Partial answer
First use of the Wireless Vision System was on STS-97 in December 2000.
Embedded in the EVA helmet are three fixed-focus, variable aperture
cameras: a 3.5-millimeter lens, located just left of center on top of
the helmet shell, providing a wide-angle view; a 6-millimeter lens
mounted above the light on the left side of the helmet, providing a
medium-angle view; and a 12-millimeter lens mounted above the light on
the right side of the helmet, providing a narrow-angle view.
Reference: Space News Roundup, Feb 2001
The document EVA Tools and Equipment Reference Book JSC-20466 contains some information on the older EMU TV system. (page C-15)
OVERVIEW
The extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) TV is a helmet-mounted,
solid-state color TV camera that provides real-time scenes from the
approximate point of view of the crewmember. It was originally
designed to support in-flight orbiter tile repair. The EMU TV
comprises a small TV camera, closeup lens, battery pack, on--off
switch, radio frequency (RF) antenna, an S-band transmitter, and a
low-voltage cutoff circuit. The battery pack of eight cells is
removable and can supply power for about 6 hr. The orbiter receives
the RF TV transmission through its upper or lower S-band hemi antennas
from one TV at a time and relays the signals to the closed circuit
television system for display, recording, or transmission to the
ground.
OPERATIONAL COMMENTS
The EMU TV power on/off pushbutton switch is located on the forward
right-hand side of the housing. The flush mounting of this switch
precludes tether snags but results in limited tactile feedback. A
green light-emitting diode indicator is located to the left of the
on/off pushbutton and can be difficult to see illuminated with varying
on-orbit lighting. The normal EMU TV lens provides for viewing objects
36 in. to 25 ft away. The closeup lens allows for viewing objects 12
in. to 36 in. away. The lens is mounted on a movable bracket and can
be moved into place using a hand-operated switch located on the
forward left side, just below the TV lens opening (up for closeup,
down for distant viewing). The camera field-of-view is 7 ° below the
horizontal. The TV mounts to the EMU helmet by attachment receptacles
on the EMU lights. If more than one TV is flown, only one can be
active at a time or the combined signals will allow neither to provide
useful images. In-cabin checkout is limited to rough signal reception,
because clear images are precluded by vehicle structure between the TV
and the external antennas. Future enhancements include an upgraded
transmitter.
