TimeLapse Road Trip
Discussion
Starting to plan a road trip along Route 66 and some side loops for summer 24 - do want to record as much as I can of the drive - if you see YouTubers such as InterstateKyle https://www.youtube.com/@InterstateKyle , Adventure Every Day https://www.youtube.com/@AdventureEveryDay and FreewayJim https://www.youtube.com/@Freewayjim you will see the type of Timelapse or x3 speed thing I am looking to do.
Am thinking GoPro 10 or 11 that is powered directly from the 12v socket rather than battery ( https://havecamerawilltravel.com/gopro/external-po... ) - with a card big enough to record about 6 hours (which would easily be the max driving per day). I would then look to transfer that card to a HDD or cloud storage when safely in the hotel of an evening.
The GoPro would give some versatility when out of the car, or should I just go for a 4k dash cam for the driving bit?
Is there a better way to do what I want? Would be very grateful for ideas.
Thanks.
Am thinking GoPro 10 or 11 that is powered directly from the 12v socket rather than battery ( https://havecamerawilltravel.com/gopro/external-po... ) - with a card big enough to record about 6 hours (which would easily be the max driving per day). I would then look to transfer that card to a HDD or cloud storage when safely in the hotel of an evening.
The GoPro would give some versatility when out of the car, or should I just go for a 4k dash cam for the driving bit?
Is there a better way to do what I want? Would be very grateful for ideas.
Thanks.
One small thing, dont rely on the hotels wifi will be able to upload 6 hours of driving every night, so come with a couple of cards!
This will be especially true if your at motels not hotels
Ive done a few road trips with my gopro 9- things id note;
Mounting to the dash is useful to easily adjust the view if something comes up you want to capture - big down side is the reflections as well as all the bugs your accumulate as you journey on.
Mounting on the roof using suction cups do not always work and the go pro will fly off
The GoPro is a tough item and will prob be fine, as long as your not on a major road / people following you dont run it over before you notice its missing and gone back to find it!
Bring plenty of different grips for different situations
Is it your vehicle? if not bring various ways to connect with long leads as different cars seems to stick usb ports/ 12v ports in different places
Gorpro will be useful to video when you stop at attractions, although you can use your phone for video if needed, just ensure you hold it the correct way around and not vertical so it works well on a TV
GoPro largest weakness is its night capability, it sucks, so if you planning on night drives you may want to relook at the options
This will be especially true if your at motels not hotels
Ive done a few road trips with my gopro 9- things id note;
Mounting to the dash is useful to easily adjust the view if something comes up you want to capture - big down side is the reflections as well as all the bugs your accumulate as you journey on.
Mounting on the roof using suction cups do not always work and the go pro will fly off
The GoPro is a tough item and will prob be fine, as long as your not on a major road / people following you dont run it over before you notice its missing and gone back to find it!
Bring plenty of different grips for different situations
Is it your vehicle? if not bring various ways to connect with long leads as different cars seems to stick usb ports/ 12v ports in different places
Gorpro will be useful to video when you stop at attractions, although you can use your phone for video if needed, just ensure you hold it the correct way around and not vertical so it works well on a TV
GoPro largest weakness is its night capability, it sucks, so if you planning on night drives you may want to relook at the options
satans worm said:
One small thing, dont rely on the hotels wifi will be able to upload 6 hours of driving every night, so come with a couple of cards!
This will be especially true if your at motels not hotels
Ive done a few road trips with my gopro 9- things id note;
Mounting to the dash is useful to easily adjust the view if something comes up you want to capture - big down side is the reflections as well as all the bugs your accumulate as you journey on.
Mounting on the roof using suction cups do not always work and the go pro will fly off
The GoPro is a tough item and will prob be fine, as long as your not on a major road / people following you dont run it over before you notice its missing and gone back to find it!
Bring plenty of different grips for different situations
Is it your vehicle? if not bring various ways to connect with long leads as different cars seems to stick usb ports/ 12v ports in different places
Gorpro will be useful to video when you stop at attractions, although you can use your phone for video if needed, just ensure you hold it the correct way around and not vertical so it works well on a TV
GoPro largest weakness is its night capability, it sucks, so if you planning on night drives you may want to relook at the options
Thanks This will be especially true if your at motels not hotels
Ive done a few road trips with my gopro 9- things id note;
Mounting to the dash is useful to easily adjust the view if something comes up you want to capture - big down side is the reflections as well as all the bugs your accumulate as you journey on.
Mounting on the roof using suction cups do not always work and the go pro will fly off
The GoPro is a tough item and will prob be fine, as long as your not on a major road / people following you dont run it over before you notice its missing and gone back to find it!
