Kitecams and helmet cams

There are four main options for setting up and using a kitecam while kitesurfing.

Kitesurfing at Hampton Beach

The Cerberus, Half Moon Bay, Melbourne, Australia

Mounts

This mount is designed to take a compact waterproof digital camera.

"Camrig" Kitecam mount

Kitehero line mount

Photo taken with Kitehero line mount

Cameras

I have used a Pentax Optio W80 which has both interval ("photo every 10 seconds") and video modes. It can take SDHC cards up to 16 Gig. This leaked when snorkelling and was ruined. I have replaced it with a Pentax Optio W90, which has now also leaked.

Pentax Option W80 (SD Card)

I used the W80 for about year, but water got inside the battery compartment when snorkelling (not diving). I flushed it out with freshwater and dried it thoroughly. It came back to life 3 months later, but has subsequently died.

I bought a W90 to replace the W80 and used it for about 6 months, but water got inside the battery compartment when canoeing. I flushed it out with freshwater and dried it thoroughly. It came back to life but not properly. Pentax replaced it under warranty and I am still using this camera. It has been superseded by the Optio

Pentax Optio W90 (SD card)

Third time lucky. I have purchased a Casio EX-G1 to try it out. Its cheaper - about A$200 - and the seals appear to be more robust and effective than those on the Pentax Optio models. The side one has a thumb screw to cinch it in. So far so good, but I haven't yet got it wet. However, this camera only takes 30 minutes of interval shots and you cannot delay the start time (e.g. 10 minutes) like you can on the Pentax models. It is no longer available.

Casio Exilim EX-G1 (Micro SD card)

The latest Pentax camera is the Optio WG-2 which sports an improved CMOS sensor (better for low light conditions) and an improved waterproof rating of 30m. The WG-2 GPS model includes a GPS. I haven't tried this camera yet. For more information see PENTAX Optio WG-2 GPS Review (Steve Digicams)

Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS (SD card)

Video cameras

You can mount a video camera on a helmet, kite lines, kite or the board. Its great to keep a record of your kitesurfing adventures and share them with your friends.

I used Contour Roam video cameras for a while but how use GoPros. They can be set to take either HD video or still photographs at intervals.