scientific helmet camera

Description

Dirt, Snow, Rain, or Shine, capture all the action with the ultimate, all-terrain digital video camera! It's even WATERPROOF up to 3 meters with NO additional casing! With an expanded 48 degree Field of View, the hands free digital video and audio captures all the thrill of your adventure in 640X480 VGA resolution (up to 30 frames per second) with the 32 MB internal memory (expandable to 4GB with built-in SD drive, 4GB card not included). It's 3 button operation mode and the added webcam feature makes the ATC3K not only incredibly user friendly but increasingly versatile. This product comes standard with a carrying case and all the mounting accessories necessary for easy connectivity to helmets, bikes, and a wide array of other equipment. It also comes with a webcam stand and webcam installation CD. Both USB and RCA cables for quick, direct playback on either your PC or TV (NTSC) are part of the package as well. PC requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, OSX10.4 and below. (Webcam not for MAC)

Features

• Waterproof up to 3 Meters
• 32mB Internal Memory, expandable up to 4GB with built in SD drive (SD card not included)
• Web Cam Capabilities with Stand Included (Webcam not for Mac)
• All Mounting Hardware Included
• PC requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, OS X 10.4 and below

Reviews

Not very impressed

by scott c. from hales corners, wi. on 2010-04-24
Thought it was defective due to such poor audio, but after seeing other reviews; it seems to be a common problem. Video quality is not the best, but usable. Spend a little more and try a different one is my advise.

Good for the price

by L. Manalo from NY, NY USA on 2010-03-09
I bought this item because I wanted an action cam to film some dog-sledding. However, I ended up using more for my snowboarding.
I like the durablility of it & the ease of use.
The only drawbacks were that buttons were difficult to depress. I often had to remove my gloves just to start filming & stop filming and even then it was difficult.
Also, the sound quality was lacking. It picked up mostly ambient sound but not my voice. However, I am still learning how to use it.
Overall, the video quality is good. Many people liked the video quality once I put on the PC.

ATC 3K is the worst!

by GHD from Tucson, AZ on 2010-02-20
I read the reviews. I read the available information and I thought for the price it seems reasonable. Let me list the things you cannot find out online even from Oregon Scientific.

NO view screen so you cannot see what you are aiming at or if it is even in the picture. No adjustment for screen size. NO image stabilization so it shakes so badly not one of the videos I tried can be watched without agony. There is no light adjustment if it is too light you get washed out. faded out nothing. If it is a just a bit dark it flickers like an old movie.

The computer connections are archaic and the soft ware is not compatible with XP or any higher than 10 year old software.

It may be waterproof I will never know. It may be other things that are totally useless because if you can not see a picture who cares.

And lastly if you do mistake and buy one it is puzzle box to get it out of the box. I had to cut some parts and they won't take it back. It goes back to Oregon not to Amazon which an entirely different set of rules. I will not buy from either company again.

Great product

by James W. England from Alabama, USA on 2010-01-07
Works as advertised, and an improvement over earlier models. I particularly liked the new on and off buttons, much easier to use. Batteries are easier to change, and I really like the added threaded connector used on cameras and tripods, makes it much more useful.

As with the previous versions, the video quality is excellent.

The web cam function is great, just wish it could record at the same time.

Piece of Junk

by D. gravlee from Birmingham, AL on 2009-11-28
I purchased one of these to take with me on a motorcycle trip thru Peru.
The camera stopped working half way thru the trip. the problem is that the memory card reader does not make good contact with the memory card. any little vibration will make the unit turn off. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE. GO AHEAD AND SPEND THE EXTRA CHEESE ON A HERO CAM.

Description

The X170 Action Camera is the newest all-around helmet camera with everything that you need to capture your extreme sports videos and photos! It offers high quality video (720 x 480 pixel), 5 mega pixel photos, a 1.5" color LCD screen for playback, a 5m wireless RF remote control, a 170 degree wide angle lens, which can be rotated through 300 degree, and much more!The X170 is easily mounted onto your head, goggles, helmet, handlebars or just about anything with the wide range of mounts included in the box. Once mounted, the lens can be rotated through 300º into the perfect position to ensure an upright picture. Now that you’re ready to go simply use the wireless remote control to start and stop your videos or to take photos. Alternatively recording can also be started and stopped directly from the camera.Once you’ve captured your on-board video and photos you can easily play them back or view them on the built-in color LCD screen to show your friends or for training purposes. Play it onto a TV with the AV cable or download easily to your computer with the USB cable, both of which are included with the X170.Extremely rugged, fantastic image quality and brilliant value for money! The X170 Action Camera comes highly recommended by the specialists in this field. Great for all types of action sports including skiing, snowboarding, motorsports, mountainbiking, and many more

