Bike handlebar camera

[jamesmck]

The other day while Reed George and I were out for a bike tour, the subject of using a camera mounted on the handlebars came up (for use while moving).  I think that mounting the camera would be the easy part (using one of those clamps with a built-in ballhead, as in http://www.batterybarn.com/clamp.htm, one of which I have on order).  Choosing a camera requires more thought.  I first thought of a digital p-n-s (which I will try because it's easy), but got to thinking that autofocus might get stymied by moving objects and shutter lag might get even worse.  I'm leaning now toward something with fixed-focus -- maybe a VUWS** or even a disposable (geez, do disposables have tripod sockets?).  Auto advance would be nice, but I could live with doing it manually.

I know there are lots of bikers out there, so I'd appreciate thoughts from anyone who may have tried this.

**Added: Just checked my VUWS and no tripod socket.  I know I could glue something on, but is anyone aware of a plastic camera with fixed-focus and a tripod socket?

James

[LarryD]

How about an old P&S zone focus camera from the 80s Or an Minox 35

[Wayne]

VUWS - don't need no stinkin' mount...

[jamesmck]

How about an old P&S zone focus camera from the 80s Or an Minox 35

Thanks, Larry.  I'd be reluctant to use my Minox 35, but an XA2 might be right (if I had one).  Can you think of any cameras with similar features to the XA2 (aside from clamshell design).

[jamesmck]

VUWS - don't need no stinkin' mount...

Yikes, Wayne, do you also do text messages while cruising?   Nice shots!

[Julio1fer]

Oly MJU? Trip 35? Some other P&S with autoexposure but no autofocus? 

I'd really be concerned about vibrations. I had a zoom lens disassemble itself from vibrations during a long bus trip   

[Graham Serretta]

James - this may be of interest

http://www.sport-cam.co.uk/index.asp

http://www.sport-cam.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=handlebarstretch

[jamesmck]

Thanks, Julio.  I have the Olympus you mention, but the autofocus may be a problem.  I'm going to try an autofocus digital point-and-shoot first.

Graham: Thanks for the links.  A little pricey.  I'd like to do this either with available gear or inexpensive acquisitions.  The digital camera for the helmet system still leaves open my concerns about autofocus (which I should be able to answer myself with some testing).

[LarryD]

James I have a stuff load of P&S camera I want to get rid of I seem to keep getting them as gifts from people because the know I use film I am looking at a nice Minolta with a zoom at the moment so if you want any how about giving me a PM and I will clean them all out and you can have your pick for free I will even pay shipping you just have to send me a picture you think it was worthy of.

 The one I have here is a freedom family zoom but I know there are a stuff load more in the boxes both fixed lens and otherwise I even have a few that use APS film and the one I am thinking of as the best for this is a fixed lens and built by a major company who made famous APS cameras..

 I don't want to drop names.

[jamesmck]

Thanks for your kind offer, Larry.  PM sent.

[LarryD]

No problem I just need sleep then we can figure it out.

[sebastian toombs]

how about a kodak box camera?


http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/80561345/Hulton-Archive

[jamesmck]

how about a kodak box camera?
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/80561345/Hulton-Archive

Chuckle....  Now, if it only had a ball-head mount.  From the illustration, it looks great for sky pictures .

[jamesmck]

In case anyone considers getting one of the clamps mentioned in the OP, don't -- they're very flimsy.  I am now adapting another cheapo clamp I already have that is much sturdier.  Looks like this: