mhm993

I didn't have a walgreen nearby for the black friday deal, so...

Does anyone have recommendations for a good, inexpensive video camera and roll cage mount for the cars?
These things change so quickly that search wasn't too helpful. Thanks.

mark kibort

The Go Pro camera works pretty well and it is pretty cheap for the entire system ready to go to the track.

jpk

Pick up a cheap mini-DV cam; you can get one for <$150 these days. I'd recommend a wide anlge lens adapter ($40 universal type that screws on to the front of the lens) I can get the entire windshield view and dash/gearshift so I can see what I'm doing, even read the speedo and tach from the tape (well, I can't actually see the numbers, but I know what they are)
For a mount, have a look at BH Photo-video; they have a universal clamp-on mount for $30 or so.

jdistefa

+1 on the Go Pro camera.

pongobaz

I just got this super cheapo HD cam at Walmart last month http://www.aiptek.com/, but I haven't had a chance to use it at the track yet (season's over ) But the set-up I've used so far is a cheap miniDV cam mounted using The Cleat vacuum mount (from either http://www.filmtools.com/cleatsuccamm.html or vacuummounts.com). It's a pretty cheap set-up at less than $300 at it holds very well inside and outside the car. . Even if the mount failed (highly doubt it) and the camera went flying off, I'd only be out a few hundred bucks.
I assembled this track video from various exterior and interior positions with the mount; see for yourselves:

Gary R.

I would be more worried about the 100+ MPH missle and who it would kill behind me. IOPort makes a great, very adjustable roll bar mount for just over $100..

+1 for Aiptek. Solid state (no moving parts), HD, up to 6 hours of recording time, battery never dies (with DIY charger setup).. all for well under $200.

mhm993

cool

ApexPerformance

Marc - we sell both GoPro and the IO Port mounts - Rennlist members save 10% - promocode is rennlist-10 or call to order or if you have any questions!

PS: We have a great deal on GoPro - receive a 2 GB SID card and 2 lithium batteries at no charge with the camera - and with the rennlist discount, it's a great deal. Free ground shipping too. http://www.apexperformance.net/CartGenie/prod-1694.htm

Linda - Apex Performance

mhm993

Linda: I'm reading up on the go pro products.


If I go Aiptek, am I purchasing a 720 model, with car charger, extra memory, remote control, and an ioport mount? Or is there another setup I ought to consider?
Thanks

APKhaos

Here's a better look at what the Aiptek delivers. Ignore the data - it was a test usign one of my stock clips from the Aiptek. http://www.vimeo.com/1614534

mhm993

Thanks Tony--I guess you're a bit of an expert on these matters.

I couldn't get the link to play--perhaps I have an outdated version of flash and will check on another computer later.

MHM

APKhaos

Yep, you need a recent version of the Flash player to play the HD stuff.

Chris Alvarado

I've used the Aiptek models before. Considering it is a cheap camera it did quite well. It is light so you get almost no shake at all. Plus the compression creates a relatively small file. The Casio digicam I use now is excellent on the quality but it produces a 1+ gig file per session.

RickBetterley

I am impressed with the image quality of this sample.
MARC - note that the video is shot at VIR WHERE YOU AND MINDY SHOULD HAVE BEEN LAST MONTH (shouting intended).

RickBetterley

Hmm, you've gotten my attention with the Aiptek.
I assume there are choices in terms of models and stuff to buy with it? if so, what is the recommended set up (I assume I will use my existing I/O port mounting and will be matching the video up with TrackVision).
Maybe Tony can weigh in here.