Looking to buy camera that I can attach to my bike or maybe helmet for documentation in the off chance that I get hit. What seems to be the best place/direction to mount a device to insure the best image capture. Just looking for some advice on what has worked well for you guys.
Thanks in advance.
If you need to pick, facing forward is the best option, since many places do not have front license plates, so a rear bike camera will not pick them up.
If you are biking under 2hr a GoPro will work, if over you either need to care spare batteries or you can go with a Fly12.
if you only need a couple hours… I like the VIRB ultra 30… if you need longer fly12 (weighs alot)
If you need to pick, facing forward is the best option, since many places do not have front license plates, so a rear bike camera will not pick them up.
If you are biking under 2hr a GoPro will work, if over you either need to care spare batteries or you can go with a Fly12.
I disagree - I think it’s better to have footage of what happened as the car approaches you, rather than seeing a license plate after the car has already gone by.
One of those tail light cameras for the rear.
And this attached to your helmet so it can capture the front while riding, or an altercation:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SPRBORS/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IH39TVNGNX5IL&colid=7GQP5I2F3PFX
The very best option is a helmet-mounted Garmin Virb 360. With the camera sitting up high and covering 360 degrees, it will capture everything, including action directly to your side, which would be out of the field of view of even dual front & rear cameras. You’ll end up with footage like this video
from a local group ride - nowhere to hide!
Disadvantages:
The Virb 360 retails for $799The battery life is only approx. 1 hourIt’s a bit heavy, about twice the weight of a GoPro Session
With that said, I predict that as technology improves and price decreases, within 5 years you will see a 360 camera integrated into/with a helmet.
The 1 hour limit is a deal breaker and the price is high (but understandable at the moment), but I had no idea there was mobile 360 cameras like that. That footage is incredible!
Yup, I could make a use case for someone who has, say a 1 hour commute each day to and from work and wants to have video evidence if anything happens, but I think this is more about what we can expect in the future.
That video is amazing, thanks for posting.
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Can you not charge while this is in use? It’s not ideal, but you could put a battery pack in your jersey pocket.
One of those tail light cameras for the rear.
And this attached to your helmet so it can capture the front while riding, or an altercation:
https://www.amazon.com/...p;colid=7GQP5I2F3PFX
According to Amazon the battery will last 2.5 hours. In your experience how long does it last?
That video is amazing, thanks for posting.
x2. I had no idea the Virb 360 was this awesome.
That video is amazing, thanks for posting.
x2. I had no idea the Virb 360 was this awesome.
That concept truly is awesome.
I’m however a bit skeptical that you’ll end up with video this smooth - kind of like how all the GoPro company uploaded videos are buttery smooth and steadicam-equivalent, whereas in real life, you might get super chattery video on a bumpy mtn bike downhill.
Even then though, 360 is awesome!
HERO3+ Silver 1080p 3 hours battery life
With extended pack 8.5 hours
https://www.adorama.com/rf12h34.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItf-Luc7e1QIVCwBpCh0nhAUYEAQYAiABEgLWkPD_BwE
Install on the seat post, if you install it on the bars chances are you will not capture anything if you get hit and car speeds up.
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I have a Fly6v that is a combination HD camera + rear blinky light for visibility. Device continuously records video when on, and automatically overwrites old footage to essentially have continuous coverage. It has a tilt sensor that in the event you fall off/get hit, it disables the overwrite feature and stays recording until the card is full. Comes with an 8gb card, but I had a 16gb sitting around so that gives me 4+hrs of coverage before overwriting.
http://www.clevertraining.com/cycliq-fly6-v-hd-rear-facing-bike-camera-and-30-lumen-light
And dcrainmaker’s always excellent reviews: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/10/cycliq-fly6-review.html
I’m running into the same conundrum right now. I want the GoPro Session now that the price has fallen to $149, but the <2 hour battery life falls short for long rides when I would need it the most. I know that you can get a full size GoPro with a monster battery backpack to make it last all day, but then you are driving into a cost issue ($399 for the Hero Black + extra large battery cost) plus the size & weight becomes a bit unwieldy.
I had the original Garmin Virb & loved it (until it went missing somewhere in my house), but in reality, 99% of the footage I ever shot with it just got deleted. A camera is merely insurance for the way that most of us want to use them. I’m not going cliff diving or sky diving or space diving like I’m in a Red Bull commercial. I likely would never use an action camera for “cool shit”, so why shell out $500 for something where I will delete most of the footage I shoot?
After watching this, I think 360 degree cameras make the most sense for cycling. However, we are years from having one that can last 4-5 hours.
No idea.
But what is the best bicycle for a fish?
Great Scott Marty! That’s an entire portable TV studio!