NEW! MOTOVLOG SETUP ...fail

[1475llama]

Really cool concept, I loved the rant monologue that we all do in traffic. In spite of the camera angle headache, I would not call this a fail....

[lauriejennifer]

@1475llama Thanks, mate! I do hope to sort the angle out shortly. This is a headache I've gone through with every camera set-up I've ever done (and you start all over if you switch helmets and/or bikes). You would think it would get easier each time... LOL

[dlinquencious]

I love the way motovloggers have a smooshy cheeks voice. The camera looks great, just the angle, don't give up.

[lauriejennifer]

@dlinquencious Haha! We totally do! We sound like greedy chipmunks! I have another idea to try for the angle. I hope it works! I agree, the camera is awesome in every other way.

[dahveed284]

Well, audio is usually the hardest thing to fix, so your more than halfway there. Use the Playsport for audio and use something else for video.

[lauriejennifer]

@dahveed284 The audio is almost impossible to fix in post. So, yeah, that's a huge bonus. I couldn't possible fit two cameras in the helmet and still want to try to have an in-helmet setup. I have ordered a fish-eye lens for the PlaySport, so we'll see if that works. *fingers crossed!*

[wojtekc27]

which cam did u get, tell us more info

[lauriejennifer]

@wojtekc27 It's in the video description. In helmet is the Kodak PlaySport. The camera on the bike is the ContourHD.

[wojtekc27]

cool vid, i like the 2 vid in 1 vid idea, ur so cool, but talk more about different stuff then just the cam stuff

[lauriejennifer]

@wojtekc27 I talk about lots of different things in different vlogs, but this vlog was specifically about my camera set-up and trying something different. I'm glad you enjoyed the 2-in-1. It was an idea on the fly to try to salvage the day's footage, since I knew my in-helmet camera was not getting a good angle.

[MetalHeadKLR650]

Camera angle is always a bitch to get right. I have the Contour HD and it recommends actually pointing it slightly upwards from your sitting position because you eventually slouch and it becomes straight.

[lauriejennifer]

@MetalHeadKLR650 Yeah, I started out doing the same with my Contour, but decided I wanted a bit more road/bike. Mine is pointed dead ahead in this video (the one mounted on the bike). I'm very grateful the audio at least is so great with this new camera. Camera angle is easier to change than crappy audio, you know?

[SCRC401]

Can't win 'em all. Maybe some extra ingenuity might provide a fix??

[lauriejennifer]

@SCRC401 One viewer suggested a fisheye lens attachment. I have ordered one and it has arrived in the mail, but I have not tested it in the helmet yet. If it works, that is going to be freakin' amazing. Just from testing around my house, it seems to pick up a LOT more field of view. *fingers crossed*

[SCRC401]

@lauriejennifer Good Luck! Hope it works like a dream.

[OoxTruExoO]

Did you get much hooligan footage at the abandoned mall? I hope you manage to sort out the Playsport angle

[lauriejennifer]

@OoxTruExoO I did! Well, dodgerider did. He and I were there for some wheelie practice... and then the security guards showed up. Was great fun! LOL

[theNLridersWife]

The contour looks great and the audio is definitely better! Oh man, I get such bad road rage when I'm behind slow drivers. I don't get it... if you can't go the speed limit, then you shouldn't be on the road!

[lauriejennifer]

@theNLridersWife Thanks! I'm hoping to get this all sorted shortly. I am loving the audio.

I used to get bad road rage. Now I'm only briefly annoyed, then I move on. Life is too short to let them get me so upset over something so silly. Took me a while to get there. Too long.

But, yeah, the people that drive like tractors are something else...

[AviBaby18]

Lol nice Valentino Rossi look ;-)

[lauriejennifer]

@AviBaby18 "Laurie Jennifer: Making Rossi look slow since 2009."

[bakker46]

Congrats on the new cam , hope you find a way to get the angle right :-)

[lauriejennifer]

@bakker46 Thanks! Going to try a fisheye lens attachment. *fingers crossed*

[MuzzleMike]

Congrats LJ for going HD !!! I am still working on the angle of my Bloggie . I think the bloggie is a little better with the adjustable head . Good luck !

[lauriejennifer]

@MuzzleMike I considered the Bloggie, but this thing is waterproof and shockproof and whatnot. I figured that was a good feature. :) My Contour has been HD, but I haven't been able to use it for vlogging, as I haven't soldered an external mic input for it. The newest Contour+ has an external audio input, but it's uber pricey.

[2008superduke]

310 don't people know that MC can't go slow :) Call the corner folks corner cutters....What camera is it. I have the Drift you can angle it on your helmet up down.. and turn the horizon to adjust to the curve of you helmet.

[lauriejennifer]

@2008superduke It's the Kodak Playsport. It's inside my helmet. The ContourHD, mounted on the bike, also had adjustable angles. It's a great feature.

