. The lens piece is attached to either the top or side of a helmet. The lens piece is also connected to a recording unit. When a traveler activates the camera, the lens turns on and captures the scenery that a traveler encounters. The data is then sent electronically to the recording unit, which displays the scenery being captured.

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.

Another benefit to point of view cameras (aka helmet cams) are their extremely light weight design. User fatigue is a major consideration so with these camera units most users do not even notice they are wearing it. Some of the smallest units can weigh as little as 10 ounces. Developers have performed tests to ensure that the helmet cameras can withstand blows and drops that would instantly kill traditional camcorders.

While helmet cameras are extremely convenient, they are still reasonably priced. Some of the inexpensive models can range anywhere from around $100 to $140. However, to gain the most out of the benefits that the units provide, one should expect to spend around $300. Certain kits that contain all of the necessary accessories can cost up to $600. Bear in mind that it may be better to spend those extra dollars in the long run to be able to produce DVD quality videos and imaging. In short, the various benefits of the helmet camera make it a valuable purchase.

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