I used to be kind of a ‘big deal’ in the watchcam world. I used to run the worlds leading forum on watchcams (specifically the Casio WQV range). I’d spend all my photographic energies for around 3 years on shooting with nothing but watchcams. I’d lovingly curate every shot into one of hundreds of watchcam galleries like the one on this link. This was in the pre camera phone days and the fascination for me was having a camera on me at all times, without having to have a camera on me at all times. Now, like pretty much everyone else I know, I’ve got a decent ish quality camera on my phone and that’s with me at all times, so the fascination has waned somewhat.

The other evening though, I spotted a “Waterproof Camera Watch” on Ebay. I snapped it up for under £10 including shipping, thinking it may be a bit of nostalgic fun for a while. I wasn’t wrong. Compared to the 176 pixel wide standard of the WQV-10, my new watch cam isn’t half bad – considering it’s price. Here’s a sample still of my boy Felix at parents evening earlier tonight (ignore the date – I’ve not figured out how to set it yet)

The packaging is one of the best things about it. It claims the product to be “The best companion The screct weapon for meeting” (their typo, not mine) and proffers the benefit “Official proof collecting Business negotiation“. My personal favourite is simply “Bussiness watch“. What more could you want out of a ‘bussiness’ watch?

As well as photos, it can record audio and shoot VGA video with audio. From lunchtime onwards today (once I figured out how it worked) I shot a chunk of video. I’ve worked out that the 4GB on board memory could store up to 6 hours of video. The sound quality is disappointing poor, and you can heard the tick-tock throughout, but there are a few golden moments of dialogue to be heard. (I’ve trimmed it down – I’d accidentally or otherwise shot hours of footage today)

In case your wondering – I started out at work,  then drove to Skipton where I had the strap adjusted by Chris at Timpsons. Thanks Chris. (I honestly didn’t realise I was filming that bit). From there I grabbed some lunch at Greggs and went back to work via a woman attempting to extol the virtues of walking, upon her beagle puppy. A bit of a sunset, then Felix telling me off for being a nerd with a camera watch at his parents evening. He’s gotten used to that sort of thing now though so I wouldn’t worry.

Speaking of parents evening, the boy done good. Nice one Felix. Good bussiness.