[kd4ysi]

nicely done laurie get a bigger helmet so u can tilt the cam back more the pic quality is great i see you got the big bike back up and running

[lauriejennifer]

@kd4ysi I can't get any bigger, unfortunately. I have a VERY small head. This helmet is already a bit loose on me as it is, and it's a *youth small*!! I kid you not. I need a custom helmet. LOL

[happyrider100]

I'm sure you know this LJ but the little Sony Webbies fit in the helmet perfectly and the lens angle is adjustable. HD and a great price at around 150 bucks. Let me know if you want more details.

[lauriejennifer]

@happyrider100 I know a few people who have that camera and there are specific things about the A/V quality that I dislike quite strongly. Also, it isn't waterproof or shockproof like the one I ended up with. Also, it was $50 more than this helmet. Even when it's someone else's money, I'm still cheap. LOL

[dprider02]

A deserted shopping mall would be an AWESOME playground! Hope we get to see! :)

[lauriejennifer]

@dprider02 It is awesome, but my first little tour that I cut out at the end here was more of a recon than a play date. Soon...

[daedalx]

Cool, you installed a wheelie cam.

[lauriejennifer]

@daedalx Haha! Didn't even think of that. Good call. ;-)

[smokedogg202]

U spent christmas money on us viewers...how nice!!!

[lauriejennifer]

@smokedogg202 Haha! Anytime! I'm always in search of a better setup, but am generally limited by funds. Why, hello there, Mr. Christmas Gift Card...

[nastyevilninja]

I always carry duct tape and foam. You can adjust the entire world ina few moments with duct tape and foam.

[lauriejennifer]

@nastyevilninja I use velcro and cable ties, but essentially the same thing. However, this was just a matter of there literally being no room to fix the angle. It's already squishing my nose completely sideways for the angle you are seeing now. *sigh* Being Jewish has its perks, but this isn't one of them.

[steadiworkz]

the new gopro hd hero 2 has an external mic input so you can feed a lapel mic into your helmet from wherever you put the gopro !

[lauriejennifer]

@steadiworkz I would go with the new Drift first, but yeah.... The whole point was to try and find a way to have an in-helmet camera again. Alas, this one is close. It's just close enough to be epically frustrating. LOL

[steadiworkz]

@lauriejennifer I think you miss my point, you have the gopro mounted on your helmet (mines mounted on the  chinbar) and the mic fed through into the helmet :)

[lauriejennifer]

@steadiworkz No, I definitely didn't miss the point. The camera would still be outside the helmet. I could do that now with my Contour and splice an external audio input and have very much the same setup. However, I specifically want the camera out of view. That was my point.

[Ad714n83]

lol my first few vids are the same haha

stupid camera angles... it should know where I want it to point and just do it! gah!

[lauriejennifer]

@Ad714n83 Yeah, I went through all this with every previous setup I've ever used. Trial and error: there is so much of it in motovlogging.

[Guybrush1816351]

So your the new road condition inspector? :)

Can't you find a small metal shop and talk with them about making an adapter bracket?

[lauriejennifer]

@Guybrush1816351 It's not a matter of lack of tools. I know exactly what to do about the angle and have the tools... but there's literally just no room for it. There is not a whole lot of room in the chin bar area in a youth helmet. :(

[tonythephatone]

... actually... i really do think that just the audio difference is worth it. massive difference. you sound like a person now. as an audio engineer, i can only imagine you approve. (herp, using your lines from your past replies to my comments)

[lauriejennifer]

@tonythephatone Yeah, I agree! I just need to grow more brains or something, so that I can get a bigger helmet and have more room to fit this camera. Ordered a fisheye lens adapter last night. Let's see if that can't redeem this thing. *fingers crossed*

[Snowhite808]

Hey - and when did You already get the Contour - or is it the old one?

[lauriejennifer]

@Snowhite808 I've had it for over a year. It's the one I use in most of my videos, unless it's a vlog. If I'm motovlogging, it's usually my old Fuji Finepix.

[Snowhite808]

Hi - sorry about the dissapointment but You can improve the vid of the codak by 200% if You use the add on lens. You can get it in the states probably as cheap as 10 bucks and it is a quality piece of 13mm glas lens. It will make the kodak film in wide angle and more stable. You will not need to adjust it so much then. Just what i did to my Vado HD cuz i was so leaned forward on my gixxer. Sound is good! If maybe little crouded in the helmet. Lens search is "FE-12" its the best for the buck!!!!

[lauriejennifer]

@Snowhite808 Awesome! Thank you, thank you! I literally cannot tip/tilt this thing back any farther. Having wide angle would save the day! I will be Googling that right now. *major thumbs up*

[lauriejennifer]

@Snowhite808 Found and ordered! $16 with shipping. Win. Should be here early next week.

[Snowhite808]

@lauriejennifer Just make sure You attach it very properly!!!

