Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Helmet camera
View on WikipediaA helmet camera, otherwise known as a micro video camera, is an action camera, usually a closed-circuit television camera, attached to a helmet allowing someone to make a visual record from their point of view (POV), while keeping their hands and vision free.
History
[edit]
Archives containing photos of helmet cameras have surfaced over the last decade. One shows Denver Broncos backup quarterback Jacky Lee wearing a helmet camera at football practice in 1965.[1][2] A mocked-up helmet camera appears in the opening scenes of The Private Afternoons of Pamela Mann, released in 1974, used by a character for voyeurism. Another early and more noble helmet video camera was a 1977 head-mounted camera designed to convert images into tactile sensations for the blind.[3]
Almost a decade later, a Canon CI-10 camera was mounted to the side of Dick Garcia's helmet by Aerial Video Systems (AVS) of Burbank, CA at the Nissan USGP 500 World Championship at Carlsbad Raceway in Carlsbad, CA on June 28, 1986.[4][5] At this time the helmet camera was used commercially. For the first time, images were transmitted live from this camera by AVS via portable microwave to the ABC broadcast truck, then integrated into their live broadcast. This innovative system showed viewers the rider's Point of View of the race as it unfolded.

Another early innovator of video helmet camera technology was Mark Schulze, who created a system for use while producing The Great Mountain Biking Video in 1987.[6][7][8][9] "Schulze stripped-down a red motorcycle helmet and jury-rigged a mounting for the first consumer color video chip camera. A cable ran from the camera to a padded backpack that contained a Panasonic VHS portable video recorder and a DC-lead-acid battery for power, which made the rig heavy, unwieldy, and hot.[10]
This pioneering technology brought an engaging perspective to live sports television and action sports videos and eventually gave way to button and lipstick cameras. The helmet cam then became a standard piece of equipment, worn by umpires, catchers, goalies and referees for live television as well as BMX riders, surfers, skiers, skydivers, hockey and soccer players and other sports aficionados, to record and share their experiences.[11][12][13][14]
In 1991, the World League of American Football introduced the innovation of a miniature camera mounted on the right side of the VSR-3 Riddell helmet worn by quarterbacks. This rig was developed by USA Network and Aerial Video Systems (AVS). An antenna was placed in the crown of the helmet between an inflatable pad and the shell. Each of these Helmet-Cams cost $20,000 and transmitted live game action.[15][16] These helmet cams 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.
In 2002, after graduating with a degree in Visual Arts from UCSD, Nick Woodman, a long-time surfer, created the GoPro camera. This was a small, wearable camera with a waterproof housing for people to share their personal experiences in sports and other endeavors with the world.[17][18]
Today's generation of helmet cameras offer features like on-screen menus, high-definition format, wireless transmitting to an offsite recording device, waterproof enclosures, multiple mounts and 3D capabilities.[19]
Camera types
[edit]
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.[citation needed] 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.[20]
CCD helmet cameras are based upon the charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. They typically operate on 12 VDC 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. They typically operate on 5 VDC and draw very little power. CMOS cameras are also generally smaller than the CCD type.
Applications
[edit]

Many sports enthusiasts use helmet cameras to capture the essence of the sports they love. For example, many paraglider pilots 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.[21] 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.[22]
In 2006, a British cyclist was convicted of abusing traffic wardens, using evidence from a helmet camera.[23] Also in 2006, in the documentary Race To Dakar, Charley Boorman, Matt Hall and Simon Pavey used helmet cams to document their participation the 2006 Dakar rally. Out of the trio, Pavey was the only member of the "Race To Dakar" team wearing the camera to make it to the Senegalese Capital and (the rally's finish).
