Point of view cameras, formerly known as helmet cams has dramatically changed sports videography in the last few years. The helmet cam moniker came about because early sports video fanatics would duct tape regular videocams to their bike helmets. Things have changed quite a bit since then.

Point-of-view cameras are so called because they provide an immersive image or video from the perspective of the person shooting the video. You get to see and experience from the perspective of the main character. Point-of-view or POV camera technology has been embraced by many action sports fans and they have even found their way into more job related uses for technicians, firemen and even police tactical units. Look for helmet cameras to become mainstream in a big way over the next few years.

One popular use of this technology has been the attachment of point-of-view cameras to helmets. This technological enhancement makes it possible for people wearing helmets to capture images and videos wherever they travel. For example, a biker wearing a helmet camera can record all of the scenery that he or she experiences on a journey.

Since many helmet cams are designed by people who use them regularly in harsh outdoor environments point of view cameras benefit from their refined knowledge on making cameras that can stand tough physical and environmental abuse. That is why you can take it for granted helmet cameras are water resistant, shock-absorbent, and durable.

These extra considerations built into helmet cameras means they can handle all sorts of traveling conditions. Dirt bikers don’t need to worry about vibrations or a little bit of mud getting on their camera, skiers don’t need to hide their cam whenever a small rain drizzle appears. These extras make a big difference to action video jocks.

Of course you don’t want to lose your concentration and safety by fiddling with knobs and controls when you’re in the middle of the action. Helmet cameras are also designed to be very easy to use. Many units often have just a few buttons on the case unlike the cockpit like buttons and knobs you see on some consumer video cams.

Being able to shoot hands free is a major advantage of helmet cameras. Once mounted the user just hits the record button and shooting starts immediately. The camera takes care of focus, contrast, white balance and the other technical issues, recording until the battery dies or the memory card is full.

The actual cameras that attach to the helmets are extremely light in weight. Most users do not even notice the unit when they are wearing it. Some of the smallest units can weigh as little as 10 ounces. In most cases, the camera is covered in an aluminum shell to help it absorb any unwanted shock. Developers have performed tests to ensure that the helmet cameras can withstand a significant blow. Some units have even survived a car being driven over them.

While helmet cameras are rugged, water resistant and extremely convenient, they are not necessarily expensive. You can buy one for as little as $140 or so. Mid range units like the excellent Vholdr Contour HD go for around $300. High end models like the Vio Pov with the works can cost up to $600. These are very reasonable prices for such specialized equipment that can shoot DVD quality videos. Considering all the benefits a point of view camera brings to sports videos and with a price range to suit everybody it is hard for anyone recording sports not to consider a pov cam.

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