what camera?

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hoflix
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what camera?

Post by hoflix »

On longer trips, away from home, what do you use (if anything) to take pics from the bike?

Do you have something attached to the bike or try to do it from hand?

I'm strictly referring to taking pictures "on the move". While stopped, there's DSLRs popping up everywhere, I'm sure. But that's another discussion :)

In the past, I bought stuff for this purpose based on youtube and advertising, which turned out to be a mistake.
I ended up with an Oregon Scientific "action" camera (solid camera, waterproof, but totally useless video) and a Sanyo Xacti vpc-E2 (also waterproof, but barely mediocre video -- i know it's not HD, but still.. -- and very fragile... one drop, from 2-3 ft onto concrete and it was gone)

So I figured this time around, I'd better ask around, people who actually use it like I would.

if you don't use, maybe you can still suggest something?

I'm thinking a RAM mount to the handlebars, something light, weather proof, and shock proof (as possible).
requirements? unsure really, but something along these lines:
-- megapixels: not important
-- lens and image quality: important
-- battery life: very important
-- weatherproof-ness/shockproof-ness : very important
-- size: matters ! :)
-- it must have and lcd, and preferably a viewfinder also
-- must have flash
-- must have a tripod attachement hole (dooh :mrgreen: )
-- be able to shoot some sort of movies too
-- fast? meaning, from OFF to SHOOT in as little time as possible... to catch those unexpected but interesting moments...
-- optical image stabilization (i kno, i know... now i'm pushing it 8-[ )


But then again... tell me what you use
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ka5ysy
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Re: what camera?

Post by ka5ysy »

Here ya go: Local video producer who does a motorcycle TV show uses these. Notice that they also have a waterproof housing, and the video is stunning.


http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php?ar ... oductid=31

Helmet Camera:

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php?ar ... oductid=29

Catalog of goodies here:
http://www.goprocamera.com/pdfcatalog/

I personally use the Flip Ultra HD in an Ikelite underwater housing, which also gives access to the Ikelite 20mm wide angle lens. This camera also has a small monitor screen which makes framing easy.

http://store.theflip.com/en-us/products/UltraHD.aspx


If you need stills, video editing software makes it easy to frame grab, and the action/motion is better for me than stills only. Editing I do goes through my Macbook Pro.
Last edited by ka5ysy on Fri Aug 06, 2010 6:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: what camera?

Post by jed1 »

Hi Hoflix,

In relation to the Ram mount point, I posted a question a few weeks ago (title was 'Camera mount advice please?' - Sorry but I don't know how to post a link). I just acquired a Ram mount and I think its great quality etc. I strapped a normal digital camera to it and attached it to the middle of my handle bars. I then ran the video function and a noted that the picture vibrated very badly upon acceleration.

The few people who posted said that it is a problem with those two big pistons running from side to side. It is going to create quite a bit of vibration. I have noted on other videos though, that a lot of people run a camera which is attached to the bike and the picture quality is very good.

Anyway, I'm just letting you know this for something to consider too. If you find a solution, I'd be very interested to know.

Good luck,

Jed.
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ka5ysy
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Re: what camera?

Post by ka5ysy »

I agree with Jed1 that vibration is an issue, but use of short mounting arms on the Ram mounts will eliminate a lot of this. My buddy who does the motorcycle show actually has not found any mount that totally eliminates all of the vibration, so solid mounting or handheld shots are his preferred setup.
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Re: what camera?

Post by goo »

i don't think its a good idea to do much else except drive while on a motorcycle.
(just sayin')
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ka5ysy
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Re: what camera?

Post by ka5ysy »

goo wrote:i don't think its a good idea to do much else except drive while on a motorcycle.
(just sayin')
[-X

Thats what the RAM mount is for: Hands free video you dont need to watch if you have a wide angle lens. Works great ! :biggrin:
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goo
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Re: what camera?

Post by goo »

ka5ysy wrote:
goo wrote:i don't think its a good idea to do much else except drive while on a motorcycle.
(just sayin')
[-X

Thats what the RAM mount is for: Hands free video you dont need to watch if you have a wide angle lens. Works great ! :biggrin:
,,
you're talking to someone who still has a rotary phone.
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Re: what camera?

Post by Ashveratu »

Check out webbikeworld.com > http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/drift-hd-170/ This site will answer nearly any and all questions you could have about tons of motorcycle equipment, especially helmets.
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Re: what camera?

Post by r12gecko »

I took a gopro to the track last summer & it got some "footage" but was a pain to use. Menu items were tiny & even worse with the cover on, never sure if it was turned on (several runs it was not), limited storage capability and you can't see anything you've shot until download later. I haven't touched it since. I'm sure they've come along since last year, but I'd still do a better shop before buying next time.

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Re: what camera?

Post by angellr »

ka5ysy wrote: I personally use the Flip Ultra HD in an Ikelite underwater housing, which also gives access to the Ikelite 20mm wide angle lens. This camera also has a small monitor screen which makes framing easy.

http://store.theflip.com/en-us/products/UltraHD.aspx


If you need stills, video editing software makes it easy to frame grab, and the action/motion is better for me than stills only. Editing I do goes through my Macbook Pro.
I noticed you are using a RAM (?) mount for your bike, however, have you or anyone else tried a suction mount on the INSIDE of the small sport screen or ANY screen for that matter?

