techmoan
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Back to basics with a Helmet Camera review.
🕑 Added 2017-05-28 10:16:37 +0000 UTC I get a lot of requests asking me to demonstrate new helmet, action and dash cams, and now that the weather here is intermittently half-decent, I thought I should try a couple of models out.Action cameras are a mature technology now compared to when I started reviewing them almost ten years ago. Back then could I only buy standard definition cameras and now UHD models are the norm.
As happens with all mature technologies though, we are now seeing fewer milestone changes each year. You only need to look at the fortunes of GoPro to see how difficult it is to keep interested in incremental upgrades in an established product category. For most people, once they have got a camera that records decent quality video, there's little desire to upgrade until it breaks.
The reason I decided to review this particular device now is because there are still a significant number of people looking for a good quality, affordable, side-mount helmet camera that doesn't use the go-pro box type shape. I was hoping this one might fit the bill, but alas itβs another case of close-but-no-cigar.
I suspect that when this video goes live, Iβll get a few requests to review the Sena PT-10-01. It was out of stock at the time of making the review, but I might try one out before the summer is over, but first I see whether there's any interest in this review.
Back to retro tech soon - I've just finished a video about an old format that's come together satisfyingly well, I think you'll enjoy it, and I've also got a couple of shorter videos in the works that I aim to put out between the longer projects.
Oh and I haven't forgotten about the behind-the-scenes making-of video, but unfortunately it will have to wait for a few more weeks.
Thank you again for your continued support. The youtube ad-revenue is very hit and miss at the moment (more miss than hit) so the patreon income has become increasingly important.
Comments
Doeke Zanstra
Nice video. It reminded me of the original iSight camera of Apple. <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/ISights.jpg/1920px-ISights.jpg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/ISights.jpg/1920px-ISights.jpg</a>
Techmoan
I'm not sure they make the J1 any more. The reason I use it is because it was the only helmet I found (after a couple of years of trying on models from every manufacturer at all budgets) that fitted comfortably. I have an unusually large head...or perhaps it's oddly shaped. The disadvantages of the helmet are somewhat reduced protection at the front, but the advantages are an excellent wrap-around view. I can just glance to the side where it would require a head turn in a normal helmet...so if anything it's probably a bit safer. I have used flip-up helmets in the past as well, but when I read on one that the chin section 'does not provide any protection' I decided that the J1 was probably a bit more protective.
Gareth R
Great review. Thank you for saving me money again π. I like the idea of recording my rides - only with slower group rides - so interested in smaller cameras. A friend has aGoPro which produces great video but looks rediculous sticking out from his lid + is more expensive. I'm also not sure if it would cause problems should it catch something in a crash. Body work mounted had its own issues. I look forward to the Sena review. How do you find the J1 compared to a full face?
