Helmet cameras for mountain biking are becoming more and more popular every year, thanks to declining costs, smaller form factors, and improved image quality. If you’re in the market for a helmet camera to film your MTB exploits, here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Image Quality: HD or SD?
These days most helmet cameras shoot HD video and there are two levels of HD – 720p and 1080p. If you’re planning on uploading most of your videos to the web, 720p is more than enough quality. Cameras that shoot in standard definition (SD) only are generally inexpensive but the image quality is often grainy, even before it’s posted online. Video quality is also affected by frame rates so look for cameras that shoot at least 30 fps at each resolution. 60 fps is even better and is ideal for capturing fast action (i.e. mountain biking).
Beyond video resolution (i.e. the # of pixels), white balance, colors, and light capture are also important. View as many videos as you can from each camera you’re considering and note how life-like the colors appear. Some cameras do better in bright, sunny conditions while others may “wash out” on blue sky days. Good cameras will adjust the image balance based on the light conditions (for transitioning from open areas to canopy-covered trails).
Many helmet cameras offer multiple shooting modes: SD, 720p, and/or 1080p. Lower image quality modes allow you to conserve memory (see next section).
Memory and Battery Life
Helmet camera manufacturers may brag about the amount of memory included in their cameras but don’t worry too much about this stat. Good cameras will include a memory card slot so you can buy an inexpensive, larger memory card if necessary (prices are falling all the time). Besides, the main constraint on filming is often battery life.
Batteries will either be built-in, rechargeable types or replaceable. There are pros and cons to each choice. Built-in batteries are convenient but once they run out on the trail, you’re done filming for the day. If your camera uses replaceable batteries, we strongly recommend packing extra batteries and springing for the more expensive lithium alkaline variety for maximum life.
Size Matters
Obviously helmet cameras need to be as portable as possible so look for small, compact units. Most helmet cameras are “one-piece” while others require the use of a cable/battery pack. Also consider the form factor of the camera itself: aerodynamic, “bullet-style” cameras tend to work well for mountain biking.
Mounting Options
Helmet cameras aren’t just for helmets and many manufacturers include additional mounting hardware in the box. Consider the type of helmet you’ll be wearing (vented vs. skate-style/full-face) and whether you’d like to experiment with different camera angles. Handlebar, wrist, chest, and frame mounts are also available, sometimes at an additional cost.
Camera Controls and Viewfinders
photo courtesy vio-pov.com.
Most helmet cameras keep their controls simple enough to operate with a gloved hand but it’s still a good idea to play around with the controls before you buy. Multiple buttons can be confusing, especially when the camera is on your head and you can’t see what you’re pressing. Some cameras offer remote control units, either included or sold separately.
Due to their small sizes, most helmet cameras don’t include an LCD viewfinder like you’d find on a regular digital camera. This can make it difficult to line up your shot and we’ve often returned home to find hours of footage of our handlebars. Some manufacturers have added laser sights to their cameras while others offer remote (either cabled or wireless) screens.
Lenses
The best helmet cameras have wide angle lenses to avoid the “tunnel vision” effect you’d get with a standard lens. Keep in mind that if the lens is “too wide,” you’ll get a fish eye effect (cool for some stuff, but annoying if that’s all you have). Lenses on consumer-level helmet cams are not typically replaceable so you’ll usually be stuck with whatever lens is included.
Audio Quality
Ever notice how most mountain bike videos posted online have a catchy song playing in the background? That’s because the audio quality sucks from most helmet cameras, though in defense of the cameras it’s really not their fault. Wind noise is tough to filter out and besides, the only other sounds on the trail are often bikes clanging, creaking, and squeaking or riders huffing and puffing. Occasionally you’ll catch a well timed comment or expletive but that’s about it. If audio quality is important to you, seek out sample videos posted online from each camera you’re considering.
Software
Most helmet cameras ship with video editing software which is generally mediocre at best so don’t make your decision based on the software included. Instead, plan to use inexpensive editing software like iMovie for Mac or Windows Movie Maker. These days, online video editing is becoming a viable option as well.
Other Considerations
Helmet cameras aren’t always the best way to capture action on the trail or at the slopes. While the first-person perspective is convenient to film, it can get stale after a while. Consider using small portable cameras like the Flip trail-side or even cell phones and digital cameras with built-in video capabilities. Splice your helmet camera footage with trail shots and you’re on your way to the film festival circuit!
Most helmet cameras also allow you to take digital still shots, though in our experience those features are seldom used. Some cameras allow you to take a timed series of pics which is good for taking trail pics without harshing your flow.
Recommendations
Keeping in mind that every helmet camera has its own set of pros and cons, the list below should be a good starting point for mountain bikers looking to go viral. Now that you know what to look for, you should be able to pick the best helmet camera for your style!
ContourHD: Simple bullet-style camera body, laser alignment, full HD, rechargeable battery, and microSD memory card slot for around $300. Contour also offers the ContourGPS that adds GPS data collection and Bluetooth.GoPro HD Helmet Hero: Waterproof/shockproof casing, rechargeable batteries, and multiple mounts included. Two HD versions available – the $299 full HD and $179 HD Hero 960 which doesn’t shoot in 1080p.Drift Innovation HD170: 1.5” LCD viewfinder and remote control included. Rechargeable batteries, auto white balance, and 1080p. Drift also offers a less expensive SD version called the X170.V.I.O. POV.HD: Professional level camera system ($599 MSRP) with remote and cabled battery pack/viewfinder. V.I.O. also offers less expensive, lower resolution versions with the same pro form factor.Epic HD: Replaceable batteries and multiple mount options. The entry level Epic Action camera is available starting at $129 MSRP.Read more in-depth helmet camera reviews from the singletracks crew and see which helmet cameras singletracks members like the best. And don’t forget to post your best videos to singletracks!
