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Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sports cam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera

Richard Lai — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:01:00 EST

Joining Oregon Scientific's range of waterproof sports cameras later this year are these two new models: the ATC Beats on the left and the ATC Chaméléon on the right. The Beats, arriving in November for $399, features 1080p 60fps video capture with a 130-degree field of view and a 270-degree rotatable lens, along with built-in GPS, accelerometer and heart rate monitor (via wireless chest belt) for those keen on recording some extra data. Most importantly, though, is its WiFi connectivity with any iPhone or Android device: not only can you do wireless file transfer with it, but much like the way ContourGPS Connect View app works, you can also use your phone as a wireless viewfinder. Pretty handy for when the camera's stuck on a helmet, of course.

The Chaméléon, on the other hand, is slated for a September launch at $199 only. While it doesn't have all those fancy wireless features, it boasts two 180-degree rotatable lenses (with a 110-degree field of view) at each end of the long body: one moves horizontally, and the other moves vertically; hence the name. The idea is that the camera can simultaneously capture 720p 30fps footage from both lenses (there's only one camera controller inside), and then output a synchronized horizontal or vertical split-screen video clip. We can already picture the Chaméléon being used on a surfing board or in a racing car, so there's certainly great potential here. Anyhow, enjoy our hands-on photos while you imagine the adrenaline rush.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sportscam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera

Oregon Scientific unveils ATC Beats WiFi sports cam and ATC Chaméléon dual-lens camera originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoBandit WiFi helmet cam hands-on

Brad Molen — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:20:00 EST

Extreme sports junkies are no strangers to the vast selection of helmet cams just waiting for them to record their wicked shenanigans, so we were expecting to see nothing drastically new when we stopped by the GoBandit booth at CES 2012. There was one thing, however, that stuck out to us as we played with the company's top-tier model, the GoBandit Live: WiFi. And let's be very careful with words here, because these full HD cams don't find WiFi hotspots -- they are WiFi hotspots. This means that not only can you upload your vids to another device, you can broadcast them live. Here's how it works: download the companion iOS app (the company's working to have Android compatibility soon), activate the cam's WiFi and either load your vids or view them live. The model GoBandit had on hand was still a prototype model, so unfortunately we weren't able to put it to the full test yet, though we at least were able to snap a few pics for the gallery below. Available in March, it comes in two flavors: the Live, which offers GPS and WiFi, and the Race, which doesn't. The pair will go for $419 and $319, respectively.

Gallery: GoBandit hands-on

Joseph Volpe contributed to this post.

GoBandit WiFi helmet cam hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift HD helmet cam review

Darren Murph — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST

What a difference a year makes, yeah? 13 months ago, we were giving Drift Innovation's latest helmet cam (the HD170) a run through the gauntlet, and now, we're giving that unit's proper successor the same treatment. The simply-named Drift HD action camera is largely the same type of device, albeit one that's 25 percent shorter (this one's just four inches long) and offers a replaceable lens. Moreover, there's a waterproof casing that's on the way, though said shell wasn't ready during our testing phase. The company managed to include a 300-degree rotating lens (complete with a 170-degree field of view) and a couple of capture options: 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps. The concept should be well-ingrained into the head of technophiles by this point: if you're looking for a camera to mount upside your noggin' (or on your vehicle of choice), this is what you're after. But is the new and improved Drift HD capable of taking on the GoPros of the world while justifying its $369 asking price? Read on.

Gallery: Drift Innovation HD point-of-view camera hands-on

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Drift HD helmet cam review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video)

Dante Cesa — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:21:00 EST

Fan of recording extreme death-defying stunts, yet find your current helmet cam just too darn unwieldy? Drift's creatively named Drift HD might fit the bill, as the firm's managed to cram the 170-degree field of view rotatable lens / LCD combo from the HD170, into a 25 percent smaller package. The nine megapixel 1080p shooter also features a bevy of redesigned mounts, a replaceable lens and support for 32GB microSD cards, allowing it to keep chuggin' where lesser cameras would have otherwise called it quits. Connectivity junkies will also swoon at the inclusion of micro-HDMI and a 2.5mm microphone input. We weren't exactly smitten with the HD170, but this $369 makeover might be enough to change our minds. If you're dying to find out for yourself, the Drift HD will be available August 31st, but do us a favor and keep your eyes on the snow -- we wouldn't want you to end up like this guy.

