Camera Recommendations

[deltamark]

Hi all,

I'd like to purchase a camera and flexible mounting setup that I could attach to my helmet and various points on my CB1100 sidecar rig. I'd like to to record and publish some "Rudi the Sidecar Dog" excursions and trips, but would also use it to create and share some all-season backpacking / hiking / canoe trips with our younger dog, Hank.

I don't know much about these systems, but a GoPro setup is at the top of my list right now. Any suggestions as to which model, package or accessories might best to suit my purposes?

[peterbaron]

GoldOxide is very happy with his remote control unit ...Eken???
Very sure he will chime in.

P.S. Make sure you get good shots as Rudi may get upset if it doesn't look good in a pic!

[GoldOxide_imp]

If one feels like spending stash on a modern GoPro unit, I'd say do it. They have been top notch for a long time and have excellent firmware algorithm implementations.

If one feels like not spending stash but are happy with "good enough" video and audio, then as [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=3454]PB has alluded, a late model "Eken" offering will do just fine. You may not get the best algorithms for managing video jitter, but they are still quite good and very economical and well built. Yes, certain Eken models include a wireless remote that is very handy when stopping and starting video recording while riding.

"Eken" is the classic GoPro knock-off (maybe more correctly --> alternative) that can be found at AliExpress and similar none-brands at some Costco stores, and many other online and brick-n-mortar stores.

[Gone in 60]

I've been using a GoPro Hero 8 for the past two years to record my daily commutes in case something happens. It's been great, and I've got mounts on all of my helmets. In some cases, I have made custom mounts out of JB Weld to conform to weird shapes. I've also got mounts on other parts of my bikes to get some more interesting angles.

[mvk24_imp]

I've been using a GoPro Hero 8 for the past two years to record my daily commutes in case something happens. It's been great, and I've got mounts on all of my helmets. In some cases, I have made custom mounts out of JB Weld to conform to weird shapes. I've also got mounts on other parts of my bikes to get some more interesting angles.

Is there an option to have the gopro hooked up to a larger battery pack or something? I always had issues with the battery dying quickly during a day of riding back with my Gopro 4s and such

2014 CB1100, 1981 KZ440 LTD, 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca, 1994 Yamaha XJ600 Seca

[Gone in 60]

Definitely. If you check out some of the moto-vloggers online, they run bigger packs. Check out itchyboots.com, she talks quite a bit about her camera equipment if you look through her information.

My standard battery will run for about an hour, long enough for my commutes, and I charge it on my helmet while I'm at work.

[andyferd_imp]

I've been using a Hero 5 black mounted to my helmet for the last few years and it has been fantastic. If I were to buy one now I'd get at least an 8 though. I bought a custom mount for my helmet:

https://ridetechmoto.com/products/hjc-rp...chin-mount

You can also get generic gopro mounts on Amazon or make a custom one with JB Weld like Gone mentioned. The batteries for me last about an hour, so you will need extras on hand or you can buy a battery bank and plug the GoPro in as needed. While riding, I keep the battery bank in my chest pocket and plug the GoPro in if I'm going on a long ride. This makes it so I don't have to stop and change batteries. Also, I'd buy the largest size SD card the camera can support. You'll use up the storage quick.

[Gone in 60]

Huh, Andy, I had searched quite a bit for custom helmet mounts, but never found the site you linked. Would have been easier than going the homemade route. I put a wad of JB putty over an irregular surface, then stick a standard GoPro mount to it. Then sand, paint, and double-side tape it to the surface.

[KiowaEagle_imp]

I have a GoPro8 and like it but when I upgrade it's going to be to a 360 degree camera because it's so much more versatile. With the standard camera if you mount it to the bike it will record the ride but that view gets boring. If you mount it on your helmet you can look around but you really have to make a conscious effort to turn your head to look at things. It makes you realize how much you are moving your eyes when you look side to side. With a 360 camera you are constantly recording all around you and then can use any portion of that image through editing. It makes for a much more interesting and watchable video.

[Gone in 60]

Another thing you can do with the newer cameras like the 8 is use voice commands. If you route a microphone into the helmet, you can tell it to start and stop recording, so you can turn it off during the boring parts of your ride.