Action-Sports Video Camera Buyer's Guide

Cóp cái này về để ACE đọc chơi, biết có nhiều sự lựa chọn, chứ không cứ gì cứ phải GoPro hay Contour.

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Like anything else electronic, video cameras have gotten smaller and lighter over the last few years, to the point that now you can buy a reasonably priced, easy-to-use video camera that mounts unobtrusively on your motorcycle to record plenty of high-definition and high-quality video and sound. With the power of the Internet and social media, you can then easily share your two-wheeled adventures (and, as we see every day on YouTube, misadventures) with the rest of the world. When we started looking around for action-sports cameras to include in this buyer’s guide, we were surprised at how much the market has expanded in just the last couple of years; we found upwards of 15 manufacturers, many with more than one model suitable for motorcycle use.
We asked each company to submit the details for its camera that best meets the needs of the average motorcyclist; presented here are the offerings of 12 manufacturers. In the capsules for each camera, we’ve listed details on the video formats the camera is capable of, the price, and contact information for the manufacturer. A brief overview of the unit covers its features and any highlights that separate it from the other cameras.
To help you in your search for the perfect camera—and to use it most effectively—we have added a sidebar on what all the specifications and numbers mean on the data sheets, and tips on what to look for when buying a video camera and mounting it on your motorcycle.
This article originally appeared in the Sept. '13 issue of the magazine. Some specifications and pricing may have changed since that time - be sure to check the manufacturer's website for the latest information.

ASTAK ACTIONPRO3 CM-7500 | $249.00
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=5ckUXfVf
The ActionPro3 weighs 3.3 ounces and measures 2.4 x 1.5 x 1.8 inches. It has a 1.5-inch built-in screen for real-time display or playback of your video, a 170-degree lens, and USB, HDMI and AV jacks to connect to your laptop or television. Included in the package are a waterproof housing (good to almost 200 feet), a remote control for hands-free start/ stop video recording and photo shooting, a charger and a selection of mounts. SD cards up to 32GB in size are supported (but not included). Available accessories include a variety of suction-cup, bar and tape mounts, replacement LCD screen and battery.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 720p@30fps, WVGA@60fps, 8MP photo
www.mysportscam.com


CONTOUR ROAM2 | $199.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=8KjxCcsS
This low-profile bullet camera weighs 5.1 ounces, measures 4.0 x 2.1 x 1.3 inches and is available in blue, black, red or yellow. To make mounting easier, the 170-degree wide-angle lens rotates through 270 degrees and can be aligned using the handy laser guide. Videos and still pictures are recorded on a micro SD card up to 32GB in size, and the camera connects to your computer through USB to download video or adjust settings. Included with the ROAM2 are a battery charger (the battery is built-in and not removable), a profile mount, a rotating surface mount and a 4GB micro SD card.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 960p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 5MP photo
www.contour.com


DRIFT INNOVATION HD GHOST | $399.00
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=cB-Qkr85
The feature-rich Ghost has a two-inch LCD screen for setup and playback along with an included two-way remote, or you can work through a computer or phone (and download content instantly) via Wi-Fi. An interesting feature is the “Flashback Video Tag/Loop” mode, which lets you run the camera in a continuous loop but only saves the video when tagged. Field of view is up to 170 degrees, 32GB micro SD cards are supported, and the Ghost is waterproof to nine feet without a housing. The Ghost measures 4.1 x 2.0 x 1.3 inches and weighs 5.9 ounces.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 960p@50fps, 720p@60fps, WVGA@120fps, 11MP photo
www.driftinnovation.com, (877) 876-6327


GOPRO HERO3 BLACK | $399.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=H6ucrc8I
The Black is GoPro’s top-of-the-line camera, offering higher frame-rate and resolution combinations than most other cameras here and weighing in at 2.6 ounces. The camera can be controlled using built-in Wi-Fi with an included, wearable remote or a smartphone or tablet, and connected to your computer or television via USB or HDMI; micro SD cards up to 64GB can be accommodated (a card is not included). A waterproof housing and multiple mounts are included in the package, and a huge assortment of accessories is available, including an LCD touchscreen and an oversize battery for longer recording time.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, 1440p@48fps, 960p@100fps, WVGA@240fps, 12MP photo
www.gopro.com, (888) 600-4659

