Using the HV20 with a bulletcam/helmet camera
I will be using a bulletcam/helmet camera with my HV20 that connects through the A/V port.
Does it matter what settings I use on the camera as far as HD, non-HD, or 24P? I would not think so since the helmet camera is doing the video and the HV20 is just acting as a means to record it (I think).
I'm not going to get HD or 24P out of an external helmet camera hooked up to the HV20, right?
Interesting. I would assume straight DV as most bullet cams have crap resolution 480 lines etc.
How would you set the HV20 up to record from an external AV source anyway?
Panasonic HMC 151E - Canon HV20 - Twoneil 35mm Static Adapter - Nikon f1.4 50mm - Rode Videomic - 2x AudioTechnica ATR35 - Zoom H2 - Steadicam JR - Custom LED Lamp
I am not sure, but the helmet camera companies list the HV20 as compatible with their devices. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can answer the particulars of how to do that. On my old camcorder it was easy.
Could you post a picture of your bulletcam & it's connections? I'm guessing it would plug in through the AV & mic inputs through an adapter (if your bulletcam doesn't have mini plugs).
+1 to wanting to hear how to hook up an external cam. With the serious limitations of the HV20 with vibrations I'm looking for a bullet cam to shoot ralley footage. I've used stand-alone recording units with bullets cams before but not an other camera.
Helmet Cam
Check out my thread in DYI on the helmet cam I made. It still needs some work, and has limitations, but does the job rather well. The HV20 is light enough to mount on a helmet, and the advantage is I get to shoot in whatever HDV format I like. As I'm shooting paragliding flights I'm using 1080-60i and capturing in Vegas.
Biggest thing I've noticed is the need for the WA lens. I was hoping I could do without it, as I've heard it's a heavy piece of glass, but noooo.......it's definately required.
I don't know the specifics of your helmet cam, but it should just be a matter of plugging into the A/V input with the cable provided. Then follow the "Analog Line-In Recording" instructions on page 71 of the manual. (If you don't have the manual, you can download one from Canon's website).Originally Posted by M700P
I've already used the HV20 to convert hours of Hi-8 video to digital by running it through the A/V Inputs. It should be the same principle.
Good job on the mount. I have made a helmet mount for mountain biking, but the HV20 is too heavy for an MTB helmet (and too expensive to risk). I have an older Sony MiniDV camcorder for that, its tiny and light. You are right, a wide angle lens is a must.
Last edited by DaFireMedic; 2007 June 14th at 21:58.
The Local Bike shop
Jer runs the local bike shop and he's ready to give the helmet cam a go. I think there will be too much head movement and vibration from the local trails, but we'll experiment. As well I don't think the cam without the WA will do the job.
I took my old WA from my Sony Hi-8, a 37mm, and just taped it to the UV filter on my 20 and it worked! Wonder if I can get an adapter from a store in this area? If so, it will have to do until I can get the cash together to get the Canon WA. Really can't believe it worked, with no noticeable vignetting on W or T. However, that said, no telling what an adapter might do to the setup
I just bought a HV20 and a helmetcam.com 560 line helmet cam. It works but as the site clearly states it records in regular DV mode.
It is also not clear in the Canon manual that you have to put the videocam in "play" not "camera" mode to then access the functions on page 71. Once you execute those instructions you record by using the controls on the lcd, not the record button on the back of the camera.
You do not have to put it out of HDV mode because it senses the analog input and switches to DV mode.
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