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Permalink Reply by George Shaw on April 8, 2009 at 10:11am

There is a helmet mounted fire camera out there, called the fire cam II. My wife bought me one for my birthday a couple of weeks back. It never left my living room...what a POS. Within a few cycles some of the flash light led's quick working, before long the light was totaly inop. The helmet mount was junk, no way would I trust $300+ hanging on that loose fitting screw lock. I am arguing with them now to get a refund and can't wait to send this thing back. They have a fancy web site and I'm sure there are guys who are happy with the camera. But I work way to hard to make $300 to waste it on that thing.

Didn't answer your question. Just trying to point out a mistake I made so you don't have to.

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Permalink Reply by Carlo on April 8, 2009 at 2:29pm

yea they make helmet cams, but if your new I wouldn't advise doing it, personally I rather be fighting the fire rather then walking around with a camera on my head, plus you can get in trouble for it if your caught by the wrong person.

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Permalink Reply by Trainer on April 8, 2009 at 2:33pm

I’ve seen instructors throw helmets off the tower for less.

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Permalink Reply by Smith on April 8, 2009 at 2:42pm

I got a helmet cam when they first came out and it has proven itself time and time again.
I have heard alot about the newer ones not working as well, but if you can find an older ine you should be fine.
The older ones get good pic. and sound and it came with 3 different types of mounts for you helmet.

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on April 8, 2009 at 3:17pm

Donnie, and your reason for having this camera is? Are we taking care of emergencies or looking to win 10,000 on America's home vidios?

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Permalink Reply by Craig Wade on April 8, 2009 at 9:45pm

Helmet Cam's can be great during training, for critique among other things. I have one and personally it's to much of a pain to try and turn on during a call but for training time permitting it's awesome.
I have one made by bulletcam. it's around $125 for the camera itself which is about the size of a pack of lifesavers. However you will need a digital camera with a AV input to hook the camera into. I like this set-up better as I can keep the camera warm and dry inside my turnout coat.

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Permalink Reply by Donnie Mathias on April 9, 2009 at 2:58pm

Hey Cheif if you go back and read my question i stated i wanted the camera to use during TRAINING. I see what you are saying and i agree i dont want it for calls just training as to review and correct stuff that we did . Also i think it would be pretty cool to be able watch the fire's behavior after everything is said and done . And i could care less about america's funniest home video's LOL. But anyways thank you for your input. Have fun and most importantly stay safe.

Donnie

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Permalink Reply by Janine on April 9, 2009 at 3:29pm

I take it you have had a bad experience with scene pictures. I do agree that what gets out to the public needs to be screened a bit though. People taking pics and not doing their primary job has to be addressed also. The idea of the camera during live fire training would be great as long as the wearer doesn't get too caught up in getting the shot vs being safe. I don't think this would be a problem with a helmet cam, but I have been wrong before.

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Permalink Reply by Deanna on April 9, 2009 at 5:09pm

I usually use my camera on my phone. Resolution isn't that great, but it does ok. I just picked up a cheap off brand camcorder, it looks like an I-Pod. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but i will let you know how it does.

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Permalink Reply by Donnie Mathias on April 11, 2009 at 10:24pm

That's not a bad idea let me know how that goes i mite do that . Thank you

Donnie

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Permalink Reply by Robert on April 11, 2009 at 11:35pm

I know we have one guy that had a helmet cam for a while. Then he ended up getting written up for not doing his primary job quickly and efficiently. Due to messing with his cam. I personally have a job to do. Now for training on the other hand I could see it. To like has been said make corrections and improvements.

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