808#20 dvr camera...

[Marctwo]

...So small, even the bus driver didn't see it.
WM Bus driver didn't like my e-bike - YouTube

 

[mountainsport]

...So small, even the bus driver didn't see it.
WM Bus driver didn't like my e-bike - YouTube

I get that from time to time from bus drivers. By the way how much did that invisible camera set you back?

Mountainsport

 

[Marctwo]

This is the one I got:
4GB HD 720P .mov Key chain Cam 808 #20 video voice recorder mini dvr TV AV-OUT | eBay

 

[mountainsport]

This is the one I got:
4GB HD 720P .mov Key chain Cam 808 #20 video voice recorder mini dvr TV AV-OUT | eBay

Thanks for sharing buddy!

Mountainsport

 

[mountainsport]

Marctwo

I had forgotten to also ask you, what did you secure it to whilst riding, because I use the mini spy glasses when I am recording a bike ride, you quality is much better along with the sound for example the wind interference.

Mountainsport

 

[Geebee]

I use these on the same camera, never moves.

gi#b Bike Bicycle Holder Mount Silicone Rubber Elastic Tie Strap Bandage Black | eBay

 

[Marctwo]

I use a bit of velcro on a light clip from this type of thing:
SUPER BRIGHT FRONT LED WHITE SAFE SAFETY LED BIKE BICYCLE LIGHT LAMP WATERPROOF | eBay

 

[Marctwo]

I've just watched this clip again on youtube and the quality seems to be much worse than when I first uploaded it. It now seems quite blurred and full of artifacts. I can understand the need for compression but it was much closer to the original at first.

I take it this is normal for youtube? Kind of defeats the object of uploading HD...

 

[mountainsport]

I use these on the same camera, never moves.

gi#b Bike Bicycle Holder Mount Silicone Rubber Elastic Tie Strap Bandage Black | eBay

I don't know what I'm looking at, but as long as it does the job.

Mountainsport

 

[Blew it]

When uploading to YouTube, you might get an offer to "stabilise" the video. The results of this process can have strange effects such as waviness and smearing. Personally I prefer to leave the footage raw, it just seems more authentic. Heavier vehicles such as motorcycles always produce much smoother footage.

Viewing your footage, your camera appears to have dropped a lot of frames. Have a look at the micro SD card, ideally it should be a class 10.

Also, if I may be so bold, the handlebars are not the best place for steady footage. Is there a way you could mount the camera on your chest? Or perhaps on either side of the frame headstock. This position gives a less twitchy footage than handlebar mounts.

YouTube automatically reduces all uploads to 720p 30fps. You may notice some commercial uploads such as those by Gopro are full 1080 HD, but they have to pay a premium to do so. I'm afraid those of us who have freebie accounts have to make do with a lower resolution.

The footage from your little camera is actually very good...just need to experiment with mounting positions.

 

[mountainsport]

I've just watched this clip again on youtube and the quality seems to be much worse than when I first uploaded it. It now seems quite blurred and full of artifacts. I can understand the need for compression but it was much closer to the original at first.

I take it this is normal for youtube? Kind of defeats the object of uploading HD...

I'll watch it again, give me five mins.

Mountainsport

 

[Geebee]

This might give a better idea of how they work, they are real cheap if you shop around.

 

[mountainsport]

I've just watched this clip again on youtube and the quality seems to be much worse than when I first uploaded it. It now seems quite blurred and full of artifacts. I can understand the need for compression but it was much closer to the original at first.

I take it this is normal for youtube? Kind of defeats the object of uploading HD...

Your right, I've just watched the clip over again and the quality has changed a lot. Before hand it had a richer look.

Mountainsport

 

[Marctwo]

When uploading to YouTube, you might get an offer to "stabilise" the video. The results of this process can have strange effects such as waviness and smearing.

Yes, I previewed that... It does stabalise it but as you say, it also smears it all over the place.

Viewing your footage, your camera appears to have dropped a lot of frames. Have a look at the micro SD card, ideally it should be a class 10.

Apart from the 'youtube' effect, there's just one lost segment where I draw level with the bus. I recorded this in 'driving' mode where the recording is split into 2 minute files. Unfortunately, it loses a few frames between the files. There're no other lost frames as such in the originals.

I'm using a class 4 card in this. These cameras are used by a lot of RC enthusiasts and they use class 4 in them as standard without problem. Some even use good class 2 without issue.

Also, if I may be so bold, the handlebars are not the best place for steady footage. Is there a way you could mount the camera on your chest? Or perhaps on either side of the frame headstock. This position gives a less twitchy footage than handlebar mounts.

True. For me, the camera should either follow the steering (handlebar/forks) or the view (helmet/peak cap).

Mounting on the head is a lot steadier and gives a more intuitive view as it shows (mostly) what the rider is looking at. So if I wore a helmet or any other head wear that facilitated mounting it, that's where I'd have it. I'm still thinking of the possibilities though. Maybe mounting on my riding glasses would let bus drivers know they're being recorded.

But for the moment, as long as I can read the number plates, I'm happy to put up with the shaky cam if it means I don't have to specifically wear the camera.

 

[Marctwo]

Your right, I've just watched the clip over again and the quality has changed a lot. Before hand it had a richer look.

Mountainsport

Cheers, nice to know I'm not imagining it.

 

[covehithe]

If anyone is interested in 808 Key Fob Cameras Chuck Lohr at 808 Car Keys Micro Camera, Micro Video Recorder, Review
list every 808 camera made from #1 up to #26. Each camera has a page giving tech. spec, reviews where to buy from (safely!) and NO adverts.
Another good site for sports/action camera reviews is run by a guy in Manchester Techmoan - Techmoan.
His blog site produces some very in depth reviews of Action and Car Cams including variations of the 808.

 

[covehithe]

I have been using an 808 camera on my bike & motorbike for a year now and pleased with results.
The pics show my 3 cameras which I us. The one with the lens visible is a #16 the other 2 are "copies" ex ebay at £5.75.

I also put a camera on my Ladybird Quadcopter - its fun !!
Working on a Tx so I can receive video in real time.

 

[Marctwo]

Just found another FW for the #20 that doesn't lose any frames between files. It actually overlaps by a few frames which means a bit of messing about for seamless splices but at least you get all the data now.

It also starts recording in drive mode as soon as you switch it on which is ideal for my needs.

 

[Marctwo]

Thought you might like to know I heared from National Express about this video. To paraphrase, "we don't tolerate such poor driving" and "the drivers manager is following our procedures to deal with this complaint."

I don't expect this will mean anything too serious for the driver... but I'd love to see his face when his manager shows him the video.

 

[RichB]

Thought you might like to know I heared from National Express about this video. To paraphrase, "we don't tolerate such poor driving" and "the drivers manager is following our procedures to deal with this complaint."

I don't expect this will mean anything too serious for the driver... but I'd love to see his face when his manager shows him the video.

I didn't actually think it was THAT bad, I've certainly seen worse on my daily commute!