Why HD Point-of-View Action Cameras Kind of Rule

HD point-of-view action cameras have been rapidly growing in popularity, and I’m totally starting to understand why. Helmet cameras are nothing new. Daredevils started strapping 16mm film cameras to their heads many moons ago. What’s different is that mini-helmut cameras are benefiting from HD imagery and really simplified ease of use.

I started dreaming about POV cams this week after I stumbled upon an amazing video of a Chilean bicyclist flying down an unbelievable urban racetrack. There’s no point explaining the intensity of this video in words. You really need to check it out for yourself. When you watch it, be sure to put it into full screen mode and make sure the HD button is turned on:

It’s funny watching someone watch this video. The descent is so intense that you instinctually lower your head and keep your eyes trained forward. I believe this incredibly brave cyclist was using a GoPro HD Helmet HERO Camcorder. If you’re suddenly interested in taking the plunge on one of these action cameras, there’s a few things you should consider first.

One downside to the GoPro HD cameras is that they only have a mono microphone built-in. But I have to say, the designers did a good job keeping the wind noise out of the mic. As you can imagine, getting audio that’s as exhilarating as the video is a challenge with action cameras. The Chilean bicycle video sounds okay, but if there was a more robust stereo microphone system in place it would really add to the intensity.

I was driving through the Holland Tunnel the other night and it struck me that it would be really fun to attach an action camera to my car and film the ride. Those are the kinds of little sparks of inspiration that I would enjoy chasing after if I had a little camera like this.

Another complaint I’ve heard about the GoPro is that the menus are unintuitive, and that reading the manual is a must. Another drawback is that it doesn’t have a built-in screen, which means that you won’t know if you got the shot or not until it’s too late. However, GoPro does make an add-on LCD screen accessory called the LCD BACPAC to make up for this, but it would be nicer if it was included.

I don’t mean to be selling the GoPro HD Helmet HERO Camcorder down the river. The most important thing here is picture quality, and the HERO really seems to deliver in this regard. If you need another option, you should check out the HD170 Stealth. It comes with a pretty cool wireless remote control wrist strap, which can be handy if the camera is on top of your head, or attached to the side of your vehicle as you driving through the Holland Tunnel.

The HD170 Stealth has a built-in LCD screen and a speaker, so you can line up shots and review them immediately afterword. The lens also swivels, so no matter what angle you end up mounting it at, you can still get a level shot. There is also an external stereo microphone accessory if you want an improvement in sound quality over its built-in mics. If form factor is something you need to consider, the GoPro HERO is more of a square, box shape, and the HD170 Stealth has more of a flat, low-profile. both cameras come with an assortment of mounts to fasten them to to anything from a noggin to a toboggan.

So there you go. There’s a new gear lust item for you to fantasize about for the next few months! Just keep the idea of an action camera in the back of your mind, and think of every instance where it would be cool to experiment with one. With a little imagination these things can benefit everyone from short filmakers, wedding videographers, corporate video, to those insane (yet awesome) wing-suit people.