Continue reading Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video)

Drift Innovation unveils compact Drift HD, still up for your extreme antics (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tachyon launches OPS and OPS HD helmet cameras, not as durable but way more tiny

Tim Stevens — Sat, 07 May 2011 17:06:00 EST

We can't say we've ever been particularly impressed by the video quality delivered by the Tachyon line of helmet cameras, but they're a good choice for those who need a recorder that can take one heck of a beating -- if you don't mind some extra bulk. That fat has been banished in the new, slimmer OPS line which will be available in two flavors: a $90 VGA base unit and a slightly higher-end HD (720p) one for $140. If you're keeping track that's the same as the earlier XC and XC HD models, but these aren't waterproof like those. The SD model is less than an inch wide and 2.252-inches long, while the HD model looks to be roughly $0.25 longer. Each camera is square in profile, meaning it can be rotated in four orientations on its mount, or flipped around backward. And yes, just like the XC cameras, Tachyon will be releasing a range of mounts for all your extreme endeavors, including shotguns, picatinny rails, and one that looks like an overgrown tie clip. It should be perfect for when things get fancy down at the range.

Gallery: Tachyon OPS and OPS HD

Continue reading Tachyon launches OPS and OPS HD helmet cameras, not as durable but way more tiny

Tachyon launches OPS and OPS HD helmet cameras, not as durable but way more tiny originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour Plus helmet cam spied, offers wider view of your extreme antics

Terrence O'Brien — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:53:00 EST

If you're the type who likes to risk life and limb in pursuit of pleasure, then you know the best way to document your exploits is with a little helmet cam action. Bike Rumor is reporting that Contour, one the leaders in this (admittedly niche) field, will soon be releasing a new POV shooter called the Contour Plus. The site came across some Giant pro cyclers testing the device, who claim the Plus will improve on the ContourGPS by adding an HDMI-out port, boosting image quality, and widening the viewing angle from 140 degrees to 170. And, for those who really like to live dangerously, the Plus will supposedly pack a Bluetooth radio so you can stare at the iPhone viewfinder app while hurtling down a snow-covered slope or through an obstacle-riddled bike path. Of course, this is all unofficial at the moment, but the "little birdy" whispering in Bike Rumor's ear said the updated cam will land in the next month or two. One more blurry shot after the break.

Continue reading Contour Plus helmet cam spied, offers wider view of your extreme antics

Contour Plus helmet cam spied, offers wider view of your extreme antics originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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POV.HD camera review

Tim Stevens — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:16:00 EST

It's time for another new entrant into the increasingly crowded pov camera fray, a high-end selection for current or budding professionals -- or well-heeled amateurs. It's the POV.HD from V.I.O. and, if you hadn't guessed, it shoots footage in high definition. Properly high as it were, up to 1080p30, though it'll happily make stops at 720p30, 720p60, and even a tasty 1080p24 along the way. A $599.95 MSRP makes it a bit of a tough sell for casual action sports enthusiasts, but is this what you semi-pro snowboarders need to catch your next big pow adventures? Read on to find out.

Gallery: V.I.O. POV.HD

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POV.HD camera review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tachyon XC HD helmet camera review

Tim Stevens — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:05:00 EST

When last we saw a Tachyon XC helmet cam it was clinging futilely onto the side of another, stuck together so that the footage coming from the two could be combined to create 3D -- something GoPro is now trying to do much more expensively. We weren't particularly convinced at the time, largely in part because the resolution of each of those XC cameras was only VGA. Now there's an HD model we've been given to try, and while we've happily ditched the Siamese action to go solo this time, some issues remain here that keep us from giving the new, $179.99 Tachyon XC HD our universal recommendation.

