I love to take videos while cycling, so I have been looking for a decent helmet cam for a while. I tried one that really did not work for me (the MotoComm Ridercam 30F, reviewed here). But with the Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam, I have finally found one that really works for me. I’m glad, because as we saw from yesterday’s post about the truck driver knocking over and then assaulting a cyclist in Essex, it can be a very good idea to film your ride!
The set has what you see on the box: red camera, recording unit, and remote control. The remote control is the tiny unit in the middle of the picture. It is small enough to strap to your wrist with Velcro (supplied). This gives you the option of controlling the recorder while the relatively bulky and heavy recorder is in your pocket. Of course, you do need to look at the recorder when you start off, to make sure the camera is the right way up!
There is also a USB cable to get your videos from your camera to your computer. And a CD with software on it. Plus a fairly decent little carry bag to store or transport the whole set.
It also comes with a strange assortment of mounts, quite baffling really. There are no instructions about mounting, but the operating instructions are excellent. I managed to figure out a helmet mounting option. But I could see no way to mount the camera on my handlebars.
Problems with the Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam
The supplied CD is NOT Mac friendly and the Vio website offered no help. So I was unable to play the clips with any of my installed media players. However, I eventually figured it out – I downloaded the Codec for a DivX player (free) and that solved the problem. I just have to open the files with the DivX player and I am fine. I understand they have now updated the softwear to be more Mac-inclusive.
Taking Videos with the Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam
Like all helmet cams, it’s a bit challenging to get this helmet cam straight. The lightweight camera sits on your helmet, and you need to take a few minutes to swivel it to exactly the right spot, referencing the quite heavy recording unit, which has a nice display window. But once you have it straight, this Vio POV 1.5 helmet cam works just fine. You can control it directly, or via the remote control. The controls on the recording unit are amazingly simple and intuitive – for a change, I did NOT need the manual!
Here’s a video I took of the magnificent Stanley Park Seawall Bike Trail, using this helmet cam. As you will see, it takes a great video.
And here’s a video I took of a serious cycling hazard on Main Street. I used my Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam in the predawn light, and took a pretty good video. Once I bought this to the attention of the authorities, this potential death trap was fixed within 24 hours. If a picture paints a thousands words, it seems that a video paints a million words!
Below is a video that shows a man verbally attacking a young woman on the street, merely because she is pushing a bike. He tells her that “all cyclists deserve to die!” I believe this man was a bully, picking on a young woman whom he thought could not fight back. However, she did fight back – by filming the entire incident and then posting it online! You can read my post about this video here.
Finally, here’s a viral video taken by a cyclist with a helmet cam. It shows a van driver knocking the cyclist off his bike, then attacking him. This really shows how wearing a helmet cam can be handy. This cyclist declined to press charges, but he sure has the proof, if he wants to! Besides, just the fact that the video went viral must surely have had some repercussions for the aggressive van driver. You can also read my post about this incident here.
Technical Specs on the Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam
- 720 x 480 resolution at 30fps
- 4GB SDHC card
- Wireless remote
- Wide angle 110-degree lens
- LCD display so you can review your videos on the road
- Modular mounting system for stability and range of mounting options
- Shock-resistant, water-resistant, dustproof design for extreme conditions
- Compatible with Windows XP or Vista / Mac OSX 10.4.7 or higher
- In the box: LVDS cable, wireless remote, 4GB SDHC card, USB cable, analog A/V cable, 4AA batteries, carry case, double hook-and-loop mount, star mount, software
Bottom Line on the Vio POV 1.5 Helmet Cam
A great helmet cam that gets the job done. Rugged, tough, durable and waterproof. Resists shocks and dust! Highly recommended, but hard to buy now. Check out the limited options on Amazon. Grab one if you can!
And yes, this one rates an Average Joe Cyclist Gold Bike Star for being rugged and taking great videos!
Did you like this post or find it useful? If so, please support our blog in one of these ways:
To support this blog, please consider clicking on one of the Amazon links before buying from Amazon. A small commission from Amazon helps pay for our time. It costs you nothing at all except a click. For more information, please see “How Our Affiliate Links Work” in the right-hand side bar (down below if you’re on a mobile) or our Policies page.
If you don’t want to buy anything, fair enough – but please consider supporting this blog by SHARING this post (using the Share buttons below) or by LIKING our Facebook page. BEST OF ALL – just SUBSCRIBE to our blog (click on the link below, next to Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist’s lovely face). It makes you part of our community, and makes sure you get free updates about all our posts, once a week. Thanks in advance – reader support keeps us going and makes it all worthwhile!
