Helmet Camera Resolution

XTCyclist

I've just bought a lovely new Drift HD (http://www.actioncameras.co.uk/drift-hd-helmet-camera) to document my commutes and rides.

The Drift HD has the option of 720p at 60fps, but when you increase it to 1080p, the frame rate only goes at 30fps.

So my question
which resolution and frame rate combination is best for commuting: 720p at 60fps or 1080p at 30fps?

Thankyou

scottishgeek

Traditional analogue TV was only 25 frames per second so 30 seems more than ample.

redvee

I would opt for 1280*720 @60fps, the file size will be quite big but nowhere near as big as 1920x1080. Make a test video of both settings and see which looks best to you. I run my contour in 'Tall HD' which is 1280*960 @30fps though this will be superceded by a Virb Elite running at 1280*960 @48fps in a few days.

slowbike

For sports or any fast moving activity you want a fast frame rate - slow frame rates will result in blurred shots.

The fast frame rate will enable you to identify number plates of passing motorists ...

I use a GoPro on 720x50fps - even then some of the number plates are blurred and you have to shuffle back and forth till you can make them out.

Kieran_Burns

Easy enough to answer:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tr4veller

I have used both on my channel and you can see the difference.

In my experience the 720/60fps is much better as the constant movement of the camera causes some blurring on the 30fps 1080 footage. The resolution on the 720p is more than good enough and the extra frame rate makes for sharper images overall

unixnerd

720p is fine and the higher frame rate is a bonus.

flywheel88

720 by 60 is my opinion to pick up details clearly.

XTCyclist

Thank you all for your help and advice

vertigo16

What software do people use to edit/add captions to their videos? Anything free or does it come with your camera?

unixnerd

ffmpeg is free and good for changing video formats, reducing file sizes and adding subtitles - but you need to be a bit of a Nerd to use it.

The video direct from most cameras is pretty low compression, good for quality but makes large files. You can transcode it into a much smaller file with very little loss of quality.

Kieran_Burns

I just Windows Movie Maker bundled with Windows 7. For the basic stuff, like transitions, captions etc it's fine.