Gallery: Tachyon XC HD

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Tachyon XC HD helmet camera review originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro starts shipping $80 LCD BacPac for HD Hero, has no room for your lunch box (video)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:01:00 EST

Aiming your helmet camera and replaying footage is a problem on most models. The HD170 makes it easy, but then hits you with a lot of bulk. Contour is working on a viewfinder app for iOS and Android devices that will wirelessly stream video, but that's not out yet. GoPro's LCD BacPac, on the other hand, is shipping today. We spent a little quality time with one at CES, a tiny screen that clips on the back of a 1080p HD Hero and lets you see what's being filmed and also play back what you've captured earlier. As you can see it adds about a quarter-inch of depth onto the camera but comes with a replacement back door to retain compatibility with all mounts. It's shipping now for $80, making it a somewhat expensive accessory for a $300 camera.

Gallery: GoPro LCD BacPac

Continue reading GoPro starts shipping $80 LCD BacPac for HD Hero, has no room for your lunch box (video)

GoPro starts shipping $80 LCD BacPac for HD Hero, has no room for your lunch box (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ContourGPS helmet cam review [updated]

Tim Stevens — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:02:00 EST

Helmet cameras have now achieved the pinnacle of HD recording: 1080p. If you have the cash, a head, and a pastime worth filming you have a few choices for full HD extreme POV recording. So what's a little lid-mounted recorder to do for its next trick? If you're Contour it's to add a positional sensor and the letters G, P, and S to your product and create the ContourGPS. It lets you not only record your extreme antics but also how fast you were going when you were partaking in them, plus a lot of other information. And, more promisingly, there's a suite of hardware updates here, some paving the way to letting you use your smartphone as a viewfinder. But how does this $350 piece of helmet jewelry perform on the ice? Keep on reading for some video evidence.

Gallery: ContourGPS

Continue reading ContourGPS helmet cam review [updated]

ContourGPS helmet cam review [updated] originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro 3D Hero, Battery, and LCD BacPac hands-on

Tim Stevens — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:54:00 EST

Helmet cam user? Chances are you've suffered the extreme indignity of capturing footage of the sky or the ground but, sadly, nothing in between. They're hard to aim. GoPro is tackling that issue with the LCD BacPack, a clip-on LCD that attaches on the back interface port on 1080p HD Hero cameras, showing you not only what the camera is looking at but also battery life and even a speaker. Then there's the Battery BacPac, which is the same size but instead of a display makes room for a second battery and, thanks to its miniUSB port, doubles as an external battery charger. Neat! And, yes, there's a new back cover needed to fit over the new bulge.

Finally there's the egregious 3D Hero expansion, a revised version of what we saw in September. It comes with a cable to ensure that both start filming at the same time, though sadly it doesn't come with any extra neck muscles to keep this thing aloft should you affix it to your helmet. We got a chance to look at some of the resulting footage and the results are compelling -- not as clear as your average big-budget Hollywood summer release but, considering the size of the thing, quite compelling. All three devices are expected to launch in the next few months but, sadly, at undisclosed prices.

Gallery: GoPro HD Hero accessories

GoPro 3D Hero, Battery, and LCD BacPac hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour adds Live Viewfinder to its ContourGPS helmet cam, real-time streaming to smartphones

Tim Stevens — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

The Contour family of helmet cameras are among our favorite, their little lasers making it a little easier to figure out just where the heck they're pointing. Not as nice as the integrated screen as on the Drift Innovation HD170, but rather less bulky. Soon you won't have to worry about lasers with the upcoming Live Viewfinder feature. As it turns out, the $349.99 ContourGPS doesn't just have a GPS chip inside, there's Bluetooth connectivity in there somewhere too.

