SmartyCam HD review
10-06-2013, 02:17 AM
#1
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
SmartyCam HD review
I was able to try out a friend's SmartyCam HD today, and here are my thoughts:
PROS:
1) sturdy design
2) super easy to use once properly setup. Just turn on, and go. Will start recording when the car is moving, and stop when the car is stopped. When you're done, just pull out the SD card and plug in to watch on your computer. It's that easy
3) Nice looking gauges that are easy to setup. The gauges are nicer looking than what trackvision has to offer. Also, you can split the gauges up and place them anywhere on the screen, unlike trackvision which forces you to bundle everything together
4) seamless interface with AiM Solo DL
5) Nice camera controls/menu
CONS:
1) Either there is no microphone, or this is the absolute worst microphone/audio input ever designed. Listen to the video below. At first I thought the unit might be defective, but my other friend's smartycamHD sounds the same as well.
Is there an external mic option? If so, it MUST be purchased.
2) The unit is pretty heavy, so even though the RAM mount is sturdy, there is a lot of oscillation and I don't know if I would be comfortable with a suction cup mount used outside of the car on a camera this heavy
3) The video quality is not good for an 'HD' camera. As much as I hate the interface on gopros, the video quality on a gopro is WORLDS better.
4) The LCD viewfinder screen is horrible resolution and TINY. It's pretty tough to see what is going on, especially in the bright sunlight.
5) The cable that connects the camera to a logger like the Solo is too short.
6) You cannot resize the gauges to your liking
7) There are not gauges available for all of the channels that one can log. For example, there is no steering angle display to show your steering wheel position
8) No way to accommodate multiple camera views
9) No display for 'best lap time'
With the exception of the horrific microphone, I think the smartycamHD is the only good plug and play option out there right now for people that want easy, no hassle, data overlay.
I'm a huge fan of the Solo DL. I think that unit is perfection. However, I'm lukewarm on the smartycam. I personally prefer the versatility that trackvision has, and the video/sound quality that I get out of a gopro. However, this route takes time and effort that most people don't want to bother with.
PROS:
1) sturdy design
2) super easy to use once properly setup. Just turn on, and go. Will start recording when the car is moving, and stop when the car is stopped. When you're done, just pull out the SD card and plug in to watch on your computer. It's that easy
3) Nice looking gauges that are easy to setup. The gauges are nicer looking than what trackvision has to offer. Also, you can split the gauges up and place them anywhere on the screen, unlike trackvision which forces you to bundle everything together
4) seamless interface with AiM Solo DL
5) Nice camera controls/menu
CONS:
1) Either there is no microphone, or this is the absolute worst microphone/audio input ever designed. Listen to the video below. At first I thought the unit might be defective, but my other friend's smartycamHD sounds the same as well.
Is there an external mic option? If so, it MUST be purchased.
2) The unit is pretty heavy, so even though the RAM mount is sturdy, there is a lot of oscillation and I don't know if I would be comfortable with a suction cup mount used outside of the car on a camera this heavy
3) The video quality is not good for an 'HD' camera. As much as I hate the interface on gopros, the video quality on a gopro is WORLDS better.
4) The LCD viewfinder screen is horrible resolution and TINY. It's pretty tough to see what is going on, especially in the bright sunlight.
5) The cable that connects the camera to a logger like the Solo is too short.
6) You cannot resize the gauges to your liking
7) There are not gauges available for all of the channels that one can log. For example, there is no steering angle display to show your steering wheel position
8) No way to accommodate multiple camera views
9) No display for 'best lap time'
With the exception of the horrific microphone, I think the smartycamHD is the only good plug and play option out there right now for people that want easy, no hassle, data overlay.
I'm a huge fan of the Solo DL. I think that unit is perfection. However, I'm lukewarm on the smartycam. I personally prefer the versatility that trackvision has, and the video/sound quality that I get out of a gopro. However, this route takes time and effort that most people don't want to bother with.
10-06-2013, 04:22 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
No best lap? Seems to be a pretty basic thing...
10-06-2013, 02:29 PM
#3
CONS:
1) Either there is no microphone, or this is the absolute worst microphone/audio input ever designed. Listen to the video below. At first I thought the unit might be defective, but my other friend's smartycamHD sounds the same as well.
Is there an external mic option? If so, it MUST be purchased.
2) The unit is pretty heavy, so even though the RAM mount is sturdy, there is a lot of oscillation and I don't know if I would be comfortable with a suction cup mount used outside of the car on a camera this heavy
3) The video quality is not good for an 'HD' camera. As much as I hate the interface on gopros, the video quality on a gopro is WORLDS better.
4) The LCD viewfinder screen is horrible resolution and TINY. It's pretty tough to see what is going on, especially in the bright sunlight.
5) The cable that connects the camera to a logger like the Solo is too short.
6) You cannot resize the gauges to your liking
7) There are not gauges available for all of the channels that one can log. For example, there is no steering angle display to show your steering wheel position
8) No way to accommodate multiple camera views
9) No display for 'best lap time'
1) Either there is no microphone, or this is the absolute worst microphone/audio input ever designed. Listen to the video below. At first I thought the unit might be defective, but my other friend's smartycamHD sounds the same as well.
Is there an external mic option? If so, it MUST be purchased.
2) The unit is pretty heavy, so even though the RAM mount is sturdy, there is a lot of oscillation and I don't know if I would be comfortable with a suction cup mount used outside of the car on a camera this heavy
3) The video quality is not good for an 'HD' camera. As much as I hate the interface on gopros, the video quality on a gopro is WORLDS better.
