Claus Groth

I have been using an in-car DV camera. It has functioned well but is difficult to use. I chose one with a remote control so that I could start it while strapped in. Unfortunately I didn't discover until well into the manual that it cannot be started with the remote. The camera must be in PAUSE mode for the remote to start it. If not started within three minutes, it shuts off. Apparently, Pause is not good for the recording head so it is programmed to stop and this cannot be overridden. I don't know, but I'm guessing that all DV cameras are like this.

So, last event, there was a vehicle and wall to sweep up and I sat in the hot pits quite a long time. To keep the camera ON, I start it every two minutes for ten seconds and then PAUSE it again. It has worked this way for at least two years but I guess that I finally ruined the recording head.

I saw a lipstick camera that records directly to hard drive for $1000 recently in a magazine but that is not in the cards right now. I have been looking at DVD cameras on line but have no idea how they handle bumps.

Thanks for any suggestions?

smankow

I've had the same happen to me, as well. You simply need to "blip" the record on/off buttons and you'll be fine. I've had it happen mostly at the start of the sessions. Only one time was I recording where a black flag was thrown where we sat in the hot pits. I called a worker over and asked him if he could turn off/on the camera to save the battery - not a problem.

Steve

Dr.Porsche

I seem to recall that in a thread not too long ago, people were saying the DVD worked great in the pits, but the on-track vibration was too much and would shut off. I was just about to purchase one too. I went DV instead.

Palting

Yup, I just bought a Sony DVD one a few months ago, and the suckers shut off from the vibration. I can still get a few laps in, though, before it shuts off. Better to get something else.

smlporsche

Any particular model #'s??

I'm in the market also, Christmas you know...

Larry Herman

I have a Sony miniDV camera. It works fine and has a wired remote that allows you to shut off and restart the camera as well as operate the record function.

JackOlsen

Here's a new low-cost option someone brought up on the Pelican BBS:

Waterproof, self-contained, no moving parts, bullet cam

Here's a recorded sample.

JayP

Sweet. I have been waiting on a cheap flash camera.

bravocharlie

I have a friend who is the regional Sony rep. I talked to him about a DVD camera vs. tape camera. He said not to do the DVD because of vibration and it will shut off. He also indicated that the tape produces a better quality recording than the DVD or the HD versions of their camera.

The camera is a Sony Hi Def 16:9 camcorder.

Dr.Porsche

I bought a canon zr 80 off of ebay with a fisheye and wide angled lens three tapes and bag for $150. The fisheye is awesome. I can see the entire dash and really not that weird wrap around effect I thought i would get. Some people also suggest a filter for the brght sky. There was a whole thread on this I think. I am going to look into that bullet camera though!

f1rocks

I just bought a complete set up with (2) Bullet cameras (one 520, one 420) and a PIP splitter box for $400. I am using a Canon ZR 45 MC.

The splitter was $159 which was the best PIP price I've seen from anyone plus it is 12v so it can be direct wired in to the car. It can handle input from 4 cameras.

Best thing is the camera can be in the passenger compartment so I can turn it on and off very easily.

karlooz

wow not bad. cheap enough to take a risk on it.

Rick964

I had just discovered the Oregin Scientific the camera the other day and I am strongly considering one. Here are links to two other sample videos from them (although neither one is great for their own reasons, poor mounting or poor overcompression by YouTube)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H92195HL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8sq9aQRrdM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDBHrY2oGRM

Rick964

BTW, I just found the cheapest place online to buy the Oregon Scientific ATC-2000 -
http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/
use coupon code "moon" in the shopping cart and it is $95, with free shipping to your door
I just ordered one

std. disclaimer - no affiliation, blah, blah, blah

karlooz

damn. i was too quick on the trigger. just oredered one this morning.