Best Video Camera?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 445
Likes: 4
From: USA
Best Video Camera?
After watching Mike's video of Thunderhill, I realize I need a new digital video camera to replace my old Hi-8.
With electronics, it seems that everything I ever bought in the past has much more capability than I could ever use (which reminds me of Jay Leno's comment about the GT3: "It has so much more capability than I could ever use --kinda like dating an aerobics instructor"!!)
Anyway, would be interested in digital camera recommendations anyone might have. Looking for ease of use, usability in-car at track, editing with the camera itself is not important since there are so many fine programs available, easy to downlaod. There are probably some other features I should be interested in, but I don't really have the experience or expertise to know. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
With electronics, it seems that everything I ever bought in the past has much more capability than I could ever use (which reminds me of Jay Leno's comment about the GT3: "It has so much more capability than I could ever use --kinda like dating an aerobics instructor"!!)
Anyway, would be interested in digital camera recommendations anyone might have. Looking for ease of use, usability in-car at track, editing with the camera itself is not important since there are so many fine programs available, easy to downlaod. There are probably some other features I should be interested in, but I don't really have the experience or expertise to know. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,735
Likes: 4
From: Got Revs ???
Well there is a huge range to choose from for Mini DV digi cams. I use a semi pro Canon GL1...It closely meets broadcast quality standard. For something more compact and not too big, there are a variety of good camera's out there. Canon, Sony, Panasonic are the brands I would focus on. One important feature to look for in camera's is image stabilization. There are two types...Optical and Digital. Optical is superior for image quality since the lense elements actually move to stablize an image under video situations where you are holding the camera and panning or mounting inside of the car for jars and bumps that will shake the camera. Digital image stablization actually manipulates the image pixels, hence degrades image quality. Check out vid camera review sites that give full feature reviews and point out each camera's strenght's and weakmesses.
http://desktopvideo.about.com/cs/cam...amguide303.htm
http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/cameraList.php
http://www.consumerdvreviews.com/camcorders/
http://desktopvideo.about.com/cs/cam...amguide303.htm
http://www.dvspot.com/reviews/cameraList.php
http://www.consumerdvreviews.com/camcorders/
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 0
From: FL Space Coast
One option, if you're a fan of high tech gadgets, is a video system that will superimpose data like speed and g-loads on in-car video. These systems require a camcorder with a video input as they use a seperate "lipstick" camera for the in-car video and just use the camcorder as a video recorder. The new catalog from Racer Parts Wholesale (http://racerpartswholesale.com/) had a couple of these systems listed.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
John, I am using a RaceCam. It is brand new so I don't yet have a lot of experience with it, but it seems to work well and is very well built. Image stabilization is excellent as you can see in my Thunderhill lap. It also includes a very nice adjustable neutral gradient filter that balances the relatively brighter lighting outside the car with the relatively darker interior of the car. The wide angle lens is also very nice. The RaceCam itself is just a video/audio source, so you need a recording device. I use a Panasonic MiniDV camcorder in a padded bag behind the seat. Pretty much anything will work as along as it accepts S-video and stereo audio inputs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: Mulsanne Straight
Originally posted by mds
John, I am using a RaceCam.
John, I am using a RaceCam.
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Pro
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John, I ordered the high-resolution, S-video and stereo audio options. S-video is necessary for high-resolution. The stereo audio consists of two microphones that you can mount anywhere in the cockpit. Wind noise at high speed is a big issue however. I tried several locations and ended up with them mounted under the rear carpet near the strut mounts and fire wall. I think one channel could instead be mounted on your helmut for voice, but I have not tried this yet. Alternatively, maybe you could route an intercom output to one channel of the recorder. One more thing to consider, if your camcorder has the appropriate remote control connector a remote control would be nice also so that you can easily start and stop the recording while strapped in the seat. Mine does not so I did not order this option.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 445
Likes: 4
From: USA
Mike,
Very helpful suggestions, as usual. Thank-you VERY much!!
WE need to get these cars together on the track sometime with the same video set-up!! Would make for some interesting footage!!.
(there's the upcoming POC event at Fontana, the Tribute to Le Mans. I'm registered --c'mon down)
Best,
JP
Very helpful suggestions, as usual. Thank-you VERY much!!
WE need to get these cars together on the track sometime with the same video set-up!! Would make for some interesting footage!!.
(there's the upcoming POC event at Fontana, the Tribute to Le Mans. I'm registered --c'mon down)
Best,
JP