I am thinking of getting a body camera

jonbeeza

jonbeeza

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A bit of a disturbing incident happened today, I wished I had a body camera. I have been thinking of getting one for a while, just in case of any unsavory encounters. I just wonder, does anyone on this forum use one? I did do a search on this forum, but nothing came up.
 
Cagey75 said:
Do you need it to be hidden? or it doesn't matter? The cops use them these days, something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/BRIFIELD-B...d=1530384113&sr=8-3&keywords=body+worn+camera
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Thanks for the link.

Not sure what would be best, hidden or on show. Just need something that is small and unobtrusive. Looking for something that does good audio, as well as good video. I have read up on a few body cameras, but reviews differ massively. Just fishing really, to see if anybody on this forum used one.
 
I would think hidden would be best, "unsavoury" incidents could lead to the visible camera being nicked off you.
 
jonbeeza said:
A bit of a disturbing incident happened today, I wished I had a body camera. I have been thinking of getting one for a while, just in case of any unsavory encounters. I just wonder, does anyone on this forum use one? I did do a search on this forum, but nothing came up.
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sorry to say this jon, but unless this is needed for work-cop/door work, this smacks of paranoia.
I cant think of anything that needs a body cam outside of work situations
if its real danger you are in a camera wont help-its already happened and perhaps its better not to put your self in these situations.
 
niko said:
sorry to say this jon, but unless this is needed for work-cop/door work, this smacks of paranoia.
I cant think of anything that needs a body cam outside of work situations
if its real danger you are in a camera wont help-its already happened and perhaps its better not to put your self in these situations.
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Not really our business what the gear is for, we can either make a recommendation as to what may be suitable, or not.
 
niko said:
sorry to say this jon, but unless this is needed for work-cop/door work, this smacks of paranoia.
I cant think of anything that needs a body cam outside of work situations
if its real danger you are in a camera wont help-its already happened and perhaps its better not to put your self in these situations.
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I did not put myself in a situation, I was simply living my life and doing my daily chores.

I was walking my dog along my road, on a lovely sunny afternoon. I was approached by someone who mistook me for someone else, various things were said. It would have been nice to have had both an audio and visual log, as I just I can't remember some of the things he said, or asked me.

Obviously these things do happen, but only very occasionally. I could have done with a body cam, about three or four times this year. This is also after witnessing something. Sometimes a compact camera is not the best thing to capture an encounter, as it has to be held and it is not discreet. So, a bodycam may be the best option.

Even if it only captures one event, it will be worth it for me.
 
Cagey75 said:
Not really our business what the gear is for, we can either make a recommendation as to what may be suitable, or not.
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When I posted the thread, I had an idea some would question the need for a bodycam. ;)
 
well its a forum so things will get questioned, life's to short to spend it worrying that you might need a video of people and do a search on here about photographers getting falsely accused of spying on kids.
I just think it opens up more issues than it might solve, but each to there own.
I would get a cheap version of a go pro. Would work well, as body harness is available for these, if you search on the equipment section there is a thread on them.
out of interest what would you of done with the footage if you had it after being mistaken for someone else, and would you have it on running all the time for the one or two times you need it?
 
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niko said:
well its a forum so things will get questioned, life's to short to spend it worrying that you might need a video of people and do a search on here about photographers getting falsely accused of spying on kids.
I just think it opens up more issues than it might solve, but each to there own.
I would get a cheap version of a go pro. Would work well, as body harness is available for these, if you search on the equipment section there is a thread on them.
out of interest what would you of done with the footage if you had it after being mistaken for someone else, and would you have it on running all the time for the one or two times you need it?
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It was my fault, I should have made it clear. I am not after the rights and wrongs of using a bodycam. But I was after bodycam recommendations, makes and models. Just fishing really, just to see if anyone on this forum uses one. Just to get their views on what to get.
 
I may pop out to the shops later, and have a look in the very few shops that are left on the high street. Mind you, not likely to find that equipment in a local store. Failing that, I will have a good search online, shortly.
 
Most specific body cams will do the job reasonably well. If I was after one, I'd go for the least visible one with decent sound and enough resolution to identify someone 10 feet away. GoPro clones on a body harness are fine for tourists who want to keep both hands free but a bit touristy for a spy type body cam. IMO!
 
How long do you need to record? Gopros (or the gopro clone) are great video quality, but in the waterproof housing the sound isn't that great. Trouble is they are only good for about 90 minutes ish max (in my experience)
I would guess a proper body cam would last longer, Gopros are also not too clever in low light, my hero 4 black isn't anyway.
Have you contacted the police regarding the incident, it might be worth it if you know or could trace the person concerned.
 
