Looking for POV camera advise

David Stembridge · March 8th, 2011, 07:53 PM

My son got a new camera for his birthday; but after playing around with it, decided that he wanted something smaller; but something that would do video for airsoft games and practice.

We returned it, because he decided he would prefer video camera, rather than still... Now, he is thinking of a camera that could be mounted to a gun, rather than a traditional video camera.

Here's 4 I found:

1.*Contour HD
2.*Tachyon XC HD
3.*GoPro
4.*Drift

I like the GoPro best, he likes the Contour best. So what I am wondering is which one has the best sound quality, as he may use occasionally to do reviews, Do any of them allow an external microphone? Any advise would be highly appreciated!

Wayne Reimer · March 9th, 2011, 06:59 AM

I have only got first hand experience with the goPro, and personally I think you're on the money there. I don't think any of the camera's mentioned have the ability to add a secondary mike, however in all cases there are easy workarounds.
Something low cost like a Zoom h1 for audio and syncing it in post is a logical direction to go. The nice thing about the GoPro is it's flexibility and bomb proof design. I know the others are also built very ruggedly too, but the gopro has repeatedly amazed me what it will withstand and still functon. Adding the new LCD back makes it a much more useful camera, and the wide variety of mounting options are a big plus.

Gordon Hoffman · March 9th, 2011, 07:44 AM

The Drift Innovation HD170 Stealth Camera has an external mic you can get for it. I've got the GoPro but haven't had a chance to really test it out but have some plans for it this spring. Waitng for my lcd.

Gordon

Wayne Reimer · March 9th, 2011, 11:41 AM

Gordon
I think you'll like the LCD on the gopro a great deal. I put mine through a lot of use last year, but the lack of ability to see what I shot/was shooting frustrated me every time. With the LCD, I can now actually frame the shot a bit...Huge improvement.
How are things in Pincher Creek? I was through there a week ago, and wasn't sure we'd keep the truck on the road the wind was blowing so hard

David Stembridge · March 9th, 2011, 01:06 PM

Thanks a lot guys for the feedback,
I did see several other posts on here as well, that'll be helpful. Are there local stores that typically carry these? to be able to look at before purchase?
We are in Augusta, Ga area

Pete Bauer · March 9th, 2011, 01:15 PM

GoPro is great for what it does -- wide angle POV in HD in good lighting situations -- and I'll probably even buy another pair of them, but IMO their capabilities don't include "good sound." At least for my two current units, sound is rather poor quality. That said, I have no idea if any of the other cameras is any better.

Wayne Reimer · March 9th, 2011, 03:53 PM

I think in reality the nature of the beast with all of them is that they aren't going to record stellar audio. They aren't designed to be used in optimal situations; just the opposite. It's hard enough to get decent audio on a stationary camera in a controlled environment, much less hurtling down a ski hill.

I think you really have to look at a secondary aduio source and post processing if you're audio is really critical

Gordon Hoffman · March 9th, 2011, 06:39 PM

Wayne
I would think the lcd will make the GoPro a very handy little camera.
Pincher has finally warmed up. Above freezing for a change. Winds only suppose to gust to 80km tonight so not to bad.

Gordon

Wayne Reimer · March 9th, 2011, 07:49 PM

I wish...Long time Calgary resident here. I retired last summer and my wife was transferred two weeks later to Regina. We've been up to our armpits in snow since October. Windy here too, all the time however it's a light breeze for you folks. We had to pick up a vehicle in Fernie, and I truly thought a couple of times we were going to be blown off the highway...and we were in a Hummer.

March 8th, 2011, 07:53 PM	#1
David Stembridge Regular Crew Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waynesboro, GA Posts: 139	Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! My son got a new camera for his birthday; but after playing around with it, decided that he wanted something smaller; but something that would do video for airsoft games and practice. We returned it, because he decided he would prefer video camera, rather than still... Now, he is thinking of a camera that could be mounted to a gun, rather than a traditional video camera. Here's 4 I found: 1.Contour HD 2.Tachyon XC HD 3.GoPro 4.Drift I like the GoPro best, he likes the Contour best. So what I am wondering is which one has the best sound quality, as he may use occasionally to do reviews, Do any of them allow an external microphone? Any advise would be highly appreciated!

March 9th, 2011, 06:59 AM	#2
Wayne Reimer Major Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 255	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! I have only got first hand experience with the goPro, and personally I think you're on the money there. I don't think any of the camera's mentioned have the ability to add a secondary mike, however in all cases there are easy workarounds. Something low cost like a Zoom h1 for audio and syncing it in post is a logical direction to go. The nice thing about the GoPro is it's flexibility and bomb proof design. I know the others are also built very ruggedly too, but the gopro has repeatedly amazed me what it will withstand and still functon. Adding the new LCD back makes it a much more useful camera, and the wide variety of mounting options are a big plus.

March 9th, 2011, 07:44 AM	#3
Gordon Hoffman Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pincher Creek, Alberta Canada Posts: 619	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! The Drift Innovation HD170 Stealth Camera has an external mic you can get for it. I've got the GoPro but haven't had a chance to really test it out but have some plans for it this spring. Waitng for my lcd. Gordon

March 9th, 2011, 11:41 AM	#4
Wayne Reimer Major Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 255	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! Gordon I think you'll like the LCD on the gopro a great deal. I put mine through a lot of use last year, but the lack of ability to see what I shot/was shooting frustrated me every time. With the LCD, I can now actually frame the shot a bit...Huge improvement. How are things in Pincher Creek? I was through there a week ago, and wasn't sure we'd keep the truck on the road the wind was blowing so hard

March 9th, 2011, 01:06 PM	#5
David Stembridge Regular Crew Join Date: May 2010 Location: Waynesboro, GA Posts: 139	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! Thanks a lot guys for the feedback, I did see several other posts on here as well, that'll be helpful. Are there local stores that typically carry these? to be able to look at before purchase? We are in Augusta, Ga area

March 9th, 2011, 01:15 PM	#6
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! GoPro is great for what it does -- wide angle POV in HD in good lighting situations -- and I'll probably even buy another pair of them, but IMO their capabilities don't include "good sound." At least for my two current units, sound is rather poor quality. That said, I have no idea if any of the other cameras is any better. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

March 9th, 2011, 03:53 PM	#7
Wayne Reimer Major Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 255	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! I think in reality the nature of the beast with all of them is that they aren't going to record stellar audio. They aren't designed to be used in optimal situations; just the opposite. It's hard enough to get decent audio on a stationary camera in a controlled environment, much less hurtling down a ski hill. I think you really have to look at a secondary aduio source and post processing if you're audio is really critical

March 9th, 2011, 06:39 PM	#8
Gordon Hoffman Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pincher Creek, Alberta Canada Posts: 619	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! Wayne I would think the lcd will make the GoPro a very handy little camera. Pincher has finally warmed up. Above freezing for a change. Winds only suppose to gust to 80km tonight so not to bad. Gordon

March 9th, 2011, 07:49 PM	#9
Wayne Reimer Major Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Regina, Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 255	Re: Looking for POV camera advise - sound quality important! I wish...Long time Calgary resident here. I retired last summer and my wife was transferred two weeks later to Regina. We've been up to our armpits in snow since October. Windy here too, all the time however it's a light breeze for you folks. We had to pick up a vehicle in Fernie, and I truly thought a couple of times we were going to be blown off the highway...and we were in a Hummer.