Cockpit Cameras

The development of small point-of-view (POV) cameras started about five years ago and has advanced rapidly ever since into a half-billion dollar industry today. With GoPro leading the pack in volume, it's no surprise that we see these cameras affixed to glare shields or wing tips at almost every airport. There are several aftermarket companies that modify POV cameras, adding features like the ability to record intercom and radio audio. Here's a look at the features you'll need to consider when choosing your cockpit cam.

• Image size: Nearly every camera on the market today shoots in 1080p, which means that the image size captured by the sensor is 1,080 pixels tall by 1,920 pixels wide. The "p" stands for progressive, which means that an entire image is captured with every frame. It's safe to say that any camera that doesn't put out a 1080p image today is inferior. All of the cameras featured in this article are capable of 1080p.

• Image sensor: Although every POV camera on the market below $1,800 has a rolling shutter sensor, it's important to explain what this means when shooting through a propeller. Unlike a mechanical shutter in a still camera that exposes the entire image at the exact same time, a rolling shutter is electronic and has no moving parts. This is why the camera can be so small and lightweight. The image is actually exposed pixel by pixel in a scan pattern that's completed in milliseconds. Normally, this isn't an issue. However, when shooting through a high-speed object such as a propeller, it can create an ugly side effect.

• Form factor and mounting: Each camera has a different shape and mounting system. You'll want to consider how obtrusive the camera is if you're going to mount it on your headset, or how aerodynamic it is if you're going to mount it on the exterior. Consider the available mounts (adhesives, suction cups and more) that best match your purpose.

• Ease of use: Your focus as a pilot should be flying, not managing a camera system. Setting up a camera shouldn't take more than about 60 seconds during pre- and postflight. Any longer than that, and it may become an unwanted distraction.

• Aviation-specific features: Certain cameras have been modified specifically for the cockpit. Features include the ability to record audio from both the intercom and ATC radio, and a reduction in propeller distortion.

• Price point: This is where the rubber meets the road. You'll want to know what type of value you're getting when you purchase the camera. What mounts are included? Is a memory card included that has a large enough capacity? What's the battery life? What accessories will you need in order to use the camera? What type of support is offered after the sale? Is the company knowledgeable about aviation?

GoPro
www.gopro.com
The new HD HERO2 captures 1080p video with wide 170-degree coverage. With a slightly bigger sensor than its predecessor, it also features 11-megapixel stills and burst shooting at 10 frames per second, and can shoot a time-lapse sequence at half-second intervals. A new display with clear icons improves on the prior model's often-confusing display. GoPro pioneered the stick-it-anywhere-and-go philosophy, and they hold true to this today. With their robust line of mounting options, you can stick your camera just about anywhere in a matter of seconds, although it can be cumbersome on the side of a headset. The housing is required for mounting the camera and provides a durable shockproof box that can take a lot of abuse. GoPro has several packages available that are packaged with either a fully waterproof housing or a skeleton housing for running wires in and out (the camera features an external microphone port). The battery provides about two hours of filming and an add-on extended battery backpack can double the run time. Upcoming accessories include a WiFi BacPac and a WiFi remote control to trigger the shutter. The GoPro Hero2 lists for $299 and packaged in the motor-sport bundle, which works best for aviation. A $79.99 LCD backpack allows you to align your shot. Widest field of view: 170 degrees.

Nflightcam
www.nflightcam.com
The Nflightcam+ and Nflightcam Sport are aviation-modified versions of the Contour+ and Contour ROAM respectively, packaged with a proprietary Aviator Lens to reduce propeller distortion and an aviation audio cable to capture intercom audio. The Nflightcam+ also takes advantage of the built-in GPS receiver to geotag the entire video. It can be played back with Nflight Viewer, an app that displays your position in Google Earth and your groundspeed, altitude and heading on aviation-style gauges. The cylindrical housing is great for mounting to the side of a headset or helmet, and the rotatable lens on the front of the aluminum bullet-style tube opens up a wide range of possibilities for mounting the camera. Nflight has developed a line of aviation-specific mounts, such as their Surface Spud Mount for experimental aircraft that can be used to attach the aerodynamic camera to the airframe anywhere there's a #6, #8 or #10 machine screw or an AN4 bolt. Nflightcam's simple two-button design keeps the interface very simple. You can do two things on the camera: turn it on/off and start/stop recording. Contour's Connect View Application allows the camera to connect via Bluetooth to any iOS or Android mobile device providing a remote viewfinder for aligning the shot and a graphical user interface for selecting the quality and mode for the camera. Nflight is a small aviation-specific company and requires everyone on their tech-support team to be a pilot, making it easy to get expert advice on using your camera in an airplane. The Nflightcam+ is priced at $499, and it's ready to fly out of the box with features like the Aviator lens, aviation audio cable and GPS that aren't available on any other camera. Widest field of view: 170 degrees.

Drift Innovation
www.driftinnovation.com
Like NFlightcam, the Drift HD camera was designed to be mounted on the side of the helmet rather than the front. Its built-in 1.5-inch LCD screen makes it easy to configure the camera and to align your shot. You also can play back your video right away, and right on the camera. Built-in ¼"-20 threads make it compatible with conventional camera mounts, and a rotatable lens provides flexibility when it comes to mounting angles. However, the inability to shoot through the propeller with out distortion limits this camera to angles that don't involve a propeller. Other notable features include a remote control and an external microphone input. The Drift HD retails for $349. Widest field of view: 170 degrees.

V.I.O.

www.vio-pov.com
V.I.O. has been in the business longer than any other major manufacturer, and their POV.HD camera is a top-quality product that looks like it was designed for the military. O-rings and screw-down connectors, along with an extremely durable case, accompany this camera. An HD video head is mounted on the end of a 1.5-meter cable, offering a pilot some unique mounting options and the ability to mount the camera on the exterior of the plane---within 1.5 meters---but view the feed from the cockpit. The recording unit has a built-in LCD screen that allows you to configure and align the camera to frame your shot. It also comes with a wireless trigger to start, stop and tag spots in your video. Its remote control can be very useful when mounting outside of a pilot's reach. The POV.HD records in .mp4 format, so if you're a PC user, this is a native file format. The POV.HD retails for $599, and the quality of the system is definitely apparent in the rugged case and mil-spec connectors. Widest field of view: 142 degrees.

Delkin
www.delkin.com
The Delkin WingmanHD shares the point-and-shoot form factor of the GoPro and features a built-in LCD screen and onboard editing capabilities. The ability to edit and delete unwanted clips in the field using the 1.5-inch TFT LCD screen can prove very useful. While capturing video, a dedicated still-photo button allows you to also capture eight-megapixel still images. Its ¼"-20 tripod mount and waterproof housing allow the camera to capture some unique angles outside of the cockpit, as well. Although the name suggests an aviation theme, there are no aviation-specific features. At a price of $199, it packs a lot of punch in a small package. Widest field of view: 150 degrees.