Helmet Cams (Loop Recording Type)

[dmmsta]

Having had a nose around the search function (most hits are for action cams) I wonder if anyone has any info on the above type cam.

 

I'm considering something we the Cagers getting worse on my commute.

 

Thanks

[alanfavell]

SJ4000 fixed to my bike in dashcam mode (wired  for power gives auto on/off) - works for me.

 

32gb SD card gives a lot of recording - 1080p 30fps.

[fixitsan]

As Favs says 'dashcam mode', which is also sometimes called 'car mode' , do continuous loop recording. Make sure you set the recording interval to a high enough frequency that your computer hardware doesn't struggle with the file size (If you want to start editing clips and building a movie). Mine are usually 3 or 5 minute long clips.

 

Point them lower than you think, so you don't get 50% of sky in your view when you could have more road detail.

 

I use Drift cameras, because of good battery life and they're naturally waterproof, so you don't need another case. Never had a problem.

 

I also have a cheap and cheerful one similar to Fav's, which doesn't do a bad job at all.

 

A lot depends on what you want to use the camera for, is it to show impressive scenery or to show who is at fault in an accident ?  Either way the best IQ is important, but for safety/protection reasons a lower quality, cheaper cam does a good enough job.

 

This is output from the Drift Ghost S (a collection of clips at various quality levels and angles of view)....set the playback settings to 1080P HD and it's pretty good...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLc25GtWAKQ

[Matlock]

SJ4000 fixed to my bike in dashcam mode (wired  for power gives auto on/off) - works for me.
 
32gb SD card gives a lot of recording - 1080p 30fps.

Do all the SJ4000s have this dashcam mode and auto power on/off capability? There seems to be a wide range on manufacturers and prices.

This post was last modified: 21-08-2017, 07:47 PM by Matlock.

[Apache]

Stealth 2 set to manual dvr 15 min loop. Been faultless the last 12 months. Installed a usb and cable for 4hr (battery life) plus journeys which means most of them.

[Muppdog]

Fixitsan


I got the ghost s because of the waterproof claim. Killed it on my hols trip to Scotland over the last two weeks. With water. Sogging wet inside. See if I can put a claim in but out of guarantee.


Rob

[fixitsan]

Do all the SJ4000s have this dashcam mode and auto power on/off capability? There seems to be a wide range on manufacturers and prices.

 

I don't know if anyone has done a definitive comparison, but maybe a search on Youtube would get you more info......there's plenty of review vids there

[alanfavell]

Drift are not waterproof and their blurb says ...link to the spiel.

<a class="bbc_url" href="https://driftinnovation.com/pages/waterproofing">https://driftinnovation.com/pages/waterproofing</a>


Sorry I can't post the link on this tablet grrr. Oh yes I can.


Riding in the rain may qualify as a water based activity.


I also have a Drift 720HD and a Drift waterproof case for it. It works fine but the battery life is poor and waterproof charging /power is not provided.


I had a Drift Stealth2 which only lasted a couple of months, it was sold to me as waterproof and wasn't. This was prior to buying the used 720HD.


The sj4000 also has a limited battery life but comes wiith a waterproof case. Another, different, waterproof case needs to be purchased in order to charge OTG.


As for all sjcam and dashcam mode, I just checked the spec. Oh and don't bother with the WIFI version as it has a very slow transfer of data.


HTH

[fixitsan]

My Drifts are waterproof

 

"With the standard rear battery hatch attached securely the Ghost and Ghost-S cameras (not Stealth 2 ) is designed to have a water tight seal resistant to 3m submission for up to 30 minutes. Please note though, that this does not cover activities such as diving, where the camera is subject to a sudden impact of water and pressure."

 

I have never used a waterproof case even when running for hours in rain.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTqetcImnE

[fixitsan]

Fixitsan


I got the ghost s because of the waterproof claim. Killed it on my hols trip to Scotland over the last two weeks. With water. Sogging wet inside. See if I can put a claim in but out of guarantee.


Rob

 

 

Thats unfortunate...mine haven't been any trouble. One of mine was secondhand , unrefurbished (private sale), and the other was secondhand refurbished by Drift. Both used mostly in Scottish rain !

 

I've always paid attention to the seal of the rear door to make sure the gasket was dust free after changing a battery because I feel it seems a bit thin. The microphone hole at the front always gives me cause for concern but after disassembling one to make a modification to the sound circuit I found the mic seal to be intact.

