BUY THE BEST HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO CAMERA FOR BICYCLES.

The chest mount

vented helmet mount, quick release

vented helmet mount

head strap mount

head mount

seatpost mount

under stem off of spacer using bar mount

my front mount with homemade stabilization braces 

tripod mount

The best camera for videoing your world from a bicycle is without a doubt the HD Hero camera from GoProCamera.  Of course proof is in the pudding, or video as they say.  Check my humbly submitted video samples at the bottom of this post and scan the information below and decide for yourself.

This camera is hands free (or hands on if you prefer) and extremely versatile.  It can be used far beyond just  videoing and photographing cycling, ranging all the way from scuba-diving to skydiving, standard photography, time lapse photography and beyond.   On this post you will find a detailed list of the HD Hero's stats and abilities, and several images showing  a range of different mounting methods that I use for this camera (there are many more, especially if you are clever).  I also have sample videos  that I have produced from this camera using different mounts as references for videoing from a bicycle, and a couple videos showing this camera's ability to do live and wireless feeds, and the latest video display device that just came available.

Just click any of the GoPro links to buy the world's most versatile high definition multipurpose camera from the parent company GoPro® HD Helmet HERO™ Camera.

At the very minimum I recommend watching the last video on this post.  It's absolutely amazing!  It's produced by the GoPro folks and it shows a bunch of different examples of what the camera can be used for.   

Update: GoProCamera has just released a new Hero3 camera that includes a built in Wi-Fi that enables remote control via remote or live video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro app,  high speed high definition recording (1440p48/1080p60/720p120 fps), 30% smaller, 25% lighter, 2x more powerful than previous models (Hero & Hero2).  Also the new cameras include Built-in Wi-Fi which enables remote control via Wi-Fi Remote or live video preview and remote control on smartphones and tablets running the free GoPro app.

Below is a video produced by the folks at GoProCamera describing some of the features in their latest release of their Hero3 camera:

A recent update:  GoProCamera has developed and released an attachable/removable LCD video screen with a built in speaker for live viewing,  and instant playback of videos (with sound) and photos. (see below).

Another update:  GoProCamera has developed and released a battery pac device which doubles the recording time on their rechargeable lithium batteries.  (see below)

Another update:  GoPro Camera has added a 3D Hero System.  It's the worlds smallest 3D High Definition Camera!  (see below) 
 
Another update:  GoPro Camera has just added a Wi-Fi bacPac and Remote.  This will allow wireless live streaming videos and photos for viewing on the internet or smartphone.  And a long range remote control of up to 50 separate cameras.




I understand that most folks want an awesome cheap camera.  Here's the thing...... GoProCamera's are just that.  In the last decade a high definition video camera cost literally a couple thousand dollars (or more) and were quite large,  and couldn't touch the abilities of the GoPro.  The technology vs cost factors are now at a premium for buyers.  Inflation will not allow these (or any other camera for that matter) to become any cheaper.  So if you are waiting for cheaper you will NEVER buy any camera because they will only rise in price.  If you are looking for better, look no further because there honestly isn't anything better than a  GoProCamera.  The old saying, "You get what you pay for",  holds true with GoProCameras.

GoPro's only real competitor is the HD Contour camera and GoPro honestly blows them out of the water.  First of all the GoPro is more affordable because they include a waterproof case.  With the Contour you have to pay extra.   The video quality is the same because they both use the exact same technology however The GoPro is far superior  because of their clever design for mounting systems and their expansion bus for accessories.  Specifically the expansion port allows the attachment of a LCD video monitor for playback with sound.  It turns the camera into a powerful everyday camera. 


GoProCameras have 3 camera lines with different video levels (with different functional abilities)
    The HD Hero2 for $299.99 (1920x1080)
    The HD Hero for $199.99 (1920x1080) *see below for differences between cameras
    The HD Hero 960 for $149.99 (960x1080) (minus the hero expansion bus for accessories)
 


I personally use the HD Hero and highly recommend it.

