How to Setup: Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5 User Manual

Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5

Introduction

The Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5 is a cutting-edge camera designed specifically for motorcycle enthusiasts, allowing them to capture high-quality video and photos while on the go. This camera is part of Sony's innovative lineup, known for its durability, advanced features, and user-friendly design. The estimated price for the Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5 is around $299, and it is expected to launch in the summer of 2023.

The primary purpose of this camera is to provide riders with a reliable and high-performance recording device that can withstand the rigors of motorcycle travel. It is equipped with a robust mounting system, ensuring stable footage even at high speeds. The camera features 4K resolution, wide-angle lenses, and advanced stabilization technology to deliver smooth and clear videos.

Whether you're a seasoned biker or an adventure seeker, the Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5 is an excellent choice for capturing your journeys. Its compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to mount on any motorcycle helmet, providing minimal obstruction while riding.

Setup Guide

To set up your Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5, start by mounting the camera to your helmet using the provided adhesive mount or clip-on attachment. Ensure the mount is securely fastened to prevent any movement during use.

Next, insert the microSD card into the slot located on the side of the camera. Charge the battery using the USB-C port and cable provided. Once charged, turn on the camera and navigate through the menu to set your desired resolution, frame rate, and other settings.

To pair the camera with your smartphone, download the Sony Cam Remote app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Connect the camera to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transfer files, adjust settings, or live stream your ride.

Product Specification 

• Sensor: SONY IMX307  
• Aperture: F 1.8 
• Lens Angle: Front: 140° / Rear: 140° 
• Photo: JPG  Max.  2M 
• Video: MP4 /TS (Preset) 
• Resolution (DUAL): QHD 2K 30fps – 190 Min, FHD 1920 X 1080P 60fps – 175 Min (Preset), FHD 1920 X 1080P 30fps – 240 Min 
• Resolution (Single): FHD 1920 X 1080P 60fps – 240 Min 
• Battery: 1920 mAh 
  • Note: 3-4 hours working time at full charge (depends on the resolution setting). 
• Size / Weight: 110 X 40 X 33 mm / 104g 
• Memory card: TF card  Max. 128G 
• Wi-Fi: Built-in 
• MIC: Built-in 
• Controller: Optional wireless controller to take a photo/lock the file 
• GPS: Optional GPS to record speed and route 

Product Features 

• Unique patent design in the market
• Dual front & rear 2K resolution
• SONY IMX307 Starvis night vision sensor
• Portable design, easy DIY installation can be used for various activities
• Max. 4 hours high battery duration (Dual record)
• Type-C charging port
• TS / MP4 video format options
• Fatigue driving vibrating alert
• Smart auto-sleep/wake functions to save power
• New memory card auto format detection
• Wi-Fi connectivity to mobile phone

Product Structure 

1. Key button
2. TF card slot
3. MIC
4. Type-C charging port
5. Reset
6. Charging port waterproof cover

Package Includes

Key Buttons Commands 

1. To power on / off: Hold down the button for 3 seconds, and the camera will vibrate.
2. To start / stop recording: Press the button ONCE.
3. To turn the Wi-Fi on / off: Quick press the button TWICE.
4. To format the TF card: Quick press the button 5 times, then white light will flash and then the camera will vibrate 5 times. 

Note: If the camera can't detect or read the memory card, the lights will flash quickly as a warning (an error). 

Operations 

Charge The Battery 

1. Please charge the camera before use.
2. Please use the included USB to charge the camera.
3. While charging, the charging light (red light) will remain on, and it will automatically shut off at full charge.

Note: During use, the GREEN light will flash quickly if battery is LOW. If the battery reaches 0%, the camera will automatically turn off. 

Insert The TF Card 

1. Open the cover of the TF card slot.
2. Insert a U3 TF card and the Max. storage is 128G. Please make sure to insert the TF card in the right direction and cover the card slot.
3. The camera will detect the memory card status, if it’s first time used for the camera, it will be automatically formatted. After the 5 times vibration and the white lights flashing, the format is done, and the camera will start recording.
4. Don’t remove the TF card while recording.

Note: Please be noted all the files will be deleted after formatting.

Format The TF Card Regularly 

1. By APP: Install the LOOKING CAM APP and connect your phone's WIFI to DB5's Wi-Fi, then go to the APP's setting page and format the memory card. 
2. By pressing the camera’s key button: Press the key button 5 times and the camera will vibrate 5 times to format the card. 

Use The Camera 

1. Before use, make sure that the camera is fully charged, and the memory card is inserted. Note: The TF card must be formatted when using it with the camera for the first time.
2. Long press and hold the key button 3 seconds to turn on the camera, and it will vibrate once.
3. Once the camera is turned on, the recording light (white light) will start flashing (meaning, it's recording). The white light will flash during recording. To STOP recording, press the key button once. The camera will vibrate once, and the white light will remain on (not flashing). To start recording again, press the key button once and the camera will vibrate. The white light will start flashing indicating that the camera is recording.
4. Turn on the camera's Wi-Fi by pressing the key button TWICE. The blue Wi-Fi light will flash indicating that the camera's Wi-Fi is turned on. If it is not connected to the phone's Wi-Fi within 1 minute, the camera's Wi-Fi will automatically turn off. If the camera is connected to the phone's Wi-Fi, the blue light will remain on (not flashing).
   • Note: If you turn off the camera without turning off the camera's Wi-Fi, the next time the camera is turned on, the Wi-Fi will automatically be on.
   • Once the Wi-Fi is connected, you can only use the APP for operation and turn off the camera by holding down the key button for 3 seconds. The rest commands are disabled.
5. Hold down the key button for 3 seconds to turn off the camera, and it will vibrate 3 times, then turn off.
6. If the camera can't detect or read the memory card, the lights will flash quickly as a warning (an error).

