Which camera

[Taman]

I am looking to buy a video camera for mounting on my TA for autocrossing. Which mount and camera and why. I am not looking to spend a lot of money on one but want a decent one.

[cmraman]

Go pro HD, small easy to mount, great video quality.

[rogue]

From my research...

Go Pro HD for its tough case, mounting options
ContourHD for its case design, rotating internals (allows for inverted mounting)
Drift HD best video and audio out of all 3, but is bright orange and UGLY

I use a Canon point and shoot elf that works great for track day photos as well as it is 10 megapixel. I mount it inside for track footage and have no interest in outside footage (the audio always clips on any camera at speed).



I've yet to commit to any camera because my point and shoot works fine, but if I had to choose I'll go contourHD for its slick case design you can basically leave it installed fulltime if you wanted, complete with fulltime power.

[67zo6Camaro]

I was looking at a GoPro also, but noticed that when it is mounted outside of the car the audio just turns into wind noise. Im still interested in one for the mounting and durability, but I was also looking at a Canon HD Vixian FR11..(can't remember the exact model).? anyway this camera is a small compact digital with no interior moving parts. Also has a mic jack and remote so that it can be wired for better sound when mounted outside the car. In addition it can be started and stopped any time without getting un-buckled which makes for easier track and autox use.

Does anyone have experience with this type of camcorder used in an automotive setting?

Brett

[rogue]

I was looking at a GoPro also, but noticed that when it is mounted outside of the car the audio just turns into wind noise. Im still interested in one for the mounting and durability, but I was also looking at a Canon HD Vixian FR11..(can't remember the exact model).? anyway this camera is a small compact digital with no interior moving parts. Also has a mic jack and remote so that it can be wired for better sound when mounted outside the car. In addition it can be started and stopped any time without getting un-buckled which makes for easier track and autox use.

Does anyone have experience with this type of camcorder used in an automotive setting?

Brett

Most tech inspectors will not be very keen on a camcorder on a mount unless it has multiple suction mounts or a hard mount like to the headrests due to the size and weight. Its hard enough keeping a small camera mounted...

Just a thought

[Paul69camaro]

I only have experience with the GOPRO HD so can't speak for the other ones but I used one for an motorcycle endura race (ISDE2010) and was really pleased with it. The audio sounded fine but honestly I didn't get past 75 mph. It does come with two covers for the case to reduce wind noise if your moving at higher speeds. One is open and allows the mic to pick up sound better and the other one is completley closed off making it waterproof as well. I never used to closed one so I don't know how well the audio would be but I will say that the video is badass.

Paul

[showa]

I volunteered at the OUSCI this year and had to opportunity to work the GOPRO cameras as they came on and off the different racing venues. Have to say I was impressed with the ease of use and how durable they were. More than one camera had to have rubber and junk wiped off the case. The mounting system also seemed to offer a lot of choices on where/how to mount it.....

[Taman]

Thanks guys. The go pro looks awesome. I like th bottom facing mic. The contour also looks good. Who carries those cameras? I would like to look at them before deciding.

[67zo6Camaro]

Thanks for the input, I was planning a hard mount out rigger above the trunk facing forward on my Convt....I still may go with the GoPro. I just wanted a better sound track recording... may have to use two cameras.

Brett

Most tech inspectors will not be very keen on a camcorder on a mount unless it has multiple suction mounts or a hard mount like to the headrests due to the size and weight. Its hard enough keeping a small camera mounted...

Just a thought

[cmraman]

Thanks guys. The go pro looks awesome. I like th bottom facing mic. The contour also looks good. Who carries those cameras? I would like to look at them before deciding.

Try Saferacer.com

[67zo6Camaro]

Ok....I went and checked out the Drift HD-170 camera. Not bad if you can get over the orange color. It has a small LCD view screen, external mic option, standard 120 degree or fish-eye 170 degree lens...and a remote. I know most of ya may not think a remote is a big deal, but have you ever waited in a stagging lane with belts and helment on.....and your camera is running using up battery power and memory.

Anyway. The Drift HD-170 is priced similar to the GoPro and has similar mounting options.

I'm sold for the remote, LCD screen and external mic option....I'll be picking one up soon and will post my user impressions.

Brett

[67 ls1 vert]

I was looking at gopro website and it looks like they are coming out with a LCD screen option soon. Not yet released.

[LateNight72]

Old thread, but I just got a "cheapie" pocket camera, a Kodak Zi8 for this purpose alone. At $99 for the camera, and $5 in material for a custom mount. Can't beat it.