I have a first generation GoPro and I need to upgrade. My biggest complaint about the helmet cam is my inability to see if the video is shooting or not. There have been many times when I start the camera when I think I'm stopping it and vice versa. So at the end of the day all I have is video of us stopping between sessions of riding. I checked online reviews for helmat cams, but no one mentions anything that mounts inside the helmet to indicate when you are recording. Just a simple led light on a wire that blinks or stays solid would be fantastic! Anyone know of such a camera?

Does the 1st gen Gopro not have a light on it to indicate recording, or a beeping noise when you hit record?

RedRider31, on 27 May 2012 - 07:45 PM, said:

It has both. But the light is on the front of the camera, and the beep is very faint, nothing your going to hear from inside a helmet. I think the GoPro HD2 may have a light on the back too, but not sure. I just start mine recording, then put my helmet on. Leave it on until I stop long enough to warrant taking my helmet off. Edit out the fluff later.

Yea, I think my Hero2 has a light on the back...  

I just turn mine on before I put on my helmet and ensure it's in video mode.  Before I get going, I know I just need to push the top button once to start recording.  Just have to trust that it's working, or ask your buddy if the red light's flashing!

contour gps has a loud beep and you can feel it click when you slide it to record

Our rides are stop and go, so we do not lose anyone at intersections. I am officially responsible for uploading our club rides to our website, and I've found it is easier to have a lot of short videos than have to edit long videos or multiple cards. And I'm tired of asking everyone if the camera is flashing or solid. I don't think these camera companies are getting feedback from actual users, my idea for a wire with a light that can be mounted into your helmet would be great. Although one of my fellow riders pointed out the logistics of keeping it water proof might be a problem. But since I do not go under water with my cam, water resistant would be fine for when it gets wet crossing a creek. What do I know?!?

Yamaharider574, on 28 May 2012 - 12:26 AM, said:

Yep, I've got the older ContourHD.

Like:
-Real easy to know when it's recording or not.  Switch forward = rec, back = standby.
-Low-profile.  Sits close to the helmet and out of the way, rather than hanging off just waiting to catch a branch.
-Rec/Standby beeps are plenty loud.  Unless i'm really haulin ass, I can hear the status beeps from it.

Dislike:
-Rolling shutter.  Causes some weird effects at speed, and makes grabbing still images interesting.
-Power-up delay.  This has been addressed with the newer units, they go into sleep-mode when you slide the record switch to standby, then wake up when you slide it forward to record.  Mine, you have to press the button on the back to turn it on, then slide the switch forward to rec and wait for the beep.
-No preview... again, addressed wih the newer units that can use a mobile device as a preview and adjust settings through that.

There's some other mechanical issues I have with it... the o-ring seal around the lens doesn't fit real well.  I replaced the O-ring with one that's the right size and haven't had dust/moisture ingress problems since.  My other major design complaint is the one single thread-forming screw they used to hold the lens cover on.  Pull that tiny screw out once and the threads come right out with it.  Really needs a threaded insert and a machine screw in there.  Again, the newer models may have addressed this problem.

SnowMule, on 28 May 2012 - 08:17 PM, said:

i cant say anything bad about mine, maby casue is a newer version or more pricey

+1 on the contour.  ive had the 720p model (long discontinued) for 3 years now and can't complain too much.  Ive had it completely under water and its still working.  Battery life has gone down slightly but still around 3 hrs.  biggest complaint is that the detents have worn out a bit on the t-slide it uses to connect to various mounts.  The slim profile and on/off switch and audible beeps are great.  I always chuckle a little at anyone riding with a go-pro asking if the little light is on or they are riding with the camera pointed at the sun because they clipped a branch.

-John

Thanks for all of your great responses. Especially the photo of the contour mounted on a helmet. Does anyone know anything about the Drift Innovation? I sent out a request to our club members about cameras they had heard of, and I received a response that said this camera was easy to control because it uses a remote, but that is all they said. I do not know how long the battery lasts or what kind of picture quality it provides. I'm sure I can go to there website, but would rather hear from someone that has used it.

Liquid Image has the EGO coming out that is going to be pretty sweet.... $175, 1080hd, small and waterproof

the newer gopro's now have a backpack lcd so you can see what you are recording,
they also have a wifi backpack now so you can control the camera via your smartphone and your friends can watch you ride!

it can transmit the video from your camera directly to the internet via your phone

i see the liguid image has that same wifi/phone feature...

I thought the contour had a small lcd as well, i know one of them does

I have the top of the line Contour. got it and an extra battery from the PX on base for about 380. I use my phone to view the videos and it mounts really well on my helmet. I have a GOPRO too and have had that for about 5 years when they only offered 1 camera. The Contour is by far better in every way (minus maybe durability but i hope not to test that one too much)

I'd suggest looking into the GoPro Remote.
http://gopro.com/hd-...c-remote-combo/

I've been debating on getting some for our cameras, however upgrading to the Hero 2 will be happening first.

James603, on 04 June 2012 - 11:13 AM, said:

CANNOT WAIT to get one of these wifi backpacks + the app for my phone when it's available!

RedRider31, on 04 June 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:

  It's showing In Stock for me, buy one and let me know if they're worth the $100, I'm a cheap bastard.

I meant the app; it says it's coming soon.  That, in combination with the wifi bacpac, and you can control your camera and playback video from your smartphone.  Not really interested in the gopro remote.

Edited by RedRider31, 04 June 2012 - 12:11 PM.

new commercial showing the wifi capabilities; amazing!

http://www.racerxonl...emote-available