New Video Camera (Motorcycle Related)

[carolinarider09]

Since somewhere around 2009 or so, I have had a video camera I could use on the bike to capture the views I had while riding.  First camera as a Contour Roam (720P).

Next camera was a Contour Roam HD (1080p).  Bought a third camera similar to the second just a newer design.  It worked well but it got bounced on the bike's windscreen mount (the threaded adapter in the camera bottom broke free) when I hit a real, real rough railroad crossing in GA somewhere.

Since Contour stopped producing the Contour Camera sometime around the "Pandemic" (2019), I had to look around to find their (at 2018) new 4K camera.

I purchased a supposedly "new" Contour 4K off of Ebay.  It takes, I found out, a cellphone, special software from Contour (not really easily or safely found) and other stuff.  I have never gotten the camera to connect to my "special" cellphone via the "App" (which you really have to work at to find and download safely).  And while it records it does not did not do so on 4K. 

So, I decided to find an alternative.  After doing some research and reading on line, I finally deiced on a GoPro Hero12 Black.  Ordered it on Sunday and it got in on Monday and I got to use it yesterday.

The mount was made by a gentlemen who does special things who is active on the Goldwing Forum, "Yoda."  He does not sell then any longer but here is a review of the mount. 

https://www.gl1800riders.com/threads/yoda-gps-camera-mounts-product-review.467681/?post_id=5817531#post-5817531

So, I got it tuned up, the battery charged and I did some videos to verify the thing really recored in 4K. 

It does.

Only issue is that with the Contour there was a slide switch on the top to turn the camera on and off (to record).  ON the GoPro there is a push button that works but, you have to really look to verify its on and that is a slight distraction when riding.  I did a what appeared to be a 30 minutel vidoe on 4k, accident. 

Also, setup can be a bit complicated it has way too many "options" for my "casual" riding documentation.  But it records in real 4K

Some links to videos recored.  Note:  You may have to use the "gear" icon at the bottom of the video to ensure 4K is selected.  On my computer it never is.

Rural South Carolina and Cotton Fields

https://youtu.be/JumOBLNmkWA?si=lWNzJ3nD7w6c8Dlr

SC-341 East Near Hobbs Crossroads

https://youtu.be/8VHWQKQz0wU?si=kf-WDq7tKYZ5UtPk

[John Schmidt]

The videos can often be rather realistic. I recall a video taken by a camera mounted on the handlebars of my 2-wheeler and was running through the twisties in N. Carolina, apparently very realistic viewing. My former wife and I were watching it on the computer, her sitting in a rolling office chair next to me. Suddenly I heard a crash and a squeal and there she was...sitting on the floor with an embarrassed look on her face. She told me she was leaning into the hairpin and fell off her chair. Apparently more realistic than I realized. 

[Timbo1]

Videos look great.  Can really pickup the details with a good high resolution action cam that has image stabilization, and not many dash cams have it.

On mounts in the future if you need to find alternatives you can sometimes find some on Thingverse for free download.
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=gopro+motorcycle+mount+&page=1


And once you have the print you like you can have it printed at a 3d printing service.  I've used Shapeways in the past but seems they may be bankrupt.

[carolinarider09]

V
On mounts in the future if you need to find alternatives you can sometimes find some on Thingverse for free download.
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=gopro+motorcycle+mount+&page=1


And once you have the print you like you can have it printed at a 3d printing service.  I've used Shapeways in the past but seems they may be bankrupt.

Will give it a look.  Thanks.