I lost one while riding with the visor open - the speed 150mph and the thing just took off because of fthe wind. Now it might happen also because of roadbumps etc.

Cheeers!!!

Let us know then what happens - okei!

[Killamuf]

0:54 Super Hot...! :D

[lauriejennifer]

@Killamuf Yeah, it was about 65F out that day! :-D

[Killamuf]

@lauriejennifer Great minds think alike ;)

[derrarocket]

I like your leathers you dont see axo much over here but they look great

[lauriejennifer]

@derrarocket Thanks! I love them, too. Super comfortable, breathable, etc. Got them on a great deal. You get teased a lot here for wearing full leathers on the street, but ah well. ATGATT ftw!

[Killamuf]

Sweet vid LJ, quality is fantastic..!

[lauriejennifer]

@Killamuf Thanks, mate! +1 for improvising! LOL

[Killamuf]

@lauriejennifer You know, I actually love this setup. Helmet Cam + Mounted Cam. I love the dual perspective....!

[TroyFoxxin]

When doing art like videos with musical in the background the mounted camera is great. when you turned it on the color really looked good compared too the other it showed off the sky better.. as for the helment just a hard to adjust down? too big. one you can mount a mic in helmet and camera outside it? that be a nice mod if possible.

[lauriejennifer]

@TroyFoxxin Mounted cameras definitely have their place. The color on the Contour is golden, but sometimes the contrast is a bit too much. The helmet doesn't have a lot of room inside, especially since it's a youth helmet. I have a very, very small head. I am still (stubbornly) trying to find a way to have an in-helmet setup, specifically with this helmet. I have another helmet that has more room in the chin bar, but it's big on me = loud, uncomfortable, and unsafe.

[KINGCALLO]

Nice quality.

[lauriejennifer]

@KINGCALLO Thanks, mate!

[azwakko]

That sucks about the angle. That's my fear about trying a in helmet setup so I'm saving for a go pro hero 2. When I ride my head is pointed down and I'm looking up to see down the road.

[lauriejennifer]

@azwakko I struggled with this with my last in-helmet camera setup, but stuck with it and eventually perfected it. I presume I'll eventually get there with this one.

[mtcentral]

well even though its pointed at the ground it looks and sounds exceptional

[lauriejennifer]

@mtcentral Thanks, mate! I'm glad I was able to use the Contour to "redeem" this footage! I had a lot of previous footage I had to just chuck (for now, at least). I love the audio, but obviously find the video frustrating. If it was a wide angle lens, it would be perfect. Gah.

[zquaitte]

Oh also, is that the scorpion exo 700? How are you liking it? I wish they would make a high vis version of the newer exo helmets x( maybe next year

[lauriejennifer]

@zquaitte It's actually the youth version. Like I said, I have to wear youth helmets. I don't know where my brains live (wide open door there).

It's the EXO 400Y. The "y" stands for youth. I love, love, love it. Best anti-fog shield ever. Notice the lack of fogging in the in-helmet camera, even though I leave the shield down completely and talk for several minutes at a dead stop? Yeah, it'll do that even if it's 40 outside.

[zquaitte]

@lauriejennifer Makes sense, I'm more of an XS in helmets and my head is BIG. Nice to hear the glowing review of their everclear visors!

[WildBill1006]

audio is great. good luck with the video angle

[lauriejennifer]

@WildBill1006 Thanks, mate!

[zquaitte]

maybe that slow driver was also dealing with cam setup troubles haha

[lauriejennifer]

@zquaitte Haha! If you mean the ones on their engine, I might believe you. LOL

[Dexi]

Hey LJ, what are the cams on here? (and which do you like?) I'm gonna be getting one after I get my bike Tuesday and I'm not 100% sure on which one to get.

[lauriejennifer]

@Dexi The one on the bike is the old ContourHD 720p. The one in the helmet is the last generation Kodak Playsport.

[ToastToGo]

Audio sounds freaking awesome. Way better than my Drift, that's for sure.

[lauriejennifer]

@ToastToGo I was stunned at the audio quality (and you know I'm a total audiophile). I was just as stunned, in the opposite way, about the visual. Dang. If I tip it back anymore, I'd have to start removing nose and teeth. And yet it's just pointed straight down. Alas, at least there's the audio.

[Wilks89]

Audio does sound great, but it would be helpful to your viewers to know what kind of camera it is.

[lauriejennifer]

@Wilks89 Ah, good call. I'll fix that in video description right now. *foreheadsmack*

[Wilks89]

@lauriejennifer yeah, the Playsport is a nice camera, but a bit to thick for and in helmet setup. I had to cut the chin bar foam out of one of my helmets to get enough angle on the camera to make it a useful alternative.

[lauriejennifer]

@Wilks89 The funny thing is, if you hold it up to the Bloggie or any other popular in-helmet camera, it's the exact same width. Gah. Frustrating. It would work in my old HJC helmet, but that thing sucks as a helmet. LOL