This enables the little cameras to connect wirelessly to your Android or iOS device and send some video its way. At least, that's the theory, as the apps aren't ready for consumption yet, though we're told iOS is coming first sometime this summer. It looks like you won't be able to tap into the camera's storage, this will exclusively work like a viewfinder, but that gives us something to hope for in coming releases. This extension is coming later this year, but we're hoping to check it out a lot sooner than that. Stay tuned.

Continue reading Contour adds Live Viewfinder to its ContourGPS helmet cam, real-time streaming to smartphones

Contour adds Live Viewfinder to its ContourGPS helmet cam, real-time streaming to smartphones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rugged POV.HD video system captures 1080p through anything, for a price

Ben Bowers — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:17:00 EST

The POV.HD video system is a new offering from V.I.O positioned as a more professional-grade alternative to other film-through-hell helmet cameras such as the GoPro HD or Drift Innovations HD170. Its two-ounce IP67 certified camera sports a six-element glass lens and a native 1080p CMOS sensor that can capture a 142 degree field-of-view -- claimed to be the widest on the market -- in full HD at 30fps. The head unit can also be adjusted to record 720p at 60fps with a 92 degree FOV for faster shots. A separate recording unit features Texas Instruments' latest Da Vinci DM368 processor and supports a real-time video pipeline while storing up to 4.3 hours of 1080p H.264 video footage on a 32GB of SDHC. It's also equipped with a two-inch LCD viewing screen with exposure and footage tagging controls. Priced at $600, V.I.O is currently accepting pre-orders, which if made between November 15th through December 17th, are guaranteed to arrive by December 22nd -- just in time for your family's' homebrew holiday response to Jackass.

Continue reading Rugged POV.HD video system captures 1080p through anything, for a price

Rugged POV.HD video system captures 1080p through anything, for a price originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tachyon announces 720p Tachyon XC HD helmet cam, excites us with a Picatinny rifle mount (video)

Tim Stevens — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST

Iron sights? Only for newbs. Holo sights? Much nicer -- at least until someone pulls an EMP. Picatinny-mounted camera? Not something you're going to find in Call of Duty, soldier, but soon something you can get for real courtesy of Tachyon. That company was the first to offer a consumer-friendly(ish) 3D POV experience by turning a pair of their cameras into sort of Siamese affair, and now it's enabling hunters, soldiers, officers of the law, and anybody who likes shooting stuff to get an up-close recording of exactly what the heck they're shootin' at. When we reviewed those 3D cameras we weren't exactly smitten with the VGA quality, but hopefully the 720p sensor in the new Tachyon XC HD tackles that. It's built into the same shell that struck us as being hugely durable before, and now it's even more so, rated waterproof to 100 feet. The new camera will set you back $179, matching GoPro's recent HD Hero 960, while that Picatinny rail mount is $27 -- unless you're a member of law enforcement or the military, in which case it'll be free. Full details in the PR below, as is a fun video of a little GunCam action.

Gallery: Tachyon XC HD and Picatinny rail mount

Continue reading Tachyon announces 720p Tachyon XC HD helmet cam, excites us with a Picatinny rifle mount (video)

Tachyon announces 720p Tachyon XC HD helmet cam, excites us with a Picatinny rifle mount (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro releases its budget-friendlier $179 HD Hero 960, teases 3D case for moneybags

Tim Stevens — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:05:00 EST

It's been almost two months since GoPro announced it'd be releasing a cheaper helmet cam, the HD Hero 960, positioning it beneath the $299 and 1080p HD Hero we enjoyed last year and give those doing professional stunts on amateur budgets a chance to capture their glory. Now here it is, yours for the taking today -- if you don't mind a resolution capped at 1280 x 960 and a deleted "Hero Bus" expansion port, meaning no external displays or batteries. That port is what you'll need to use the company's next accessory, a dual camera mount shown off at Interbike (and pictured below) pairing two of the HD Heros to film in 3D. You'll need to manually stitch the resulting footage together, but there is at least a sync cable included so that the two start and stop at the same time -- something sadly lacking on the Tachyon XC 3D. That mount is set to retail for $99, but the requirement for dual $299 cameras will price this out of most budgets. However, the $179 MSRP on the HD Hero 960 makes it a compelling alternative to Contour's $220 720p ContourHD.

