The F-1 HALO and the Camera

[Clearhooter]

Though the HALO is unsightly, it does offer some protection from debris from the track. But the position that the camera is being placed above the driver is deceptive to the TV viewer. The view now is about a foot higher than the driver's eyes.... And unrestricted.

Just once I'd like to see the view from the helmet camera like they did last season. I really think that center brace would be about as distracting as a pair of swinging fuzzy dice. Were the helmet cam not a thing. This wouldn't even be an issue. But it is. If the teams are concerned about data being broadcast from the steering wheel ? Fuzz it out. That's a thing too now. Technology is wonderful and scary too.

[Zynerji]

Why not mount the camera in the front center of the halo?

[jjn9128]

Though the HALO is unsightly, it does offer some protection from debris from the track. But the position that the camera is being placed above the driver is deceptive to the TV viewer. The view now is about a foot higher than the driver's eyes.... And unrestricted.

Just once I'd like to see the view from the helmet camera like they did last season. I really think that center brace would be about as distracting as a pair of swinging fuzzy dice. Were the helmet cam not a thing. This wouldn't even be an issue. But it is. If the teams are concerned about data being broadcast from the steering wheel ? Fuzz it out. That's a thing too now. Technology is wonderful and scary too.

Problem with helmet cams is they're generally worse picture quality that the static cameras. FIA are testing it, but it's uncomfortable for the driver to wear for long. The steering wheel wouldn't be an issue with a fixed focal length.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWQfiTCQews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y243oh2Ryw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPR3JooQZRc

This is from a private test and so I think was a go-pro or something on the outside of the helmet - issue is fixing something hard to the helmet is what unfortunately injured Schumacher, so it's not really an option.


The Indycar helmet cam was tested to break off without crushing into the helmet, but as it fixes to the top of the helmet all you'd see is the halo bar. Unfortunately as Indycar did it first F1 isn't interested in copying it.

[Zynerji]

Dude, cell phone cameras should easily integrate right into the helmet in front of the nose... shouldn't be that difficult...

The Evo3D phone cameras from 2010 would even give 3D, eye level HD video...

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/uset ... dma)-1.jpg

[NathanOlder]

Surely its all dangerous putting bits of equipment inside the crash helmet in anyway.

I think a special camera helmet should be made, and every driver has to use it for 1 free practice 1 session. That way we get 20 tracks covered and each driver. The camera stays on for the full 90mins. Even if the driver takes off the crash helmet.

The special helmet has 2 camera lenses to give it the 3D view and will help people see how the Halo doesn't actually get in the way for the driver.

Make it happen next year liberty.

[Big Tea]

The cam its self can be anywhere, with a short fiber optic to the required position. Even some zip ties to the halo bar.

[Zynerji]

Surely its all dangerous putting bits of equipment inside the crash helmet in anyway.

I think a special camera helmet should be made, and every driver has to use it for 1 free practice 1 session. That way we get 20 tracks covered and each driver. The camera stays on for the full 90mins. Even if the driver takes off the crash helmet.

The special helmet has 2 camera lenses to give it the 3D view and will help people see how the Halo doesn't actually get in the way for the driver.

Make it happen next year liberty.

Id say newer tech is lighter than the foam, and less than 1mm thick.

Only concern would be the battery, but that can be placed low in the shell, and wirelessly recharged.

[Rodak]

Jin, great camera footage although audio could be better; simply a microphone placement issue. F1 is behind the curve here and should be amenable to other input. If Liberty is going to use the overhead halo shot they should require the teams to put the drivers name on the Halo; that would make things easier for us viewers per Haas. Final note: It took about five seconds for me to recognize Elkhart Lake; what a great track that is!!! Been there a couple of times and it's amazing, especially as they don't sell seats, only entry; you can go where you want. I'm sure F1 will never race there for a number of reasons, the main one being money, but still, there are some great tracks in America. If you get a chance, go to a race there. The same applies to Brands Hatch; have walked the track and would love to see F1 there again. Oh well, money talks.........

[Clearhooter]

jjn Well thanks for scratchin' that itch so quick. This is about what I'd imagined. I think its as good a view as the driver sees. But ,yeah... "Swinging fuzzy dice." As restrictive as the halo and the center bar is I'd think this would be a better representation of the driver's view. Which in turn would give a better appreciation of their visual dilemma. A TV spectator can only begin to understand. Consider too, the visual restriction of the helmet . I'd have to learn to look at the HALO like.... "This is part of my cocoon. Not my cage." That transition must of been like going from a roadster to a sunroof.

I'm all for at least a number if not a name on the HALO.

[jjn9128]

If anyone was wondering, this is what the drivers were wearing in the FOM videos, which is why you get the drivers eye view. Looks like a phone camera mounted in the bridge of the glasses (without lenses).

I would say no phone camera is broadcast quality, yet, it's not just about the number of pixels.

jjn Well thanks for scratchin' that itch so quick. This is about what I'd imagined. I think its as good a view as the driver sees. But ,yeah... "Swinging fuzzy dice." As restrictive as the halo and the center bar is I'd think this would be a better representation of the driver's view. Which in turn would give a better appreciation of their visual dilemma. A TV spectator can only begin to understand. Consider too, the visual restriction of the helmet . I'd have to learn to look at the HALO like.... "This is part of my cocoon. Not my cage." That transition must of been like going from a roadster to a sunroof.

I'm all for at least a number if not a name on the HALO.

I'd love to see a race start from that camera, unfortunately nobody has worn it for more than a practice session. I think the halo bar is less of an issue for the driver - stereoscopic vision and pinpoint focal lengths see to that.