I have a Viosport H20 Cam (just sent it back as guts were loose inside the casing).
I connect it to an Archos AV500. I'm just curious about longevity of this unit. Being a hard drive, it's probably not meant to go rattling around in my camelback while I'm bashing through rocks.
I did only a short test on this unit (the archos) with the Viosport Adventure cam 3.
Not to dissapoint, but I sent the Archos back. The video quality was not as good as I hoped, I did not like the proprietary plug for the helmet cam and mainly the video format had to be converted before it was usable by any of the common softwares out there.
If I am going to use a hard drive to capture video (for web posting is fine) than I want to drag and drop those files into my software (my whole reason for trying a hard drive), not have to convert them first... There are other units coming available and I may give it a try again... but from what I have heard they still have a way to go to compete with the mini DV format.
I did a fair amount of research, but I could have done more. My conclusion is that I wouldn't be able to buy a Mini DV camera with a video-in jack for under 700 dollars. Am I wrong about that?
Also, it seemed like the hard drive option would be less bulky.
Your comparisons are great. Have you had any experience with the Viosport H2O Cam? It has 480 tv lines versus the A.C. 3's 520 and lacks the interchangeable lenses, but I thought it would be a little more durable and would eliminate fogging problems that could occur with the interchangeable lenses.
I did a fair amount of research, but I could have done more. My conclusion is that I wouldn't be able to buy a Mini DV camera with a video-in jack for under 700 dollars. Am I wrong about that?
Well, currently I'd recommend a used Sony cam off eBay, either a PC109 or HC 32 The 109 is the smallest, but the HC32 cheaper. Both take a LAN-C connection (a must for start/stop of video). Both cams can be had for about $175 - $250.
If you add in the cost of your Viosport, you are under $600 for a superior (video quality wise) system.
The advantage of a DVR: More recording time - on the mini DV cams I just bring extra tapes...
Yeah, the LAN-C would definitely be nice. Currently I have to dig into my camelback, take out the Archos, etc. I usually end up recording the whole ride on one or two video files, leaving me with the daunting task of re-living the entire ride rather than reviewing the fun parts.
Did you catch my question about the AC3 versus the H2O cam?
I do not have experience with that particular cam (H2O) but the difference between the 480 and 520 in the real world is hardly noticable, if that is what you were asking.
The next system I'm reviewing is waterproof and around 47 grams... about half the size of the AC3.
Hey CactusJackSlade,
Your site is killer, thanks a ton for the info. After a lot of research including your site, I sold my samsung sc-x105L and picked up a Sony DCR-HC85. So far, mainly I am stoked to have better recording quality for getting my young daughter on tape.
Hey based on your reviews, what is your favorite helmet cam? Based off your site, it seems like the twenty20 has the best combinations of picture quality and construction. Or do you think the Vio is much better in pic quality, enough so to deal with the connections and batteries?
To the OP, lots of good cameras selling on eBay. I bought mine from a seller with %100 positive feedback and lots of transactions, the camera is in great condition and came with everything just as new for $300. The 85 has lots of extra bells and whistles, you should be able to get a 42, 32 etc cheaper.
Well, the Viosport has the best overall image for sure - more stable in all conditions, but the audio is a big zero. I'm going to hack mine soon and put an acceptable wire harness w/audio on it :-(
I will be reviewing a few more cams in the near future that sound very promising! Stay tuned!
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