Mobile in top pocket? Not on all the time but could be useful if you can activate it quickly.
 
swanseamale47 said:
How long do you need to record? Gopros (or the gopro clone) are great video quality, but in the waterproof housing the sound isn't that great. Trouble is they are only good for about 90 minutes ish max (in my experience)
I would guess a proper body cam would last longer, Gopros are also not too clever in low light, my hero 4 black isn't anyway.
Have you contacted the police regarding the incident, it might be worth it if you know or could trace the person concerned.
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To be honest, ten or twenty minute segments would probably be enough. The incident the other day, probably only lasted about three minutes. But a hell of a lot, can be said in that short time. It would be nice to play back what was said, just to try and make sense of what just happened.

As soon as the incident started, I moved away as soon as I possibly could. I don't intend to stand around arguing, so can't see me needing masses of record time.
 
Erty said:
Mobile in top pocket? Not on all the time but could be useful if you can activate it quickly.
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My mobile is not too good for video, plus it stops recording if a confirmation comes through, or if it rings.
 
There are baseball caps with hidden cameras these day.

You turn it on by pressing a fob instead of running it full time ( so you can only run it when you feel threatened.

I can understand where you are coming from.

9 out of 10 people in the UK these days are t~~ts
 
Go pro clone with a harness would work, be cheap , probably fed from a usb battery for extra life.
SJ7000s on ebay are around £30, don't use the waterproof housing as it makes them large and obvious.
 
GTG said:
There are baseball caps with hidden cameras these day.

You turn it on by pressing a fob instead of running it full time ( so you can only run it when you feel threatened.

I can understand where you are coming from.

9 out of 10 people in the UK these days are t~~ts
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Had a quick read up, not too sure. Probably prefer something a little more robust.

Byker28i said:
Go pro clone with a harness would work, be cheap , probably fed from a usb battery for extra life.
SJ7000s on ebay are around £30, don't use the waterproof housing as it makes them large and obvious.
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That is the only thing, a little too bulky.

Thanks for the input..
 
Off to surf the net, in search of a decent bodycam. It is a mind boggling area, not as simple as searching for a decent compact camera. :confused:
 
Just been reading up on the specifications etc, on some body cameras. Noticed some websites say, "a Licence is required to use a body cam in public". Looks like I need to do more research.
 
jonbeeza said:
Just been reading up on the specifications etc, on some body cameras. Noticed some websites say, "a Licence is required to use a body cam in public". Looks like I need to do more research.
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I thought that may be the case.
 
GTG said:
I thought that may be the case.
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I will have to read up a little more on the legalities. So we can use a camera to record video in a public place, with no issues. But a body cam requires a licence, to record video in public. :thinking:
 
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https://www.bodywornvideosystems.co.uk/faq.php

If you simply wear a headcam or bodycam but do not watch or review any of the footage from that device, the SIA takes the view that this does not fall within the public space surveillance (CCTV) definition. You would therefore not require a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.

When dealing with matters relating to public space surveillance (CCTV), the Data Protection Act 1998 (and the eight data protection principles that underpin the regulation) must be taken into consideration. Public space surveillance (CCTV) captures information about individuals, and information held by organisations that relates to individuals is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998. Most organisations that process personal data are required to register as a data controller with the Information Commissioner's Office.

*However, if you view footage recorded by headcams/bodycams solely for the purpose of protecting property or identifying a trespasser, then a Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence would be sufficient. Due to licence integration, a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence would also cover you for this activity.

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-bodycams.aspx

It's not straight forward whether you do or not. I'd probably ask your local police on 101 about it.
 
SUZ

doesn't all that only apply to business or for commercial use, not to a private individual? we had to abide by the data protection act when we had our company but not as individual people
 
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srichards said:
https://www.bodywornvideosystems.co.uk/faq.php

If you simply wear a headcam or bodycam but do not watch or review any of the footage from that device, the SIA takes the view that this does not fall within the public space surveillance (CCTV) definition. You would therefore not require a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence.

When dealing with matters relating to public space surveillance (CCTV), the Data Protection Act 1998 (and the eight data protection principles that underpin the regulation) must be taken into consideration. Public space surveillance (CCTV) captures information about individuals, and information held by organisations that relates to individuals is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998. Most organisations that process personal data are required to register as a data controller with the Information Commissioner's Office.