Features

• RF Wireless Remote Control
• 1.5" Color LCD Screen
• 170 degree Wide Angle Lens
• Multi Sport Mounting
• Hands Free Video and Photo

Reviews

drift

by Ron from on 2010-08-10
the vid is not eaven close to what i saw in amizons page when i was lookiing at this camra when veiwing vid it frezzes and youi have to turn it off and turn back on and erase the vido that it frezzes on or will just keep doing it .... i wish i could get my cash back..

Excellent Camera and Features but with Limitations of Low Resolution

by R. Pasquini from United States on 2010-07-19
Pros:
1. The camera is so light it almost feels like a piece of styrofoam.
2. The built-in LCD display allows playback anytime without a computer and helps line up shots properly.
3. Loads of mounting options let you securely attach the camera to a helmet, seat post, handlebars, or almost anywhere else.
4. Runs on inexpensive AA batteries rather than special battery packs that are expensive to replace. I get 4 hours of continuous recording from two AA Energizer Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries in warm weather.
5. Wireless remote control lets you start and stop shooting without fumbling for buttons when the camera is on top of your helmet.
6. I pedaled a bicycle for miles through a rainstorm with this camera on top of my helmet and it kept right on working.
7. The camera has a huge field of view (170 degrees wide) so it captures peripheral vision too.

Cons:
1. The picture quality is good for action but not detail. I shot a video in AVI format on a sunny day less than 10 feet away from the back bumper of a stopped car. The resolution is too low to discern the license plate number, even after using the sharpening filter in GIMP on a still frame from the video.
2. I use the camera ten times per week to record a bicycle commute of 20-40 minutes. I find 1 or 2 times in every 20 shoots the camera randomly stops and restarts itself at least once during an attempted continuous shoot. Thus a 20-minute video shoot might actually come out as two files with 10 minutes of video in each, minus several seconds of time in between. I have yet to miss out on anything important but the problem reduces my confidence in the camera getting every shot.
3. The sound input has limitations when the camera is moving. It picks up a continuous 'buffeting wind' sound at 15 miles per hour and a 'whistling wind' effect chimes in at 25 miles per hour. This plays back as loud background noise that obscures softer sounds but allows medium-loud sounds like engines and voices to be heard. The camera has sound input settings of low, medium, and high that have little effect on this problem, other than for the lower settings to make voices and engines impossible to hear over the background noise. Drift would do well to add a 'No Sound' option which at high speeds would be the best choice.
4. The camera has no night vision capability so it's for daylight shooting only unless you have a good secondary light source.

Bottom Line:
This is a very good but not excellent technical product with an acceptable compromise on image quality and price.

Note:
Drift released a new high-definition X170 action camera in July 2010 that addresses the low resolution problem of the X170 and adds new features like night vision. It costs quite a bit more but it's worth checking out if you want fewer compromises.

DRIFT HD170 REVIEW - BY HEADCAMGUY

by Joshua Hartman from Holly Springs, NC on 2010-07-02
THE GOOD
* The video quality on the Drift HD170 is impressive! I found the quality to be better overall than the Contour 1080p and the GoPro HD with a crisper picture and brighter colors. The Drift HD also offers automatic exposure control for dim and bright lighting conditions.
* The Drift HD comes with a variety of durable mounts including a helmet grip, goggle mount, handlebar grip, and head strap. The mounts are quick to set up and hold the camera very securely.
* The Drift HD is one of the smallest head cams with a 1.5" display to view live video. This is extremely helpful when mounting the camera to capture all the action.
* The display screen on the Drift HD allows you to review and delete unwanted clips so that you are not wasting space on your memory card. After using the view screen, it is hard for me to go back to other helmet cams without one.
* The Drift head cam has a wide angle field of view of 170 degrees! The lens can easily be rotated by 300 degrees for more flexibility when mounting the camera.
* A remote enables the user to wirelessly record and stop video at the click of a button. The remote is very consistent in recording and stopping video even at 15 feet.
* The Drift HD170 can take 5 megapixel photos using the record button or wireless remote. With a new photo burst function, the Drift HD allows you to take photos every few seconds.
* Sound quality on the Drift is good even with a considerable amount of wind. Mic sensitivity can be adjusted through the menu.
* The Drift HD170 Action Cam does not use AA batteries like its predecessor. With a new rechargeable lithium battery, the Drift HD170 allows you to record video for more than 5 hours. The Drift HD also offers a power saving function that shuts off the display screen to save battery life.
* The Drift is easy to use with only a few buttons and a straightforward menu.

