Note on Prices for International Orders: Local handling fees, VAT, and Import Duties are not included in the listed prices.
Similarities
Video Quality
Both helmet cameras have the same electronic components inside so the video and audio quality is identical.
Wide Angle Lens
Both helmet cams have a 90 degree wide angle lens which is wide enough to capture the “sweet-spot” of human vision but not so wide that you get a fishbowl effect.
High-Dynamic Light Sensor
Both have a high-dynamic light sensor that records in dim light and low light situations. This is ideal for recording at night time or when you have quick changes from light to dark or vice versa; the helmet camera’s light sensor reacts almost instantaneously.
Durability
Both helmet cams are water-proof and both cams have our patented shock-proof designed that will keep you from losing your footage during an impact.
Video & Photo
Each helmet camera has a video mode and a time-lapse photo mode.
TV & Computer
Both helmet cams are plug-and-play with PCs and Macs. Both create AVI videos and JPG images. Both allow for file preview on your TV (NTSC or PAL).
Sound Quality
Because all of our cameras have the microphone sealed for safety inside our waterproof case, your sound recording quality will not be as good as cameras that use an external microphone. And to be able to record sound at a reasonable level, we have had to increase the sensitivity of the microphone. This may cause some internal electronic noise to be recorded along with the sound from outside the camera.
Differences
Battery Life
The full size, 2010 Tachyon XC helmet cam uses AA batteries* giving it up to 10 hours of battery life.
The Tachyon XC Micro helmet cam uses AAA* size batteries giving it a hefty 4+ hour battery life.
Feel free to check the specs on any competing camera and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Recording Time
The record time depends on the size of the SD card and the battery life.
The full size XC can accept up to a 32GB SDHC card which will allow up to 8 hours of continuous recording in the highest video quality setting. With up to 10 hours of battery life, you’re able to record hands free for 8 hours in this setting.
The XC Micro helmet cam will also accept up to a 32GB micro SD card and will allow 8 hours of video on one card, but your continuous, hands-fee record time is limited by the 4 the XC Micro’s hour battery life. For this reason, we recommend using a 16GB Micro SDHC card which can hold 4 hours of continuous footage. This way, your battery life and SD card capacity expire at or around the same time.
For longer battery life and record time you can use the Green Power Pack (full-size 2010 Tachyon XC only).
Green Power Pack
If you want to record for longer than 10 hours, you can buy the optional green power pack to plug the full size 2010 Tachyon XC directly into your wall or 12V battery (car cigarette lighter) for continuous power. In certain situations, this eliminates the need for batteries.
You can change your video setting to get up to 64 continuous hours of video (in a lower quality setting) or 8 days of time lapse photos on a single 32GB card. The only consequence is, with the green power pack in use, you can’t close the back latch so the camera isn’t waterproof or shock proof. This is ideal in a nanny-cam or car dashboard-cam situation when the camera is not exposed to the elements.
The Tachyon XC Micro helmet cam is not compatible with the green power pack so your record time is really limited by its battery life of 4+ hours.
Diving Cam Lock
The Tachyon XC Micro has a patented dive lock that divers may set before they begin recording their dives. This lock prevents the record button from being pressed by extreme water pressure, thus shutting off your recording.
With the dive lock activated, the Micro can record down to 100 feet (30M).
See the diving video on the right for details.
SDHC Cards
Although both helmet cameras can take up to a 32GB SDHC card, the full size XC uses the normal size SD card while the XC micro uses a micro size SD card. Both are standard sizes, one is just smaller than the other.
The smaller cards are generally more expensive than their bigger brother’s and they are a little more difficult to find. You’ll find that most digital cameras take the standard size and most cell phones take the smaller size**
Camera Size
Since the Micro XC helmet camera uses a smaller size of batteries and a smaller size SD card, we were able to make the case smaller and more compact. Don’t worry; video quality has not been sacrificed! The electronic components are identical in both cameras!
Remote Control
The full size XC cam has a remote, which is included in the box, and the Micro XC does not have a remote.
Mounting
The full size XC helmet camera includes two mounts in the package: the side mount and the general mount and two optional mounts: the swivel mount and the handlebar mount.
The Micro XC cam includes one mount, the universal mount; this is the only mount compatible with the Micro XC.
Tachyon includes 12 in. (30cm) of 3M dual lock fastening strips. This is what you can use to attach the mount to the helmet. For More information about Tachyon’s Mounts, click here.
Optional mounts and additional 3M dual lock fasteners can be purchased through Tachyon, Inc’s order page.
Functions & Operation
Video quality function-The full size XC helmet camera allows you to lower the video quality to allow for longer record times. This is handy when video quality isn’t an issue. For example, if you want to use your Tachyon XC as a security camera, you may want to lower the quality to allow for longer record time. Coupled with the Green Power Pack, the full size 2010 XC can be plugged into the wall or 12V source for continuous power allowing up to 64 hours of continuous video or 8 days of continuous time lapse photos. The Micro XC is defaulted to the highest video quality setting and cannot be changed.
