The media could not be loaded. Here is some video I shot with the Pyle Sports Camera. I bought the black version. As you can see, while it's definitely not in the same league as a GoPro, it's still not bad considering it's far lower price. For occasionally using it on my motorcycle or in my truck, it's good enough for me. It would certainly be more than useful in case of some kind of mishap. The video quality is decent, though it's not as sharp as better units. Colors are decent, though the white balance drifts quite a bit during recording. There is noticeable compression in the recording, though it is better than the sample I posted. The camera comes with plenty of options to attach it to windshields, handlebars and helmets and the waterproof case (I haven't test exactly how waterproof the case really is) seems to seal up well. I tested the unit on my motorcycle on my way home from work. I didn't use the handlebar mount provided, but instead used a more robust aluminum mount I bought for use with a previous SD camera. I used the waterproof case because I figured it would help prevent a lot of wind noise - and it did, indeed. I was actually able to hear the motor noise without all the wind blasting through the mic, though traffic noise around me was pretty much muffled to nothing. The camera was mounted to the left side handlebar, so it likely appears I'm closer to the left side of the lane than I really am. I also didn't realize until later that I didn't have it quite level. Overall, the camera was easy to use and the button extensions on the outside of the waterproof case worked well to control things. However, the only exterior controls on the cover case are for power and starting/stopping recording or taking a still. The mode button is not accessible inside the waterproof case. The case itself claims to only be splash proof, but I tested it in about a foot of water stuffed full of very absorbent tissue material. Other than a tiny spot of wetness (much smaller than a dime) near where the post for the record button goes through the case, there was no leakage. So, while it seems like it would potentially protect the camera for a short, shallow trek into the pool, I would hesitate to use it in deep or salty water. However, the camera is cheap, so if you really want to risk it, you won't lose much, assuming you use a different card than what the rest of your video and photos are on. Again, the company doesn't call it water proof, so do so at your own risk and certainly test your case for leaks without the camera in it first. The camera can use up to a 32GB card. That's well more recording space than the battery will let you fill in one charge. The lens is nicely wide to get a good view of things, but it does distort a bit at the edges. There is a digital zoom, but it's useless. The video just becomes compromised too much using it. Pretend it's not even there. Now, the bad: The worst thing is the audio slips further out of sync the longer you record. By the 10 minute mark, the audio ends up a good couple of seconds ahead of the video. I was able to sync up the audio in my editing program by speeding the video up to 102%. I could have probably slowed the audio down by 2%, but it wasn't enough either way to worry about it being noticeable. This is the worst negative since it makes the video useless for anyone who wants to directly upload the videos they shoot to the web without editing them first. Second, the unit crashed at one point and wouldn't respond. The power was on, but the screen was blank. However, after the battery drained and I tried turning it back on, it powered right up. That hasn't happened again so far. The battery life is also quite short - maybe an hour or so, tops. If you plan to shoot a lot on the go, you'll need to carry that cigarette lighter plug with you. While it's nice the screen shuts off while recording by default to save the battery life, I wish there was an option to override it for those times when you want to use it to shoot something hand-held. Honestly, I actually wish the whole unit were simply a bit larger to accommodate a longer lasting battery and prevent the issue in the first place. While it's nice that's small, it's unnecessarily so. An extra quarter inch on the height and width would be a non-issue, yet allow a much larger battery to allow for several hours of use. Out on a biking trail, plugging in just isn't going to happen. The final item is the waterproof case. You probably noticed a buzz in the audio as I accelerate due to vibration. That's caused by the camera rattling a bit in the case. A little bit of rubber lining inside the case would snug things down and prevent the issue. Plus, it would prevent additional vibration in the image. On the mount I was using, the camera itself was sold - most of the high frequency vibration was the camera vibrating in the case. In addition to the loose fit of the case, it also scratches easily - in fact, mine arrive with several hairline scratches on the view port for the lens due to it not being covered by a protective film like the LCD screen of the camera was. After testing the bracket that is used to screw the camera to the mounts when the case isn't being used, I found it rattles a bit in that, as well. Plus, I had to use a washer to allow the bracket to snug down on the handlebar mount securely - and that was using the mount included with the camera. One final item is a missing one. It would be nice if the camera came with some sort of satchel or something to carry it in if you need to take it with you (or stash it out of sight) when stopping someplace where it might get stolen. Any cheap little drawstring cotton or microfiber bag would be better than nothing at protecting the camera lens. With all the brackets and everything else provided, this is a huge oversight. Overall, for the price, I'm willing to deal with the issues. However, I can't recommend it to anyone who isn't fully committed to being willing to forgive the shortcomings. If you simply want a camera that can record your adventures without risking something more costly, this will do the job. If you don't need audio, that helps things since the sync won't matter. In short, it's a cheap alternative to a GoPro for those who can't swing the bucks for one or for those who simply want to have something to document their driving in the event of an accident. Taxi and courier drivers who might find themselves sued by scammers might find this unit helpful. For those who want quality recordings of their action sports, pony up for a GoPro.
