Action camera features and suggestions
 

I'm looking to get an action camera (such as GoPro) for biking and would appreciate some input. I assume stabilization is a given (let me know if I'm wrong) but I'm interested in learning what other features are important for biking. Are cameras better located on a helmet, handlebar, or someplace else? Finally, are there products and accessories I should focus on or avoid?
Thanks.

oh boy :popcorn

what I like about mine

• waterproof
• seemingly indestructible
• replaceable lens covers
• creates .mov files (native for MACs)
• easy to start stop
• has burst or time lapse still modes
• has auto -rotate, so that when I use them upside down the video file is already inverted to be right side up
• small
• lightweight
• cylindrical plane fuselage shaped
• has quick release mounts so I can use the same camera in multiple places while I ride
• not expensive
• can find used units on the internet so I have backups

what I don't like about mine

• no image stabilization
• sometimes I want a flat square shape for diff. mounting options

other aspects to the camera

• takes a never ending video clip unless I stop it & restart it. which is easy to do. so as I ride I start it, then stop it, then start it & stop it. I make these choices depending on what is happening, or not happening. if I see a highlight coming up, I'll start it then stop it soon after passing the highlight

other considerations

• what are you going to do with the video?
• how will you be viewing it?
• how will you be editing it? (if at all)
• how long do you want it to run or stay alive at what temperature? on my last ride due to the cold I was on my 3rd camera before the end of the ride cuz the 1st 2 died from the cold. (big fan of redundancy for example 3 lites so if 1 dies I still have 2)

consider what you want to get out of the camera. what is important to you? what have you seen that you you like a lot & want to emulate?

I won't share what mine is cuz I want all the used ones to myself ;-) & they are old technology anyway. the new gopros have amazing image stabilization. good luck w/ your quest!

What is your goal with such a camera?

Are you looking to have a record in case of a crash or close call? Looking to record mtb riding action? Something else?

That info may help you to identify what features are best applicable to your needs.

Thanks for asking. I no longer ride on roads after a wrong way driver forced me off the road and I ended up in the hospital so having a recording in case of a crash or close call is a large part of it. I may also use it in my SUV. Beyond that, now I ride trails and would like it for overall safety. My rides are typically 2+ hours so I don't expect to share anything.

The “easy button” would likely be finding a used prior model GoPro, choice depending on your budget. FB marketplace, eBay, or ,Abe the company sells factory refurbs.

I can’t offer any more specifics as I’ve not paid attention to the action cams.

After about a year of owning two budget cameras, I would be looking for these requirements.

Long lasting battery in temperatures from -10C to 55C at a video resolution that can read licence plates.

Spare batteries and a separate battery charger.

Date and timestamp remain as you change batteries.

Each time you start a new ride, check that the camera's timestamp is correct.

Will the manufacture honour its warranty regardless if you purchased it directly or from a third party like Amazon?

The following don't exist yet but you might as well ask in case there are good solutions.

Good internal microphone that can pick up a conversation 10ft away while in its waterproof case.

Audio recording that stays in synch with the video recording.

Waterproof case that gives you access to the micro usb ports.

I often consider this option for converting over to that brand. meaning, just get one that I can afford & see what I can do w/ it. knowing full well, it won't be a one-&-done, kind of switch

Thanks to those who commented. I ended up with the Campark V30 based in part on reviews which were uniformly positive. With all the features I looked for at under $70 it more than fit the bill for me. The camera comes with a stabilizer which was necessary for recording on trails. 4K, 2K, and 1080 results were all very good, certainly excellent for my needs. In addition, the camera has a loop recording function which was a plus for me. Finally, the camera comes with several accessories including a waterproof case which I liked, not because I'll be using it underwater but for added protection from damage.

I have the same camera.
I'd like to ask a few things:
1) are the batteries very tight in the compartment or do they slip in and out without any issue? Mine is a very tight fit. The pullout tab on one battery got pulled off.
2) Did you buy directly from the Campark website or through a third party like Amazon? I purchased directly. After about ten months, still within its one year warranty, I had a problem and contacted Campark. They said the warranty dies not apply because I had purchased direct instead of through Amazon. Strange. You'd think purchasing direct would have a better warranty terms. Also strange is the the problem I had with the camera seem to have disappeared.

Congratulations. It's a very good camera. I had also purchased three spare batteries from Amazon to record up to 8 hours of riding.

Daniel4, the batteries are as I'd expect; they aren't difficult to put in or take out. I bought it from Campark but via eBay. I haven't used it yet but am considering a second set of batteries because my rides are usually 3+ hours.