[Thanks, Jonathan]

Continue reading GoPro releases its budget-friendlier $179 HD Hero 960, teases 3D case for moneybags

GoPro releases its budget-friendlier $179 HD Hero 960, teases 3D case for moneybags originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contour announces 1080p ContourGPS helmetcam, lets friends locate your extreme exploits (video)

Tim Stevens — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

When it comes to the high-end helmetcam game, GoPro and Contour seem to have the market cornered. Contour was first to bring 1080p to your headgear of choice, and now it's the first to add GPS in to the mix. (GoBandit started talking about doing the same back in February, but we're still waiting on that to become a reality.) The $349 ContourGPS still offers the same video specs as the $279 ContourHD 1080p we reviewed this time last year, but now when sharing your videos you can also embed a real-time map view. Read on for more details, and a look at the UI.

Gallery: ContourGPS helmetcam

Continue reading Contour announces 1080p ContourGPS helmetcam, lets friends locate your extreme exploits (video)

Contour announces 1080p ContourGPS helmetcam, lets friends locate your extreme exploits (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro bringing high-def helmet cams to the masses, launching $180 HD Hero 960

Tim Stevens — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST

If you want high-def footage from your lid you have more choices than ever, but if you're on a budget there just aren't that many. The 720p ContourHD is currently the best value at around $230, but we've received word from GoPro that the company is looking to under-cut that with the upcoming $180 HD Hero 960. We have scant few details about this new model, set for release this fall, but based on the name we're guessing it'll fall short of the current HD Hero's 1080p and offer a maximum of 960p, which should be plenty of pixels for most extremophiles. We also have to figure it will continue with its predecessors boxy stylings, but we'd certainly be happy to see a somewhat sleeker redesign.

GoPro bringing high-def helmet cams to the masses, launching $180 HD Hero 960 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift Innovation HD170 helmet cam review

Tim Stevens — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:59:00 EST

What's this, another way to capture for posterity the extremeness of our helmet-requiring pastimes? Yes indeed, a new player has entered the increasingly crowded POV/action/helmet camera market, the Drift Innovation HD170, offering 1080p recording in a durable case that stands poised to take on GoPro's HD Hero and VHoldr's ContourHD 1080p. However, the built-in color LCD here lets you do something you just can't do on either of those two: check your footage on the camera itself. Does this make up for some of the cam's other shortcomings? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Drift Innovation HD170

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Drift Innovation HD170 helmet cam review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view

Sean Hollister — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EST

Need to get a critical tune-up, but don't trust the factory techs not to Ferris Bueller your ride? If you live in the UK and drive an Audi, you'll have technology on your side. Following a successful pilot program, the German manufacturer's outfitting each Audi Centre in Britain with helmet cameras and two-way radios to let customers monitor the entire job. While this sounds fantastic from a consumer standpoint, you'll see mechanics and IT professionals in the audience sadly shaking their heads -- if you've ever had to explain a technical product to an Average Joe who thinks they know better than yourself, you'll understand there are certain disadvantages to this idea. PR after the break.

Continue reading Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view

Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)

Tim Stevens — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EST

Another action cam joins the 1080p fold. Oregon Scientific, maker of many a fine weather station and the odd helmet cam, has released details on its ATC9K Action Camera. It'll do 1080p video, five megapixel photos, is waterproof to 20 meters, comes with an IR remote, and even has an integrated G meter so that you can see just how big a knock your head took on that last ill-advised endo. GPS is an option too, so you can mark your gnarliest adventures on Google Maps, but there's no mention of price despite the thing set to start shipping here in just a few days. An early unboxing video waits for you after the break, as well as a demo clip that uses extreme angles to make you extremely nauseous. Curiously, all of the demonstrations we've seen have had their audio replaced by awful music, leading us to guess this cam has either a poor microphone or simply has none at all.

