Product Review

Hoyt Technologies Helmet Camera

This is one of those gadgets you think about on those beautiful fast days with the killer views and good friends. X-C skiing, Kayaking (they are water-proof, not submergable) or mounted to something that goes frighteningly fast.

The Hoyt Technology Camera System (HC-PRO) comes with everything you need except the recording device. Click here to see if you own a digital camcorder with the appropriate features.

The Hoyt Tecnology HC-PRO kit uses high quality Sony ExView cameras. Only Sony ExView cameras have 480 lines of resolution (a lot of others out there with much lower resolution) plus an ultra low 0.05 Lux rating for great visibility in low light. Important when light conditions vary, like in and out of sun light, caving, night video sessions etc. The HC-PRO comes with a high grain minirature microphone. Amazing sound quality depending on where the mic is located. Tip: Keep out of wind.

The HC-PRO comes with a helmet mount, 2 attachment strips and an ABS camera protector. Practically indestructable. Also included are the parts that make it work: Battery pack, holds 8 AA batteries and lasts about 12 hours. Misc. connection cords for the camcorder or DVR and mic, all in a hard protective plastic case.

After researching the best camera for the activities we like to do, we found the Sony Ex-View 480 camera was the logical choice for reputation of Sony products and the resolution. We want to make quality videos, we need the right equipment- right? I followed the easy set up instructions, plugged in to our camcorder and learned why you need to align the cyclinder style camera. Tip: Take a minute or three and decide where the camera is pointing by turning on your device and lining up your direction. Make sure you compensate for head position in on a helmet. This includes vertical plain alignment and horizontal plain alignment. As the camera is tubular, it can be positioned the wrong way inside ABS housing.

Once the set up is complete, turn the camcorder to record and you're outside in no time. The only must have you will find is an external remote controller, available at Hoyt Tech. You find yourself or someone else fishing through your pack trying to turn off the system to heed the duties as nature calls. The system is light weight, fits in small, medium and larger packs or medium to large hydration packs depending on your recording devices size.

The play back: We hooked the camcorder to the tele and were blown away by Outstanding sound quality, and resolution. Light quality was pretty constant through high/low ambient condtions. Now to figure out the editing software and your in business.

Anyone who wants to showcase their activities or justs likes to show where they have been would appreciate the simplicity of set-up, design and video results. Rating: 4 out of 5 snowflakes.

Click here to buy.