GoPro's HD Helmet HERO2 is was the world's highest performance wearable 1080p video and still photo camera (the HERO3 is now the king.... stats on GoPros website).    Professional quality 1080p / 960p / 720p WVGA HD resolutions record at 30 and 60 frames per second (60fps in 720p), .  Record  up to 2.5 hours on a single charge and up to 9 hours total on a 32GB SD card (not included).

The camera can also shoot automatic 11, 8, and 5MP photos at 2/5/10/30 and 60 second intervals during your activity, hands free.  Press the shutter button once at the start of your activity and record up to 2.5 hours of poster-print quality photos of you and your friends, living it up.

Included are mounts for attaching the camera to three helmets and two pieces of gear or vehicles, as well as a head strap allowing you to wear the camera like a headlamp.  You can also pull this strap over helmets for easy camera sharing between friends.  One of the above mentioned helmet mounts is a lace-through strap-mount designed for vented helmets.

The HD Helmet HERO is compatible with all other GoPro Hero camera mounting accessories, so it's very easy to expand the functionality of your camera to also suction cup to vehicles, clamp to bike handlebars and seat posts, mount to surfboards, and even be worn on the wrist or chest.

Waterproof to 180'/60m and protected from rocks and other hazards thanks to its removable polycarbonate housing.  Replacement housings and lens kits are available, making repairs or refurbishing your HD HERO camera affordable and convenient.  It's a GoPro... go for it. (TM)

What's Included:
* 1 HD HERO Camera (5 megapixels)
* 1 Rechargeable 1100 mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
* 1 Waterproof Quick-Release Housing (180'/60m)
* 1 Headlamp-Style Head Strap
* 1 Vented Helmet Strap
* 2 Curved, 3M (TM) Adhesive Mounts
* 2 Flat, 3M Adhesive Mounts
* 1 Three-Way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
* 2 Quick-Release Buckles\
* 1 USB Cable
* 1 Component Video (HDTV) Cable\
* 1 Component Video + Audio Out Cable
* Warranty:  One Year

Camera Optics (HD Hero Standard):
* Lens Type:  Fixed Focus (2ft/.6m - infinity), glass
* Aperture:  f/2.8 (high performance in low-light situations)
* Angle of View: 170 degree ultra wide angle in WVGA, 720p, or 960p mode
* Angle of View: 127 degree wide angle in 1080p mode

Camera Optics (HD Hero2):
*2x Sharper Professional Glass Lens
*f/2.8 Fixed Focus
*170 degree FOV (including 1080p)
*90 degree FOV


Video (Standard HD Hero)
* HD Video Resolution Modes: (subject to change, pending final firmware release)
     * 1080p = 1920x1080 pixels (16:9), 30fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
     * 960 = 1280x960 pixels (4:3), 30 fps, 12 Mbit/s data rate
     * 720 = 1280x720 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 15 Mbit/s data rate
     * WVGA = 848x480 pixels (16:9), 60 fps, 8 Mbit/s data rate
* Sensor Type: 1/2.5" HD CMOS, 2.2um-sized pixels
* Light Sensitivity:  Super low-light sensitivity (>1.4 V/lux-sec)
* Video Format: H.264 compression, saved as Windows- & Mac-compatible MPEG4 (.mp4) file
* Exposure Control:  Auto with user selectable center weighted average and spot metering settings
* White Balance:  Auto

Video (HD Hero2)
* High Performance, 1/2.3" CMOS Image Sensor
*Light Sensitivity: .84V/lux-sec
*Exposure Control:  Spot, Center Weighted
*White Balance:  Auto

Audio (Standard HD Hero)
* Microphone:  Built-in, mono with AGC (automatic gain control)
* Audio Format: 48 kHz, AAC audio compression

Audio (HD Hero2)
*same built in microphone as standard
*Stereo External Microphone Input (3.5mm)

Photo (HD Hero standard)
* Resolution: 5 megapixel
* Capture Modes: Single shot, photo every 2, 5, 10, 30, or 60 secs.; 3 photo burst; self-timer

Photo (HD Hero2)
*Resolution:  11, 8, and 5 megapixel
*Capture Modes:  10 shots in 1 sec., TimeLapse every 0.5, 1.2.10, 30,60 seconds; self-timer
Storage
* Memory: SD card, up to 32GB capacity (SDHC)
* Average recording times (using 32GB SD card)
     *1080p (30 fps): 4h 21m
     *960p (30 fps): 5h 26m
     *720p (60 fps): 4h 21
     *WVGA (60 fps): 8h 09m

