portable camcorder

1. Posted: Aug 4 2008

   For none professional, this is a pretty good device for out doors or party, video doesn't come out good in dim light, but pretty clear if you have good lighting or out door in daylight.

2. Posted: Apr 20 2008

   The Archos Helmet Camcorder is good in the sense that it's extremely easy to use and setup. However, the lack of picture quality is enough for me to start looking for another bullet camera to replace the Archos. Here are the three things that rock with the Archos bullet cam... 1) Easy to setup... You take your Archos Helmet Camcorder and plug it directly into your Archos recording device, and you're good to go. 2) The Archos Helmet Camcorder is powered by the Archos recording device, (Archos 604 for example). For those of you that have never owned or have seen the other bullet cam systems, most of them require a separate power supply to power both the camcorder and the microphone. The Archos uses the battery power of the Archos 604 to power both the camcorder and the microphone. 3) Control of record start and record stop are at your fingertips. No need to purchase an extra control Lanc. device, or any other third party remote that may or may not work with your setup. The Archos Helmet Camcorder has the controls you need, in a place that's easy for you to get to. Now the downside... PICTURE QUALITY!!! Yes, 420 lines of resolution is good, and yes 640X480 is good, but it's just that... Good. If you're looking for great, you need to go for a bullet camera that has 520 lines of resolution or even splurge for the Sony 580 ExView bullet camera. The problem with these bullet cameras however, is the problem I mentioned above. These bullet cameras require extra power supplies. Now, you're probably thinking what's the big deal with an extra power supply? Let me say this. I ride dirt bikes with three other guys that own bullet cam systems, but they never use them because it's such a process to put them together. That's the difference between the Archos helmet cam, and all the others helmet cameras out there. The Archos unit is easy to use and setup... It's as simple as that. I gave the Archos Helmet Camcorder three stars because Archos is on the right track. They just need to come out with another helmet camcorder, just like this one, only next time with more resolution! Also, the DVR travel adapter that allows the helmet camcorder to attach to the Archos recording device (which is included) is a little rickety. Sometimes the DVR travel adapter will pop off of the recoding unit, making your video stop in the middle of its recoding. This is bad! One more thing... I had to purchase a helmet mounting kit from a third party, (Viosport). Why wouldn't Archos sell helmet mounts? They sell a helmet camcorder, but don't sell mounting kits... Whatever! If I had to put another helmet cam system together, I would buy the Archos 604 recording unit, and buy a higher quality bullet camera. Get yourself the proper Viosport mounting kit and you're good to go. Pass on the Archos Helmet Camcorder.

3. ( 5 of 6 found this review helpful ) Posted: Oct 15 2007

   The camera seemed to work ok and the picture looked good. I was just hopping something made to mount on a helmet would be much more durable. Sound was low and hard to hear. After reading the instructions I was afraid to use this on my dirt bike. It is not water resistant and it also said not to use in a dust or sand environment. Also the camera attaches to the Archos similar to how the docking station does. It just seems way to weak and easy to break. The mount strap might work ok for a bicycle helmet, but will not work at all for a motorcycle. If you plan to ride a bicycle on the road, this might be ok, but for a dirt bike, forget it! I ended up returning it because I do not think this would be suitable for a motorcycle. Chad

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1. Posted: Mar 31 2008

   Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3M7E23MHDZC54 My name is Sandor ....or DJ SANDOORS .This is a video of RC Formula 1 racing in Savannah, GA. I have other videos on You Tube, look for DJ Sandoors movies. I've had this camera for six months and bought on Amazon. For a lightweight camera of plastic material, it can be a good buddy for me. It's good for action footage and I could call this a semi-professional level. I'm an independent camera man with short films of nature, music, sports and portraits. It might make a high level movie maker angry, but for the price, it's working well.

2. ( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 29 2008

   I had three must-haves for a video camera: - three ccds - record to miniDV - audio-out port Most of the cameras with these three features are up in the $3000 range, essentially going for the low-end professional market. All the cameras currently selling for around $600-$700 skimp on some aspect of performance. If all you care about is making home movies to keep and share memories of kids' birthday parties, by all means, go for a HDD camera, or just hope that your sound will turn out okay. But if you want to put together footage that has real production value, shell out the extra few hundred for this model. It will really show in the finished product.

3. ( 0 of 4 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 16 2008

   Avoid this camera. Had it a month, and gave it away. Buy the DVC60 if you can even find one still around

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