Bring plenty of different grips for different situations
Is it your vehicle? if not bring various ways to connect with long leads as different cars seems to stick usb ports/ 12v ports in different places
Gorpro will be useful to video when you stop at attractions, although you can use your phone for video if needed, just ensure you hold it the correct way around and not vertical so it works well on a TV
GoPro largest weakness is its night capability, it sucks, so if you planning on night drives you may want to relook at the options
Plan was to mount on the screen, and filming through the screen. we will be stopping often so I guess a damp cloth to clean the screen often will be useful. Might try some mounts in differing locations on the car when we get chance to - to have a pop at some decent film making!
Am thinking GoPro 10 as it is a fair bit cheaper (feel free to tell me I am wrong) - and might allow me to also get one of those Insta 360 cameras - I know my daughter is quite keen for one of those. Those, our iPhones and my DSLR will be a lot to take, but should cover all bases.
Will be a hire car - probably a larger SUV. Understood re cables - but first stop is Chicago and I will need to pop to a Walmart anyway on Day 1 to get a cool box. As we know, Walmarts sell everything!
I've done a few videos when abroad using a GoPro mounted on the bonnet, wing, roof, tailgate with a suction cup, far better view from inside the cabin IMO. But you will need to run a cable for power.
No idea what size memory card you would require for 6 hours, does a GoPro support memory cards of that size (you'd need to work this out and then determine the max supported card size).
Likewise, from my experience GoPro's get hot over time, I have no idea what that would be like when powered not battery, and for that duration. Again, maybe having the camera outside of the vehicle would help with cooling?
I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
Finally, unless you have plenty and I mean plenty of free time following your trip, it's going to take days/weeks to edit that footage, something that frankly is a PITA for me.
No idea what size memory card you would require for 6 hours, does a GoPro support memory cards of that size (you'd need to work this out and then determine the max supported card size).
Likewise, from my experience GoPro's get hot over time, I have no idea what that would be like when powered not battery, and for that duration. Again, maybe having the camera outside of the vehicle would help with cooling?
I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
Finally, unless you have plenty and I mean plenty of free time following your trip, it's going to take days/weeks to edit that footage, something that frankly is a PITA for me.
Freakuk said:
Likewise, from my experience GoPro's get hot over time, I have no idea what that would be like when powered not battery, and for that duration. Again, maybe having the camera outside of the vehicle would help with cooling?
I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
Thanks Freakuk.I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
https://store.insta360.com/product/suction_cup_car...
GoPro overheating from what I have read is not too much of a problem when powered by pass through - i.e. from the USB or 12v in the car straight to the camera - much like a dash cam would be powered.
I would agree, the Insta360 is a decent alternative with that big advantage, but I don't think it can be powered in the same fashion - which will mean multiple batteries, meaning regular stops - but we will be stopping regularly anyway for sight seeing so maybe more viable than I first thought. I was unaware of the 30min video length - will need to do some reading but surely they can be stitched together in editing? Also I believe the Insta does not take as high capacity card as the GoPro. Will Investigate!
What about the GoPro Max? Or is that not anywhere near as good?
As for editing times (which I intentionally cut from your quote) I was banking on not editing the majority of those videos - but I am conscious I am unaware how to change a 1x video to 2x or 3x video. Will keep me off the streets and give me something to do in my boring teams meetings!
mattyn1 said:
Freakuk said:
Likewise, from my experience GoPro's get hot over time, I have no idea what that would be like when powered not battery, and for that duration. Again, maybe having the camera outside of the vehicle would help with cooling?
I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
Thanks Freakuk.I'd also suggest looking at an Insta360 as an alternative to a GoPro, I purchased one back in Jan for a holiday to Costa Rica. The beauty of the 360 is that it is filming 360 degrees, when you review/edit the footage you may want to track something which you may overtake for example, rather than just fly by as you would in a GoPro. It's much more versatile in that you can just turn it on and not have to worry if you have something in shot as it's recording in 360 degrees. However, I believe they only do 30 mins video then split the file and start another 30 min video.
https://store.insta360.com/product/suction_cup_car...
GoPro overheating from what I have read is not too much of a problem when powered by pass through - i.e. from the USB or 12v in the car straight to the camera - much like a dash cam would be powered.
I would agree, the Insta360 is a decent alternative with that big advantage, but I don't think it can be powered in the same fashion - which will mean multiple batteries, meaning regular stops - but we will be stopping regularly anyway for sight seeing so maybe more viable than I first thought. I was unaware of the 30min video length - will need to do some reading but surely they can be stitched together in editing? Also I believe the Insta does not take as high capacity card as the GoPro. Will Investigate!
What about the GoPro Max? Or is that not anywhere near as good?
