I remember someone posting something about one of these modern tiny HD video cams on here a while back, done loads of searching but can't find the thread.

What's the verdict on these things, I'm looking for something small & simple that I could use for everyday video footage. Doesn't have to have bells whistles zoom or anything like that but must record decent quality, something I could clip on the car or helmet & do a bit of in car footage etc.

Do they have decent battery life, are clips simple to upload to web, fb etc??

Any info muchly welcomed!

I have a tiny thumb-cam from maplin, it's ok. I have used it for skydives, and the quality is ok for fast action, and not too bad for stills. The key issue for me is that it is small and light as I wrist mount the camera for filming the skydive.

Pro's

very small
very cheap
very simple, no screen, and only 2 controls

Against

short duration - limited by memory, but also by battery (20/30mins)
no way to sight the camear - point and hope
fixed lens - no zoom or focus
no external mic socket


having said all that I used mine for the car once or twice and it was ok.

here is a
link to something similar

hope that helps

quote:

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Originally posted by HowardB
I have a tiny thumb-cam from maplin, it's ok. I have used it for skydives, and the quality is ok for fast action, and not too bad for stills. The key issue for me is that it is small and light as I wrist mount the camera for filming the skydive.

Pro's

very small
very cheap
very simple, no screen, and only 2 controls

Against

short duration - limited by memory, but also by battery (20/30mins)
no way to sight the camear - point and hope
fixed lens - no zoom or focus
no external mic socket


having said all that I used mine for the car once or twice and it was ok.

here is a
link to something similar

hope that helps

---

If you need to monitor what the camera is actually looking at, I see they say it can be used as a webcam - can you connect it to a notebook or laptop to use as a monitor, or, if mounting on a car or similar at least to make sure it's pointing in the right direction?

Hi Russ, ebay HD Helmet cam. loads to choose from. quite fancy this one 170875074990

I use my phone as a HD recording device. Obviously you need to buy a suitable mount but it works well and if you have 12V point in the car the filming would run for as long as there is sufficient memory.

I have a Gopro Hero2 which although not remotely cheap has stunning broadcast quality HD footage. I use mine for going kayaking (totally waterproof) and would recommend it if you are interested in the quality also does time lapse and slow motion as standard

Russ,

I picked up a Panasonic HM TA1 from Tesco in the sale for £45
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=panasonic+hm+ta1&_frs=1

No zoom but does great photos (8MP) and up to 1080p video.

Only problem is the little mic port is on the front so sound on the car is rubbish but in normal use and in the garage etc it is great. Has a button for video and one for photos plus playback and thats about it.

This is from it gaffer taped to my rear rollbar but it has a std thread for mounting as well.



Rich

Is there any small cameras that have an external port for a separate mic, to cut out wind noise.

Russ I am stuck at home with my foot up so cant come to any Essex meets for a while.
I have run a variety of video capture devices mainly on military aircraft, currently have a Go Pro at work for vehicles, cracking bit of kit, also have a cheap lipstick I got for £22 not HD and only shoots 5 mins at a time.
I would question the need for HD unless you have some serious mountings to hold the camera and want to see it HD on a big TV, that said most stuff is 1080p now.
Sound is always a big issue and I spent a lot of time modifying setups to run a separate mic out of the wind.
Even a simple conference barrier mic run to the footwell gives better sound than onboard mics.
As for siting the camera very few cheap ones have a screen and rely on wide angle, with a little time, I set up the mount, run a bit of video, then view the results, move the mount and try again, when it's ok set the mount permenantly, Go Pro scores hear as the mounts are cheap so you can buy several.
GoPro also have several quality settings and this also alters the field view ( wide angle or less so).
Sound as stated before is overlooked and I have a particular beef with poor sound, it ruins the video, no sound is better than bad sound that said I don't like silent movies.
The GoPro does now have a screen available, runs a built in mic at the rear and has input for a seperate mic and comes with a protective case featuring a lens cover.
Most other cameras do not have a separate lens cover or ability to use a UV filter for protection again most overlook their expensive camera lens getting gravel rash, I know this from painful experience when filming helecopter take offs from a Type 42 destroyer using a Sony broadcast camera and a £12,000 wide lens, we had to get o new front element for the lens that cost £2000 + fitting ouch.
You can call me if you find something and want a second opinion or want to decifer the tech blurb, it'll give me something to do for the next 5 weeks

Paul, is your foot well enough for a passenger run? Perhaps we could roadtest your Go Pro & you could add some hand held from the rear!

What I wanted this for was just for quick clips & stuff, but just realised my Fuji S5000 camera will probably do what I want, still tempted to try one of these cheapy devices just for the compactness & convenience. The one someones linked to above looks worth a go if genuinely waterproof - I'm off to the red sea in a couple of months & already have an underwater camera, video would be even better!

Agree with you re sound, unfortunately without spending mega bucks not much seems to come with separate mike inputs

[Edited on 13/9/12 by russbost]

[Edited on 13/9/12 by russbost]