Experts agree that consumers should research every product before purchasing a helmet camera.

While these products come in all shapes, sizes, and features, helmet cameras should work in conjunction with a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) so video can be played back, downloaded, and/or edited.

Helmet cameras are also referred to as bullet cams, lipstick cams (resembles a tube of lipstick), or wireless helmet cams. While all of these products are technically helmet cameras, each has its own unique design and technical specifications.

A common mistake helmet camera buyers make is thinking that they think have to buy a “helmet cam” and thus overlook a better choice simply because it is called a “bullet cam” or “lipstick cam”.

The real key is finding a professional quality video cam that is right for your extreme sport enthusiast and doesn’t empty out your wallet.

This report will address the following recommended technical specifications for all types of helmet cameras.

The list below is a guide in determining which product (and features) is right for the consumer.

Appropriate on-board interface and remote control for easy control of the recorder and camera while engaged in your sport

Flash memory-based storage that holds lots of video so you don’t have to change cards or clear the memory often

High resolution and multiple recording frame rate so you get “ESPN quality” video that is crystal clear, not grainy or bumpy

Lithium-ion batteries for safe long lasting power

Mounting accessories so the cam is hands-free and positioned just where it needs to be

Power saver functionality so you don’t drain the DVR between shots

Recording capabilities & resolution so you have full control over the recording features

Right-angle A/V input connector to make the dvr as low profile as possible so the cam cord doesn’t stick out of your gear or catch on something as you fly by at full speed

USB 2.0 port for PC download to make it easy to download to any PC

This article is the first in a series entitled “Helmet Camera Buying Guide”.  Read the Next Article: “Helmet Camera - Why Lithium-Ion Battery Power is Best”

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Last week we provided you with some introductory tips on how to edit your raw helmet cam video. That post proved to be quite popular so we decided to take it a step further.

Some of you will not want to stop at simple edits. No, you will want to add in some music, perhaps a graphic or two and of course a “bumper” which gets people watching your vid on YouTube.com to click through to your site.

The following videos show you how to take you extreme sport video production to the next level using the relatively inexpensive Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

Extreme Sport Video Production - Simple Tips

TUTORIAL - Make yourself Look Like You Were Hit by a Car!

You may not want to do exactly that, but the skills involved in this editing technique can open up some amazing options to spicing up your helmet cam footage.

TUTORIAL - Detailed Tips on How to Use Basic Text

Adding text to a video helps tell the story and give the viewers more information, like where to browse to after the video ends.

TUTORIAL - Using Transitions and Fading

All video has “dead spots” and bloopers that need to be cut. Transition allow you to cut these out and still keep the video looking professional. Its simple once you know how…

Thanks to dillonp23.net for the great tutorials. You might want to check out his site for more cool stuff. He has loads of how-to vids on various topics.

When you are ready to take it to the next level and capture some amazing extreme sports footage, give our exclusive solid state digital recorder and crystal clear bullet cam a test drive.

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Small, personal digital recorders with helmet cams, bullet cams or pocket cams are bringing the world a new perspective. From Nascar to the NFL, we get to see what the athlete sees, first person accounts of high level sports.

The following videos take you outside the norm and show a few helmet cam perspectives that, perhaps, you’ve never seen.

Bring Your Own Big Wheel 2008

Motocross Jumpfest

Iraq Combat

Speed Kitesurfing

Skiing at Mt.olympus

See our helmet cam system…

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

We came across a brief but interesting clip on helmet cams produced by none other than the New Your Times.

The folks at NYT see “adventure-sports mavens” as enthusiastic consumers of the new generation of helmet cameras which were once prohibitively expensive but now feasible for even weekend adventurists.

As you know from reading our blog, recent advances in digital recorder and mini-cam durability and resolution are making YouTube the medium of choice for extreme sporters to share their adventures online. With some of these videos receiving hundreds of thousands of views.

The testing was done by NYT contributor James Bogner, a founder of the New York City Mountain Bike Association and an avid helmet-camera user. he tested three systems around his home in Long Island City, Queens, and in Highbridge Park, in Upper Manhattan.

Check out the video and the slides for the rest of the story.

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Maybe you’ve tried making your own skateboarding or snowboarding videos yourself. Any extreme sport can be difficult to film.

Maybe you have already tried using an old-fashioned, hand-held, bulky camcorder, attempting to hold it steady while you or your friends try your “almost famous” stunts. It’s probably safe to say that this didn’t work out so well. It’s hard to keep the target in the viewfinder, and hard to hold the camera steady and focus.

If the move covers any distance or height, then the quality of your homemade videos is probably very poor. After seeing the videos once, they aren’t even worth watching again or showing anyone else.

Just not that impressive…..

