teamking

Hey all,

For years, I've been using a Replay XD1080 for video, an AIM solo for data, and RaceRender to merge and edit (example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIpfw3q-xJM). I've gotten to be pretty good at synchronizing the data/video, but it's still a pain.

Recently, my XD1080 is starting to give up. I think it has just been vibrated to death. The focus has gotten bad (it has become near-sighted), the audio has never been great, and now the connector on the back that supports the hard-wire kit (remote start/stop and charging) no longer works. I can still charge it outside the car with a USB cable if I bend the cable in the right direction so that it creates a connection. Bottom line: I'm ready to replace it.

So, what are my options. It doesn't look like any of the Replay models support the hard wire kit that I have (different connectors on the back of the newer cameras), so I don't see them as being great options. I'd love to get an AIM Smartycam HD, but at $1000, it just seems to pricey. So here are the options as I see them:

1. GoPro. This is the default.
2. Cheap. For $45, the Ion 1011L Air Pro Lite Wi-Fi Camera is very highly rated on Amazon. I give up remote start/stop, but I should be able to wire it up for charging. https://www.amazon.com/Ion-1011L-Lit...rb_top?ie=UTF8.
3. Integrated. I am thinking the Garmin VIRB XE with the Auto Racing Bundle should do everything I want. Yeah, the 1HZ GPS isn't good enough for data analysis, but it is good enough to make good videos and it seems to have >10Hz resolution on the accelerometer data, plus I get throttle position from the obd2 port. I can still use my AIM solo when I want to get really deep into the data analysis with its 10Hz GPS data. I have a $100 coupon from SCCA for the VIRB XE w Auto bundle, so that brings it down into the low $300 range.

Thoughts on any of the above, especially from folks that are making videos with data?

Thanks!

MattZ28

I just picked up a Sony HDR-AS200v which has integrated GPS. Very nice camera and the iPhone controls are in real time, unlike GoPro which has a ~5 second delay.

I got it from Best Buy before they sold out online...for $199 including the live view remote which is a smokin' deal.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-as2...99257800050001

Might be able to find one locally. The quality is very nice, especially with the built-in image stabilization.

anorexicpoodle

Not sure how serious you are about data but if you have a Solo DL, I would consider a SmartyCam. I took the leap in december after one too many go pro failures and havent looked back.

I was easily into the go pro for 50% of the cost of a smartycam (mounts, memory cards, etc).

Pros:
Its powered by your soloDL so it never runs out of juice
The soloDL automatically starts and stops recording and marks laps on the video so there is no issue about forgetting to start it or recording 25 minutes of sitting on grid and using up your battery that way.
Data is actually recorded over top in realtime (the video comes off the memory card with the overlay).
No clunky smartphone apps (I cant use my phone in car with gloves on)
No flaky wifi etc.

Cons:
Cost. A new smartycam setup is more expensive than most action cams.

Here is an example of how the data comes right off the memory card (only post production was cutting the lap out and adding intro and credits)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X3rD4lFAos

teamking

Thanks, but I have a plain-old AIM solo (non-DL). So, the full setup would be about $1600+, minus whatever I could get for the solo. Doesn't seem worth it when I could do all the same with a cell phone and some peripherals, but I'd be willing to pay a *little* more for an integrated package.

teamking

Do you have any videos with data to share? I like the price!

clarkster009

I use my Galaxy S6 and it works great.

teamking

So, I decided on the Garmin Virb XE with the Auto racing bundle. I also bought a modifry gopro mount (the Garmin mounts are identical to the gopro).

I made this video last night: EDIT: Removed. Here is video from first autocross: https://youtu.be/3lM5qJegEiY.

As the first video, it wasn't so simple to get all the gauges set up, but I stored it as a template and I think subsequent videos are going to be a piece of cake. I am extremely impressed!

The only quirk (and it's really more of an annoyance is that the throttle ranges from 5% (at idle) to 90% (pedal fully depressed). Maybe I need to check my linkage and see if I can open the throttle another 10%! The other thing is that it took the Virb Edit software quite a while to render the video, (like 30 minutes), but my laptop is old and slow.

decepticondc5

video link seems to be busted?

Topplayer

Check out the Garmin virb, has all the sensors and a lap timer, real easy to edit and overlay the data. Here is two test videos
https://www.youtube....h?v=R2wfGQtGvr0

https://www.youtube....h?v=J9CKmn8y2NY



edit:
just finished reading the thread. Good purchase! LOL
TL;DR

khaosman

A period seemed to get added to his link... here you go:
https://youtu.be/a8DG_Bd8tvg