Action Cameras

[MotoFuzzle]

[HASH]actioncameras
Which action cams are riders using?  What are the pros & cons?  Any serious complaints?  I'm looking into them to use on my daily commutes, fun rides/track days, and surfing/diving (not relevant, I know).
 
So far, I've settled on the Drift Ghost-S ($400).  I know everybody seems to have Go-Pro, and their comparable camera is about the same price, but I've also seen Polaroid, Garmin and others on the market as well.  Also, I've seen some pretty sweet mounts for all the above.  Any preferences?  (Helmet, handlebar, shoulder, suction-cup)
 

[cassecou]

The Gopro seams to be the go to camera for action movies, they are very adaptable to be able to attach anywhere and their video quality is exceptional. But, like the Drift Ghost-S, the Gopro is bulky and expensive.
Those cameras can be mounted anywhere on the bike, but it looks like the best videos come from helmet mounted.
For best video interaction, a microphone mounted inside the helmet is a plus, like Russian Rider on his FZ-07. So comments of the rider can be heard while watching the video.
I have been using the Mobius camera on my quadcopters and rc planes since it came out last year, and love its light weight and compactness. Not to mention the price of $70.
The Mobius can take 1080p 30fps videos, and its seams to be the best setup for a sharp picture and wide angle view, or 720p at 30fps or 60fps. It does not have a fish eye effect either.
You can find all the information needed Here
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/_35_zps96ce52a0.jpg
 
While waiting for my bike to be delivered this week, I have mounted the Mobius camera inside my helmet using an extension cable.
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/maxresdefault_zpsa4edff7a.jpg
 
I drilled a hole on my old Fulmer helmet and mounted the Mobius lens inside the chin guard. It is flush with the helmet and nobody can tell I have a camera. Except for the double sided WHITE tape I used to glue a cell phone screen saver in front of the lens to make it weather proof.
The main body of the camera is right by my mouth, so it can record every word I say, without a microphone. I still need to test it during rides to find out the effect of wind noise on the recording.
I can also easily connect a battery extender at the bottom of the Mobius for longer recordings. The Mobius can accept up to 64gb sd cards. So recording length are not an issue.
 
 http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/9_zpsf67955a2.jpg
 
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/10_zpse301787b.jpg
 
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/3_zps9d965a54.jpg
 
http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag272/arnau11/12_zps044b40e4.jpg
 
 

[Guru]

That's a cool little camera, I like it. Do you have any test footage while riding your bike?

[jasonaz1]

I use the new gopro hero 4 $130 brand new
Works awesome!

[mericc]

Got hooked up from gopro with a gopro 4 black edition for $399, so far so good

[GAZ]

I use the new gopro hero 4 $130 brand new Works awesome!

Wait.. what? lol 
 
Gopro's are bulky and get attention, but they have the best quality picture. The Drift and Contour's are more discreet. Me personally, I have a Gopro 3+ black and I will be using that if I ever mount on my helmet. I have a handlebar mount for it at the moment.
 

[Tark]

I have a Go Pro 3+ black and i like it a lot. But I've been hearing a lot of good things about the Contours. I'm thinking of getting one for my backup.
 
Not to bad on price too.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Contour-ROAM2-Waterproof-Video-Camera/dp/B009CN8VRK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1413287677&sr=8-6&keywords=contour

[V8titanpwr]

I use the new gopro hero 4 $130 brand new Works awesome!

Wait.. what? lol 
 
Gopro's are bulky and get attention, but they have the best quality picture. The Drift and Contour's are more discreet. Me personally, I have a Gopro 3+ black and I will be using that if I ever mount on my helmet. I have a handlebar mount for it at the moment.

 
 
I run my go pro on the side of my helmet. People talk about them being bulky and getting attention but that's the point. I have noticed that people drive much better around me when I have the camera mounted as they know they are being recorded.

[hippiebikerchick]

Wait.. what? lol 
 
Gopro's are bulky and get attention, but they have the best quality picture. The Drift and Contour's are more discreet. Me personally, I have a Gopro 3+ black and I will be using that if I ever mount on my helmet. I have a handlebar mount for it at the moment.

I run my go pro on the side of my helmet. People talk about them being bulky and getting attention but that's the point. I have noticed that people drive much better around me when I have the camera mounted as they know they are being recorded.

Yes! And the mere presence of the camera is enough; it doesn't have to be recording. 
 

[GAZ]

Any mounting suggestions? Right-side or left-side? Do you use the J-hook with the pivot arm. I didn't even own a motorcycle when I bought my Gopro as I used it for Scuba diving.

[jasonaz1]

.....