A Better Way

Now there’s a way for you to easily capture your stunts with high quality video. A helmet cam, or bullet cam, is the best way to get the “bird’s-eye” view that you have yourself when performing your stunts.

When you attach a helmet cam securely to your helmet, you will record everything you see, from your perspective. You don’t have to worry about adjusting the camera’s aim, because it will always be pointed exactly where you are looking and recording everything.

Hands-Free Operation Keeps You Safer

With a lightweight mini digital video recorder tucked safely into your pocket, continuous recording of your entire stunt is possible. No need to worry about having anything extra to hold on to, a helmet cam and mini digital video recorder will provide a completely hands-free way for you to record every second.

This hands-free operation keeps you much safer than traditional recording methods (like a regular camcorder) would, plus you end up with a much higher-quality product to enjoy.

Be the first on your block to make your own high-quality extreme sports videos using a helmet cam and mini digital video recorder. This gadget is great for getting the visuals perfect, and the built-in microphone allows you to also record sound, everything you hear and say.

Feel free to narrate the entire event, at whatever speed or height you need. You’ll always be right there with the camera and microphone, not worrying or wondering if your buddy is “getting this on film.”

Impress Everyone!

If your favorite extreme sport happens to be an individual one, then you probably don’t get a chance to share the experience. In these situations, a helmet cam and mini digital video recorder would be the perfect solution for you. There’s no need to worry about having a recording assistant, you can get the cameras rolling and film everything yourself. You can bring back your own extreme sports videos from every sensational adventure and easily show them to everyone.

A mini digital video recorder will record onto an SD card, and those files can easily be downloaded on to the hard drive of your PC. Once the files are on your PC, you can make your own extreme sports DVDs and watch them right on your television, or email them to everyone you know.

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Not so long ago, anyone participating in sporting events would never get to watch themselves.

Then, someone got the bright idea to videotape the events so they could be saved and rewatched.

Here’s what the typical scenario used to be: Some nice friend would show up with one of those gigantic camcorders, one of the ones you need two hands to hold, and attempt to catch your mountain biking exploits on tape? The video was usually very jumpy, you weren’t always in the line of sight, and the sound would be muffled.

I suppose that’s better than nothing, but there are a lot of flaws to this method of recording your sporting events.

Fortunately, camcorder technology has come a long way in the last few years. Cameras and recorders are smaller, have better resolution, and have better sound than ever before.

The newest helmet cams and bullet cams (or lipstick cams), with small personal digital video recorders are the perfect solution for recording your sporting events. The tiny camera attaches securely to your helmet and the small, lightweight personal digital video recorder tucks away safely into your pocket.

With a solid-state design and no moving parts, these devices are very durable and can really take the abuse of extreme sports. You can’t hold onto one of those old camcorders and record what you see! (Well, let’s just say that’s been proven to be a really bad idea and you really shouldn’t…..)

The Perfect Way to Record Trail Riding and Stunts

The new helmet cams, bullet cams and personal digital recorders are the perfect way to record extreme sports. The helmet cam stays focused on exactly what you see while you are doing any stunts or tricks. Be the first on your block to make skateboarding videos. Be that guy that really tries everything, and makes skydiving videos, too! There are no limits to how the helmet cam can be used to record your sporting achievements.

Let your friend wear the helmet cam and follow you as you power through the mountain biking trail… check out this video for an example:

Easy to Use

Helmet cams with personal digital video recorders are easy to use. Get the equipment set up, and just hit start before you begin. Let the camera roll for the entire event, capturing every highlight, every move, and, every wipeout, too!!

Having the helmet cam attached to your helmet with the recorder in your pocket means no distractions while you are filming your extreme sports video. This means you are safer, your hands are free, and you are better able to concentrate on what you’re doing.

Share the Excitement

With the new helmet cam and personal digital video recorder equipment, it’s really easy to transfer the video footage to your PC and watch it over and over again. It’s simple to make DVDs, or email the videos to your friends and family to show off your tricks. Post your mountain biking footage on video websites like revver.com opr youtube.com and amaze the world.

Be careful about sending it to your mother without proper warning, though. She may not want to know…..

Related Posts From Other Great Blogs

Mountain Bike Trippin' - Ripping Laurel lines Green glowing leaves Turning wall rides on dimes Grunting pleas Icy springtime Little River Corn Mill Hole Shoal Falling makes one shiver Cedar Rock Corral Big Rock table top Longside connects through …

May: BURN 24 Challenge Mountain Bike Endurance Race - Annual Memorial Day Weekend Mountain Biking Event - the Southeast’s Premiere 24 Hour Mountain Bike Solo & Team Relay Race featuring an amazing trail system, electronic timing, kid’s races, great prizes, the infamous Alien Abduction, …

Mountain Biking: Are You Down? - Sloan Bailey, a 22-year-old Pierce College student, has been downhill mountain biking for five years. He’s accumulated thousands of miles over that time, going from local courses in Box Canyon to places as far as British Columbia, …

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

There are a lot of risks inherent in extreme sports.

