At the starting line of South Africa's season opening mountainbike race, the EQSTRA Spring Classic, we heard the announcer saying that helmet cameras, chest cams, bike cameras and anything of the sort were not allowed at the race. What a bummer! They said this was a new rule passed by the UCI recently as the helmet cameras are referred to as non-essential items on a race.
What a load of ****! Of course they're essential! Essential for catching the awesomeness of the race and for bragging rights afterwards. This announcement didn't stop us as we promptly clipped our cameras back onto our helmets once we were passed the race officials on the start line.... And we got some awesome footage from the race!
After a bit of research it seems that this is not a recent rule of the UCI but was in fact put in place in 2009. Although this is in the rulebooks of the UCI it has never been seriously enforced - as you can easily tell from all the awesome helmet cam race footage popping up on YouTube and Freecaster from all the big races. Part of this rule is that they reserve the right to use helmet cams for TV footage purposes if they choose (this seems a bit unfair to us!).
I can understand some of the reasons for this rule such as some people struggle to stay on their bikes without having the distraction of trying to operate a camera mounted on top of their helmet during a race. Some people may also arguably ride a bit more flashy (risky) if they know they'll be showing the video off to their mates later on.
But what about the positives of these races being filmed by the riders themselves? Surely event organisers would love that the riders are posting in-action videos and photos from the mornings ride on facebook! This would almost definitely bring more riders to the next event or to the same event the following year.
Having videos of the course online can also help potential riders make up their mind as to whether the MTB race they're considering is too technical or not for them.
And lets not forget that having these helmet cam videos being shared freely online would be awesome for the mountain biking sport as a whole!
Cameras like the GoPro, Drift HD and the Contour cameras have been around for ages and I hope the event organisers aren't going to start spoiling peoples fun by banning the cameras at upcomming events. Because, as it seems, this UCI rule on helmet cameras is only as enforceable as each individual ride organiser wants it to be. They haven't been banned so much as frowned upon but this ain't going to stop us using the cameras over the rest of the upcoming races this season.
Feel free to get hold of us at www.actioncameras.co.za if you have any questions on this.
Reviews, news, & comparisons on GoPro HD Hero, Drift HD cameras, Contour GPS, & ATC9K Helmet Cams from South Africa.
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Drift HD vs GoPro HD Comparison Review
Comparing the GoPro HD and Drift HD is an awesome head to head battle between two of the best helmet cams around. While they both film in 1080p full HD video, that's about where the similarity ends.
The GoPro wins hands down on the waterproofing side as it can easily go go to 60meters underwater whereas the Drift HD is merely water resistant against rain showers.
One other thing they both do is take still photos, the GoPro in 5Mp stills and the Drift HD in 9Mp shots. Both have the ability to shoot photos continuously in a timelapse mode which pretty awesome for getting excellent in-action shots.
The benefits of the Drift range of cameras has always been the built in screen, wireless remote and rotating lens. The original Drift X170 couldn't really stand side by side with the likes of the GoPro HD but now that the 4th generation Drift HD is out it is more then fair to give them a good comparison review.
The advantages of the screen include easy aligning of the shot (so you know what you're filming) and being able to watch your videos on the go which is cool. Recently GoPro has released the LCD BacPac which of course allows for GoPro users to add a screen onto their 1080p GoPro cams but this will set you back an extra R995.
The new GoPro cameras have the ability to film in the upside down mode adding an extra dimension to your mounting ability so you can mount the camera in all kinds of places (older cameras can get this feature with a simple firmware upgrade. The comparing feature here is the Drift HD's rotating lens on the front which means you can mount the camera body in any orientation and simply twist the lens into an upright position so your picture will always be upright.
The wireless remote control on the Drift HD is a great feature for a lot of users. The benefits are pretty easy to figure out and, as it works up to 8meters from the camera, it's pretty sweet.
Mount wise, both the GoPro HD and Drift HD come with a range of mounts in the box to get you started. The adhesives provided work on 3m tape which seriously stick on properly.
Here's a graph showing a side by side comparison of the specs. (The Drift HD pricing is actually R3,750, not R,3999 as in the image below).
So, which one is the best of the comparison?
It depends on what you're using it for. People into land and water sports - the GoPro is for you. People into land and air sports who like the idea of the wireless remote and screen, go for the Drift HD.
One other thing they both do is take still photos, the GoPro in 5Mp stills and the Drift HD in 9Mp shots. Both have the ability to shoot photos continuously in a timelapse mode which pretty awesome for getting excellent in-action shots.
