Basically, you have 2 options. Option 1 is to mount the camcorder directly to the helmet like Hightower talked about. Option 2 is to buy the helmet camera seperate and have a camcorder that plugs into your camcorder. Like I said, most camcorders don't have an A/V input for the helmet cam so you need to chose one that does. Just do some research on cameras and you will see what I mean. BTW, mini-dv is the way to go. The quality is excellent and you can do direct digital transfers to the computer via firewire.

So figure about $300 or more for the camera and another $500+ for a decent camcorder. The good thing about the helmet cam is that you can have your camcorder safely stowed away in the camera bag while you take video.

I'm no expert onthis and don't have a helmet cam but there are people on here that do that could give you more advice.

AlbaBanshee, the Sony VAIO has a built in firewire port so you would definately want to get a mini-dv camera to take advantage of the firewire port. Oh,the sony digital 8 camcorders also have firewire but I would stay away from them - they are bigger and it's proprietary technology used by Sony.

 

thanks!

 

Hey, I checked out helmet cams and you can buy them as a kit fromm $200 (us) to $600 (us)

 

I paid $200. Purchased from the UK. Can get web site don't have it on hand. But it was the best price I could find at the time (last june). Have had no probs. I already had a camcorder that would work with it. One thing, buy lots of tapes and download to dvd or puter often.

 

I bought mine at www.helmetcamera.com and love it. It has a remote control I mount on my wrist to start and pause the recording. It's bullet proof and I bought the external mike to record the engine noise or my play by play commentary as were riding. It uses 200 mph velcro to mount on your helmet so if you stop for a break just simply twist the camera/velcro and take your helmet off and relax. I bought the 480 lines resolution and it is production grade quality filming. I love it.

 

how much did you pay bartman?

 

www.helmetcamera.com

 

I paid around $400 with all the extras I got with it. The 480 lines resolution is more expensive as is the external mike and the remote control but I feel its worth it.

 

Just went to the site it sounds like a great product. Its even waterproof. I would love to mount one of these to my front rack or handlebars somewhere and when i go in water watch the video footage start dropping and getting underwater footage. But the bad thing is finding a place for my camcorder. Would have to build a water tight box to put it in. I think i might do this b4 summer and the rain comes again in S. FL

 

http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/helmet_cameras.htm

I ordered one from that place, today actually. They have a $199 special going on. $214 with 1-2 days shipping. Nice kit. I can't wait to get it..... I like the fanny pack at Helmetcam.com.
I found a better deal at another site, ordered one (just the cam) and they sent an e-mail saying they don't have it and they will be more $$$ when they do. Ultimately, I could not find a better deal than rfconcepts.