Gallery: Oregon Scientific ATC9K

Continue reading Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video)

Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera does 1080p underwater (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drift Innovation helmet cam shoots 1080p, sports a rotating lens and built-in LCD

Sean Hollister — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:04:00 EST

Drift Innovation's HD170 is far from the "world's first" HD helmet cam -- heck, it's not even the first that does 1080p -- but we'll admit it's an attractive proposition on paper thanks to a tiny 1.5-inch color LCD and built-in speaker. While those let you verify your death-defying stunts were captured appropriately, an adjustable lens promises more freedom in the way you attach it, too, and at $329, the rest of the specs (30fps, H.264 compression, 5 megapixel stills, 1110 mAh battery, up to 32GB SDHC card) are more or less competitive with the other elephants in the room. Though we certainly can't recommend it without getting some hands-on time first, Drift's got some video samples after the break if you'd like to see how well the POV cam handles the open road and some skydiving Gs.

Continue reading Drift Innovation helmet cam shoots 1080p, sports a rotating lens and built-in LCD

Drift Innovation helmet cam shoots 1080p, sports a rotating lens and built-in LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Video Cameras

Ross Miller — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:32:00 EST

Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.

Whether you want them to or not, there's a good chance you've got a family member or two (or more) that feel compelled to capture every single moment on video, including those times when all you're doing is sitting around watching previously recorded memories. That's just an inevitably we face each and every family gathering, and if you must endure, might as well get them the best possible fidelity, right? Then again, maybe you are that memory-capturing individual -- in either case, we think we've got a few suggestions to maximize your holiday enjoyment.

Gallery: Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Video Cameras

Continue reading Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Video Cameras

Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Video Cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Waterproof ContourHD case enables head-mounted video captures under the sea

Darren Murph — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:57:00 EST

Look, you've always known that you were the next Kelly Slater, but you've never had the outlay to hire a professional recording team to capture your rides off of Oahu's stunning north shore. Thankfully for you, your extreme sporting dreams are about to become a reality courtesy of a $39.99 waterproof case, which has just been released to encase VholdR's ContourHD and ContourHD1080p helmet cams -- which we just so happened to take a look at ourselves earlier this year. Said case can withstand liquids for up to ten meters deep, and just in case you're in the accessorizing mood, the outfit has also released a handlebar mount, vented helmet mount, and a lens kit to its accessory range. Granted, all of this stuff will be rendered pointless when we start embedding HD cameras into our retinas, but we suppose it'll do the trick until that fateful day.

Continue reading Waterproof ContourHD case enables head-mounted video captures under the sea

Waterproof ContourHD case enables head-mounted video captures under the sea originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro HD Hero review and helmet cam face-off

Tim Stevens — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST

What's this, another tiny, high-definition camera to strap onto your person before doing something wild and crazy? Yes, it's the latest pixel-pushing contender for high-def helmetcam supremacy, the GoPro HD Hero; a little gray box in a waterproof case that can record 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60, and comes with a selection of mounts that will enable the thing to hang on to just about whatever you want to sling it from -- but at $299 you might not feel particularly inclined to put it in harm's way. Worth the risk, and how does it compare to the competition and its predecessors? Read on for the full analysis, and of course plenty of gratuitous high definition footage.

Gallery: GoPro Hero HD unboxing and comparison

Continue reading GoPro HD Hero review and helmet cam face-off

Filed under: Digital Cameras

GoPro HD Hero review and helmet cam face-off originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tachyon XC 3D helmet cam hands-on

Tim Stevens — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST

If you're the sort who does interesting things whilst wearing a helmet, things that you might like to capture on video for friends, family, or strangers to watch, it's an awfully good time to be a gadget lover. There have never been more helmet camera options than there are today, and one of the most interesting we've yet had the opportunity to affix to our lid is the Tachyon XC 3D. It's a pair of generally pedestrian cameras that, when joined at the hip, combine Voltron-like to do something rather more interesting: capture 3D renderings of your extreme endeavors. But, is an extra dimension worth the $380 price of admission? Read on to find out, and to experience the depth for yourself.

