video camera suggestions ??

#1

I need to replace my tape based in-car video cam. Please tell me which equipment works well for you.

I want to be able to download the files directly to my MacBook Pro without any format conversions if possible.

Thanks, Ron H

#2

GoPro just came out with a HD version (records to memory cards or you can access footage on camera via USB). I don’t know what format the files are saved out in, but the old ones were fine on a mac. Problem becomes editing, not saving directly out. Hopefully the HD version is a more friendly format.

Skeen used one at VIR:

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

#3

The GoPro HD is what I’ve been thinking about to replace my old fashion DV POS

#4

Just went through the same type of question on another forum:

http://roadraceautox.com/showthread.php?t=26509

#5

I use a cheap Aiptek one like this:
http://www.aiptek.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=R-AHDB&Category_Code=HDC&Store_Code=AS

At 130 bux, I won’t cry if it gets destroyed. It’s also SD-based instead of tape based, so no moving parts means you can bash it around a fair bit. I mount it using a Stickypod mount. I also have a Helmetcamera.com lipstick cam that I put on my helmet when I do motorcycle trackdays.

Example footage:
http://vimeo.com/user1902178/videos

#6

I have a Aiptek A HD+ that I got off of ebay for 80 dollars that records in 1080 at 30fps or 720 at 60fps. It takes really good video and is fairly durable.

#7

If you are looking at a data system down the line, then the chase cam setup is the best. Traqmate has all the software to easily combine the two on your video. Chase cams seem to work well by themselves and are very easy to setup.

#8

FYI GoPro Coupon code for 15% off HERO-SP15TXX

expires dec 31

#9

greydog wrote:

+1 on the Traqmate/ChaseCam setup IF you really want to review the ‘game day’ films and data. Traqmate synchronizes with video automatically and the dashboard & track map can be overlaid on your video.

The other advantage of the Chasecam is the memory cards (compact flash) can hold a ton of video. I have a 32 gig card that will go all weekend. Quite handy for enduros.

If you use the picture-in-picture ChaseCam box you can see how bad you suck at braking with consistent pressure (assuming you even hit the brake pedal). Or maybe it’s just me.:ohmy:

But, the cost is pretty steep. If you are just looking for something to catch the ohsh!t moments for YouTube, there are cheaper ways of getting it done.

#10

The beauty of ChaseCam DVR is that it can synch video with a data logger. It’s pricey tho. You can save some $$ if you avoid the pricey Chasecam camera and buy a cheaper one. Just hit Ebay and buy a camera with a 1/3" Sony CCD.

#11

Steve D wrote:

[quote]…the chase cam setup is the best.

But, the cost is pretty steep.[/quote]

And the picture quality sucks, especially considering the price tag.

#12

TheRedBaron wrote:

[quote]Steve D wrote:

[quote]…the chase cam setup is the best.

But, the cost is pretty steep.[/quote]

And the picture quality sucks, especially considering the price tag.[/quote]
I guess the 5:30 am feeding didn’t go well? Man are you cranky! :laugh:

The picture quality on my videos may suck because of the settings I use. I don’t record at the highest quality and the small files sizes (pre- and post-production) might be the problem. Or the system may suck. Dunno.

#13

Have you seen the World Challenge footage? It’s the CCD. I just think that for that much money it should be able to reproduce better picture quality.

Not cranky, I ate just fine.

#14

Resurrecting this thread. My old Sony mini-DV camera, which functionally works fine, and I generally like the resulting footage, has developed the unfortunate habit of shutting off mid-race, especially if I jump a curb with too much enthusiasm.

So, my requirements are: mount to my IOPort camera mount, use digital storage media, and if possible provide for hardwired power source via the car’s electrical system. HD not particularly important. Will be editing on MS Movie Maker.

I’ve seen recommendations for the Apitek HD+, and the GoPro HD. The latter is a good bit more expensive.

I have a Traqmate system and never seriously contemplated a synch system like the Chasecam. Don’t care about the entertainment value, but if those of you who have an integrated TM data/video solution want to argue for the educational value of it, I’m all ears.

#15

i love my aiptek setup which uses a standard ioport mount and is hardwired to the car’s electrical system. you’ll want to make a support bracket and the wiring requires some custom work but if i can figure it out anyone can.

#16

Having used an old Apitek for three years, I just ordered a new HD camcorder.

It’s a Kodak Zi8 ($96.95 delivered). It will do 720P at 60 Hz. It’s suppose to work while being charged which is one thing Apitek could not do.

When I get it, I’ll report back with some test footage.

#17

Here are a few I’ve be eyeballin’

ATC9K HD All Terrain Video Action Camera
http://tinyurl.com/38q6m63

ContourHD 1080p HD helmet camera
http://tinyurl.com/2c2yw3z

http://contour.com/contourhd/accessories

#18

csrow wrote:

it can, just requires a custom (homemade) power cable

#19

jtower wrote:

[quote]csrow wrote:

it can, just requires a custom (homemade) power cable[/quote]
When I plug my Aiptek in to power, the device turns itself off. What are you doing differently such that you can record while connected to power?

#20

if you plug in the AC cord, the camera will charge and operate at the same time. this is because it uses a non-standard pin (#4 iirc) on the mini-usb connector, the camera detects this and operates normally. however a regular mini-usb cable doesn’t use this pin so the camera goes into “data transfer mode”, probably because the usb standard only allows for 150mv (500mv in some cases) which isn’t enough to operate it.

the solution is to snip off the end off the AC charger and splice it on to a 5v source (i use a cigar lighter power cord from an old cd player which is an easy way to get 12v -> 5v). or use an inverter in the car but that seems so inelegant, but i know people who do it. i also had to wire in a cigar lighter adapter but that was easy enough, and i put it on a switch so i could control it manually, along with the traqmate. works like a charm, i never have to remove the camera from the car and never worry about batteries. in fact you can remove the battery entirely and it’ll still work but i keep mine installed so it will operate even without vehicle power.