SAMPLE VIDEO AVAILABLE AT [...]

THE BAD
* The head cam is a little bulky if you plan on wearing it with the included head strap.
* The Drift HD is not rated to be repetitively submersed in water.

HEADCAMGUY RATING - 9 out of 10

THE VERDICT
The Drift HD170 Action Head Cam rivals the GoPro HD in terms of functionality, features, and ease of use! The Drift HD is your choice if you are looking for a camera that shoots brilliant HD video, takes photos, and has a built-in LCD view screen.

Best action camera for the money

by V. Stevens from Traverse City, MI on 2010-05-25
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RWIGBU8QCRGBR This is a quick overview of the Drift x170 (shot with a cell phone camera) and some sample videos taken with the X170 in the first couple of weeks I owned it.

As I point out in the video, the build quality of this camera is great: the battery & media door clips shut solidly, and the rotating lens feels very firm, and doesn't budge after you set it where you want it. Also the clip that holds the camera into the various mounts works well, and is easy to remove when needed.
The car scene in the video was helped out with a third party suction cup mount, which went onto the X170 no problem (Delkin Devices DDMOUNT-MINI.) All the other times I've shot with the X170, the included mounting options were excellent, and held fast wherever they were mounted.
The battery life is great as well, with two AA's lasting through several hours of video. With a 16 Gb card and just two AA's you can shoot nonstop for around 3.5 hours.
The best point for me to make about this camera is the price. Any other wearable, mountable action camera would cost $300+ but for under $200 you can shoot some really fun videos, with almost no learning curve.

If I had to be critical, I would point out that it doesn't shoot 720p. It does 480p (30fps) and with such a wide angle lens (170 degrees, of course) you aren't really filming the details of a scene anyway.

Ultimately, it's a great value, requires almost no accessories, and is tons of fun.

Fabulous Camera Super for So Many Uses

by Anne Northrup from Ellicottville, NY on 2010-05-08
My husband and I bought this camera after using one while cat-skiing in British Columbia. I love the fact that it's compact and low-profile, so it doesn't get snagged in the trees. Most of the other cameras we looked at didn't have an LCD screen or remote control. The screen is really important because I wanted to make sure we're getting the shot we want rather than getting home to find out we were shooting snow or sky all day. For cold weather, AA lithium batteries last longest. I really like the fact that the Drift takes AA batteries, because we didn't need to worry about finding a custom battery in the backwoods of Canada! This camera is simple to operate and phenomenally priced. I'm getting one for my husband for Father's Day so we can both shoot video at the same time. I highly recommend this camera!

Description

Dirt, Snow, Rain, or Shine, capture all the action with the ultimate, all-terrain digital video camera! It's even WATERPROOF up to 3 meters with NO additional casing! Sporting a HUGE 53 degree Field of View, the hands free digital video and audio captures all the thrill of your adventure in 640X480 VGA resolution (up to 30 frames per second) with the 32 MB internal memory (expandable to 4GB with built-in SD drive, 4GB card not included). You can either playback all the action on the 1.5" Color LCD screen, or you can use the USB & RCA Cables included in the kit to quickly connect and relive the fun on your TV (NTSC) or PC. The ATC5K can also be used for still photography and as a webcam, making it one of the most versatile units on the market. This product comes standard with a carrying case and all the mounting accessories necessary for easy connectivity to helmets, bikes, and a wide array of other equipment. It also comes with a webcam stand, webcam installation CD and a remote. PC requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, OSX10.4 and below. (Webcam not for MAC)

Features

• Waterproof up to 3 Meters
• 32mB Internal Memory, expandable up to 4GB with built in SD drive (SD card not included)
• Web Cam and Still Cam Capabilities with Stand Included (Webcam not for Mac)
• All Mounting Hardware and Remote Control Included
• PC requirements: Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, OS X 10.4 and below

Reviews

Good camera, great value!

by SurfGuy from NY, NY on 2010-07-19
After reading a number of the negative customer reviews, I felt compelled to add some positive light to this camera given my overall positive experience. I've been using the camera in the pool to film my swim stroke underwater and also out in the ocean when I paddleboard.