After all, that’s the whole point, right?.

Without the added risk of high speed, increased height, anti-gravity maneuvers, or special equipment, it would just be a “regular” sport. Many thrill seekers need more than traditional sports have to offer.

When you participate in extreme sports, you may often be alone, or with a select few kindred spirits that are actually looking for the same thrills. It may be hard to find others who enjoy those risky activities as much as you do.

It’s definitely hard to explain to your friends and family just why you enjoy extreme sports so much, why you keep searching for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Try as you might, words just aren’t enough, and they certainly aren’t going to join you and see what it’s like.

So, maybe you’ve considered making your own extreme sports videos to try and show others just how amazing and spectacular your extreme sport is. Perhaps you’ve convinced a patient friend to try and record you while using an old-fashioned, hand-held camcorder and making a futile attempt at a video.

The quality of the video is likely to be poor, you are probably not even in the viewfinder most of the time, and the soundtrack is useless. This just isn’t all that impressive, and you probably don’t even bother wasting your time with these types of videos anymore.

But, there is a way around this dilemma!

Helmet cams and mini digital video recorders can solve these problems. Helmet cams are tiny, lightweight cameras that attach securely to your helmet and record everything you see while participating in any extreme sport.

A helmet cam is going to keep everything in your sight right in the viewfinder, since it will always be pointing right where you are looking. A mini digital video recorder can be attached, and this can record continuously and be tucked away safely into a pocket. The solid-state design and construction make these gadgets perfect for recording extreme sports, because they are quite durable and won’t be easily damaged.

A helmet cam and mini digital video recorder combination offers you a safe, hands-free, accurate way to record your extreme sports events and make your very own extreme sports videos. You don’t have to worry about a friend trying to keep up with watching you, and you don’t have to worry about holding on to (or dropping!) any extra equipment.

You will get a complete recording, from your exact perspective, of the whole event. The built-in microphone will even be able to record everything you hear or say, so go right ahead and narrate the entire event!

The helmet cam and mini digital video recorder is the perfect solution for recording your risky business.

Now you can easily record your own extreme sports videos and show them to your family and friends, who will surely be very impressed when they see what you see!

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

If you love extreme sports, if you really love the thrills involved with pursuing any real adrenaline rush, you might have come to the conclusion that it is pretty difficult to really make those non-thrill seeking people that you know understand what it’s all about.

Those who don’t thrive on danger and thrill just don’t “get it,” do they?

What if you could educate those people? What if you could make them understand just a little bit better?

Think about how you could possibly express that feeling.

How about a video, starring you?

With the right equipment, you could record your extreme sports adventures in your very own video, and share it with your friends, your family, and the world!

Record Everything on Video!

Today’s newest helmet cams that come complete with mini digital personal video recorders are perfect for the job. Record yourself during your extreme sports adventures, and express yourself perfectly to anyone who will listen.

All you have to do is securely attach the helmet cam to your helmet, hook up the mini personal digital video recorder, tuck the recorder out of the way into a pocket, and do your thing! You will have a continuous recording, start to finish, of your adventure.

This helmet cam and personal digital video recorder arrangement is perfect for extreme sports enthusiasts of any kind. Because the helmet cam is securely attached, and the digital video recorder is tucked away, you will have a hands-free way to record your entire event that promotes safe adventures.

Because you won’t have any additional distractions, nothing extra to hang on to while you are catching major air, you can concentrate on the perfect maneuvers. When you watch the video again, you will get to enjoy your successes and accomplishments, and also critique yourself, perfecting those awesome moves.

Now that you have found the perfect way to express yourself, you will probably have a much easier time telling your folks why you love hang gliding or white water kayaking so much. When they see your video, from your own perspective, with your narration recorded on the built-in microphone, they will start to understand.

Maybe that will even encourage them to buy you better birthday gifts…..

When you record your very own extreme sports videos using a helmet cam, or bullet cam, and a personal digital video recorder, it’s very easy to download the video files to your computer’s hard drive and make your very own DVDs.

Imagine watching the videos on your television! Especially if you have a big screen television, every move is magnified to larger-than-life and looks even more amazing.

Share your videos through email with your friends and family.

There are also tons of extreme sports video websites that are constantly soliciting new and exciting videos made from real people, like you, who are willing to try anything.

Not only will your friends and family be impressed, but you could end up internationally recognized for your extreme sports videos………well, you can hope!