The benefits of the Drift range of cameras has always been the built in screen, wireless remote and rotating lens. The original Drift X170 couldn't really stand side by side with the likes of the GoPro HD but now that the 4th generation Drift HD is out it is more then fair to give them a good comparison review.
The advantages of the screen include easy aligning of the shot (so you know what you're filming) and being able to watch your videos on the go which is cool. Recently GoPro has released the LCD BacPac which of course allows for GoPro users to add a screen onto their 1080p GoPro cams but this will set you back an extra R995.
The new GoPro cameras have the ability to film in the upside down mode adding an extra dimension to your mounting ability so you can mount the camera in all kinds of places (older cameras can get this feature with a simple firmware upgrade. The comparing feature here is the Drift HD's rotating lens on the front which means you can mount the camera body in any orientation and simply twist the lens into an upright position so your picture will always be upright.
The wireless remote control on the Drift HD is a great feature for a lot of users. The benefits are pretty easy to figure out and, as it works up to 8meters from the camera, it's pretty sweet.
Mount wise, both the GoPro HD and Drift HD come with a range of mounts in the box to get you started. The adhesives provided work on 3m tape which seriously stick on properly.
Here's a graph showing a side by side comparison of the specs. (The Drift HD pricing is actually R3,750, not R,3999 as in the image below).
So, which one is the best of the comparison?
It depends on what you're using it for. People into land and water sports - the GoPro is for you. People into land and air sports who like the idea of the wireless remote and screen, go for the Drift HD.
.
.
.
Monday 29 August 2011
Kevin Pietersen and his GoPro HD
Today our accountant walked in and asked quite seriously; "What would you use these action cameras for?"
Seriously!?!?!? Our answer was along the lines of "What can't you use these cameras for?" While these cams have been designed for extreme sports and helmet mounting, you really can use them for just about anything. We've sold GoPros to everyone from surfers and bikers to miners and surgeons! The list of uses for the GoPro is really unlimited, even Kevin Pieterson could figure out how to use one!
Seriously!?!?!? Our answer was along the lines of "What can't you use these cameras for?" While these cams have been designed for extreme sports and helmet mounting, you really can use them for just about anything. We've sold GoPros to everyone from surfers and bikers to miners and surgeons! The list of uses for the GoPro is really unlimited, even Kevin Pieterson could figure out how to use one!
Sunday 28 August 2011
Helmet Camera Comparison Feature
You're interested in a helmet cam but not sure which one to go for? Well, you can do one of two things...
1) Phone us to pick our knowledgeable brains (we've been doing this for 5 years!), or
2) Go to our Best Selling Action Cameras page, click on the helmet cameras you're interested in, and hit the "Compare Selected" button at the bottom.
Our new comparison feature will instantly give you a head-to-head comparison of your selected cameras. Add or delete cameras from the list or delete comparing features which you're not interested in. This list includes the GoPro HD, Drift HD, Contour range, ATC9K, and more.
Be sure to take full advantage of this exciting new feature as it is a first in helmet camera websites worldwide!! Check this link for a detailed review to compare the GoPro HD and the Drift HD.
1) Phone us to pick our knowledgeable brains (we've been doing this for 5 years!), or
2) Go to our Best Selling Action Cameras page, click on the helmet cameras you're interested in, and hit the "Compare Selected" button at the bottom.
Our new comparison feature will instantly give you a head-to-head comparison of your selected cameras. Add or delete cameras from the list or delete comparing features which you're not interested in. This list includes the GoPro HD, Drift HD, Contour range, ATC9K, and more.
Be sure to take full advantage of this exciting new feature as it is a first in helmet camera websites worldwide!! Check this link for a detailed review to compare the GoPro HD and the Drift HD.
Saturday 27 August 2011
Contour Plus camera available soon
Post update (5th of Sept 2011) - The Contour Plus is now in stock at Action Cameras! Come and get 'em!
*****
The Contour + camera comes in the same form factor as Contour's previous action cameras but this time they've managed to pack a lot more punch into this little camera. While some of the other helmet camera brands are moving to serve the lower price point customers, Contour seem to be moving the other way. The Contour + includes many new features which makes it more attractive to the professional videographer or film maker. Along with the more technical features also comes a higher price tag of R4,199 (South African Rands).
Let's take a look at some of the new features which they've included.
Unlike previous versions such as the Contour HD, and the Contour GPS, the newer Contour Plus comes with a wider angle lens of 170 degrees (previously 135 degrees). While this gives a slightly fish-eye effect on the video it is much preferred for the point-of-view shot as is picks up more of the action and gives a better perspective of the speed at which you are travelling.
