' hero ' camera - aerostich

[goodhawk]

Hi - photos / video off bike ( hiking ) - anyone try that with the very small ' hero' camera ; listed by aerostich ?  I've seen a couple of sample videos posted here , PICS look OK to me, used on the bike. wide angle version, maybe.  I have an old 8 mm videocam , it's too bulky /heavy to lug around .  I'd prob. use new camera at least half the time on hikes. wonder about built in stability control  , would a cheap version of that even work ?
Also - the ' SD ' card - I don't know anything about digital cameras - these cards just slide into the camera, or do ya need to buy an extra cost attachment linked by wire , or . . .

[zer0netgain]

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,34647.0.html

[Crater_11B]

Greetings, GoodHawk.

I purchased the wide angle Hero and have it mounted on the dash of my MRAP.  When we dismount, I simply remove it from its case and secure it to my body armor.  The lens has a very slight "fisheye" to it but the camera works very well for both application.  The image is very clear and the 2Gb SD card will last for about an hour full running time.  The camera is very light because it's made of plastic and is water proof only when the camera is in its clear protective case.  The battery cover is very poorly designed and can slide off too easily.  Pay attention to the directions when it come to specifying the batteries they recommend.  2xLithiums will last about as long as the 2Gb card (2Gb cards are very cheap and can be purchased just about anywhere.

It is easier on the viewers for the camera to be attached to your torso instead of your head because of the speed of panning.  One can almost get motion sickness when watching films when the camera was attached to the helmet.  The torso makes for a pretty stable platform.  I cannot show my movies because these .gov computers will not allow access to image hosting services.

I am currently stationed in Mosul and use my camera about three times a week.  It has held up well and I am a satisfied customer.  I can't wait to get home and mount it on my bike ('92 Ducati 900SS) for a quick trip up Skyline to Alice's.

Best Regards,
Crater