[motomeek]

I own the Drift HD Ghost. The sleek profile is what caught my attention to it. And it also has a display screen so you can see how your camera view is without any other external device. And I enjoy it's ability to turn the camera angle 360 degrees. It's mounted on the right side for when I plan to install a communicator on the left, since the left hand is the most "free" in case I need to hit a button or two for it's use.
 
I haven't had any other action camera, so I can't say I can compare experiences. But I'm happy with it.
It's main purpose for me is to capture my commutes in case anything happens.
 
The only bummer is the cover for the USB port broke off after two months of use (I use it at least 5 days/week, has to be charged every other day). And they were nice enough to mail me a replacement, but that did the same thing two months later. I've had the camera for 10 months now, and having a broken USB cover hasn't caused any issues.
 
And the night time footage is a little grainy – though I'm using a micro disc not "recommended" by Drift (only certain manufacturers seem to work best with their software).
 
The GoPro does offer a larger array of accessories since most 3rd party makers will focus on them than any other action camera. And if you are looking for something with the best video quality, GoPro is said to be the best.
 
And like @cassecou mentioned, an external mic is best when it comes to eliminating the terrible wind noise. I purchased one and tuck it into my helmet.
 
 
And both offer apps on the phone to be able to view and edit content. I have yet to use it (since I just found out!). Will let you know how it goes if I ever get around to it!
 

[jasonaz1]

I use the new gopro hero 4 $130 brand new Works awesome!

Wait.. what? lol 
 
Gopro's are bulky and get attention, but they have the best quality picture. The Drift and Contour's are more discreet. Me personally, I have a Gopro 3+ black and I will be using that if I ever mount on my helmet. I have a handlebar mount for it at the moment.

Brand new GoPro $130. That does 1080p30 and 720p60 video http://shop.gopro.com/cameras/hero/CHDHA-301.html I don't even notice it on my helmet it's light and IMO small.Also for the money I honestly think its pretty hard to beat this camera.
 
Day video of me riding [/url]http://youtu.be/2O7rn0WLYeU?list=UUhd-nJF_KufvnNhjrVhu4Sw
This is a night video with/ without night vision filter

   
 

[jasonaz1]

Another day video.
http://youtu.be/eSZz0dd91ns?list=UUhd-nJF_KufvnNhjrVhu4Sw
 

[cassecou]

That's a cool little camera, I like it. Do you have any test footage while riding your bike?

I will test it on the bike as soon as the dealer finally gets the darn bike. I have been waiting for 2 1/2 month now and as winter is coming, I am wondering if I should invest in studded tires B-| 

[cassecou]

Here are some reviews of action cameras that can be helmet mounted from the dashcam expert, Techmoan:
 
The brand new Contour Roam 3

 
SJ4000 (Gopro clone)

 
Mobius

 

[hobbs]

How easy are these to remove from the helmet, like a quick 1, 2 and it's off or more involved?
 
I want a camera for legal reasons but can't take it to work, it would have to go in the bags or beneath the pillon.

[GAZ]

I stayed away from the Contour's due to the fact it doesn't have a removable battery. Although, I think the Contour has the best form factor.

[cassecou]

Another helmet/action camera, the Innovv C3 for $129/$139
 

 
Here are some more details from ADVrider
 

[motomeek]

Drift has announced a newer model. Half the size as the original. Going for $249.
 
The Drift Stealth 2 
 
[video src=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3MNL9QAqCo]
 
 

[hippiebikerchick]

Looks like they used an FZ09 in the demo too! Cool!

[effzee07]

I have the GOPRO Hero 3 white edition (the cheapest one....199). I love it. TONS of accessories for pennies on the dollar, on amazon. Removable battery. Great wide angle lens. External mic capable (thats what i use for vlogging), 1080P. goes on my helmet mount in .05 seconds lol, and removes just as fast. I love the plethora of mounting options available. I bought the chest harness, numerous other mounts/helmet mounts, cases, battery charger, and 2 extra batteries with mine, and all that extra stuff was like 30 bucks or something. LOL. i love it.

[motomeek]

Well, the GoPro HERO (no number or color after its name) is the cheapest one. At $130. I just got one. It's the one @jasonaz1 posted. 
 
[video src=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVrp4s9BYFA]
 

[effzee07]

@motomeek yes that one is the cheapest, but you can't use an external mic with it. I was going to get that one, but I called gopro support and they said it was the only one not compatible with a mic....which i wanted for moto vlogging.

[motomeek]

@motomeek yes that one is the cheapest, but you can't use an external mic with it. I was going to get that one, but I called gopro support and they said it was the only one not compatible with a mic....which i wanted for moto vlogging.

Gotcha. I solely use it just to capture my commutes, so I didn't find a need for the mic. Using the waterproof case does a good enough job buffing the wind noise. Just depends on someone's needs/preferences.