Until now the Contour range of cameras has had a built in microphone which gives pretty good sound quality. The Contour + also has this but also has a 3.5mm mic jack so you can plug in an external mic to pick up seriously awesome sound quality. This can be really useful when filming at speed because you can tuck the external mic inside your jacket or underneath the bikes fairing to eliminate wind noise. Vloggers will love to clip the mic inside their helmet to give commentary while riding. Another benefit is that you can get a stereo mic to pick up directional sound.
The awesome Smart Phone Connection capability of the Contour GPS camera has been carried over to the Contour +. Use your BlueTooth to connect your smartphone to your camera so you can use your phone screen as a live viewfinder of the camera. This is a very cool feature as before this was available you never really knew what you were filming - it was just a hit and hope situation. Now you can frame your shot perfectly so you know exactly what is in and out the shot.
Another awesome feature carried over from the ContourGPS is the GPS capability. Not only will you have your extreme sports recorded in Full HD but you'll also have a recording of your GPS Location, altitude, and speed. Use the Contour software to blend this info into a sick video which will appear like a TV game - the main part of your screen is the video and then all the stats are surrounding this for live playback. Neat!
*****
The Contour + camera comes in the same form factor as Contour's previous action cameras but this time they've managed to pack a lot more punch into this little camera. While some of the other helmet camera brands are moving to serve the lower price point customers, Contour seem to be moving the other way. The Contour + includes many new features which makes it more attractive to the professional videographer or film maker. Along with the more technical features also comes a higher price tag of R4,199 (South African Rands).
.jpg) |
| Contour Plus |
Let's take a look at some of the new features which they've included.
Unlike previous versions such as the Contour HD, and the Contour GPS, the newer Contour Plus comes with a wider angle lens of 170 degrees (previously 135 degrees). While this gives a slightly fish-eye effect on the video it is much preferred for the point-of-view shot as is picks up more of the action and gives a better perspective of the speed at which you are travelling.
Until now the Contour range of cameras has had a built in microphone which gives pretty good sound quality. The Contour + also has this but also has a 3.5mm mic jack so you can plug in an external mic to pick up seriously awesome sound quality. This can be really useful when filming at speed because you can tuck the external mic inside your jacket or underneath the bikes fairing to eliminate wind noise. Vloggers will love to clip the mic inside their helmet to give commentary while riding. Another benefit is that you can get a stereo mic to pick up directional sound.
The awesome Smart Phone Connection capability of the Contour GPS camera has been carried over to the Contour +. Use your BlueTooth to connect your smartphone to your camera so you can use your phone screen as a live viewfinder of the camera. This is a very cool feature as before this was available you never really knew what you were filming - it was just a hit and hope situation. Now you can frame your shot perfectly so you know exactly what is in and out the shot.
Another awesome feature carried over from the ContourGPS is the GPS capability. Not only will you have your extreme sports recorded in Full HD but you'll also have a recording of your GPS Location, altitude, and speed. Use the Contour software to blend this info into a sick video which will appear like a TV game - the main part of your screen is the video and then all the stats are surrounding this for live playback. Neat!
Check out the Contour + Plus page on Action Cameras for more info
Here's a quick video comparison showing the difference between the
Contour Roam, Contour GPS and the Contour Plus.
.
.
.
Friday 26 August 2011
Helmet Camera
Helmet Cameras have come a long way in the past few years. In 2006 we were making up helmet cam kits by plugging CCTV cameras into camcorders with external power packs and a spaghetti pile of wires - what a mess! The helmet camera technology has moved incredibly quick to today where you can get a full HD camera in small and durable design such as the Drift HD, GoPro HD, Contour and many others.
Each of these cameras come with mounts to attach to your helmet so you can film your own point of view in a hands free manner. Use your helmet cam to record your extreme sports from a new angle - yours.
Apart from the Drift, Gopro and Contour there are many other helmet cameras available on the market - so you're probably trying to figure out which helmet camera is best for you.... Well, that's what this blog is all about. Read the various posts on the Action Cameras Blog or go straight to the Action Cameras website to find out everything that you may want to know about the helmet camera world and all the best helmet cameras available.
Each of these cameras come with mounts to attach to your helmet so you can film your own point of view in a hands free manner. Use your helmet cam to record your extreme sports from a new angle - yours.