In 2011, Ben Maher won the Martin Collins Eraser Stakes at London Olympia horse show while wearing a helmet camera.[24] Firefighters have begun to utilize helmet cams as a tool to assess their responses to fires and allow non-firefighters to see the reality of what occurs inside a burning building. One technological improvement that fire departments would employ would be thermal imaging detection of differences in heat.[25][26]
Helmet cameras are also being used in various militaries, where video footage can be streamed back to a command center or military outpost. A notable instance of this was the U.S. military's killing of Osama bin Laden, where live video footage of the raid is believed to have been streamed to the White House.[27] In 2013, Royal Marine Alexander Blackman was convicted of murder for killing a captive Taliban insurgent; footage from incident, recorded on a helmet camera, was used in Blackman's court-martial. The conviction was overturned in 2017 and reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility with Blackman being released from jail.[28] The helmet camera, has been the focus of the Discovery Channels latest war series Taking Fire about the 101st Airborne in the Korengal documenting their personal war footage.
In 2012, on the occasion of the 50th birthday of RP FLIP ("Floating Instrument Platform"), several GoPro action cameras were placed on various positions aboard the research vessel to capture it as it flipped and descended into the ocean. In 2016 "a camera recovered from the helmet of a dead fighter offers a contrasting picture of chaos and panic in a battle with Kurdish peshmerga."[29]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ The Denver Post, "Broncos wore helmet cameras long before GoPro was born, by Nicki Jhabvala, August 30, 2015 http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2015/08/30/broncos-wore-helmet-cameras-long-before-gopro-was-born/35169/
- ^ Sports Grid "Some Hilarious Historical Shit" by Rick Chandler, August 26, 2015 http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/the-denver-broncos-helmet-cam-circa-1965-is-some-hilarious-historical-shit/ Archived 2016-06-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "A brief history of wearable computing". Retrieved 16 August 2015.
- ^ Glick, Shav (June 28, 1986). "Carlsbad's Last Motocross Grand Prix Is Today : Raceway Where the Sport Developed Has Produced Its Share of Memories". Los Angeles Times.
- ^ "The Pits". Motocross Action. Hi-Torque Publishing Co., Inc.: 31 October 1986. Archived from the original on 2010-08-14.
- ^ "Going Hollywood," Mountain & City Biking Magazine, April 1989
- ^ "HEAD BAND CAM » the History and Development of Helmet Cameras". Archived from the original on 2012-03-20. Retrieved 2011-04-01.
- ^ http://mountainbiketales.com/articles/patty0610.htm Archived 2011-07-14 at the Wayback Machine Mountain Bike Tales
- ^ Coldwell, Will (April 12, 2012). "Who dares films: Why extreme-sports fans love helmet-mounted cameras". The Independent. London.
- ^ "The Helmet Cam | OutsideOnline.com". Archived from the original on 2012-06-24. Retrieved 2012-07-10.
- ^ Sports Video Innovations http://www.sportsvideoinnovations.com/
- ^ "See what a hockey game looks like from a ref". The Daily Dot. 2013-12-23. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "SPEED Motorsports". Fox Sports. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "College football: Helmet cams could give teams a new point of view". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ Nancy Gay, The Sentinel Staff, March 24, 1991
- ^ "Helmet-Cam History". Retrieved 16 August 2015.
- ^ "How GoPro CEO Nick Woodman Let Consumers Lead Him to New Idea". Advertising Age. 2012-07-09. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "From Surfer To Billionaire: GoPro CEO Nick Woodman Chats With Stephen Colbert". Yahoo Finance. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "How Helmet Cameras Work". HowStuffWorks. 2015-03-20. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "The Many Factors That Determine Video Quality". Archived from the original on 2010-12-12.
- ^ "Helmet Camera Videos Online". Archived from the original on 2014-05-25. Retrieved 2020-01-12.
- ^ "Spotlight on cyclists wearing Head Cameras".
- ^ "First conviction from traffic warden 'head-cams' as cyclist threatens to 'behead' NCP car park attendant". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08.