Low-Power Alarm 

1. The battery light (green light) shows the camera’s battery power. 
2. Green light remains on：battery power is more than 50%. 
3. Green light slow flashes：battery power 30%-50%. 
4. Green light quick flashes：battery power is less than 30%. 

Note: During use, the GREEN light will flash quickly if the battery is LOW. If the battery reaches 0%, the camera will automatically turn off. 

Auto-Sleep/Wake 

1. In the normal recording mode, when the camera stays static for 3 minutes, it will vibrate 4 times and automatically go to the sleep mode.
2. When the camera detects any movement or shake, it will automatically vibrate once and wake from sleep mode to start recording.
3. The function can be turned on/off in the APP setting page. The default setting is ON.

Fatigue Driving Vibrating Alert 

1. When the setting time is up, the camera will vibrate once to warn the duration of riding for preventing fatigue riding and guarding riding safety.
2. In the APP setting page, you can choose OFF / 1H / 2H / 3H. The default setting is OFF.

Camera Set Up 

1. Prepare the DB5 camera and the clamp holder. 

   

2. Open the holder and the base clip rubber pad. 

   

3. Assemble the camera and the clamp holder. 

   

4. Find a good place and stick the base mount on the helmet. 

   

5. Assemble the holder and the base mount. Remember to press the rubber pad tightly to avoid any vibration. 

   

GPS Module (Optional) 

Functions 

1. Use the GPS to record the speed and route.
2. Date & Time will be automatically updated when the GPS is connected.

Cables Connection 

GPS Installation Notice: 

1. The GPS can be connected only in the outdoor space, and the distance between the camera and the GPS module must be 15~20cm to ensure there’s no interference in connection.
2. The GPS will take 1-3 minutes to get connected for the first time, to check that the GPS has connected to the satellite, please access the APP to check the live view speed watermark. If you see --- km/h, means it’s searching the satellite signal. If you see 0 km/h, means the GPS is connected successfully.
3. To view the riding speed and route, please download the video into the APP album first and it can be viewed by playback.

Using the Remote Controller (Optional) 

1. The controller is optional. The wireless design can be flexibly installed and used.
2. The camera and the controller will be automatically connected within 3 meters.

Memory Card 

Please use U3 (Writing speed 60MB/S above) Micro SD card. Max. 128G is supported to this camera  

Use the APP via Wi-Fi 

1. Download the LOOKING CAM APP to your phone.\
2. After turning on the camera, press the key button TWICE to turn on its c. Once the Wi-Fi is on, the blue Wi-Fi indicator light will flash.
3. Note: If the camera is not connected to the phone within 1 minute, the camera's Wi-Fi will automatically turn off. If the camera successfully connects to your phone, the camera's blue Wi-Fi indicator light will remain on (not flashing).
4. Go to your phone's Wi-Fi setting page , click the camera's Wi-Fi and enter the password to connect to it. The camera's Wi-Fi name is DB5+SSID NO. and the password is 12345678. Note: Please DON’T change the Wi-Fi name nor the password to avoid connection errors.
5. Once the camera's Wi-Fi is connected to your phone's Wi-Fi, open the LOOKING CAM APP and follow the instructions to add the camera to the APP.
6. If successful, you'll see the camera in the LOOKING CAM app. Click ACCESS CAMERA, you can now use the app to control the camera, start / stop recording, take photos, view and download your videos, and more.
7. When the camera is connected to the APP (blue light is ON but NOT flashing), all operation (such as start / stop recording) should be done through the APP because the key button on the camera will be disabled.
8. To change the camera's settings, go to the APP then press the Camera Settings icon.
   Note: The camera will STOP recording when you're in the Settings page (the white light is on, but NOT flashing). Remember to go back to the main page, so the camera can continue recording (indicated by the flashing white light).
9. If the camera wakes from sleep mode, it should be manually connected to APP via Wi-Fi

LOOKINGCAM APP Operation 

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5, here are some common problems and solutions:

• No Power: Check if the battery is properly inserted and charged. Ensure that the power button is functioning correctly.
• No Video Recording: Verify that the microSD card is inserted correctly and has sufficient storage space. Check if the camera is set to the correct recording mode.
• Ensure that the lens is clean and free from obstructions. Adjust the focus settings if necessary.
• Restart both the camera and your smartphone. Check for any software updates for both devices.

Always refer to the user manual for detailed troubleshooting steps and safety precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-Quality Video: Captures 4K resolution at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps.
• Durable Design: Water-resistant up to 3 meters without additional housing.
• Advanced Stabilization: Ensures smooth footage even at high speeds.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate through settings and modes.
• Compact and Lightweight: Minimal obstruction while riding.

Cons

• Battery Life: Limited to approximately 2 hours on a single charge.
• No Built-in GPS: Requires external GPS device for location tracking.
• No Touchscreen Display: Requires smartphone app for settings adjustments.
• MicroSD Card Dependency: Requires a microSD card for storage.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Sony Motorcycle Helmet Cam DB5 for its excellent video quality, robust build, and ease of use. Many have noted that the camera's stabilization feature works exceptionally well, even during high-speed rides. However, some users have mentioned that the battery life could be improved and that the lack of built-in GPS is a minor drawback. Common complaints include occasional connectivity issues with smartphones and the need for more detailed instructions in the user manual.