ION AIR PRO SPEED | $299.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=CDx-AEu9
This camera measures 1.4 inches in diameter and 4.2 inches long, weighs 4.5 ounces and has up to a 170-degree field of view. Wi-Fi enables connection to your computer or phone to immediately upload your videos, and you can also connect to your computer or television via USB or HDMI. The Air Pro Speed supports memory cards up to 32GB (none included), and is waterproof to 30 feet. Included are an audio/video cable, universal adaptor and car charger, a variety of mounts and a pouch; an assortment of accessories is available
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, WVGA@30fps, 5MP photo
www.ioncamera.com, (855) 411-4466



JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION | $299.95
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=zJJh72xG
Important to motorcyclists, the JVC camera is shockproof to withstand a 6.5-foot fall, dustproof and freezeproof to 14 degrees. Dimensions are 3.0 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches, and the Adixxion weighs 4.5 ounces. A built-in LCD monitor lets you see your work immediately, while Wi-Fi links to a smartphone or computer; you can also use USB or HDMI for connection to a computer or television. SD cards up to 64GB are supported (none included), and two mounts are included in the kit; optional accessories include various mounts and replacement batteries.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, WVGA@30fps, 5MP photo
www.adixxion.jvc.com, (800) 252-5722



LIQUID IMAGE EGO | $199.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=DKOIXDm9
The uniquely shaped Ego measures 1.5 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches, weighs 2.4 ounces and is available in red, yellow, blue, black or white. Wi-Fi enables you to stream your view live to a phone or computer, which can also act as a remote control. The lens has a 135-degree field of view, and the camera supports micro SD cards up to 32GB (not included). The camera comes with a USB cable, protective cover and two mounts, while optional accessories include various bags and mounts, charger (the battery is not removable), and an underwater housing.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 12MP photo
www.liquidimageco.com, (707) 284-1585



MIDLAND XTC310PS | $219.95
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=0bPUanK-
The powersports version of Midland’s XTC series, the 310PS addresses that market’s specific requirements with a simple slide switch for operation and a huge assortment of optional accessory mounts. In the kit with the camera are a handlebar mount, universal mount, and a USB cable to connect to a computer (and for charging); other accessories include replacement batteries and a universal charger. The lens has a viewing angle up to 170 degrees, and video is stored on micro SD cards up to 32GB (not included).
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 480p@60fps
www.midlandusa.com, (816) 241-8500



ATC CHAMELEON | $199.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=quCPjM-C
This innovative camera has two lenses, each with a 110-degree field of view and able to be individually positioned through 180 degrees; two videos are shot simultaneously and automatically synchronized (you can select vertically or horizontally) ready for sharing. The camera comes with a vented helmet mount, and accessories include a waterproof enclosure (good to almost 200 feet) and a variety of mounts. The Chameleon measures 4.8 x 1.7 x 1.9 inches, weighs 4.4 ounces and supports micro SD cards up to 32GB.
VIDEO MODES Auto-sync split screen, 720p@30fps (per lens, 1080p total)
us.oregonscientific.com/chameleon, (800) 853-8883



POLAROID XS100 | $199.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=19kOdmdn
The “high impact and shock proof” XS100 has a G-sensor so it knows which way is up, weighs 4.8 ounces and measures 4.3 inches long and 1.7 inches in diameter. A carrying pouch and a variety of straps and mounts are included in the package. The XS100 records two versions of each video: one at full resolution, and a smaller file suitable for immediate sharing. You can also connect to a computer or TV via USB or HDMI. Up to 32GB micro SD cards are supported (not included), and the battery is not replaceable.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 960p@30fps, 720p@60fps, WVGA@30fps, 16MP photo
www.polaroid.com, (800) 765-2764



