Recommend a weather-proof HD video camera?

[Pskhaat]

Can anyone recommend a lightweight, weather-proof/water-resistant HD video camera that could be reasonably mounted outside a vehicle? preferably one that takes removable memory?

Thanks,

 

[tdesanto]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but it's a pretty decent camera. It's supposedly waterproof and it seems pretty rugged. It accepts a standard 1/4" tripod connection, so there might be a mount out there that you could use to attach it to the vehicle.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B0030MITDK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282752550&sr=8-1"]Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera[/ame]

There's also a [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-Remote-Control-PlaySport-Cameras/dp/B002FECHQ4/ref=pd_sim_p_4"]remote [/ame]for it that might help you too, but it helps to be able to see the screen to ensure you're using the correct commands at the time.

 

[bajasurf]

I have seen many of the Gopro Hero cams being worn by contestants during the Baja 500 and 1000 races. The HD models are waterproof. Here is the link to their website: http://www.goprocamera.com/

 

[chrismc]

I love my ContourHD 1080. I've used it helmet-mounted, roof rack-mounted, as well as bike-mounted. It has a a lot of different mounts available (including RAM mount compatibility), as well as a waterproof case (the camera is water-resistant, but not submersible without the case) and a lens-filter adapter. The accessories are more reasonably priced than some of the competitors, which is a criteria often overlooked. It uses Micro-SDHC memory cards (up to 16GB) for storage and takes video in Quicktime H.264 (.mov) format. You can configure it for varying resolutions, including 1080p @ 30fps for best image quality and 720p @ 60fps for fast-moving action. I'll only be trusting this camera for recording my 900' rappel at Bridge Day 2010 this year.

 

[Pskhaat]

Thanks for all the suggestions. On all of these cameras, anyone know if they maintain an internal time clock to accurately timestamp the video files?

 

[Superu]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but it's a pretty decent camera. It's supposedly waterproof and it seems pretty rugged. It accepts a standard 1/4" tripod connection, so there might be a mount out there that you could use to attach it to the vehicle.

Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera

There's also a remote for it that might help you too, but it helps to be able to see the screen to ensure you're using the correct commands at the time.

X2

I've had this camera for a couple of months now and have used it many times for video and still images with very good results. It is waterproof and has been used submerged many times in both fresh and salt water with no problems.

 

[tdesanto]

Thanks for all the suggestions. On all of these cameras, anyone know if they maintain an internal time clock to accurately timestamp the video files?

Scott, I believe the files are time-stamped. That is, when you go to download them to your PC, the files have a modified date and time associated with them.

I hope that helps.

So, help us learn more about your application? Are you wanting to capture video while on the trail?

 

[Pskhaat]

Yes, but looking at programmatically joining the video with a GPS feed and projecting the results into KML for Google Earth. The timestamp and the metadata of the video should be able to approximately match up the location per frame.

 

[chrismc]

Thanks for all the suggestions. On all of these cameras, anyone know if they maintain an internal time clock to accurately timestamp the video files?

I tested out my ContourHD 1080 this evening when I got home, and yes it does accurately timestamp the videos (correct to the second). I dug up some old video from it as well, and it all had accurate timestamps. I think the first time you connect it to your computer and run the configuration software it sets the clock. For what its worth, the configuration software works equally well on PCs and on Macs. It has some simplistic video editing capabilities as well, although I use Final Cut Express for my editing (or iMovie if I'm in a hurry).

 

[dzzz]

As an alternative there are some chinese cameras like these that are designed to look forward through the windshield. These take a memory card too.

Didn't save a link, as it wasn't what I was looking for.

I wish there were USB weatherproof cameras. I don't like the memory card and power issues of a separate cam.
A backup camera is likely too wide for forward "I was here" shots.

 

[Cody1771]

the go pro's are awsome, the waterproof case is good to 350feet so you can dive with it, pretty good video quality and for under $300 you cant go wrong!

 

[Outdoorsben]

I own the kodak playsport and I like it. I bought 3 extra batteries and use it to video my fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping trips.

 

[DrMoab]

Another vote for the Go Pro here. I've seen lots of footage taken from these and the quality is amazing for the price of the camera.

 

[chrismc]

I was visiting the ContourHD website today looking at a new mount, and I noticed that they have a pretty cool new camera available. The ContourGPS has taken the durable, 1080p ContourHD camera, and embedded a GPS receiver and datalogger. Now you can track your adventure with the same device you're using to record it. I'm not sure what tasks their video software is up to, but the demo mountain biking video with real-time Google maps location and elevation profile is pretty sweet. Having location data synced with your video will definitely open new doors for putting together cool video back at home.