As for editing times (which I intentionally cut from your quote) I was banking on not editing the majority of those videos - but I am conscious I am unaware how to change a 1x video to 2x or 3x video. Will keep me off the streets and give me something to do in my boring teams meetings!
As an example I was in Colorado last year, GoPro on the bonnet going bottom to top of Pikes Peak, it's a long old road and we stopped several times to take in the scenery. In post I sped the footage up quite a bit, then slowed it down on certain points where the views/drops were visible, if you set the camera in a timelapse setting that option won't be there.
I don't have any knowledge of the GP Max sorry, but it is quite an old camera now and bigger/bulkier than an x3 (which will easily slide into your pocket), I assume it has been updated over time?
One thing worth noting for any 360 camera, the quoted resolution is for the full 360 view so when you edit in post your viewing resolution will be 1/2.
Final point for 360 cameras, they have a fish-eye lens which isn't flat so if dropped can easily be damaged/scratched. I know Insta360 sell plastic stick on covers, but they get mixed reviews, I haven't bothered if I am honest. I assume the GP Max would have this problem given it's a similar setup.
Freakuk said:
You can hardwire an Insta360 and record at the same time, so that's answered that one. The Insta360 x3 which is what I have does have a timelapse setting built in, I think GoPro's do also, so that would reduce the storage required. That being said you can easily speed up the footage in post, and likewise slow down to focus things.
As an example I was in Colorado last year, GoPro on the bonnet going bottom to top of Pikes Peak, it's a long old road and we stopped several times to take in the scenery. In post I sped the footage up quite a bit, then slowed it down on certain points where the views/drops were visible, if you set the camera in a timelapse setting that option won't be there.
I don't have any knowledge of the GP Max sorry, but it is quite an old camera now and bigger/bulkier than an x3 (which will easily slide into your pocket), I assume it has been updated over time?
One thing worth noting for any 360 camera, the quoted resolution is for the full 360 view so when you edit in post your viewing resolution will be 1/2.
Final point for 360 cameras, they have a fish-eye lens which isn't flat so if dropped can easily be damaged/scratched. I know Insta360 sell plastic stick on covers, but they get mixed reviews, I haven't bothered if I am honest. I assume the GP Max would have this problem given it's a similar setup.
Again, thank you. As an example I was in Colorado last year, GoPro on the bonnet going bottom to top of Pikes Peak, it's a long old road and we stopped several times to take in the scenery. In post I sped the footage up quite a bit, then slowed it down on certain points where the views/drops were visible, if you set the camera in a timelapse setting that option won't be there.
I don't have any knowledge of the GP Max sorry, but it is quite an old camera now and bigger/bulkier than an x3 (which will easily slide into your pocket), I assume it has been updated over time?
One thing worth noting for any 360 camera, the quoted resolution is for the full 360 view so when you edit in post your viewing resolution will be 1/2.
Final point for 360 cameras, they have a fish-eye lens which isn't flat so if dropped can easily be damaged/scratched. I know Insta360 sell plastic stick on covers, but they get mixed reviews, I haven't bothered if I am honest. I assume the GP Max would have this problem given it's a similar setup.
Where you say hard wired, do you mean wired to the car fuse box, or do you mean from the 12v or USB socket? We will be hiring an SUV so wiring into the cars electrics is a non starter. I guess we are talking recording while charging with the USB in the car - that is a big win for the simplicity.
Pikes Peak is on my list of places to go - hopefully we will be able to do a loop through Co from R66 - want to do Independence Pass and Million Dollar Highway as well. After Independence, am considering stopping in Aspen, or Snowmass (hotels just a bit cheaper) or trundling on to Glenwood Springs. Can I get to Durango (via Million Dollar Highway) from Glenwood in a day? Google says it's feasible......!! Intent is to go from Durango to Four Corners and then onto Monument Valley.
Anyway, I think an external mount on the back is in order for those drives - with the invisible stick - which in my head will be rather cool - as long as there are no local rules for Pikes and external cameras. All should be sedate drives and reasonably safe.
I like the speed up/slow down in editing - max versatility is what I really want.
mattyn1 said:
Freakuk said:
You can hardwire an Insta360 and record at the same time, so that's answered that one. The Insta360 x3 which is what I have does have a timelapse setting built in, I think GoPro's do also, so that would reduce the storage required. That being said you can easily speed up the footage in post, and likewise slow down to focus things.
As an example I was in Colorado last year, GoPro on the bonnet going bottom to top of Pikes Peak, it's a long old road and we stopped several times to take in the scenery. In post I sped the footage up quite a bit, then slowed it down on certain points where the views/drops were visible, if you set the camera in a timelapse setting that option won't be there.
I don't have any knowledge of the GP Max sorry, but it is quite an old camera now and bigger/bulkier than an x3 (which will easily slide into your pocket), I assume it has been updated over time?