REPLAY XD1080 | $299.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=4jOu4oMN
The XD1080 measures 3.6 inches long and 1.1 inches in diameter, and weighs three ounces. Field of view is up to 135 degrees, and the mounts allow the camera to be swiveled and rotated for easy alignment. Included with the camera are a number of mounts and trays, a 4 GB micro SDHC card (up to 32 GB supported), wall adapter, car charger and a ballistic case. The XD connects to your computer or television through USB or HDMI (cables included). A huge selection of optional accessories includes a field monitor and plug-in battery pack, although the battery is not replaceable.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@30fps, 960p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 5MP photo
www.replayxd.com, (805) 480-9800



SONY HDR-AS15 | $269.99
http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=VXFISTjO
A recent upgrade to Sony’s HDR-AS cameras allows higher resolution/ frame rate combinations, making the AS-15 and the GoPro Hero3 Black the only cameras in our guide capable of 1080p@60fps. The Sony weighs 3.2 ounces and measures 1.0 x 1.9 x 3.2 inches, and the lens has a field of view up to 170 degrees. The camera connects to a computer or phone using USB or built-in Wi-Fi, and to a television with HDMI. One mount and a waterproof case are included with the camera, and optional accessories include a wide variety of mounts, battery charger, and a replacement battery pack.
VIDEO MODES 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, VGA@30fps, 2MP photo
http://store.sony.com, (877) 865-7669



http://www.sportrider.com/sites/spor...?itok=l6_kbVif
ACTION-SPORTS CAMERAS: THE DETAILS
As simple as many of the cameras shown here are to operate, their specifications and settings can be mind-numbingly complex, with a seemingly endless stream of numbers and letters specifying who knows what. Most important for taking action videos are the resolution and frame rate the camera is capable of. Almost all of the cameras here list “1080p@30fps” or a similar nomenclature as the best video mode. 1080p refers to the number of horizontal lines (or rows of pixels) in the display, while p refers to the progressive scanning method of video capture and display. With a widescreen aspect ratio, a video recorded at 1080p will be 1920 pixels wide. Many cameras add “HD” to the specification, which indicates high definition and a minimum combination of resolution, frame rate, and scanning method.
The recording rate of the camera is listed in units of fps (frames per second) or sometimes simply p. Again, most of the cameras here record at 30fps or 30p on the highest resolution setting, which will show a clear and steady video. That said, if you are filming action with lots of camera movement— as we usually are with motorcycles—a higher frame rate will show smoother video with less blur to the action. Note that at higher frame rates you can only record at lower resolution (and vice versa) due to limitations in processing, so there is a tradeoff. Recording at high resolution and frame rate will also burn through your memory card more quickly. Some cameras will also shoot in still mode, with a listed image size (in MP, or megapixels) and rate of capture.
The wide-angle measurement or field of view of the camera lens refers to how much of the scene is included in the picture. Most cameras here list up to 170 degrees, which covers a lot of periphery beside, above and below the camera; many cameras reduce the field of view at higher resolution settings. The tradeoff here is that, while an ultrawide- angle lens will show lots of scenery, objects like other motorcycles riding with you will appear correspondingly smaller on the screen, especially the further away from you they are.
Some other details to consider: Some cameras have accessories such as storage cards, a carrying case, and a selection of mounts included, others do not; take this into account when making a decision, as the price of storage and mounts can add up quickly. While many of the video camera manufacturers offer a variety of mounts to affix your camera somewhere, how you use those mounts can mean the difference between great video and, well…not so great. Nothing is worse than watching shaky, onboard video with terrible wind noise and half the view covered by a fairing panel.
If you are planning to record race or track day, check with the organizing body first to see if there are restrictions on camera usage. The AMA, for instance, does not allow any cameras other than GoPro units, as that is the official camera of the series. Other associations, such as the AFM, allow any camera but it must be inspected and approved for use. In addition to a secure installation using a proper mount, most organizations will insist that the camera be mounted in such a way that it cannot interfere with another bike, and that a secondary method, such as safety wire, is additionally used to secure the camera. Some accessory mounts do include tethers; surfboarders and mountain bikers want to keep their cameras just as much as we do.
All the racing and track-day organizations we checked will not allow a camera attached to your body or helmet, and we would extend that to street riders as well. While today’s cameras are quite small, attaching a camera to your helmet or some other part of your body could cause trouble in the event of an accident—our opening image for this story is a humorous take on camera mounting, not an actual recommendation.
With your camera securely mounted in an out-of-the-way place, use whatever method you need to check the view—some cameras have a screen, others have a laser pointer, and some will require you to connect your laptop, tablet or phone to see the camera’s view. Make sure that when your bike is vertical, the picture is correctly oriented, and that not too much of the view is obstructed by part of the bike or your body when you are in a riding position.
The two biggest concerns we encounter with recording video are vibration and noise. To reduce vibration, experiment with mounts and mounting locations to find the best spot; some of the accessory mounts have a fair bit of play in them, and we’ve had good luck with adding tape and foam to settle things down. Likewise, for wind noise the camera’s location can make a huge difference, and we’ve also had positive results by taping some foam over the camera’s microphone. Check also in your camera’s settings—some allow adjustments to the microphone level. The key to good video is often experimentation and variety, both from the point of view of picture and sound quality as well as the uniqueness of your finished video.


