ARCHOS Helmet Camcorder

Is this version of the camcorder compatible with the 604?

I can't tell from the description.

For none professional, this is a pretty good device 4 out doors or party, video doesn't come out good in dim light, but pretty clear if you have good lighting or out door in daylight.

The Archos Helmet Camcorder is good in the sense that it's extremely easy 2 use & setup. However, the lack of picture quality is enough 4 me 2 start looking 4 another bullet camera 2 replace the Archos.

Here are the three things that rock with the Archos bullet cam...

1) Easy 2 setup... You take your Archos Helmet Camcorder & plug it directly into your Archos recording device, & you're good 2 go.

2) The Archos Helmet Camcorder is powered by the Archos recording device, (Archos 604 4 example). For those of you that have never owned or have seen the other bullet cam systems, most of them require a separate power supply 2 power both the camcorder & the microphone. The Archos uses the battery power of the Archos 604 2 power both the camcorder & the microphone.

3) Control of record start & record stop are at your fingertips. No need 2 purchase an extra control Lanc. device, or any other third party remote that may or may not work with your setup. The Archos Helmet Camcorder has the controls you need, in a place that's easy 4 you 2 get to.

Now the downside...

PICTURE QUALITY!!! Yes, 420 lines of resolution is good, & yes 640X480 is good, but it's just that... Good. If you're looking 4 great, you need 2 go 4 a bullet camera that has 520 lines of resolution or even splurge 4 the Sony 580 ExView bullet camera. The problem with these bullet cameras however, is the problem I mentioned above. These bullet cameras require extra power supplies. Now, you're probably thinking what's the big deal with an extra power supply? Let me say this. I ride dirt bikes with three other guys that own bullet cam systems, but they never use them because it's such a process 2 put them together. That's the difference between the Archos helmet cam, & all the others helmet cameras out there. The Archos unit is easy 2 use & setup... It's as simple as that.

I gave the Archos Helmet Camcorder three stars because Archos is on the right track. They just need 2 come out with another helmet camcorder, just like this one, only next time with more resolution! Also, the DVR travel adapter that allows the helmet camcorder 2 attach 2 the Archos recording device (which is included) is a little rickety. Sometimes the DVR travel adapter will pop off of the recoding unit, making your video stop in the middle of its recoding. This is bad! One more thing... I had 2 purchase a helmet mounting kit from a third party, (Viosport). Why wouldn't Archos sell helmet mounts? They sell a helmet camcorder, but don't sell mounting kits... Whatever!

If I had 2 put another helmet cam system together, I would buy the Archos 604 recording unit, & buy a higher quality bullet camera. Get yourself the proper Viosport mounting kit & you're good 2 go. Pass on the Archos Helmet Camcorder.

The camera seemed 2 work ok & the picture looked good. I was just hopping something made 2 mount on a helmet would be much more durable. Sound was low & hard 2 hear. After reading the instructions I was afraid 2 use this on my dirt bike. It is not water resistant & it also said not 2 use in a dust or sand environment. Also the camera attaches 2 the Archos similar 2 how the docking station does. It just seems way 2 weak & easy 2 break. The mount strap might work ok 4 a bicycle helmet, but will not work at all 4 a motorcycle. If you plan 2 ride a bicycle on the road, this might be ok, but 4 a dirt bike, forget it! I ended up returning it because I do not think this would be suitable 4 a motorcycle. Chad

This is a high-resolution mini-cam with a built-in remote & microphone. It is great 4 both extreme sports & professional applications. In addition, it can capture footage in any environment without an extra light source. Slow motion capture is also available 2 detail actions.

Ideal 4 extreme sports & professional applications, the Archos generation 5 helmet camcorder comes complete with a high-resolution lens, built-in remote, & microphone. The camcorder's robust video capture capability enables it 2 record clear footage in most environments without extra light sources, even in near darkness. The camcorder can record in MPEG4 & AVI formats in VGA resolution, & the recorded footage is stored automatically on your Archos generation 5 device's hard drive (sold separately).

What's in the Box
Helmet camcorder with wired remote control, DVR travel adapter, head band, carrying bag, & owner's manual.

High resolution mini-cam with built-in remote & microphone can record clear footage in most environments.

Perfect 4 extreme sports, the camcorder comes with a DVR travel adapter & head band.