Thinking of getting the Flip SlideHD http://www.theflip.com/en-us/Products/s ... aspx#/home and then use a suction mount on the INSIDE of the small sport screen ... am I "certifiable" at this point? Just trying to validate my sanity. :lol: Thanks.



Anyone else's thoughts on this?
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Re: what camera?

Post by jess »

I like the GoPro Hero HD for video. Very high quality, as seen in this video from Saturday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkLyTnKUdIg

The big problem with mounting it on a motorcycle is trying to figure out how to dampen the vibration. You can see in the over-the-shoulder shots that I haven't quite figured it out.

As far as durability goes, this very camera took a tumble off the back of the topcase on my R12R a 65mph, got hit by a car, and came out unscathed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi8kdGn4yw
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Re: what camera?

Post by jess »

Oh, forgot to mention: the GoPro has an "intervalometer" function -- it'll take a still 5 megapixel picture every couple of seconds (or longer, if you like) for as long as the SD card has space.
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Re: what camera?

Post by hoflix »

jess wrote:Oh, forgot to mention: the GoPro has an "intervalometer" function -- it'll take a still 5 megapixel picture every couple of seconds (or longer, if you like) for as long as the SD card has space.

indeed, the intervalometer is a very cool thing to have.


Narrowing things down... I would be interested in opinions on motorcycle usage of one of these:
Pentax Option w90 or w80
Olympus tough series
Panasonic ts1 or 2


something under 250 $ ? picture priority over movie, but it 720 p would be nice

most importantly, ease of use left-handed, and picture quality while moving
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Re: what camera?

Post by BigEasy »

I have a 3-4 generation old Pentax Optio W20 and I think it's fine for what it is. I took it on a float trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon for 16 days with zero reliabilty issues. In the time I've had it it's been submerged (never have used the x meter underwater feature, just had it in the belt case while "swimming" a couple times) dropped kicked and hauled in my briefcase daily and it has never choked on me. The images it captures can be suprisingly good, and in the hands of somebody that knew something about photography likely even better.

I can't comment about left handed use while riding as I've never tried it. I think if a person had reasonable coordination, and normal sized hands you could do it. Part of my problem with single handed use is at 6'4" my hands are pretty big, as in plam a basketball size, so the thing kind of gets lost in my hand.

For the money I think it's a nice rig, but I also haven't tried the others.
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Re: what camera?

Post by famousperson »

hoflix wrote:Narrowing things down... I would be interested in opinions on motorcycle usage of one of these:
Pentax Option w90 or w80
Olympus tough series
Panasonic ts1 or 2
something under 250 $ ? picture priority over movie, but it 720 p would be nice

most importantly, ease of use left-handed, and picture quality while moving
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Re: what camera?

Post by Sander Abernathy »

There's a mounting system that is ideally suited for an R1200R. It is very rugged, takes great pictures and actually includes all the photography equipment you need. You could mount it on the pillion. The only downsides are the added weight and you might find yourself going down roads a GS rider high on crack would never consider.

It's called a Chitown.
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Re: what camera?

Post by Lost Rider »

Thanks! :oops:

Actually it's not crack, but the end result is the same for the path I find myself on.
Image






As for the mount, its my opinion that hand holding and helmet mounted cams give you the best isolation and stabilization when using a small camera. It also give you the freedom to move around and get various shots to edit later..... Nothing more boring than a 10 minute video of the same one shot going down the road. It's not something to be done carelessly, I have no doubt my shooting like that greatly increases my likeliness to crash. I'm willing to take that risk.
I use a Vholdr Contour HD helmet cam. Good product, great images, QuickTime files.
That GoPro looks real nice too.
Plan B is to get a Manfrotto Magic Arm mount, put 11 pounds of glass and magnesium, hanging a DSLR off the side to get The Shot.
I'm still working at getting it. :D
Image



As for small cameras, I love the Lumix LX-3 for it's image quality with a Leica lens. Plus glove friendly operation, wide angle, stunning HD movies, RAW files, and its durability.

This was made with the LX-3 two days ago, Big Southern Butte, Idaho
Image



Good luck on your quest!








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Re: what camera?

Post by Sander Abernathy »

Chitown

Now that's just crazy. The first picture can barely be called a path and forget about calling it a trail. There are high altitude goats and Grand Canyon burros who wouldn't put a hoof on that.

Keep it up. You make us all proud.

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Re: what camera?

Post by famousperson »

ChiTown wrote: This was made with the LX-3 two days ago, Big Southern Butte, Idaho
Image
Wow!
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Re: what camera?

Post by peckhammer »

There are a lots of cameras out today that work well. I have rigged a variety of them, from flip cameras, to the Contour HD (mentioned above), Canon T2i, XH-A1, and even a Vixia HF20. All except the Vixia worked well on a motorcycle, but if you start rigging $3000+ cameras, you better know what you are doing.

My favorite in the list above, based on size, durability and flexibility is the Contour HD. I have touched the camera down on the road twice while banking hard, and it still works. The downside to this camera is that it is hard to tell if it's recording, and it's hard to know what is in the frame because it has no viewfinder. More important than the camera is the way it is rigged to the bike, IMO. So here is a video I did with Cinematographer Stan McClain (DP for the Aerial unit on Magnum PI) about rigging motorcycles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIKmImb ... r_embedded

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