- ^ Olympia headcam: Ben Maher in the Eraser Stakes. 22 December 2011. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 16 August 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ http://www.ktvu.com/news/26895905/detail.html Archived 2011-02-18 at the Wayback Machine Menlo Park Firefighters Start Using Unique Helmet Cameras, February 16, 2011
- ^ dave statter (9 March 2011). "Must see mayday video: Bedford, Virginia firefighter's helmet-cam captures his fall from attic to basement". Statter911. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
- ^ "Obama watched live video of bin Laden raid, U.S. official says". CNN. May 20, 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2011.
- ^ Morris, Steven (2017-04-28). "Marine A, who killed wounded Taliban fighter, released from prison". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
- ^ "Helmet cam footage shows Islamic State in battlefield chaos". Reuters. 2016-04-29. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
External links
[edit]- Dick Garcia wearing the first-known helmet camera at USGP race in Carlsbad, CA, June 28, 1986, The Pits, Motocross Action Magazine, October, 1986
- Todd Campbell, Author of Beyond Slickrock, Rides With Helmet Cam at Slickrock, Moab, Utah, 1988
- Helmet Cam Footage of Olympian John Howard Videotaped by Mark Schulze, 2010
- "Helmet Cam Innovator Mark Schulze," by Patty Mooney, February 7, 2014
- Helmet Camera Forum Website discussions for Helmet Cam owners
- "The Most Influential Gear of All Time," by Berne Broudy and Andrew Freeman, Outside Magazine, May 21, 2012
- Helmet Camera TV Website for Helmet Camera Videos
- "Caught on Camera" Outside Online
- How Helmet Cameras Work
- Helmet Cam Innovator Mark Schulze Archived 2019-12-17 at the Wayback Machine
Helmet camera
View on GrokipediaHistory
Early Development and Pioneering Uses
The first documented helmet-mounted camera was deployed on June 28, 1986, at the Nissan USGP 500 World Championship at Carlsbad Raceway in California, where Aerial Video Systems (AVS) of Burbank affixed a Canon CI-10 miniature camera to the side of motocross rider Dick Garcia's helmet. This setup transmitted live video via portable microwave link for broadcast on ABC, enabling real-time point-of-view footage from the rider during the race.[1][4][5] In 1987, director of photography Mark Schulze pioneered a helmet camera for mountain biking by mounting a compact VHS recorder and camera on a stripped-down red full-face motorcycle helmet, using a jury-rigged aluminum bracket and counterweight system to stabilize footage. This device captured first-person trails and riding techniques for the instructional production The Great Mountain Biking Video, released in 1988, which demonstrated practical applications in documenting extreme recreational activities. Schulze's system weighed approximately 5 pounds and recorded to VHS tapes, addressing the need for immersive documentation in off-road cycling where handheld filming was impractical.[2][6][7] These analog prototypes laid foundational techniques for helmet-mounted video capture, emphasizing lightweight mounting, vibration resistance, and wireless transmission in dynamic environments. Early pioneering uses focused on motorsports and cycling to provide broadcasters and enthusiasts with unprecedented subjective perspectives, influencing subsequent adaptations in professional sports like the 1991 World League of American Football, where AVS and USA Network equipped quarterback Kerwin Bell's helmet with a camera for live game telemetry.[3]Commercialization and Mainstream Adoption
Commercialization of helmet cameras emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, initially driven by broadcast applications rather than consumer markets. Aerial Video Systems (AVS) developed the first documented helmet-mounted camera in 1986 using a Canon CI-10 for live transmission during a motocross race, marking an early commercial deployment for professional video production.[1] By 1991, AVS and USA Network introduced the Helmet-Cam for the World League of American Football, mounting miniature cameras on players' helmets at a cost of $20,000 per unit, enabling real-time microwave transmission to production trucks for enhanced viewer immersion.[3] These systems remained expensive and specialized, limiting them to televised sports events. Consumer-oriented commercialization accelerated in the early 2000s with the advent of compact digital action cameras designed for personal use. Viosport released helmet-mounted POV cameras in 2004, which were adopted by extreme sports participants, including those in the X Games and by figures like Richard Branson, allowing first-person footage capture under demanding conditions.