Topic: Go Pro helmet question

[74cb750]

Where is a good place to buy one?

[flybox1]

Buy one of the chinese knock offs.
SJ4000
Heard nothing but good things at 1/10th the price 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SJCAM-SJ4000-1080P-Full-HD-Outdoor-Sports-Digital-Action-Camera-DV-CAR-BP/112336404337?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D40130%26meid%3De3ec838f274744789aba14d2a7047579%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D112294499064

[DaveBarbier]

My god those are cheap. Even the 4K 24fps one. I'm going to do some review research but this thing seems awesome. Thanks Fly!

[Bankerdanny]

It gets uniformly good reviews. Here's the WebBikeWorld review http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-video-camera-reviews/sjcam-sj4000-review/

I may get one of these before Vintage Racing Days in Wisconsin and Motoblot here in Chicago in June.

[DaveBarbier]

Yeah, I agree. I may save my pennies for the sj5000x elite which shoots in 1080p 60fps for around $140. Just note that the listing Fly linked to isn't actually an SJCAM (no logo under the lens) that's why it's so much cheaper. Still, might be a fine camera though

[RAFster122s]

Be aware of knock offs of the genuine which is a knock off in design/features to the go pro.  Seriously, there are knock offs to this inexpensive camera. One of the ebay sellers had a how to tell the difference in their auction of the real deal, but that was back when the 2000 or was it the 4000 was still selling for $100 US.  So compare photos on the ebay to ensure there are not differences for the ones you are comparing and one is cheaper.
Yes, a Chinese knock off of a Chinese action camera.  Yes, the Chinese can build quality goods, when they build to a certain set of quality constraints and engineering specs.  They also can build to a price when  the buyer wants it cheap.
FWIW, YMMV

[DaveBarbier]

I found another camera that gets great reviews and is even cheaper than the SJCAM. The Firefly 7s. My main requirement is 1080p @ 60 fps and the Firefly does this apparently very well at $70.

http://m.gearbest.com/action-cameras/pp_365568.html?wid=21

[74cb750]

Many of the reviews of the cheaper cameras have subtle problems that the actual GoPro cameras do not:
 ie recording time limited to 5 continuous minutes unless you hit the reset button,
non-compatible software / hardware interface problems etc etc.

These are not apparent until you read to the 30th reviewers or more.....

It might just be better for me to save up more $ and buy a known good product instead of a
knock off.

[DaveBarbier]

In reading reviews and watching video reviews I haven't heard of any weird issues like the 5 minute limit. I take that as a fluke. Only thing people complain about is that in comparison the gopros have better clarity and color accuracy. I actually just ordered the Firefly 7s with two extra batteries and a dual charger for $73.

Obviously the GoPro is better, but at around 6x the cost? I'd be willing to risk it and see if these knock offs are as good as people say they are. I'm not going to be making Kubrick quality films here. Maybe I'll post back with my review...but I need to get my bike together first, haha.

[BomberMann650]

I figured out what makes these cheap hd helmet cams do the video freeze every so often.
Its not the camera.
Its the memory card.  People cheap out, or scrounge up an old data card and plunk it in.
Unfortunately, that card does not have the data processing capability to handle the extreme volume of information that is hd video!
A moderately priced, hd video capable memory card will work the charm.

Only thing I don't like about inexpensive cameras are their (physical) high speed processing and image stability.  Its two places where a gopro (and other elite action cam) truly shine.
The devil is in the motion blur. 

And the light processing.  My midland camera sucks at exposure gradient.

[flybox1]

@ DaveBarbier
I threw one of these Fireflys in my cart....Please post a review here when you get yours!

[DaveBarbier]

@ DaveBarbier
I threw one of these Fireflys in my cart....Please post a review here when you get yours!

Sure will. I also shelled out a whopping 45¢ for express shipping from China, so it should get here in a reasonable amount of time.

[DaveBarbier]

Got the Firefly a bit ago but just got the time to mount it to my helmet. I've actually had it for about a week. Considering it came from China it arrived fairly quick.

I haven't been able to record anything with it as I don't have a memory card yet. It's just not a priority right now. When I do record a clip I'll post a YouTube link. I have to say that I'm impressed with the build quality of the camera and also the various mounts it comes with. Very sturdy on my helmet. I mounted it on the chin with Sugru.

 

The bubbles on the back screen is just from the protective film I haven't removed yet.

If you wanted to see video samples now you can do a YouTube search. Of all the cheaper cameras this one is the best in my opinion. Very close to a GoPro with the same specs. So close I'd bet money most people, possibly all, will not be able to tell which clip is which.

I will say that the gyro for image stabilization is awful. Now, that's a software thing so it could be fixed with an update.

So yeah, so far I'm very happy with the camera. If it records the same quality as the clips I've seen online then it's a no brainer.