*However, if you view footage recorded by headcams/bodycams solely for the purpose of protecting property or identifying a trespasser, then a Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence would be sufficient. Due to licence integration, a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence would also cover you for this activity.

http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing-bodycams.aspx

It's not straight forward whether you do or not. I'd probably ask your local police on 101 about it.
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That is the bit I was reading.

Seems strange, " If you simply wear a headcam or bodycam but do not watch or review any of the footage from that device". Some would say, "what would be the purpose of recording in the first place then", if the recording could NOT be viewed?". If an incident did happen, the recording would NOT be accepted.

I think I will probably ask plod if I can use a body cam, when I am out on my walks.
 
It says watch it on that device it is taken on. Seems to me that would make a mobile phone recording fall under this if you then watched it on the phone.
 
srichards said:
It says watch it on that device it is taken on. Seems to me that would make a mobile phone recording fall under this if you then watched it on the phone.
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Maybe it would only be called into question, if an incident went to court. Defence could say, "video evidence was obtained illegally".
My simple idea of protecting myself with a video and audio device, might not happen now then.

I am going to read up more on it, and probably ask plod. But there again, plod don't always know the full ins and outs of such things. Anyway, I am off to do more reading up...:)
 
LeeRatters said:
Does this not work the same way as car dash cams? Cyclists with GoPro's stuck to their head? Etc
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That's what I'm thinking, also car dash cams, everyone seems to have one these days. YouTube is flooded with clips from them
 
"Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage of this event to come forward".

Why would they make such an appeal if the resultant footage could not be used in police investigations?
 
LeeRatters said:
Does this not work the same way as car dash cams? Cyclists with GoPro's stuck to their head? Etc
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Cagey75 said:
That's what I'm thinking, also car dash cams, everyone seems to have one these days. YouTube is flooded with clips from them
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gramps said:
"Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage of this event to come forward".

Why would they make such an appeal if the resultant footage could not be used in police investigations?
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It does seem a bit silly really, recording is going on everywhere.

Still sifting through the masses of adverts and reading the reviews. they are mainly on Amazon, I have never bought anything off Amazon. I don't even have an Amazon account, looks like I may have to set one up.
 
Be careful, once you pop that Amazon cherry ... it'sh to stop! :D

A lot of the stuff that gets uploaded to social media from these cams is probably illegal, but it would be impossible to police.

I have seen vids of people getting beat up used as evidence in court cases though, only recently a girl in Northern Ireland was badly beaten by 2 other girls. A male was also brought to court for instigating it and pouring a bottle of coke over the girl's face as she was getting punched in the head.
 
realspeed said:
SUZ

doesn't all that only apply to business or for commercial use, not to a private individual? we had to abide by the data protection act when we had our company but not as individual people
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I believe GDPR applies to private individuals ( ie real people) too.
 
Cagey75 said:
Be careful, once you pop that Amazon cherry ... it'sh to stop! :D
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Just signed up for Amazon, just got to put the card details etc in. Hope I don't get carried away with it all. :)


Cagey75 said:
A lot of the stuff that gets uploaded to social media from these cams is probably illegal, but it would be impossible to police.

I have seen vids of people getting beat up used as evidence in court cases though, only recently a girl in Northern Ireland was badly beaten by 2 other girls. A male was also brought to court for instigating it and pouring a bottle of coke over the girl's face as she was getting punched in the head.
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My memory is not too good, so I want to be able to keep a log of any incidents that happen. This is so I can go over it, and reflect on what happened. So as I can then think of how to take things further, should I wish to take appropriate action.
 
jonbeeza said:
My memory is not too good, .
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Best to keep quiet about that or at least don’t post it on the interwebs... Oh, wait ... :( you just did :) .
 
sphexx said:
Best to keep quiet about that or at least don’t post it on the interwebs... Oh, wait ... :( you just did :) .
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It's just something that happens, when you get old. I always blame it on my age. ;)
 
jonbeeza said:
It's just something that happens, when you get old. I always blame it on my age. ;)
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Not necessarily. But you are writing about filming disturbing incidents so I assume you may be considering reporting one to the police at some stage and if you start by volunteering that you have a bad memory then you are on a loser already :( . Sometimes the less said the better ;)
 
sphexx said:
Not necessarily. But you are writing about filming disturbing incidents so I assume you may be considering reporting one to the police at some stage and if you start by volunteering that you have a bad memory then you are on a loser already :( . Sometimes the less said the better ;)
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Mental note made. ;)
 
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