[8] Concurrently, Woodman Labs (later GoPro) launched its first commercially available action camera in 2004 for $20, engineered for wrist and helmet mounting to facilitate affordable self-recording during activities like surfing and biking.[5] By 2005, Viosport's Adventure Cam 3 targeted amateur athletes across sports, integrating video with GPS data for post-activity analysis.[9] Mainstream adoption gained momentum through technological miniaturization, falling costs, and the rise of online video sharing platforms. The shift to digital formats reduced size and weight, making helmet cameras practical for recreational extreme sports like mountain biking, snowboarding, and skydiving. GoPro's iterative product line, emphasizing ruggedness and helmet-compatible mounts, captured significant market share via targeted marketing to adventure enthusiasts. By the late 2000s, thousands of users worldwide were producing and sharing helmet-cam footage, fueled by YouTube's growth, which amplified visibility and demand for such devices in non-professional contexts.[10] This period established helmet cameras as accessible tools beyond elite broadcasting, laying groundwork for broader applications.Technological Advancements Post-2010
Following the commercialization of helmet cameras in the early 2000s, post-2010 developments emphasized higher resolution sensors, advanced stabilization, and seamless integration with digital ecosystems, enabling more reliable first-person footage in dynamic environments. In 2010, GoPro launched the HD Hero model, which supported 1080p high-definition video recording at 30 frames per second, a substantial upgrade from prior standard-definition limitations, alongside 5-megapixel stills and interchangeable lenses for helmet mounting. This model facilitated broader adoption in sports like motorcycling and skiing by reducing bulk while maintaining waterproofing up to 60 meters with housing. Subsequent iterations, such as the Hero3 in 2012, introduced Wi-Fi connectivity for real-time previews and app-based control via smartphones, allowing users to adjust settings remotely without dismounting the camera.[11] Resolution and processing power advanced rapidly thereafter; the GoPro Hero4, released in 2014, became the first consumer helmet-compatible action camera to record 4K ultra-high-definition video at 15 frames per second, later refined to 30 fps in follow-on models like the Hero5 in 2016. Electronic image stabilization emerged as a key innovation with the Hero7 in 2018, using gyroscopic data and onboard processing to counteract vibrations from high-speed helmet use, producing smoother footage than mechanical gimbals without added weight. Battery life extended from approximately 1.5 hours in early HD models to over 2 hours in 4K modes by the early 2020s, supported by improved lithium-ion cells and power-efficient chips. These enhancements stemmed from semiconductor miniaturization and algorithmic improvements in computer vision, reducing file sizes for easier storage on microSD cards up to 1TB capacity. Wireless live streaming via protocols like RTMP also proliferated, enabling real-time broadcasting from helmet cams to platforms for training or events.[12] In military applications, helmet cameras evolved from standalone recorders to integrated systems fusing video feeds with augmented reality and AI. The U.S. Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), initiated with a 2018 Microsoft contract, incorporates helmet-mounted cameras for thermal, night-vision, and wide-angle capture, overlaying digital targeting data and squad positions in real time; prototypes were tested in 2019, with initial deliveries of upgraded 1.2 variants in 2023 featuring reduced latency below 50 milliseconds for aiming accuracy. By 2025, systems like Anduril's EagleEye introduced modular AI processors directly into helmets, processing camera inputs for threat detection and mission command without external devices, weighing under 1 kg while maintaining ballistic compatibility. These integrations prioritize low-light performance via fused sensor arrays, achieving effective ranges beyond 1 km, and address prior limitations in power draw through efficient edge computing, though field reliability remains under evaluation amid ongoing upgrades.[13][14]Technology and Design
Core Components and Mounting Systems
