The Magic of the Helmet-Cam

Extreme sports fans own a lot of equipment and related accessories, depending upon the kind of thrills that they seek. However, the one piece of equipment that will be found with every adventurer is the helmet-cam. The first videos were recorded using cameras strapped onto helmets using duct tape and rubber bands. Since then, the art of recording point-of-view videos has come a long way.

People always like to show-off if they do something extraordinary. A helmet-cam not only allows the action to be recorded, but also provides a unique angle, almost allowing the viewer to relive the action as it unfolds on their screens. Videos recorded with helmet-cams prove to be extremely popular on video sharing sites, like YouTube, often generating more viewers than similar videos shot from conventional angles. The increasing popularity of these videos is prompting more extreme athletes to record and upload their exploits. In the world of competitive extreme sports, a large enough fan-base can often prompt a company to sponsor the athlete in question.

The uses of a helmet-cam often go beyond merely gathering fans and sponsors. There is nothing more disheartening than pulling off a difficult or unique stunt, with nobody there to see it. A helmet-cam eliminates the need for the presence of a second individual to record events. Even if there is more than one person involved, helmet-cams ensure that nobody has to miss out on the fun while stuck with camera duty.

Previously, helmet-cams were mostly restricted to sports channels on TV, who would make good use of them by mounting them on cars and bikes, during motorsports events. The big reason, for the marginalization of helmet-cams to production houses, was the cost factor. The old helmet-mounted cameras were very expensive to purchase, and subsequently, expensive to maintain as well. Manufacturers worked through the years to produce helmet-cams that were affordable, while not sacrificing quality. The newer cameras are not only cheaper, but also more rugged while offering better recording quality. The advent of high-definition (HD) video has further spurred on the demand for helmet-cams.

Manufacturers realize that there are many customers who already own mounted cameras. Rather than have them buy specific cameras for helmets, manufacturers like GoPro offer mounting kits that allow their existing cameras to be mounted on to helmets. As a result, an individual can convert their regular mounted-cam in to a helmet-cam at minimal cost.

Besides extreme sports, helmet-cams have been gaining credibility in other fields as well, thanks to their efficacy. Waterproof helmet-cams are becoming the recording device of choice for divers, who often need both hands free to manoeuvre through reefs and wrecks. This is invaluable, as it allows researchers onboard a vessel to view exactly what the divers are seeing, in real time. Similarly, helmet-mounted cams are also being extensively adopted for military service as they can provide crucial information during training exercises or actual missions.

Click on the link to learn more about GoPro cameras. Also, find out more about mounting a camera with GoPro accessories.