Gallery: Tachyon XC 3D

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Filed under: Digital Cameras

Tachyon XC 3D helmet cam hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tachyon XC helmet cam, and its Siamese 3D sibling, now shipping to headgear worldwide

Tim Stevens — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST

The world is an ever more extreme place -- and ever more safety conscious too. That means more helmets per capita and thusly more helmet cams. The Tachyon XC is the latest, shipping in not one but two flavors. First up is the standalone model for $180, which packs a couple of batteries and an SDHC card into a lightweight, durable, fully waterproof case. Rather more interesting is the $380 XC 3D, a pair of the cams joined at the hip that record simultaneously and ship with software to join the fruits of their sensors into one mind blowing segment. 3D footage can be displayed in a variety of formats, including the red/blue standard style that rocked the '60s or cross-eyed mode, like those magical posters that look like fields of dots but explode into shapely images of naked ladies when you focus right. Sure, gluing two separate cameras together is perhaps a bit of a crude way to enter the third dimension, and strictly VGA recording is decidedly disappointing, but check out the video results below in cross-eyed mode before you write this off as an over-priced novelty.

Continue reading Video: Tachyon XC helmet cam, and its Siamese 3D sibling, now shipping to headgear worldwide

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Video: Tachyon XC helmet cam, and its Siamese 3D sibling, now shipping to headgear worldwide originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GoPro offers 1080p high-def in a little helmetcam with the HD Hero Wide

Tim Stevens — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:41:00 EST

The high definition-helmetcam wars are heating up. We recently tested the VholdR's sleek ContourHD 720p goggle-mounted shooter and definitely enjoyed it... but you know us: always looking for more. More is what the GoPro HD Hero Wide looks set to offer, with full 1080p recording at 30fps; a first in the extreme camera segment and not something frequently found in a device this small. Just as impressive is a 720p at 60fps recording mode, perfect for catching every detail of your aerials and varials -- and subsequent faceplants. We're still not particularly fond of the "cube on the head" look of the thing, but that cube will at least now contain an 1100mAh battery, said to offer a solid two to three hours of battery life. Quite a package, and while the expected package price of $299 is $100 more than the company's current offerings, it's still solid value. No word on when this will be showing up at the supercross scene.

[Photo courtesy of Freeskier Magazine, thanks Chad]

Filed under: Digital Cameras

GoPro offers 1080p high-def in a little helmetcam with the HD Hero Wide originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATC3K action cam beautifully retrofitted into ski goggles

Darren Murph — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:08:00 EST

Remember Oregon Scientific's ATC3K digital action camera? Yeah, it's back and better than ever. Over at Biobug, one rather talented modder has decided to integrate said device into his UVEX ski goggles, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking. All that was required was a soldering iron, some cabling, a Dremel cutting tool, an ATC3K camera, AA battery box and a small plastic case. Oh, and time -- lots and lots of spare time. Hit the read link for a pictorial trip down assembly lane, and feel free to create your own for this winter's best-ever YouTube vids.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wearables

ATC3K action cam beautifully retrofitted into ski goggles originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VholdR ContourHD helmet cam upgrades your brain to HD

Paul Miller — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST

The original VholdR was already one of the more attractive propositions when it comes to helmet cams -- let's face it, when it comes to strapping a video camera to your head, style is likely your first priority -- and now the even sexier followup is here: VholdR ContourHD. The camera shoots 720p at 30fps and WVGA (858 x 480) at 60fps, making it what is apparently the world's first HD "wearable camcorder." A goggle mount and flat surface mount are included, and the lens swivels 192 degrees for easy alignment, with dual lasers to help with setup and a 135 degree wide angle lens to catch your faceplants in a comprehensive manner. There's a 2GB microSD card included, and we must say the H.264 default codec is an extra nice perk. ContourHD is on sale now for $280, and starts shipping on May 15th.

