Oregon Scientific's ATC-1000 "extreme" helmet cam

Oregon Scientific is a pretty staid operation to go up against the likes of skate-god Tony Hawk, but that isn't stopping them from seeking a niche in the burgeoning helmet cam category; their take on thrashing-it-to-the-max is the ATC-1000, a helmet-mountable digital camcorder/still cam that records dizzying footage of the most jerky kind while you spin, flip, and wipe out. While the choice of 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 resolutions is a nice touch, the apparent lack of any frames-per-second specs isn't very confidence inspiring. The ATC-1000 comes equipped with a 32MB SD card, upgradable to 1GB, and includes both PC editing software and an AV cable for TV viewing. As tempting as these helmet cams are, we're thinking of waiting out the trend for the robot minicopters with HD cams that buzz us while capturing all of our gnarly moves.

Update: An Oregon Scientific rep has confirmed that while the current model only manages 15 fps, future revs will step this up to a much more satisfactory 30 fps.

[Ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

fyi: I saw this in a catalog and it was listed as 15 frames per second.

[strider_mt2k @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

mmmm robot minicopters...

I don't know how smart it is to mount a camera to your helmet anyway.

A direct blow in "xtreme" conditions could drive that hardware through that plastic shell and into your personal one.

gnar indeed.

[Old Number 7 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I think I'll wait for the Xtreme version. Or maybe the Xtreme-to-the-max version.

[strider_mt2k @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I propose a new law be passed whereby all helmet cams must wear a protective helmet.

It's only right to protect the cams, right?

Am I right folks?

[carter @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I wonder how much footage (in minutes) can you capture?

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It says right on the specs page:

Three resolutions at 15 fps: 640 x 480 (default), 320 x 240 or 160 x 120

[Dhodowd @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

the image quality on tv at any of those farme sizes will stink.

I am a heavily addicted engadget reader since about 6 moths ago. In my life outside of engadget, I own a Helmet Cam rental Biz in Whistler BC, With the right mounting solutions, a cam on the side of your head presents very little danger to the user....as for the camera... well depending on the cam they break. Nearly every Cam we have tried breaks due to wear and tear...this is because all the bullet cams are adapted mass produced security cams with a logo stamped on the side.
We have finally found a handbulit cam that works for sports application. check http://www.whistleractionvideo.com and then check out what our helmet cam guy builds in his day job... http://www.inuktun.com now these are gadgets.

[Neil Caton @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

That it is sold under their "youth electronics" section belies the effectiveness of this. You're going to need at least 30fps for decent capture while doing sports, and catching good footage in these situations takes a lot of time. I ski with a CyclopsCam and Archos 420 which records all day. That way I forget about the camera, and just do my thing, and pick out the good stuff at the end of the day.

[Bweetza @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

@ #4: Clearly, you're an ass.

Who cares if they are reporting on the same thing. I doubt they 'ripped' it. It's more like they got the same release statement and went with it. Who cares if you can find it on more than one site. I don't visit 10 different blogs for information. Engadet is a great one-stop for me and I'm sure plenty of others.

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

to #4

Engadget gets their info from other blogs, website, tv, and wherever they can find cool info at. In dumpsters sometimes? A blog is a blog, get used to it. I enjoy engadget because I don't need to be surfing 30 different blogs to get some quick headlines. Granted I have engadget, slashdot, japundit, and joystiq in my bookmarks but they all report different things.

Engadget is cool! Except this helmet cam.. that is as stupid as the tony hawk helmet cam >_> Although, its a great thing to have when you crack your nuts open and send it to Maximum exposure on spike tv. :D

[Kirt Wharwood @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The ATC-1000 is a great product. I bought it yesterday and can't seem to put in down. I installed it on my motorcycle and went for a ride. After looking at the footage, I realize I may need to take another safty riding course(LOL). Its easy to use and the extra features on the disk are perfect for personalizing whatever you shoot. You can add music, animation, extra sounds and edit your video to your liking. The video is not crystal clear, but for $119 it not bad. Beats spending over $400.00 on one of those other systems. If you're just looking to have some fun recording your own Xtreme adventures. I thinks its worth every penny.

[Tony Harrington @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The only problem with the camera is the image quality. For $99 its a great deal but if you want anything decent Id recommend going with a high-end professional helmet camera like the JonesCAM 480EX http://www.jonescam.tv/helmet_camera.php . You can actually edit the video in final cut into a broadcast quality video instead of the toylike quality of the sub $100 low-res ones. The ATC-1000 is a great toy and Id recommend it for anyone that just wants to shoot some web only video and doesn't care about low video quality.

[daYve @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I just bought, and returned a Tony Hawk cam. I wanted it for snowboarding. It does NOT record at 640x480 - except while plugged into a computer. And who the hell is going to wear a helmet while plugged into your computer? The Oregon Scientific is true 640x480 and I might buy one, although both record at a low 15FPS.

[john @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting one of these. Would sombody be able to send me a 640x480 video clip so I can see what the quality is like? I've looked on the website, but the clips are a little small. Thanks in advance. [e-mail]

[Don Glasscock @ Aug 21st 2007 4:36PM]

hi im trying to start a helmet cam rental biz in gilbert wv in the heart of hatfield mccoy country and would like some info on the biz itself if you dont mind sharing with me thanks

Don Glasscock