Hello and good day to everyone.

Before I start with this let me just say that I have searched for 'latest' on this topic and have actually posted previously on this subject as well; However some of this info is now a little old considering how fast the digital-recording hardware market is shifting and I also want feedback specifically regards cameras as well as the mount.

After having looked at Dogcams site and perused YouTube for results on setups like the MiniDVR1 and ContourHD I've decided I need HD, mainly because it simply looks loads better but also I prefer the 16:9 aspect such as the ContourHD gives; Panoramic just feels more natural to nasty oldskool 4:3 and should afford a more interesting view both out the windscreen but also of myself and my shoddy attempts at circuit driving.

After considering the ContourHD it dawned on me that a good quality Camcorder may be a better option as I can use it for other stuff as well.

The good people at Dogcam have told me that this isn't a good idea as it wont last long with all the bumps and vibration; but they would say that obviously, especially as I was asking about the ContourHD that they sell.

So my questions here are :-

Have people generally been OK with using a camcorder? And has anyone tried one of the latest HD camcorders such as the newer, smaller, lighter Panasonic or Sony?

Do these camera's require something more substantial that a suction mount to the wind deflector (baring in mind they are pretty small and light nowadays)? I was hoping a suction mount may be adequate otherwise the ZTec one that a few of you have may be the right way to go.

I noted with eSeM's setup with the ZTec that the Rear view mirror is quite prominent in the picture; Is there scope to adjust a little to minimise this eSeM? Or do people find that with a camera mounted at the wind deflector that this is unavoidable?

Lastly; Has anyone had any issues with having a camera setup on a trackday? I realise it depends which track and which organiser most likley and also whether you've asked permission but am just wondering in general if anyone has specifically been 'told off' or asked to remove the camera? If so, which circuits and which organisers?

Cheers People
Dan

 

I have used Modifry's mount with a Sony HD7 camcorder
Picture quality was great when still, stability was $hite
Every litte bump sent the camcorder in to a frenzy of autoadjustment trying to maintain the quality.
IMHO you are asking too much of a HD camcorder hence I sold mine
For trackdays you usually need it inspected as fixed and suitable

 

He now has a lower version to try and clear the rear view

http://www.modifry.com/products/mounts/camera/ws-lp.htm

I also tried the two versions of his "windshield" one - same problem.

 

I have used the taller Modifry mount on a trackday with a bullet cam from Dogcams. Quality was good enough for me, and I don't remember there being any shake from the videos I recorded.

I do know iconixvideo makes a HD bullet cam, but it will be big money. The only other option is to get a better, more secure mount and place the HD video camera by the wind screen. This does mean you won't see yourself, but it should prevent camera shake.

Also keep the external mic as far away from any wind noise as possible. I always tape mine to the passengers A pillar away from the open window and air vents.

 

I work on a TV show, we use the Iconix 2K HD camera's for in car shots, might be a bit pricey though. The quality is excellent if you have enough light.

Whichever camera you go for you should look at the "Fat Ghecko" mounts we use which are around

 

Thanks for the feedback Mikey; that's put me off the idea of the Camcorder tbh.

So am I correct in saying that nobody who'se used a camcorder of any type has got good results?

Jamie; Dogcam are singing the praises of this bullet cam for HD.
http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/contour...met-camera.htm

If you check out YouTube (search for ContourHD) theres lots of great looking HD footage (1280x720, so not full-fat HD but good enough) but all from bikes. I've spoken to Dogcam and they are recommending this camera to me for in-car Trackday use.

Thanks also Bash but that Iconix Kit looks a bit pricey for my wallet; Also the Gecko mounts look a tad on the large side as I really want to mount between the seats on the secret Comp and get footage of what I am doing as well as the view out of the windscreen.

I want to use the footage to analyse what the hell I'm doing as at times I genuinely don't know precisely what I did as my control inputs are so fast and instinctive (thats certainly not a boast either as I don't always get it right, hence wanting to be able to see it)

It's a minefield is this

 

I use a windscreen mounted cheapo JVC standard def camcorder and it works pretty well. Got my Quad Sucker Windscreen Mount from http://www.fastfilms.co.uk/camera-suction-mounts.php who do an s2kuk discount.

I also have an ultra clamp, which I indend to clamp to the wind deflector, but have no idea how well it will work http://www.fastfilms.co.uk/fixed-camera-mounts.php

Here's some example vids on youtube (dowloaded at lower quality).

Road driving[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kogV6u3_6ko [/media]

and track [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NemxtP-Vts [/media]

 

Bit of undertaking there mate in the first video

Once you over take me in the second video you can still hear my exhaust right up until the end of the video

 

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/Hypersonik...utdriftday_auto

Video was taken using a cheapish

 

I have a panasonic HDC SD5 and it takes very good quality video although I've not used it on the car yet.
The main issue I have with HD is trying to edit it..you need some very tasty high end spec PC to edit it without getting into difficulties.

I can just about edit small clips using my laptop with a dual core processor and 4gb of RAM and a 1TB external hard disk. It seems to need masses of memory to render the pictures.