Best Camera for Mountain Biking – Expert reviews

• • IMAGE & VIDEO QUALITY

This may be one of the most important considerations because this is arguably the factor that will effect the quality of the finished video more than anything else. The first thing to look for will be the definition the camera is capable of filming in, and there are 2 basic kinds of definition to look for: HD (High Definition) and SD (Standard Definition).

SD cameras will usually be less expensive that HD ones, but users should be aware of the fact that SD cameras will produce videos of much lower quality. HD video cameras will come in 2 basic resolutions, and these are 720p and 1080p, respectively. For those that will be uploading their videos to the internet, 720p offers an competent level of performance at a reasonable price.

Another facet of image quality is frame rate. All things being equal, a higher frame rated will usually produce a higher quality video in most situations. Prospective photographers will want to select a camera that shoots at least 30 fps, but selecting a camera capable of filming at 60 fps will provide even higher quality videos, especially in fast action situations.

Finally, users should select a camera that can handle various levels of lighting; some days will be sunny and others cloudy or rainy, and it will be of vital importance to use a camera that can bring the best out of an image no matter what the ambient lighting conditions may be.

• • BATTERY LIFE AND MEMORY

It will be of little use to the rider if the battery of the camera runs out every half hour. Therefore, users should select cameras that feature at least several hours of reserve battery power, and should avoid cameras with built-in batteries. Not only will this make filming easier, but the rider will have to pack fewer spare batteries, thus saving space and weight.

Memory is also a common concern among video makers. Users should always make certain to purchase a camera that has space for an upgradeable memory card; this will enable the individual to easily upgrade to a higher level of memory whenever necessary.

• • SIZE

The prospective buyer should always purchase a camera that is small or large enough to be easily mounted wherever they please. In the case of helmet mounted cams, smaller is usually the better choice.

• • CAMERA CONTROLS

A decent mountain biking camera will come with easily accessible controls that will usually fit into the palm of the riders hand.

• • LENSES

Mountain bikers will in most cases find it very useful to purchase video cameras that feature lenses with wider angles. This will help riders avoid the annoying tunnel vision effect found on lenses with too narrow an angle. But individuals will not want the angle to be too wide, or they risk creating a fish bowl effect.

(^ Normal VS wide angles len)

• • AUDIO

Finally, bikers will want to purchase a camera with decent audio quality in case they want their viewers to experience the exhilarating sounds that come part and parcel with a great ride.

• • WEATHERPROOFING

In a perfect world, every mountain biking trip would feature sunny days and blue skies. In the real world, riders will have to deal with heavy rain at times. As a matter of fact, some riders may ever prefer to ride in less than perfect weather for one reason or another. The bottom line is, this means a lot of water – and perhaps mud – will possibly be showered on the camera.

SLOW MOTION VIDEO CAPTURE

Because of this, riders will want to make sure that whichever camera that they settle on comes with a water/weatherproof housing. This will help to ensure that their investment is always protected from any water related damages.

There will be times when riders may want to give their videos a little extra style, and a mountain bike video camera that offers slow motion video capture is a great way to give videos a little extra character. Cameras that feature this kind of technology also generally offer simple photo capture as well. Thus, riders will want to obtain a camera that comes with these invaluable features.

WHAT ARE SOME CREATIVE WAYS TO MOUNT THE CAMERA?

There are a few basic ways for riders to mount their cameras for variety and effect. On common and popular method is to mount the camera from the helmet of the rider. This provides the video with realistic and interesting perspectives, and really brings viewers into the riding experience. The camera may be mounted facing forward, backwards, or even sideways.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BETTER BRANDS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET?

Another great place to mount the camera is under the seat of the bike facing backwards, providing very interesting and varied pictures. A final common method is to strap the camera to the chest of the rider from a special harness. This gives watchers the feeling of being in the video without having parts of the helmet appearing in the frame.

Mountain biking and video are a natural match that go great with one another. Riders who keep in mind the features mentioned in this article and look into some of the brand names that were mentioned will be sure to have the riding- and the filming – experiences of their lives.