[Via Helmet Camera Central]

Filed under: Camcorders

VholdR ContourHD helmet cam upgrades your brain to HD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VholdR ContourHD helmet cam upgrades your brain to HD

Paul Miller — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Digital Cameras

VholdR ContourHD helmet cam upgrades your brain to HD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Supercross rider dons GoPro camera on helmet, wins race

Darren Murph — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:50:00 EST

Oh sure, we've come across oodles of cameras designed to be mounted on or around one's noggin, but c'mon, surely we aren't the only folks who reckoned no one actually used these things, right? Taking a huge leap forward for lifebloggers and fans of recording sweet jumps everywhere, Yamaha's Josh Hill managed to not only rock a GoPro Motorsports HERO camera for an entire race, but he also grabbed the gold in front of some 41,000 onlookers in the Minneapolis Metrodome. See kids -- strapping gizmos onto your head isn't just for nerds and basement dwellers, after all. Peep some footage from the headcam below.

[Via verde, image courtesy of vitalmx]
Read - Josh Hill wins race with camera on helmet
Read - Footage from GoPro helmet camera

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Transportation, Wearables

Supercross rider dons GoPro camera on helmet, wins race originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twenty20's VholdR wearable camera catches your sick moves

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:26:00 EST

When you're seriously shredding on your semi-dangerous vehicle of choice (bike, motorbike, personal jetpack, electric unicycle) and you need to capture some of your "moves," you're going to be reaching for something like the VholdR. Well, you probably won't be reaching for it, since Twenty20 says this is "wearable," and though it looks similar to the company's helmet camera, we think you're supposed to put it somewhere else. Regardless -- you'll at least be reaching for the record button... er, switch. The small camera will supposedly capture all your freshest moments with its 192 degree rotating lens, twin laser alignment, "fine line" compression engine, and shockproof, splashproof aluminum enclosure. Finally, a device which is equally matched to your daredevil-like, extreme lifestyle. Available during "the holiday season" for $349.99, and ready for preorders right now.

Filed under: Digital Cameras

Twenty20's VholdR wearable camera catches your sick moves originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twenty20 helmet camera records sweet jumps

Darren Murph — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:01:00 EST

It's not like the world really needed yet another alternative when it comes to helmet cams, but considering just how diminutive Twenty20's iteration really is, we can't kvetch too much. The ten-ounce device comes ready to record with a battery pack, helmet mount, external microphone, and a CMOS image sensor. The company claims that the OmniVision-equipped camera can last a whopping 16 or so hours from a single 9-volt cell, and the aluminum exterior supposedly protects it from any bangs, bruises, and extreme temperature damage. As expected, you will want to bring along your own video recorder to capture the action that the unit records, and just in case you're hoping to capture a bit more of what's going on, the outfit even sells a wide angle lens kit, motorcycle mount, and wired controller for your convenience. The basic camera set is available right now for a reasonable $249.99, and while we wouldn't recommend endangering your life just to capture a jaw-dropping vid, we're sure the collective YouTube universe will appreciate your valorousness.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wearables

Twenty20 helmet camera records sweet jumps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2007 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ActionDVR's "PVR on the go" stores your life

Paul Miller — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 12:11:00 EST

Sure, there have been plenty of helmet-cams available to vanity videographers over the years, but few of them have represented such quality dorkiness as this ActionDVR system does to the everyman. The system is based on a fairly high quality 480p CCD, inside of an all-weather, clip-on camera module, which hooks up to a clip-on mic and the DVR unit. The 3.5-inch screen on the DVR allows for instant replay of your recordings, and the whole system is backed by roughly 8 hours of battery. ActionDVR's main market right now seems to be hunters and fisherman hoping to capture their exploits for posterity, but if we're lucky it'll catch on with the YouTubers -- giving us unwashed masses some of the best dang reality television we've ever seen. This setup can be yours for $1095, but the memories could be priceless.

[Via PVR Wire]

Filed under: Portable Video, Wearables

ActionDVR's "PVR on the go" stores your life originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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