Nguồn: LINK

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/images/2013/08/image30.png

Năm trước Garmin mới ra một sản phẩm Action Camera với tên gọi là VIRB.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/images/20...7419_thumb.jpg

Sự tích hợp GPS vào camera của một tên tuổi lớn trong làng GPS có lẽ là có nhiều lựa chọn tùy biến cho chức năng GPS trên con Virb này.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/images/20...ge_thumb31.png

Pin của Virb theo thông số thì thấy "trâu" hơn GoPro (2000mAh vs 1050mAh) - mà đây lại là yếu tố khá quan trọng.
Thường thì GoPro đầy pin sẽ quay liên tục tầm 2-2.5 tiếng. Công nhận là một ngày mà quay 2-2.5h cũng là nhiều lắm chứ, nhưng người dùng thường hay quên tắt nguồn máy quay khi dừng nghỉ. Mình cũng bị vụ này hoài. :)

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/images/20...6792_thumb.jpg

Virb có màn hình giao diện người dùng tích hợp trên máy, chứ không phải LCD backpack như GoPro.
Giao diện lại khá thân thiện, giống như giao diện của một chiếc điện thoại cơ bản, khá quen thuộc:

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/images/20...6851_thumb.jpg

Nếu ai đã sử dụng các thiết bị handheld GPS của Garmin thì sẽ thấy các nút phím điều khiển và giao diện rất thân thiện và tiện lợi.

Bản thân Virb đã chống nước (IPX7) nên nếu để quay khi chạy xe thì không cần case. Trong khi đó cả GoPro và Contour thì đều phải có case chống nước, khá bất tiện và phức tạp khi chuẩn bị đồ đạc.

Virb có các thiết bị đi kèm (mount kit) cũng giống như GoPro, Contour và các loại máy quay khác. Mình thích cái kiểu dáng bullet của Contour hơn là GoPro nên đương nhiên là thích kiểu dáng của Virb rồi. GoPro đem gắn lên mũ hay lên đầu xe nhìn nó cứ cục mịch thế nào ấy. Dễ mount nhất là Contour, mount có bị nghiêng thì xoay lens cho thẳng, khỏi cần xoay mount.

http://navistar.ua/articles/wp-conte...ccessories.jpg

Về chất lượng hình ảnh thì chắc khỏi cần so sánh, bới tới giờ phút này các thương hiệu Action camera đều đạt tới chất lượng hình ảnh hơn cả mình mong đợi.

Chẳng lẽ lại gả lại em GoPro của mình để xài thử Virb!!??

Kiểu dáng em này khá là Cool :) . Thấy so sánh giũa Garmin vói va GoPro thì garmin hơi bi ám màu Magenta thì phải

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/...754918a7_c.jpgGarmin VS Gopro by LuuManh LichSu™, on Flickr


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

Và hien tai Virb chỉ quay 60fps ở chế độ quay 720p , trong khi đó cac máy khac 120fps , góc quay củng hẹp hơn ~ 120 độ ( các loai khac 170 độ )