Helmet? ATC Chameleon camera

[3D diver]

Hi,

I just got an ATC Chameleon camera:

Oregon Scientific Store - ATC Chameleon Dual Lens Action Video Camera

It's an odd beast---basically two cameras in one. It has one lens at each end, each of which can be rotated +/- 90 degrees. (on different axes, though, so can't be pointed the same direction for 3D)

The idea is to film two views at once---forward and reverse is typical. I'm tinkering with it on my GoPro tray, but really don't want a lot of video of my face, so am considering other options. A helmet mount is an obvious choice and works great for bicycling, for example. (This would be great mounted on a scooter too, but I don't own one.)

Along those lines, I've been searching threads and folks seem to be either ripping the floatation out of bike helmets or using something like the Light Monkey Cave Helmet from DRIS. Any other options I should look at?

Do helmets interfere with snorkel use? (shore diver so need a snorkel)

Has anyone here used a helmet with the Viking surveyor latex hood?

 

[OkByMe]

From an old post of mine:

This helmet has very high density, rigid foam pads that mount with Velcro so you can move them around. The pads compressed some more after a couple of dives and now with all the gear on it, is is slightly negative. There is plenty of room in the front for mask clearance and the band size is adjustable with a knob at the back. I also dive with a Pro-ears mask that has cups covering the ears and since the helmet was deigned for a head set and goggles, it works great.

It is nice to have have some reflective material on your gear... you will be easier to find. Even a poor light is better than no light. Your light can be seen way further than you can use it to see. I dive lakes, rivers, quarry and cave. Shine a light on me and I stick out like a sore thumb. Even in the deep blue sea, I carry the same gear. I put a little water activated Intova blinky thingy on the back of my helmet, attached with velcro. Great for tracking me on night dives. The lights slip off the rails and the camera unlatches from the NVG mount. I use the same helmet for paintball and climbing. Note the black reflective tape for diving... attached with Velcro so it can be removed and not give my position away in a paintball night fight. I wonder how many dive with head protection? Nothing like looking up when confined and bustin' your noggin or a piece of steel or a pointy rock.. Not to mention getting side-swiped by the boarding ladder in rough sea. NON BALLISTIC.

The helmet cam also makes a hands free action movie, especially when you have your hands full with your fishing gear and fish. I might also add when diving a dry hood, it keeps you from getting "bubble head".

 

[3D diver]

Thanks. What's the white thing on the back? Just curious.

How is the buoyancy with just the camera? I'm not planning on adding lights to the helmet.

What brand of helmet?

 

[OkByMe]

Thanks. What's the white thing on the back? Just curious.

How is the buoyancy with just the camera? I'm not planning on adding lights to the helmet.

What brand of helmet?

Kind of strobe: I put a little water activated Intova blinky thingy on the back of my helmet, attached with Velcro.

The helmet by itself when new needs about 3 oz. to sink it. After a dive or 2 at 100' or so, some of the air is pushed out of the pads and it is still buoyant. You will need to add some counterweight to the back of the helmet to balance the camera if you don't add lights. The counter weight will make it near neutral then.

The helmet is modeled after the military fast or jump ballistic helmet. Although it is made out of high impact plastic, it will take a good lick. I slipped off a ledge when a rope unfurled and smacked my head pretty hard, just scratched the surface. I was also nudged under a boarding ladder and the ladder came down with a glancing blow to the side of the head, hard enough to break the light mount. That one could have killed me.

I would say it offers about the same protection of a hardhat from penetration and is much, much better supported on your head. You can find them on EBay and paintball retailers. Most will be "Emerson". Make sure you get the night vision mounting plate so you can add your camera mount. There is a hooked bungee on ether side to stabilize the camera. (NVG).