The positives:
- the 1.5 color screen is great for instant playback (ie- I dont have to wait until I get home to watch the footage, also i can make sure im getting the right camera angle instantly)
- the image quality is great (there are a number of high quality customer videos on youtube)
- durability (the camera is very sturdy, able to withstand drops)
- 4G of memory (not included, but can be purchased online for $9)
- Plenty of mounting options (i havent tried to use a helmet yet, but the rubber strap looks like it would fit firmly around a helmet)

Suggested improvements:
- battery life was only 2 hours with 2AA batteries (I rarely shoot video for more than 2 hours, but this could be a pain if you plan on using the camera for long periods of time)
- audio quality (most waterproof cameras will have this same issue)

Overall, I recommend the camera. Great value for the money.

Good for some sports

by Rasheed S. Alromaithi from USA on 2010-05-01
I like it, it works well and the image quality is 7/10, the audio is 3/10.
Good for beginners.

not worth your money

by KGB from Arizona on 2009-04-12
I received this as a gift and, after a few uses, I will be returning it. Lets see, where to start? The negative reviews above are correct in pointing out mounting problems, but it depends on how you use it. I wanted to use this cam to make videos of me riding my bike - both on the trail and ripping through the streets where I live. Because of the design - a relatively heavy camera sitting atop a pretty small mount results in a lot of bouncing and shaking. Watching the video made me more nauseous than watching the Blair Witch Project. There are a lot of mounting options, but none seem to fix this problem.

Further, image quality is lousy for the money spent on this camera. There are a lot of pixilated black spots that appear where bright spots are filmed - such as the sky or snow.

When I plug the camera into the computer to save my videos, there is no sound.

Lastly, when I plugged the camera into the television to watch my ride to the library, the RCA jack broke off and fell inside the camera. Here is another way to put it: by plugging the cord in (like a headphone jack), I pushed the internal part into the camera.

I had a lot of great expectations when I received this as a gift, but after a few uses, I am not happy with this product and I expect a full refund from Oregon Scientific.

Flying Video's

by William O. Crabbe from Union City, CA. United States on 2009-03-18
Oregon Scientific ATC 5K Waterproof Action Cam Flash Memory Video Recorder with 1.5-Inch Color LCD Screen, Still Image and Web Cam Capabilities (Blue)

I am really pleased with this video camera. I am a pilot so I placed the camera on the the wing strut and it took some spectacular footage. It is easy to use, with many cool features. If you are an outdoors person looking for a good video camera at a fair price this is the one.

Clear example of awful product design

by Stefan from San Jose, US, Canada on 2009-02-11
Received this camera as a gift. Idea was to mount it to my ski helmet and be able to easily shoot video while skiing, without removing my gloves. What a failure. Several reasons:

1. The mounting accessories are flimsy and not very well thought through. You'd expect a helmet camera would be able to mount on a *round* surface (which helmet isn't round?). This thing is impossible to mount so that it points into roughly the right direction.
2. The buttons for video and still images are too close to each other. Once again, since you don't actually see the camera while you use it (remember, it's mounted to your helmet), it's easy to get the wrong button. There's no clear audible indication which one of the buttons you pressed.
3. There is no way to turn off the display while the camera is on stand by (i.e. ready to take video). As a consequence, it runs through the two AA batteries in less than half an hour -- without ever shooting any video. This is even worse because it's close to impossible to use the on/off button, even with gloves off. It's tiny, and needs to be pressed very hard (ideally, with a pen, etc).

Overall, I wish I hadn't gotten this. I feel bad my brother spent this much money on such a piece of useless technology.