One thing worth noting for any 360 camera, the quoted resolution is for the full 360 view so when you edit in post your viewing resolution will be 1/2.
Final point for 360 cameras, they have a fish-eye lens which isn't flat so if dropped can easily be damaged/scratched. I know Insta360 sell plastic stick on covers, but they get mixed reviews, I haven't bothered if I am honest. I assume the GP Max would have this problem given it's a similar setup.
Again, thank you. As an example I was in Colorado last year, GoPro on the bonnet going bottom to top of Pikes Peak, it's a long old road and we stopped several times to take in the scenery. In post I sped the footage up quite a bit, then slowed it down on certain points where the views/drops were visible, if you set the camera in a timelapse setting that option won't be there.
I don't have any knowledge of the GP Max sorry, but it is quite an old camera now and bigger/bulkier than an x3 (which will easily slide into your pocket), I assume it has been updated over time?
One thing worth noting for any 360 camera, the quoted resolution is for the full 360 view so when you edit in post your viewing resolution will be 1/2.
Final point for 360 cameras, they have a fish-eye lens which isn't flat so if dropped can easily be damaged/scratched. I know Insta360 sell plastic stick on covers, but they get mixed reviews, I haven't bothered if I am honest. I assume the GP Max would have this problem given it's a similar setup.
Where you say hard wired, do you mean wired to the car fuse box, or do you mean from the 12v or USB socket? We will be hiring an SUV so wiring into the cars electrics is a non starter. I guess we are talking recording while charging with the USB in the car - that is a big win for the simplicity.
Pikes Peak is on my list of places to go - hopefully we will be able to do a loop through Co from R66 - want to do Independence Pass and Million Dollar Highway as well. After Independence, am considering stopping in Aspen, or Snowmass (hotels just a bit cheaper) or trundling on to Glenwood Springs. Can I get to Durango (via Million Dollar Highway) from Glenwood in a day? Google says it's feasible......!! Intent is to go from Durango to Four Corners and then onto Monument Valley.
Anyway, I think an external mount on the back is in order for those drives - with the invisible stick - which in my head will be rather cool - as long as there are no local rules for Pikes and external cameras. All should be sedate drives and reasonably safe.
I like the speed up/slow down in editing - max versatility is what I really want.
For both GoPro and Insta360 there are literally so many aftermarket mounts/selfie sticks available so I wouldn't worry too much about buying a genuine accessory, obviously search for reviews to check if they're any good. The Insta360 uses the standard camera mount, so you could use any standard camera accessory.
I would however be belts and braces on mounts/selfie sticks etc. For context I've heard the Insta360 selfie sticks aren't very strong at speed, so probably not advisable to bolt their stick to a car at speed, but mounting direct via the suction cup you eliminate the stick, again additional mounts to clamp the pole and a better pole would be a better option. I'd consider a tether also from the camera to something if it did go wrong.
Another thought the 360 in car might be a good shot also, as you could spin the footage in post to see you driving etc.
Freakuk said:
Yes just USB powered, whatever adapter will work in the vehicle - USB port/cigarette lighter etc.
For both GoPro and Insta360 there are literally so many aftermarket mounts/selfie sticks available so I wouldn't worry too much about buying a genuine accessory, obviously search for reviews to check if they're any good. The Insta360 uses the standard camera mount, so you could use any standard camera accessory.
I would however be belts and braces on mounts/selfie sticks etc. For context I've heard the Insta360 selfie sticks aren't very strong at speed, so probably not advisable to bolt their stick to a car at speed, but mounting direct via the suction cup you eliminate the stick, again additional mounts to clamp the pole and a better pole would be a better option. I'd consider a tether also from the camera to something if it did go wrong.
Another thought the 360 in car might be a good shot also, as you could spin the footage in post to see you driving etc.
Apologies for appearing rude and not responding to this. Great stuff - thank you. Quite like the idea of 360 to get some in car footage - especially to get the expressions when I realise I am driving on the left!! For both GoPro and Insta360 there are literally so many aftermarket mounts/selfie sticks available so I wouldn't worry too much about buying a genuine accessory, obviously search for reviews to check if they're any good. The Insta360 uses the standard camera mount, so you could use any standard camera accessory.
I would however be belts and braces on mounts/selfie sticks etc. For context I've heard the Insta360 selfie sticks aren't very strong at speed, so probably not advisable to bolt their stick to a car at speed, but mounting direct via the suction cup you eliminate the stick, again additional mounts to clamp the pole and a better pole would be a better option. I'd consider a tether also from the camera to something if it did go wrong.
Another thought the 360 in car might be a good shot also, as you could spin the footage in post to see you driving etc.
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