LeeW
Well-Known Member
Ok, looking at all the various camera systems around they seem to fall into one of two categories, self contained and systems with a separate camera and recorder unit. It seems like when choosing a camera this is the biggest decision to make.
Based on what I have looked at I figure the pros and cons are as follows:
Self-contained: (E.G. ATC3k, fly1 cam, VholdR)
pros:
Convenient, only one unit, no cables
Often cheaper.
Cons:
Camera unit is heavier and more bulky
Quality is often not as good
Most units have no screen making positioning more awkward (and even if it does, it cannot be seen with the unit on your head).
Separate cam + recorder: (E.g. archos 405 with bullet cam, dogcam DVR with dogcam hq camera)
pros:
Camera unit is smaller and lighter, good for mounting on your head.
Mic is often separate and thus can be positioned to minimise wind noise.
Can often be connected to external batteries for longer run time.
Most recorders have a screen which allows you to see what you are filming live.
Cons:
Recorder is often not waterproof thus needs to be stored in a bag or waterproof container (some of the more expensive systems are waterproof).
Not as easy to start/stop the filming if recorder is in a bag (some of the more expensive systems have a remote control).
Based on what I have looked at I figure the pros and cons are as follows:
Self-contained: (E.G. ATC3k, fly1 cam, VholdR)
pros:
Convenient, only one unit, no cables
Often cheaper.
Cons:
Camera unit is heavier and more bulky
Quality is often not as good
Most units have no screen making positioning more awkward (and even if it does, it cannot be seen with the unit on your head).
Separate cam + recorder: (E.g. archos 405 with bullet cam, dogcam DVR with dogcam hq camera)
pros:
Camera unit is smaller and lighter, good for mounting on your head.
Mic is often separate and thus can be positioned to minimise wind noise.
Can often be connected to external batteries for longer run time.
Most recorders have a screen which allows you to see what you are filming live.
Cons:
Recorder is often not waterproof thus needs to be stored in a bag or waterproof container (some of the more expensive systems are waterproof).
Not as easy to start/stop the filming if recorder is in a bag (some of the more expensive systems have a remote control).
