Athletes are capturing some amazing video. Biking on the trails; catching waves; skating some big tricks. Capturing the action while in motion, rather than filming when a friend rides by from a stationary position, adds to the authenticity of the video. It also requires some specialized equipment. That doesn’t mean, however, that you need to spend a lot of money, or have a film degree, to pull off some amazing video.
Delkin Devices just released the WingmanHD, a waterproof, 3-ounce action camera. The company claims the HD camera capable of shooting 1080p video is the lightest on the market at 3-ounces. The comparable Contour HD helmet camera weighs 4.3 ounces, as listed on Amazon.com. The weight for the newly released GoPro HD Hero2 camera was difficult to find.
The WingmanHD is powerful with a 1.5-inch LCD screen; 3x digital zoom and universal mounting system. The screen allows you to view what the action (if the camera is positioned where you can see it) and also has a playback mode so you can review video even before you get back to your computer. The camera comes with an 8 GB MicroSD Memory Card, rechargeable battery that provides 2.5 hours of recording time, a helmet mount, vented helmet mount, bar mount, wall and auto charger, a pwer and data USB cable, component cable, wrist strap and user guide.
Delkin developed the WingmanHD to capture 1080p, 720p, WVGA, or QVGA video, as well as rich 8 megapixel still image photography. An automatic focus, white balance and exposure help make operation thoughtless. Sometimes the camera will need to operate by itself while the user completes tricks such as riding a bike or surfing the waves.
A companion piece to the WingmanHD is a line of Fat Gecko Camera Mounts and accessories. These include a rugged design model with a lightweight build and universal 1/4-20″ photography mount. It can attach to a helmet, person, racecar, surfboard, airplane or top of building, among other objects. This opens the realm of possibilities for filming.
The camera operates with or without a waterproof housing of clear plastic to protect from the elements. The waterproof case can be submerged down to 30 meters.
The WingmanHD is new to market, and will sell for $249.99.