Camera Connectors & Cables
* PC Connection: USB 2.0 (data connection and battery charging)
* HDTV Out: HD NTSC & PAL (component cable incl.)
* Audio Out: Combo 2.5mm jack with stereo audio and composite video out
* PC Compatibility: Windows Vista, Windows 7; Mac OS X 10.4.11 and later

Power & Battery
* Battery Type:  Rechargable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
* Battery Life:  Approx. 2.5 hrs
* Charging:  via USB to computer or optional power adapter
* Charge Time:  80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer's   USB port

Waterproof Camera Housing
* Depth Rating: Up to 180 feet / 60 meters
* Construction:  Polycarbonate and stainless steel
* Hardware:  Stainless steel

Size & Weight
* Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.6" x 2.4" x 1.2" (42mm x 60mm x 30mm)
* Weight: 3.3ox (94g) incl. battery, 5.9oz. (167g) incl. housing

Click to enlarge to see camera comparisons

This blog site is dedicated to road bicycle racing, tips, training/racing information and of course lots of videoing of racing.   I am completely blown away at how cool this camera is.  The video quality is awesome, the camera is small and  mounts in a ton of ways.  I still can't believe how smooth the video picture is during rough filming. This camera is simply amazing.  (check my videos for proof).

Below are samples of mounting methods for the HD Hero Camera that I personally use.

There are literally too many mounting methods to list here, but I did show my favorites that I use.

The above video shows how this camera is excellent to record a bike trip.


This is a video I shot using the both the seatpost mount and the under the stem mount that is pictured above.  The video settings was 960p (1280x960 pixels) on each camera.

This video I shot with the chest mount (also at 960p), oh, and a seatpost mount also at 960



I have a blog post that describes how to use Adobe Premiere Elements 8 software for editing. I spent many an hour learning  this software.  If you are new to video editing, my post can save you lots of time and frustration.   Keep in mind, there are many, many other different video editing software products out there.  This is just the one that I use and am most familiar with.   

The above video is a good demonstration of the helmet mount while mountain biking.   It is also notable that the temperature was only 6 degrees above zero Fahrenheit, and on snowy and icy trails.   This was my first video with the HD Hero camera (I have since produced 80 or so more).  My biggest lesson was to make sure that the camera is securely fastened. Later in the video the camera angle drops after and sudden and powerful jolt. (not exactly a masterpiece, but it still turned out pretty good)

To purchase your HD HERO Camera, just click the "Get Yours" button on this page.  This takes you to the mother ship.  Click on "HD Helmet HERO" helmet camera image (bottom left of the screen) then "ADD to Cart".  You can easily pay with MasterCard,  Visa, American Express or Paypal.  Shipping is usually within 24 hours.  This amazing, adaptable, waterproof, bombproof, high tech, high definition camera sells for $299 and ninety-nine pennies.  The naked version (no cables/mounts, just bare camera/case) is only $259.

Or  you can purchase the HD Hero 960 version (pictured above).  The HD Hero 960 features the same professional grade 960p, 720p and 480p (WVGA) video & 5MP timelapse photo modes, and incredible sound recording system as it's big brother, the original HD HERO camera.  Missing from the HD HERO 960 are 720p @ 60fps, 1080p video, and the HERO Bus expansion port in the rear of the camera that will let you take advantage of GoPro's forthcoming Bac Pac accessories - LCD screen & Battery Extension - both important features for film-making hobbyist & professional videographers that are compatible with the original HD HERO camera.  The purchase price is lower however (than the 1080) at only $179.99.  

 


You can do high definition live feed.  See above video.
Wireless live feed is possible.  See below video:

Lastly, below is a video produced by the GoProCamera guys that shows a multitude of other sports that this video camera can easily be adapted to.





Now The HD Hero camera has a handy video monitor with audio that can be attached or removed by your command.  It makes this already incredible camera even more incredible. 

I have to throw in this video too because it's soooo much fun to watch and pure GoPro.