Sale Price: $140.99

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Description

Self-contained, hands-free digital video cam with built-in 1.5" LCD screen and photo capture function, makes ATC5K an unparalleled action camera which every sports lover / family must have. The ATC5K is waterproof to 10 feet! PC and MAC compatible, Oregon Scientific ATC5K works seamlessly with most video editing software. Expandable up to 4GB with an SD card, mounts easily and includes all the mounting hardware you need.
PLUS a 4GB SD card to expand your recording time to 4 hours.

Features

• Includes a 4GB SD card for recording time expansion to 4 hours
• Full-function, hands-free, digital recording
• 640 x 480 VGA resolution at 30 frames per second
• 53 degree capture
• operation system WIN2000/XP/Vista and Apple Mac X 10.3/10.4

Reviews

Good little camera

by Phil McGill from on 2010-09-08
I purchased this camera to take ride videos while on the ATV trail. It does a good job although the mounts are not very good. It needs something a little better although you can take the helmut mount and strap it around the bars.

Sale Price: $159.95

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Description

The X170 Action Camera is the newest all-around helmet camera with everything that you need to capture your extreme sports videos and photos! It offers high quality video (720 x 480 pixel), 5 mega pixel photos, a 1.5" colour LCD screen for playback, a 5m wireless RF remote control, a 170° wide angle lens, which can be rotated through 300°, and much more!

The X170 is easily mounted onto your head, goggles, helmet, handlebars or just about anything with the wide range of mounts included in the box. Once mounted, the lens can be rotated through 300º into the perfect position to ensure an upright picture. Now that you're ready to go simply use the wireless remote control to start and stop your videos or to take photos. Alternatively recording can also be started and stopped directly from the camera

Once you've captured your on-board video and photos you can easily play them back or view them on the built-in colour LCD screen to show your friends or for training purposes. Play it onto a TV with the AV cable or download easily to your computer with the USB cable, both of which are included with the X170.

Extremely rugged, fantastic image quality and brilliant value for money! The X170 Action Camera comes highly recommended by the specialists in this field. Great for all types of action sports including skiing, snowboarding, motorsports, trackdays, mountainbiking, and many more...

Features

• Drift Innovation X170 Action Camera Camcorder
• Rapid AA/AAA Battery Charger Including 4 AA Batteries
• Classic Camera Bag
• 4GB SD Card

Reviews

awsome

by Jonathan from on 2010-06-16
I bought this camera primarily for rock climbing and it works great as a helmet cam. i have also used the bike mount and it works great. The picture is great and the sound is not bad for the size of the cam. I can't wait to try it out in other areas like white water rafting and skiing. There are so many possibilities to this cam.

Camera is better then seller

by Jim Dee from Tampa, FL on 2010-05-26
Camera is a good value. However, Ace Photo reduced price $20 the very day it arrived and would not adjust my price. Will not shop Ace ever again.

Una compra perfecta !!!

by Toni Mora Aldeguer from on 2010-03-17
Excelente vendedor y excelente producto ! Probé la camara esa misma semana y la imagen es excelente. El único problema es la autonomia de la pilas pero tanto el precio de la camara mas extras y el envio son realmente inigualables !!!! Un vendedor super recomendable Gracias

Sale Price: $329.00

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Description

Drift HD170 HD170 HD 170 High Definition Action Camera 1080p HD Video 32MB Built-In Flash Memory for Firmware SD/SDHC Expansion Card Slot 5MP CMOS Sensor 1.5 LCD Display 4x Digital Zoom External Microphone Input HD TV Output Remote Control Mac and PC Compatible Consumer Video Camcorders The Drift HD 170 High Definition Action Camera sets itself apart from my most sports camcorders with its built-in LCD display and eye-popping color! In addition to the 1.5 LCD and unmistakable orange the HD 170 also features a waterproof design and let's not forget 1080p HD recording. Record your video and 5MP still photos to the HD 170 using SD/SDHC memory cards. And enhance your recording experience using the wireless remote control 4x digital zoom or by adding an optional external microphone.

This Set Includes

* Drift Innovation HD170 HD Wearable Action Camera With LCD and Wireless

* 8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card

* Classic Camera Bag Size 6.75X6X5.13IN.

* Rapid AA/AAA Battery Charger AC-DC 2900mah With 4 AA Batteries

* USB Secure Digital/MMC Card Reader

Features

• Drift Innovation HD170 Action Camera Camcorder
• Rapid AA/AAA Battery Charger Including 4 AA Batteries
• 8GB SD Card