Help a newbie choose a camera

[Spanna]

I need some advice from the collective about what video camera to choose.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to cameras and the software behind them, so easy to use or something that's easy to learn to use and a simple editing software for the PC is what I'm after. General uses will be:

- Having recently passed my motorbike test I fancy having a camera mounted after I had a near miss with a car that pulled out on me and for when I decide to go on my first track day.
- Mount to front of push bike for capturing some muddy action on the mountain bike.
- General capture of video at special occasions etc.
- Possibly mount to dash of the car.

I'm not sure on budget, I feel £250-£300 would get me something good but I really don't know what's out there. GoPro seems to be the popular choice, but I'd like to look at some alternatives and get some views on experiences.

I have a normal camera that my step-dad gave me after he bought something new. It's a Canon Eos 30D with an 'EFS'(?) 17-85mm lens. Like I said, I'm a noob and haven't tried using this 'properly', but only to take the usual holiday photos etc.

Really sorry if this has been covered already recently.

Thanks.

[Dave 500]

For use on a bike I would get some sort of contour camera

http://contour.com/products

They have a much lower profile than the GoPro's so mounting them to your helmet will create much less drag.

It also won't be so obvious you have a camera stuck to your head

They have a large record button on the top so with a bit of practice will be easer to start and stop recording with gloves on.

Edited by Dave 500 on Wednesday 29th August 19:20