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Hey, Daredevil! Yes, you know who you are……..

You are the one who is forever searching for that rush, for that adrenaline, for that excitement.

A regular, leisurely bike ride around the block is not good enough for you. Forget about those safe, predictable amusement park rides and roller coasters.

You are looking for something way more interesting—how about base jumping, sky diving, or hang gliding? Do you like to find something really fast and even a little dangerous to get your heart pumping? Some call you reckless or careless, but you’re really just seeking the ultimate thrill.

Your options for excitement are pretty much unlimited……

Extreme sports opportunities are everywhere these days. Now you can have another option for your fun, recording your very own extreme sports videos using a helmet cam and a mini personal digital video recorder (DVR) that captures every second.

Share The Fun!!

It used to be that you had to enjoy your extreme sports adventures completely alone. While it still might be hard to convince your friends and family that scaling the face of a mountain or driving a race car at 100 miles per hour is actually fun, at least now you can record the conquests and share them with others. All of your buddies will definitely be impressed by watching your soon-to-be-famous skateboard tricks or seeing you hang glide!

New helmet cams that come with mini DVRs will allow you to safely and accurately record your own extreme sports videos. Simply attach the camera to your helmet, press the ‘start’ button on the DVR, slip the recorder into your pocket, and you have a completely hands-free operation set up and ready to go. Continuous video footage with great resolution will be recorded and it will include everything you see, hear, or say!

Newer and Better

These helmet cam, or bullet cam, kits have revolutionized how to make extreme sports videos. It used to be that the only way to record your stunts or tricks was by using the old-fashioned bulky, heavy camcorders.

Either you had to have a friend stand by and try to keep you focused and in the viewfinder (you’ve seen how well this works), or you ended up with a very unsafe situation trying to hang onto the camcorder yourself and take some big chances with your safety and you end up with a very low-quality film. Today’s helmet cams are the perfect solution for those folks looking for action and a high quality video recording.

The helmet cams with mini digital personal video recorders have a solid-state design and construction, with no moving parts. The bullet cameras are water resistant, too. This means that the equipment is ideal, because it is very durable and it can withstand a lot of abuse from any extreme sports enthusiast.

There’s no good reason to wait to get started, get yourself a helmet cam, or bullet cam, or both and a mini DVR and start making your very own extreme sports videos today.

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam

Traditional sports, such as basketball, baseball, or football involve a certain amount of athleticism, a level of competition, and a lot of specific training and skill.

Extreme sports take all those components, and involve an added amount of inherent danger or risk, probably some extra physical demands, perhaps some additional equipment, unpredictable environments or obstacles, and a whole lot of extra adrenaline.

These special sports allow enthusiasts to capture a feeling of excitement like no other.

These special extreme sports really take a special kind of person. Your average soccer player or football player may not be looking for the same sort of excitement or conquest, theirs is a little different. While scoring a game-winning goal is a fantastic experience itself, some would say that it pales in comparison when compared to the adrenaline rush that you probably get from sky diving or bungee jumping.

Not Your Regular Sport….

Extreme sports enthusiasts have a new way to enjoy their adventures. Today’s helmet cams and bullet cams, the ones that come with mini digital video recorders (DVRs) allow anyone to create their very own extreme sports video.

Capture the entire adventure on video, start to finish. Using a helmet cam allows an extreme sports athlete completely hands-free operation, which is a definite necessity when you are participating in an extreme sport, especially one that may be quite dangerous.

Any distractions can be potentially disastrous, so any recording equipment you use really has to be hands-free and safe.

Prior to beginning your adventure, start your camera rolling, tuck the mini digital video recorder into your pocket, and begin your adventure. Whether you are the king of skateboarding or you are freefalling from 10,000 feet in the sky, you will have an amazing video that documents the entire event.

Share Your Adventure

When you record your own extreme sports videos, you get to show everyone you know exactly how exciting it is.

Using the built-in microphone, you can even narrate the whole episode, which adds a lot to the fun.

Once you record the video, you can download the footage from the SD card in the digital video recorder onto the hard drive of your PC. You can burn your very own DVDs and see them on your television, or you can email the videos to your soon-to-be-very-impressed friends and family.

Don’t forget how exciting it will be for you to watch those videos yourself, you may even be able to fine tune your moves and maneuvers, fix mistakes for next time, and take the next step in your extreme sport by seeing how it looks.

It definitely takes a special kind of person for these special sports. Get some special equipment, too, and make your own extreme sports videos. It’s never been easier or safer than with the newest helmet cams and mini DVRs that are now available!

Create ESPN Quality Helmet Cam Video of Yourself! Check Out Our Exclusive SportMaxCam