Budget video camera required for track days.

[haircutmike]

Hi guys.

Looking to buy a cheapish camera, (we are in a recession you know!), for track days.
Nothing special, just a basic camera that can be clamped to the roll bar of my tiv.
There are so many out there, it's a bit of a minefield.
I guess one of the main considerations is, how it stands up to vibration.

I could go s/h, if anyone has any kit that they want to sell, let me know.

Cheers,

Peter.

[CarreraKid]

Hi,

Have you thought about a Flip Video? Cost around £75 you can get an action attachment to fix it to bike handlebars or roll cage etc. They're really simple to use and quality is fine for stuff going on the net. Worth a look a reckon for a cheap simple option.

[Chocmonster]

This company make cameras which are specially made for mounting on cars, motorbikes, etc. Don't know how budget your budget is but they start at $179.00.

http://www.goprocamera.com

[Cactussed]

Don't know about track days, but I bought a cheapo used camera off Ebay (£90 I htink?). Its mini DV as apparently they don't have issues with vibration. Importantly, I bought one with and external mic input so no matter where the camer is mounted, I get great sound from it.

I've had it mounted inside and outside the car (F355) on some interesting roads (bumpy, narrow lanes) at pace (50mph plus) and the video has been great quality. Very steady, and the camera doesn't even have steady shot.

I use a suction mount (b-hague I think) which is brilliant.

Having the external mic input is key. I use a stereo lapel mic (£20) from Maplin wrapped in loads of cotton wool (cust al wind noise) and tepd between the exhausts and its brilliant.

[Cactussed]

ETA: Quick sample without editing here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh4_eg5KFvU

Video quality is crap due to compression, full size file is perfect. Will give you an idea about the sound though.

[mikee boy]

^^^ What he said.

However, if you get 2 mikes and a splitter you can have one inside your helmet too for added grunts and swearing. Makes an interesting commentary, especially if you get it all wrong!

[Cactussed]

mikee boy said:

^^^ What he said.

However, if you get 2 mikes and a splitter you can have one inside your helmet too for added grunts and swearing. Makes an interesting commentary, especially if you get it all wrong!

Ooh! Great idea!

[haircutmike]

Thanks for your advise so far.
Any particular make to go for?
I assume avoid the cheap Chineese copies.

P.