Are Helmet Cameras The Future?

[dutchmaster]

Watch this video of Lewis Hamilton with one.
Now... what do you think? Future of TV broadcasting?

[Zico]

Watch this video of Lewis Hamilton with one.
Now... what do you think? Future of TV broadcasting?

Not the best example I've seen of a helmet cam but yep, I like it. I wouldn't like it to replace the car cam view that we have but a 'red button' helmet cam viewing option would be nice.. and also prove useful in examining incidents from a drivers P.O.V.

[steveaki13]

I like the helmet cam, however I don't know whether I could stand it throughout the race, as we now see the shot from above their heads in action shots.

I think the currant overhead cams are better and more stable for regular action shots, but the odd helmet cam thrown in would be nice.

Would love to see a few replays of the starts via a helmet cam

[ShiftingGears]

They have their place, so long as F1 doesn't flood the coverage with them as if they were some great new invention that IndyCar hasn't been using for the past 15 years.

[nigelred5]

Well, actually they are quite the past. I prefer the view when they place the camera inside of the visor just to the side of the driver's eye. You can't get a more" in the drivers eye" view than that.



Paul Tracy onboard Montreal 2002 helmcam - YouTube

Andrew Ranger Surfers Paradise 2006 Visor Cam - YouTube

[Wasted Talent]

No, it is okay for an occasionally different view and to see how the driver sees certain things, but the camera above the driver's head is the best view and now comes in fantastic quality

WT

[ArrowsFA1]

It may be the future of a dedicated TV channel which offered you the option of watching the whole race from the perspective of your favourite driver, but for general coverage it's only practical to use it occasionally.

[steveaki13]

It may be the future of a dedicated TV channel which offered you the option of watching the whole race from the perspective of your favourite driver, but for general coverage it's only practical to use it occasionally.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[fandango]

Something can be good without needing to be the be-and-end-all, future of broadcasting, best thing since sliced bread.

Helmet cams like this provide wonderful atmospheric footage, and they're a great tool for a good TV producer to use at the right moment.

All these options that you get these days are sometimes a bit bewildering; when I get handed a huge menu in a restaurant I usually look the waiter in the eye and ask for them to recommend something...

[christophulus]

I like the fact they're trying new angles, and would welcome more. Every so often you get one on the front wing or under the suspension or something like that which is a nice bit of variety.

Having said all that, I don't recall the helmet cams being used once in the race? Although I suppose the McLarens were a bit far from the action..