wide(r) angle view for your old ATC2K action cam

Some time ago the ATC2K action cam was launched. it can record 30 minutes of video on a flash card, intended to film action sports and waterproof up to 3 meters (I dove to 7 meters with it before I modded it..)

Generally it is a very nice cam, but for the extremely narrow angle of view. This is even worse under water. The manufacturer since created the ATC-3k and ATC-5k with a wider view. If you want a
new wide(r) angle cam, buy these. But if you still have an old ATC2K, this is for you.

Several action sports people have modded their atc2K to have a wide angle lens. These mods generally ruined the waterproofing and used large/expensive/professional wide angle lenses

This is my mod of the ATC2K, preserving the waterproofing of the cam, and keeping it small.
This was important for me as my hobby is building and driving R/C model submarines
(have a look at http://www.subcommittee.com if you are curious). We strap the
cam on the back of a submarine.

Step 1: What to get ?

The trick is to buy a so-called "JellyLens". Specifically, the wide-angle jelly lens. these can be had for 5 dollars/euro's plus shipping. buy two, just in case...
These things are intended as a stick-on lens for the camera in your mobile.
good clean fun.

next to this you will need a sturdy screwdriver with a reasonably sharp edge, a phillips screwdriver,
a solvent-based plastic glue, some silicone glue, and a strong, flat and clear piece of plastic.
futhermore a small round file and sanding paper.

Comments

[umberto81]

I have a Atc3k, can I try this method also?

[raalst]

I guess so, but maybe you should try it out before actually taking apart the camera. just stick it on first. I believe the atc3k already has a wider view angle, you might see the corners of the jelly lens.

[ooger]

Very cool mod, nice job!

Any chance you could shoot some videos, upload them to youtube, and post them here so we can see how much of a difference this makes?

I've used the same camera to shoot footage on a FSAE car at my university.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSnmUhM6shs

having a wider field of view would be good for driver training.

[raalst]

I will post the video's with the ruler. and a nice one about a submarine (but shot before the mod, I do not have clear water nearby) you could also check out my account (same name) on www.vimeo.com for sub video's

[raalst]

done, have a look

[przem]

Good idea - cheap and simple :-)

You have a wrong URL - one 't' missing (is: http://www.subcommitee.com should be: http://www.subcommittee.com ) and it links to some stupid advert page :-(

[raalst]

Thanks ! I'll correct it shortly !