The good: Handy waterproof enclosure; low distortion; good white balance; mounts easily onto the helmet and handlebar; and takes stills plus videos.

The bad: Sluggish; takes very soft images; quality only for internet/ computer viewing.

The Action Cameras bottom line: For a small, reasonably priced, user-friendly camera for biking… this is it.

Buy it, use it, enjoy it, and if necessary, share it. Be tolerant of its shortfalls and limitations. Be happy, for the price, and for what you get, it cannot be beaten, at least for now. Be prepared, for never-ending comments about its size, look and functionality.

While not the most technically advanced camera available or the cheapest, its simplicity and function put it in a class by itself. With one of these little goodies, you won’t have to attend acting classes in order to detail a credible tale, you can just show everyone.

The Helmet Hero is a waterproof digital helmet camera capable of capturing still photos and TV-quality video. Use of quick release mounts allows it to be used on motorcycles, bicycles, four-wheelers, skis, kayaks and more.

Originally released in 2006, the HERO cameras are a line patented by GoPro, a northern California-based team of inventors and athletes dedicated to making it easy to use a camera during favourite activities. The camera has captured the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds in a short period of time and has since been distributed in the UK by www.actioncameras.co.uk and has proven to be a hit across all sports.
Truly less than palm sized, the Helmet Hero measures 3.18 x 4.45 x 5.84 cm (1.25 x 1.75 x 2.3 in). The clear polycarbonate housing, certified waterproof to 100 feet that the camera nestles into is only slightly larger at 3.30 x 4.57 x 6.60 cm (1.3 x 1.8 x 2.6 in). The whole assembly weighs just .13 kg or 4.5oz.
A three megapixel sensor (2048 x 1536 at 96dpi) with a glass f2.8 lens and auto exposure is the heart of this small but mighty camera. It has 16mb of onboard memory, and can be expanded up to 2GB using a standard SD media card (not provided).
Picture modes allow single, 3X sequence photo burst or “photo every five seconds” picture taking, along with a ten second self-timer for those ‘inclusive’ shots. With a 2GB expansion card used, over 1400+ pictures can be taken. Photos are stored and listed as .JPG files.

Video is captured at 30 frames per second (fps) in 512 x 384 resolution, with immersive sound (more on that later) and up to 56 minutes of video capture is claimed using a 2GB expansion card. Video is stored and listed as .AVI files
Two alkaline AAA batteries are included in the kit to get the user up and running quickly. GoPro recommends that NiMH cells be used in normal temperatures and Lithium-ion cells for cold weather. A programmable power setting helps extend battery life.
For downloading or viewing the JPG and AVI files, the system is compatible with Microsoft Windows ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS 9.1, 10.2 or later. A combination cable (mini-USB to USB and RCA plugs) provides the connectivity to either a PC or a TV.
The product is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for one year.

Features

56 minute high quality colour video with sound
3 mega-pixel sensor with glass lens
3x sequence photo burst
Photo ever 5 seconds mode
Adjustable Sound recording levels
Programmable power off settings
Always on mode lasts 3+ hours
Mode lock for easy shooting
Inverted Photo/Video Save Upright Mode
Supports up to 2Gb SD cards
30 meter depth glass lens waterhousing
1 year warranty