Helmet cameras feature a core imaging system consisting of a CMOS image sensor, typically with 12-megapixel resolution, and a fixed wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8 and field of view up to 140 degrees to capture broad perspectives during motion.[15] Integrated video processors encode footage in H.264 format at resolutions such as 1080p at 60 frames per second or 720p at 120 frames per second, enabling real-time compression for efficient storage.[15] Power is supplied by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, such as 1100 mAh units providing approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of continuous recording, or disposable CR123A batteries extending runtime beyond 5 hours in high-demand scenarios.[15] Data storage utilizes removable microSD cards with capacities up to 64 GB, compatible with Class 10 or UHS-1 speeds to handle high-bitrate video without interruptions.[15] Audio components include stereo microphones sampling at 32-48 kHz, often with external ports for enhanced capture.[15] Protective enclosures form the structural backbone, constructed from impact-resistant materials achieving IP68 ingress protection—submersible to 10 meters for 2 hours—and drop resistance from 2 meters, ensuring functionality in rugged conditions like sports or tactical operations.[15] Mounting systems prioritize secure, adjustable attachment without compromising helmet integrity. Curved adhesive mounts, employing high-strength 3M VHB tape, conform to helmet contours and pair with dual-ball heads or swivels for 360-degree tilt and rotation, secured by thumb screws for quick adjustments.[16][17] Chin strap variants wrap flexibly around full-face helmet bars using anti-slip silicone and buckles for vibration-resistant fixation, ideal for motorcycling.[18] Specialized mechanisms like Velcro interfaces or proprietary CurveLock bases integrate directly with helmet designs, such as MIPS-equipped models, facilitating tool-free installation while distributing weight to minimize imbalance.[19][15] Empirical testing underscores the need for mounts to withstand impacts without detaching or altering helmet energy absorption, as evaluated in controlled crash simulations across hardshell, foam, and hybrid helmet types.Key Features and Specifications
Helmet cameras are characterized by their compact, lightweight construction, typically weighing between 30 and 150 grams to ensure minimal impact on helmet balance and user comfort during extended wear.[7] Designs often incorporate a low-profile housing with adjustable mounting systems, such as adhesive mounts, clamps, or strap attachments compatible with various helmet types including full-face, modular, and open-face models.[20] Core imaging specifications emphasize high-definition video capture, with most contemporary models supporting resolutions from 1080p at 30-60 frames per second up to 4K or 5.3K for enhanced detail in dynamic environments.[21] Wide-angle lenses predominate, offering fields of view from 120° to 170° to simulate first-person perspectives without significant distortion.[22] [23] Advanced units include electronic image stabilization to counteract motion blur from head movements, GPS for geotagging footage, and time-lapse or burst photo modes with resolutions up to 27 megapixels.[21] Audio capture via built-in microphones supports noise reduction in some variants, though external connectivity like Bluetooth headsets enhances clarity for applications such as motorcycling.[23] Durability features address environmental rigors, with IP66 or higher waterproof ratings allowing submersion to 5-10 meters and resistance to dust, impacts, and temperatures extremes—such as up to 900°F in specialized fire service models.[24] [21] Battery capacities vary from 90 minutes of continuous recording in standard action-oriented cameras to 4-12 hours in tactical or extended-use designs, often rechargeable via USB and extendable with external power banks.[25] [22] [26] Storage relies on microSD cards supporting 128-512 GB, enabling loop recording to overwrite old footage when capacity is reached.[27]| Feature Category | Typical Specifications |
|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 1080p to 5.3K at 30-60 fps[21] [15] |
| Field of View | 120°-170° wide-angle[22] [23] |
| Battery Life | 90 min-12 hours, model-dependent[25] [26] |
| Durability | Waterproof (IP66+), impact-resistant, heat-tolerant up to 900°F in select models[23] [24] |
| Storage | MicroSD up to 512 GB with loop recording[27] |