Apart from the Drift, Gopro and Contour there are many other helmet cameras available on the market - so you're probably trying to figure out which helmet camera is best for you.... Well, that's what this blog is all about. Read the various posts on the Action Cameras Blog or go straight to the Action Cameras website to find out everything that you may want to know about the helmet camera world and all the best helmet cameras available.
Thursday 25 August 2011
Vote for Action Cameras as SA's Best E-Commerce Site!
Action Cameras SA has been nominated for the top award in the competition for South Africa's Best E-commerce website! Please help support us by casting your vote for us as your best online store. By voting you also enter yourself for a chance to win an iPad 2!
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Action Cameras live on SABC 3's Expresso Show
Action Cameras were invited for a live interview on the SABC 3 Expresso Morning Show. This aired on Monday the 8th of August, if you missed out then check it out below. We also announce how you can win a Drift HD and the GoPro HD. Nice!
Visit Action Cameras for more info on these cameras and more...
Visit Action Cameras for more info on these cameras and more...
.
.
.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Mountainbiking with the Drift HD at the MTN Bike Park in Bryanston
The Drift HD had some great testing at the MTN Bike Park in Bryanston this weekend as we hit the track first thing on Sunday morning. As the MTB trail had more and more riders into the day we had more and more bikers asking us about the Drift HD helmet camera as they were all super keen to check out the video quality and to see the trails we had been riding.
Even though we don't ride as hard as some of the guys hitting single track at speed, we still managed to get some awesome shots from the Drift HD mounted on our helmets.
Busy editing some cool videos from the track too, will post these soon :)
For all the helmet cameras designed for mountain biking, check out this page for MTB cameras.
.
.
.
Monday 22 August 2011
Go Pro HD
The Go Pro HD camera has taken the world by storm and is now becoming more and more popular across South Africa. Not only are the extreme sports junkies using it to record their craziness but it's now being sought after by the production houses for TV use. This goes to show that the quality of the Go Pro is seriously top class.
Action Cameras SA are pleased to represent Go Pro here in South Africa, we stock all the cameras and every accessory under the sun. Since we've been dealing with Go Pro since 2006 we know these cameras inside out and can offer professional advice and support to all of our customers.
Have a look at the Go Pro HD cameras on www.actioncameras.co.za to find out more info on the cameras and on how to use them. You're also welcome to give us a call on 011 781 1323 for personal advice and support.
We also offer free delivery on all Go Pro camera orders and accessories order over R1500 - so that's a pretty sweet deal.
Looking forward to chatting to you soon,
The Action Cameras Team
www.actioncameras.co.za
 |
| Go Pro HD Camera |
Have a look at the Go Pro HD cameras on www.actioncameras.co.za to find out more info on the cameras and on how to use them. You're also welcome to give us a call on 011 781 1323 for personal advice and support.
We also offer free delivery on all Go Pro camera orders and accessories order over R1500 - so that's a pretty sweet deal.
Looking forward to chatting to you soon,
The Action Cameras Team
www.actioncameras.co.za
Friday 19 August 2011
Drift HD - Newest HD Helmet Cam available in SA
Smaller and Smarter: New Drift HD Point of View Camera
JULY 26, 2011 BY
Point of view cameras are one of today’s hottest commodities in countless markets and demographics. The growth trend has invigorated camera technology advancements, recorded the most extreme events in history and firmly established bragging rights in action sports communities. Drift, an innovative point view camera manufacturer, is proud to announce the global launch of the new Drift HD point of view camera.The new compact, durable, easy-to-use Drift HD camera elevates the point of view camera market to a higher level with the most feature-rich, multi-functional helmet camera available to date.
Drift’s signature features such as the integrated LCD screen, wireless remote control, 300-degree rotating lens, 170-degree field of view, multiple mounting options, water resistant casing and professional-grade 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps high-definition video settings will be integrated into the new DriftHD. Additionally, the Drift HD will include:
- More compact housing, 10cm and 124 grams; 25% smaller than its predecessor
- Replaceable lens
- 9 MP photos
- Second rear cover to protect the camera when using an external mic or a USB charger
- Micro HDMI connector for HD TV playback
- LED recording indicator
- New goggle strap in addition to the curved and flat adhesive mounts, paired with a universal clip for multiple mounting options
The Drift HD will be available to buy on August 31, 2011. RRP R3,990.
“We are very fortunate for the trusted and solid platform of customers who have provided Drift with support, enthusiasm and effective product feedback,” said John Rounds, Drift’s global sales and marketing director. “They have allowed us to invest in the best technologies available, in order to propel the Drift brand to the next level.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)