4) The LCD viewfinder screen is horrible resolution and TINY. It's pretty tough to see what is going on, especially in the bright sunlight.
5) The cable that connects the camera to a logger like the Solo is too short.
6) You cannot resize the gauges to your liking
7) There are not gauges available for all of the channels that one can log. For example, there is no steering angle display to show your steering wheel position
8) No way to accommodate multiple camera views
9) No display for 'best lap time'
1) You can use an external microphone. You just need to get the CAN cable with the external microphone connection (I agree the standard mic isn't very good), and then you're good to go.
5) You can order the SmartyCam HD with either a 2 meter or 4 meter CAN cable. I can't imagine the 4m one not being long enough for anyone's needs.
7) Using the Race Studio software, you can setup a custom label that can show you the steering angle. It'll just be a simple number display (not a fancy tilting steering wheel graphic), but it will display. You can do this for any variable that the ECU bridge or Solo DL transmits.
10-06-2013, 02:41 PM
#4
Rennlist
Basic Site Sponsor
Basic Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Durham, NC and Virginia International Raceway
Posts: 18,644
Received 2,793 Likes
on
1,651 Posts
My experience has been favorable with the new camera. Not only is the 720P more than enough to pick out the landmarks I need to point out, but the 84 degree FOV is a big improvement. Having installed these on cars that are very "vibraty" I have been very pleased with the image stabilization and lack of distortion these cameras provide.
Shizzle has answered some of the concerns, but my audio sounds pretty good, especially in an open car. No more crackling or knocking around noises. The exposure control is very good, too.
I was in a pit with four Cayman's this past weekend and when we put an HD in my client's car, he bought one on the spot. Everyone under the tent (they all had the standard SmartyCam in their cars) want one, too.
I like it. Better than expected, by far.
Shizzle has answered some of the concerns, but my audio sounds pretty good, especially in an open car. No more crackling or knocking around noises. The exposure control is very good, too.
I was in a pit with four Cayman's this past weekend and when we put an HD in my client's car, he bought one on the spot. Everyone under the tent (they all had the standard SmartyCam in their cars) want one, too.
I like it. Better than expected, by far.
__________________
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
-Peter Krause
www.peterkrause.net
www.gofasternow.com
"Combining the Art and Science of Driving Fast!"
Specializing in Professional, Private Driver Performance Evaluation and Optimization
Consultation Available Remotely and at VIRginia International Raceway
10-06-2013, 04:04 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Peter, how do you think your audio quality compares to the video I posted above and the video here:
These are 2 different cameras. Both open top boxster spyders. Both cruddy audio. Do you think both are defective, or does your sound similar? I've very curious to know.
While there is an external mic solution for the smartycam, unfortunately there is NO external mic solution for the smartycam HD currently
These are 2 different cameras. Both open top boxster spyders. Both cruddy audio. Do you think both are defective, or does your sound similar? I've very curious to know.
While there is an external mic solution for the smartycam, unfortunately there is NO external mic solution for the smartycam HD currently
10-06-2013, 05:34 PM
#7
Rennlist
Basic Site Sponsor
Basic Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Durham, NC and Virginia International Raceway
Posts: 18,644
Received 2,793 Likes
on
1,651 Posts
No, and no external microphone option as yet. An automatic gain control for both the audio and light levels has been incorporated into the HD camera. You can select "Closed" or Open" vehicles in the settings for light level.
This is because the CAN cable is 5-pin male to 5-pin male, not like the original SmartyCam.
Joe, my audio is better, but I don't know why? Let me screw around with mine more.
This is because the CAN cable is 5-pin male to 5-pin male, not like the original SmartyCam.
Joe, my audio is better, but I don't know why? Let me screw around with mine more.
Trending Topics
10-06-2013, 05:58 PM
#8
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Thanks Peter. I see the spot meter selection for open or closed top (makes no difference in audio), but I can't find anything to adjust audio. Let me know if you find anything.
10-08-2013, 04:41 PM
#10
Rennlist
Basic Site Sponsor
Basic Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Durham, NC and Virginia International Raceway
Posts: 18,644
Received 2,793 Likes
on
1,651 Posts
10-08-2013, 08:52 PM
#12
Rennlist
Basic Site Sponsor
Basic Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Durham, NC and Virginia International Raceway
Posts: 18,644
Received 2,793 Likes
on
1,651 Posts
Rene, refresh my memory? Which car, which ECU?
10-09-2013, 12:59 AM
#14
Racer
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
10-09-2013, 09:10 AM
#15
Rennlist
Basic Site Sponsor
Basic Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Durham, NC and Virginia International Raceway
Posts: 18,644
Received 2,793 Likes
on
1,651 Posts
Yes! The MXL/EVO4 expansion allows for as many AiM accessories as you want connected through AiM's own CAN to the 5-pin female "EXP" ports on those loggers. The AiM CAN Hub allows turning one open expansion port into 4.
If you use the MXL Exp port for your antenna, you'll need a CAN Hub plugged into the MXL, then plug the antenna and the SmartyCam (regular or HD) into the hub.
The difference with the new camera is it uses a 5-pin female connector on the back of the camera to standardize that connection scheme. The new cameras come with new cords, and if you have to change from an original SC, you'll need to change the cable.
If you use the MXL Exp port for your antenna, you'll need a CAN Hub plugged into the MXL, then plug the antenna and the SmartyCam (regular or HD) into the hub.
The difference with the new camera is it uses a 5-pin female connector on the back of the camera to standardize that connection scheme. The new cameras come with new cords, and if you have to change from an original SC, you'll need to change the cable.
