What camcorder for trackuse?

I'm thinking of getting a digital camcorder and mount for filming some laps on my trackday excursions.

Got no idea what i need re. spec and format and i only want to spend about 200-250 max on the camera.

What do i need then guys? and is this a realistic budget for something thats up to the job?

2nd question; will i need to get any special programs or anything for editing the films down and sizing them so i can post them up on line???

Cheers
Ian.

 

I use a Samsung Vp-351 115 brand new on ebay, Perfect picture / sound quality and easy to download to Pc with a firewire thingy, The camera mount will cost you 95+ Vat from Dt.

 

My JVC GRDX77 was about 200-250 Ian, plenty good enough.

Steve's sounds a bargain, remember it'll be subjected to lots of vibration , so don't expect it to last forever.

Can use Windows movie maker something like Pinnacle studio to edit vids, you'll need a firewire card in the pc and cable to connect pc - camera (I bought the Pinnacle studio clip software which had the card and cable included)

Another source of mounts is http://www.b-hague.co.uk
Edited by: GVK

 

Youwas talking aboutgetting a new holder yourself weren't you Gary?

 

it will be in mine.


i was thinking of maybe making a mount.

Does it matter what format i get?

 

Mini DV is just fine;, the recordable DVD ones are a bit pointless
unless you want to show all your mates choppy, un-edited footage.

 

I think any of the new type camcorders will fit the bill, mini DV means its a smaller camcorder so aim for those.

The best way to mount the cam is rigidly, this minimizes movement in the mount which gets transfered and amplified to the camera. If mounted rigidly to the car (obviously what your mounting it to needs to be rock solid - remember roll cages vibrate!) you can then turn off the cams image stabilisation, which looses the sickening "wander" that the Imabe Stabilisation cause's due to the the high turn in of track cars.

The only problem with mounting them rigidly is that all of the cars vibrations and impacts are transmitted to the cam, which will inevitable shaft it sideways!

I will always recommend mini cams for track work, do a google search and they always pop up. Put the camcorder into a sturdy case and run the mini cam to where the f**k you like !

You need an av in camcorder (not dv in) a bullet cam and 8x AA batterys. Thats it - that easy. A big blob of bluetak and some tank tape and your off !

Think long term here, i imagine with todays prices you could get all the above for 400ish. Worth a looki on ebay here as your a tight a55

 

hi,


i was looking at cameras for recording a bit of track action.


i found this http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/DogcamPro.htm


great looking cameras and really clear images.


we used abullet camera on a couple of trackdays last year with great results!


im just waiting for a copy of some footage. still


i will post some up when i get it.

 

handy how to

clicky

not too sure on their sucky mounts tho

 

Cheers Folks, have had a good look on ebay and i'll see what comes up.
And no Barny i'm not a tight bottom i'm just thriffy so i can keep more cash for important stuff like beer and trackdays.

Ian.

 

avoid cams that record to DVD, as the vibration will make the recordings useless!

I never did manage to find a car mount for thsi camera

 

You didnt try hard enough ! The guy who makes my mounts did this

 

yeah you can get all kinds, although they restrict veiw hehe

those cameras are new M5 money, image the blokes face when u roll it

 

Are the mounts that go across your headrest any good?

 

Just got a new Manfrotto super clamp off ebay for 13 (21 on b-hague) so will be able to use bits from my new b-hague mount and the super clamp to mount camera to cage once fitted

supaaaaaa clamp
Edited by: GVK

 

Cool ,very handy them things

 

Yes, very good.
I'm using that B-hague one that gary linked to earlier in this thread.


Holds up 2 2kg camera's steady.

example