Oregon Scientific ATC9K

[Mets]

I’ve been nursing a gadget itch for a while now and it looks like it is about to erupt into the purchase of a helmet cam.

 

I’ve looked at the Contour 1080p and the GoPro Hero, but this morning I stumbled across the Oregon Scientific ATC9K.

 

The pro’s for me on the ATC9K are:

• 20m Waterproof (without the need for additional housings)

• LCD Screen for aligning and reviewing of footage

• 5MP Still Camera capabilities

 

It looks like Oregon Scientific SA has fixed the price for this unit on R2999, because it is the same on their site and all the other local sites I’ve Googled.

 

• Does anyone here have one of these (or any of their previous models)?

• Is it worth the money?

• Isn’t it bulky to mount to your helmet?

• Is there an on-line retailer with a better offer?

 

I would really appreciate some feedback before biting the bullet.

[Mets]

I’ve been nursing a gadget itch for a while now and it looks like it is about to erupt into the purchase of a helmet cam.

 

I’ve looked at the Contour 1080p and the GoPro Hero, but this morning I stumbled across the Oregon Scientific ATC9K.

 

The pro’s for me on the ATC9K are:

• 20m Waterproof (without the need for additional housings)

• LCD Screen for aligning and reviewing of footage

• 5MP Still Camera capabilities

 

It looks like Oregon Scientific SA has fixed the price for this unit on R2999, because it is the same on their site and all the other local sites I’ve Googled.

 

• Does anyone here have one of these (or any of their previous models)?

• Is it worth the money?

• Isn’t it bulky to mount to your helmet?

• Is there an on-line retailer with a better offer?

 

I would really appreciate some feedback before biting the bullet.

 

If anyone is interested killerdeals.co.za has them for R2600

[raptor]

i used a atc 5 (non hd) for a short while, the quality of the clips wasn't that bad and the build quality was very rugged, took a couple of shots on it from a paintball and worked fine.

Edited December 20, 2010 by raptor

[A Jay]

Some extra info :

 

It also has a G force sensor built in and the optional GPS module and sound play back on the unit.

 

There is an article in the December edition of the Sports Illustrated magazine for your perusal

[Pappa Bear]

I got one a week ago.......

 

Yes it is waterproof tested in the swimmingpool - got some nice underwater videos.

 

I don't have any issues with the camera as far...... if recorded on HD the quality is quite good.....

 

The video is quite shaky if the camera is mounted to the bicycle, less so if mounted to your helmet. I wan't to try and mount it to my shoulder (on my camelbak) next time I ride.......

 

The 5megapixels camera's quality is not that good due to the lense.......it gives a bit of a "fish eye" effect.

 

GPS functionally is an extra module thatyou need to buy and then there is space in the camera to slot it in.....

 

I am still sruggeling to find the right software to edit the video clips....

 

All and all I am happy with the camera

[wesley_r]

A few things to consider:

- most helmet cams will be a little shaky when mounted to the bars - helmet is a much better option

- most HD cams will give a fish eye effect when taking stills - since they are all wide angle lenses

 

Check out the Drift HD 170 - tested it recently and was very happy, though it's not waterproof to 20m

 

Good place to buy = www.actioncameras.co.za

[Mets]

I see there is a firmware upgrade for the ATC9K (and it's not the first) that came out earlier this month. I'm even more impressed with the company seeing as they support their products.

 

I'm even more motivated to get one after yesterday afternoon's ride - I had a bit of a tumble with the MTB and that would have made for some spectacular footage. I also missed out on snapping a nice fat black snake that crossed the road right infront of us, but it was already making it's way into the tall grass by the time I got my little "mik & druk" out.

 

I bought the Fujifilm AX250 about two weeks ago - it's quite nice for it's compact size (14mp, 5x Optical zoom & 720p vids with sound), but it's always in a bag, stuffed away when you quickly want to get the shot. - Helmet cam must be the way to go - Now only to convince the wife.

[wesley_r]

Helmet cams are excellent fun for mountain biking. Check this video I threw together, ALL shot on the HD170... because the HD170 has a standard size threaded tripod mounting point, it can be mounted to all sorts of things... the "off the bike" bits were shot using a universal clamp attached to anything I could find...

 

http://www.vimeo.com/17135715

[Mets]

Ok, so I just ordered my ATC9K from Killerdeals.co.za - their price is only valid until 31/12/2010. Fingers crossed that I'll receive it early next week - I'm not even gonna torture myself with the hope that it will be here by the end of the week. Watch this space for more feedback...

[Mets]

Ok, so I just ordered my ATC9K from Killerdeals.co.za - their price is only valid until 31/12/2010. Fingers crossed that I'll receive it early next week - I'm not even gonna torture myself with the hope that it will be here by the end of the week. Watch this space for more feedback...

Ok, so I received my ATC9K on Friday (could have been Thursday if it wasn't for the courier company). I must credit Killerdeals.co.za for great service and a great price. Only played around with it a bit during the weekend and I'm very happy - even took it for a swim yesterday. The helmet mount is more effective than the handle bar mount, but I hope to put it through its paces during an outride this afternoon.