Helmet camera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A helmet camera, otherwise known as a micro video camera, bullet camera, or lipstick camera, is a camera attached to a helmet allowing someone to make a visual record from their point of view, while keeping their hands and vision free.

Contents 1 History 2 Camera types 3 Applications 4 References

[edit] History

Helmet cameras started as bulky, full-sized video and still cameras that were bolted onto the helmet of skydivers. These would record to analog tapes or film. With the advent of digital cameras, and smaller camera production, came advancement in the helmet camera field. Helmet cameras shrunk in size to that of a marker and began recording to digital recorders with video displays.

In the 1990s, helmet cameras were briefly used to provide live player's-eye-view footage in professional American football. However, their use was discontinued after players complained of the extra weight, and TV networks became concerned about the aggressive behavior the cameras captured.

The newest generation of helmet cameras offer features like on screen menus, and wireless transmitting to an offsite recording device.

[edit] Camera types

Helmet cameras generally fall into two main categories; CMOS and CCD type. Although helmet cameras take on a variety of forms the majority are small cylindrical cameras resembling a tube of lipstick or a bullet, coining the name lipstick and bullet cameras. Helmet cameras may be connected to a video recording device with video input capability, such as a handheld camcorder, or purpose built digital video recorder. ^[1]

CCD helmet cameras are based upon the charge-coupled device(CCD) image sensor. CCD cameras typically operate on 12VDC power and output an analog type signal. These cameras draw more power than CMOS cameras but offer superior picture quality and better color replication.

CMOS helmet cameras are based upon the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. CMOS cameras typically operate on 5VDC and draw very little power. CMOS cameras are also generally smaller than the CCD type. CMOS cameras do not offer the same clarity as CCD type and generally do not work well in low light environments.

[edit] Applications

Many sports enthusiasts now use helmet cameras to capture the essence of the sports they love. For example, many paraglider pilots like to carry a bullet camera to record their flights. This can be mounted on the helmet, foot or elsewhere to capture unique camera angles. There are many samples of helmet camera videos available on the net.

Wearing helmet cameras is also proving popular with cyclists as a safety aid as it allows cyclists to record their journeys and to record any incidents from their point of view. This recording can be used in a court as evidence. ^[2] Recently, a cyclist was convicted of abusing traffic wardens, using evidence from a helmet camera. ^[3]

[edit] References