The Micro XC helmet cam is not compatible with the Green Power Pack. Privacy mode-The full size XC has a privacy mode that eliminates the beep and LED indicator light and the Micro XC does not. This is also ideal when using the XC as a hidden, security camera. Number of buttons-The full size XC has three buttons (Power, Start/Stop –recording, and Menu). The micro has a simple, one-button design that simultaneously powers on the camera and starts recording. When pressed again, it stops recording and powers the camera off.
LCD indicator screen-The full size XC has an LCD indicator screen that shows you how much time you’ve recorded and some other camera functions. The Micro XC does not have this. Instead, it has an LED light that shows you whether or not the camera is recording.
3D System
The 3D system is essentially a mount that holds two of the full size 2010 Tachyon XC helmet cameras side by side so you can record a left file and a right file at the same time. You then use Tachyon, Inc’s 3D software to render or combined those two files into a single AVI video file. You can then edit in with your normal video editing software.
The 3D mount is only compatible with the full size, 2010 Tachyon XC. When you purchase the 3D system, you get two complete 2010 Tachyon XC helmet camera sets (mounts and accessories included) + a 3D mount, 3D editing software, and 3D glasses. So you can use each set individually or combined the two helmet cams with the 3D mount to record anaglyph 3D videos. The 3D mount is not compatible with the Tachyon XC Micro.
Professional & Specialty Helmet Camera Applications
Security Cam
Tachyon generally recommends the full -size 2010 Tachyon XC as a security camera. The full size XC is compatible with the Green Power pack which allows it to be plugged directly into your wall socket (110 or 220V) or 12V battery (car cigarette lighter, car battery, external battery). This eliminates need for batteries and allows for continuous power. You can record 8 hours of continuous video in the highest quality setting or change your video setting to get up to 64 continuous hours of video in a lower quality setting. You can also record 8 days of continuous time lapse photos on a single 32GB SDHC card.
The only consequence is, with the green power pack in use, you can’t close the back latch so the camera isn’t waterproof or fully shock-proof. This is ideal in a nanny-cam or car dashboard-cam situation when the camera is not exposed to the elements. With a slight modification to the camera, you can close the back latch while using the green power pack making the camera shock-proof and water resistant. With an external car or hobby 12 volt battery, you could leave the camera in a deer-stand or covert location for days which also makes it an ideal hunting camera.
And although the 2010 XC Micro does not have a remote control, it is smaller and lighter than the 2010 XC and would still make a very good fire cam.
Diving Cam Lock
(See Above)
Tachyon recommends the Tachyon XC Micro helmet cam for professional divers. See video above for details.
Dashboard Cam
Tachyon recommends the full -size 2010 Tachyon XC as a car or motorcycle dashboard cam. The full size XC is compatible with the Green Power pack which allows it to be plugged directly into your car or motorcycle cigarette lighter (or hardwired directly to the battery / fuse-box). This eliminates need for batteries and allows for continuous power. You can record 8 hours of continuous video in the highest quality setting or change your video setting to get up to 64 continuous hours of video in a lower quality setting. You can also record 8 days of continuous time lapse photos on a single 32GB SDHC card.
The only consequence is, with the green power pack in use, you can’t close the back latch so the camera isn’t waterproof or fully-shock proof. This is ideal in a car dashboard-cam situation when the camera is not exposed to the elements and not exposed the extreme shock that you’d experience on a motocross track. With a slight modification to the camera, you can close the back latch while using the green power pack making the camera shock-proof and water resistant.
With the remote control, you can easily start and stop recording. You can record road trips or your daily commute. In the unforeseen case of a collision, having video footage could be invaluable in determining the party at fault. It’s also ideal way to catch the neighborhood vandal.
*Tachyon, Inc. recommends using ONLYEnergizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for optimal battery life. These are the only batteries that work well in cold weather. The use of rechargeable batteries is highly discouraged and can cause loss of footage and/or damage to the cameras.
**Tachyon, Inc. recommends using a Transcend brand “Class 6” or higher SDHC card. Using a smaller class of card will diminish video quality. Although other brands of “Class 6” cards may work, Tachyon has thoroughly tested and designed our cameras to use Transcend brand. Some other brands, even name brands, may not work as well.
WARNING: The form and functions of Tachyon XC helmet cam products, accessories, logos, and all graphics on these web pages are the patented, protected property of Tachyon, Inc.
Any attempt by anyone other than our authorized dealers to copy or reproduce any of the above without permission of Tachyon, Inc. will be met with legal action.Tachyon XC products are available for purchase only at http://www.tachyoninc.com/ or from authorised dealers.
