Ignorance With Camera Choices....please Help!

[Skwirl]

Ok.... So I have owned a GoPro and like it as an action camera in some instances but I am not crazy about attaching one to my helmet. I have never liked the boxy look of the GoPro but I can say from first hand experience it sure can do a lot of nice things.

I have been looking at the Sena 10c camera and Mic system. Is this a good choice? I plan to take three cameras with me.
1: Helmet Mounteed Cam (sena 10C)
2: Hand Held personal Log Cam (No Idea)
3: Bike Mounted Cam (GoPro)

Do I need to be concerned with compatability issues with recording file types?

Any ideas, Comment, or Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Skwirl

 

[SalvageSV]

In terms of compatibility, I'll just suggest that you set them all up to record the same settings as closely as possible. All 1080p60 or whatever you choose. They may use different codecs though, even if they all save in MP4 format. If the codecs don't match, you'll likely have to do some kind of transcoding in post. That will all depend on the editor you go with and some transcode in the background, so it might not be an issue.

Based on my experience, focus on an audio solution as well. It's just as (if not more) important than the camera.

With 3 cameras recording in HD or 2k/4k, you'll need a bit of storage as well!

 

[Reize]

When recording, always make sure your unit films to an MP4 container if editing in Windows, and MOV if editing on a Mac or any Apple software. They just work better that way.

Also, the Sena 10C is really good for basic film quality and excellent for recording audio, it also puts recording from intercom and working as a bluetooth communication device in one, so it's an excellent choice.

For the Hand Held Personal cam, I'd suggest getting a DJI Osmo, it's got a camera that is better than a GoPro in quality, a 3-axis brushless gimbal with a controller grip. I pretty much use this for all my ground level videography. It's no four thirds MOS camera though, but it'll be better than anything you have that isn't a DSLR.

 

[SighBored]

Bear in mind the more cameras you use, the more diligence and attention you have to give for them (are they on? are they recording? are they lost/fell off?), also more footage means having to comb through more stuff to use and even more stuff to discard.

If you're just starting up perhaps sticking with one, get into the groove first, then when you're more comfortable you can look to setting up another one, etc.

 

[Skwirl]

In terms of compatibility, I'll just suggest that you set them all up to record the same settings as closely as possible. All 1080p60 or whatever you choose. They may use different codecs though, even if they all save in MP4 format. If the codecs don't match, you'll likely have to do some kind of transcoding in post. That will all depend on the editor you go with and some transcode in the background, so it might not be an issue.

Based on my experience, focus on an audio solution as well. It's just as (if not more) important than the camera.

With 3 cameras recording in HD or 2k/4k, you'll need a bit of storage as well!

I cant wait to try and figure all this compatibility stuff out. Thanks for the info. Good Stuff!

 

[Skwirl]

When recording, always make sure your unit films to an MP4 container if editing in Windows, and MOV if editing on a Mac or any Apple software. They just work better that way.

Also, the Sena 10C is really good for basic film quality and excellent for recording audio, it also puts recording from intercom and working as a bluetooth communication device in one, so it's an excellent choice.

For the Hand Held Personal cam, I'd suggest getting a DJI Osmo, it's got a camera that is better than a GoPro in quality, a 3-axis brushless gimbal with a controller grip. I pretty much use this for all my ground level videography. It's no four thirds MOS camera though, but it'll be better than anything you have that isn't a DSLR.

I will look up your recommendations. I am trying my best to make something fun and enjoyable for myself to remember and others to enjoy my trip. I am green with envy of all the riders doing the long way trips.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Skwirl]

Bear in mind the more cameras you use, the more diligence and attention you have to give for them (are they on? are they recording? are they lost/fell off?), also more footage means having to comb through more stuff to use and even more stuff to discard.

If you're just starting up perhaps sticking with one, get into the groove first, then when you're more comfortable you can look to setting up another one, etc.

I can understand your point about to much stuff. I plan to use my helmet cam as a riding vlog and the handy cam as a camp/event/tour vlog. the Mounted Camera is just going to be a point of view from the bike shot. I am by no means skilled enough to try and sync all of the videos together and deal with sound and still try to ride safely.

Safety is my main concern while riding. Enjoying the journey my second concern and cameras somewhere below that. HAHAHA.

I am sure turning them on isnt going to be my problem but its the turning them off that will be. My memory means lots of dead batteries on the ride.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

I use a Sena 10C on my helmet - Great for ease of use. It's always there and it's not too big or clunky to make me want to leave it behind.
I also like that I can communicate and listen to FM radio for example all in one package.

I also mount a couple Hero 3+' to my bike.
I think the Go Pros are better cameras especially for low light or night recording.

I recently made a camera set-up video: 0037
The last video to use both was video 0036. It's a short 2 minute video where I caught a crash on video. I was very glad to have both cameras running that day, let me tell you! I mention that at the end of 0035 (about 10 minutes) when I'm talking about the crash. That morning I was thinking, "Should I put the cameras on... ? I don't know...."

I edit with iMovie and I've never had a problem mixing the footage.

 

[Arctic Pride]

might want to compare image sensors, not sure what the sena is working with