 

It might still be worth contacting Drift, you never know


Drift's comments on all features including waterproofing > https://driftinnovation.com/pages/faqs

They mention 'certain water pressures' (not an SI unit of measurement IIRC)  so perhaps some fast motorcycling in gusty head on winds could exceed the limits, and a waterproof case might be beneficial ?  I've never had bad luck with them yet so perhaps a case is a good idea now ! (2 years of mostly wet use, is the seal going to give up on me soon ?

This post was last modified: 22-08-2017, 07:23 AM by fixitsan.

[fruitcake]

I have a Drift HD that I've used for years and is a brilliant camera, however I do find Drift batteries to be not great for long rides.

 

I've also got a SJ4000 and it's great for a budget camera, but I don't like the GoPro style, basically like sticking a big box on your helmet, whereas Drift etc as nice bullet shaped cams.

 

I recently got a Sony HDR-AS50 and this is my favourite by a long way.  Battery life far exceeds the Drift and it comes with a good fully water proof case.

 

It also links to your phone with an app, so you can use your phone in realtime to view what the camera is seeing and change the camera's settings.  It can also download footage/pictures directly to the phone wirelessly so no having to mess around with cables or transferring SD cards when you get home.  Only negative is it doesn't come with many mounts etc so you have to spend more on aftermarket helmet pads etc.

 

My opinion on these 3 would be:

 

Get the SJCam for a nice simple budget camera.  It will do what you need with no fancy frills or expense.  Basically a budget GoPro.  Good to hardwire to the bike and sort of set and forget.

Get the Sony if you don't mind paying a bit more and like the idea of wireless functionality with the phone, great quality and very long battery life.

Get the Drift if you just want an out of the box helmet cam that comes with mounts and remote control etc.

[TKH]

Having a quick look at the "SJ4000"'s (ie copy) on fleabay and a quote of "This is not an SJ4000 and should not be sold as one. They are giving a bad name to the Genuine SJ4000 and I am lucky enough to own an Original SJ4000 and the quality is fantastic on it's best quality and on it's worst quality it is still much better than this awful thing....."

So beware.

[fruitcake]

Yeah there are lots of fakes around unfortunately.

 

I commuted with both the SJCAM and the Drift at the same time so I could compare once.  I wouldn't call the SJ4000 "fantastic" as such, it's quality was definitely lacking against the Drift but it's more than adequate.

 

That said, the SJCAM's are fantastic when it comes to value for money if all you want is a decent camera to use simply for insurance purposes.  If you plan on starting a Vlogging YouTune channel, go for the higher end stuff.

[dandywarhol]

Do all the SJ4000s have this dashcam mode and auto power on/off capability? There seems to be a wide range on manufacturers and prices.

Yes

[Matlock]

The sj4000 also has a limited battery life but comes with a waterproof case. Another, different, waterproof case needs to be purchased in order to charge OTG.

 

Don't suppose you have a link for the waterproof case that stays sealed when charging do you Favs?

 

*edit* - it's OK, just found it 

This post was last modified: 23-08-2017, 10:18 PM by Matlock.

[alanfavell]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-Wat...Swo4pYEyQ3

 

Her's the link even though you don't need it

 

£15 now, cor how the £  has tumbled!

 

FYI - survived, uncompromised, odd rainy days in the UK and 5 days (300+ miles each day raining all day) of thunderstorm downpours in the EU including motorway conditions, plus a flash-over with a jet wash (not up close), as some contractor managed to cover the bike with crap in Krakow town centre :punishment: .

 

HTH

[dandywarhol]

Good one - didn't know about the waterproof charger malarky

[Muppdog]

Following up my above reply on my dead Drift 2. With no guarantee left, no workie and the screen resembling a fish tank I though I may as well have a look at the workings inside. After removing the eight 00 screws of the side cover it pretty much comes apart easily. A few more screws inside and don't force anything. There is a thick bunch of very thin wire connected to the lens. A lot of movement in a tight space for that. Won't be turning the lens too much after this!

Anyway, 4 days of drying out and careful reassembly she comes back to life! Everything works! Good job me! Not recommended with shaky fingers or non fine mechanical tools. No hammers!

 

Rob