What mountable cameras are you using in 2014?
Discussion
I have done a few track days now and I think it's time for me to buy a mountable camera and software solution to record my laps to help me improve (and to show off to friends at a later date when I get better). I have tried searching on here and via Google for any other forum threads globally that are dedicated to this subject in 2014 but I've struggled to find any relevant hits.
With so many action cameras on the market nowadays by the likes of GoPro, Sony, Ion, JVC, Panasonic, Polaroid, Kodak, etc. what are you guys now using to record your track days in full 1080p (or even 4K) glory? What software is accurate and easy to use to record your lap times and other relevant pieces of data? Racelogic, Harry's Lap Timer, etc.?
It would be very useful if in your response you could list your setup, write a list of pros and cons and/or review, and link one of your videos to show off the quality.
With so many action cameras on the market nowadays by the likes of GoPro, Sony, Ion, JVC, Panasonic, Polaroid, Kodak, etc. what are you guys now using to record your track days in full 1080p (or even 4K) glory? What software is accurate and easy to use to record your lap times and other relevant pieces of data? Racelogic, Harry's Lap Timer, etc.?
It would be very useful if in your response you could list your setup, write a list of pros and cons and/or review, and link one of your videos to show off the quality.
Easiest way is to get a mount for iPhone etc and use Harry's Laptimer and you can get data and video and laptimes on screen. Easy to download single laps to YouTube.
Later iPhones have much better gps but is reasonably accurate for 0.5s here and there.
Using cameras can be a lot more time consuming after. If you are a geeky nerd who likes electronics get the vid camera, otherwise if you like it short and simple use Harrys
Later iPhones have much better gps but is reasonably accurate for 0.5s here and there.
Using cameras can be a lot more time consuming after. If you are a geeky nerd who likes electronics get the vid camera, otherwise if you like it short and simple use Harrys
I use only a GoPro Hero 3+ Silver, which I picked up for £210 on eBay. They're still around at this price. I bought it for the dual purpose of skiing and track use, and with the intention of shooting at 720p 60FPS most of the time to keep good quality with manageable file sizes.
I don't actually have a good photo of my mount setup, but you can see it lurking in the background here. It's very simple, just a thin aluminium box section from Wilko with eight holes drilled through it so I can use U-bolts to clamp it to the front headrest posts!
The vid below contains plenty of footage from it. All of this has been recoded to reduce file size, so actual quality is a little better - sharper display of the dashboard etc - and as I mentioned, I only shoot in 720p rather than the full 1080p the camera is capable of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHRaiBCeRRk
Battery life is pretty good, it can do about an hour and a half continuous filming in these settings, and with a simple 12V adapter I can recharge it in the car anyway. My favourite thing about it, though, is the WiFi connectivity. This allows me to see the camera's current view on my phone, which is very handy for getting angle and exposure right, and I can watch video back on my phone too.
I'm pretty impressed with Harry's Lap Timer, but because of video quality concerns from iPhones etc. I would only use it in conjunction with my GoPro and then overlay the data afterwards. It is a stunning value data logger, though.
I don't actually have a good photo of my mount setup, but you can see it lurking in the background here. It's very simple, just a thin aluminium box section from Wilko with eight holes drilled through it so I can use U-bolts to clamp it to the front headrest posts!
The vid below contains plenty of footage from it. All of this has been recoded to reduce file size, so actual quality is a little better - sharper display of the dashboard etc - and as I mentioned, I only shoot in 720p rather than the full 1080p the camera is capable of.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHRaiBCeRRk
Battery life is pretty good, it can do about an hour and a half continuous filming in these settings, and with a simple 12V adapter I can recharge it in the car anyway. My favourite thing about it, though, is the WiFi connectivity. This allows me to see the camera's current view on my phone, which is very handy for getting angle and exposure right, and I can watch video back on my phone too.
I'm pretty impressed with Harry's Lap Timer, but because of video quality concerns from iPhones etc. I would only use it in conjunction with my GoPro and then overlay the data afterwards. It is a stunning value data logger, though.
GoPro or Drift look to be the best, with the price tag to match.
I recently bought an SJ4000 to mount on the Dax, it's a cheap go pro copy. Does full HD and all that and seems a good budget option - about 60 quid from memory. At that price I'm not going to worry so much about bouncing it off a rock snowboarding either.
I recently bought an SJ4000 to mount on the Dax, it's a cheap go pro copy. Does full HD and all that and seems a good budget option - about 60 quid from memory. At that price I'm not going to worry so much about bouncing it off a rock snowboarding either.
I use a GoPro Hero 3 for the "main" video feed, and Mobius HD ActionCams for foot/rear/passenger views. The Mobius are decent cameras, although not in the same league as GoPro, but are perfect for "picture in picture" footage. They are also less than £60 so they keep the cost down. The GoPro has atrocious battery life, I solved this by drilling a hole in the case so I can keep it permanently powered via a USB cable when mounted on my car. I also keep the Mobius cameras powered on the car with USB cables.
I use a RaceCapture Pro datalogger, the log files are compatible with Race Render 3 software which I use to convert the data into speedo/rpm guages etc. Finally, I use PowerDirector to do all the video editing.
Couple of examples of using different camera angle set ups:
http://youtu.be/1mPeELh33gY?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Snetterton track day
http://youtu.be/3y6PO6qfXAA?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Supercar Event charity day passenger reaction
http://youtu.be/liVCFqt29hE?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Airfield hooning
I use a RaceCapture Pro datalogger, the log files are compatible with Race Render 3 software which I use to convert the data into speedo/rpm guages etc. Finally, I use PowerDirector to do all the video editing.
Couple of examples of using different camera angle set ups:
http://youtu.be/1mPeELh33gY?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Snetterton track day
http://youtu.be/3y6PO6qfXAA?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Supercar Event charity day passenger reaction
http://youtu.be/liVCFqt29hE?list=UUsUzLLhQij4QgG1F... Airfield hooning
I use a couple GoPro 3s on a selection of mounts. Rennline tow loop mount works well, as does a GoPro stick on mount on the inside of the windscreen (behind the read view mirror to keep it out of your sightline) or attached to a Manfrotto clamp on the roll cage. If it is to be used inside the car, the Frame mount will let you power it in situ from a USB car charger (and that mount comes with the music edition if you never intend to mount externally and don't need the waterproof casing).
Internal GoPro
External GoPro
I sometimes (not often to be honest) play with Harry's Lap Timer (though for the video overlays rather than actual timing, about which I simply do not care on a track day). The best option for that is to build up a phone mount from the RAM Mounts range with an adhesive (not suction) attachment (again - out of sight behind the rear view mirror {otherwise it would be unwise for road use and a possible MOT failure if not removed before testing}).
The phone can also be mounted to the cage with a clamp - then you get something like this old one
Internal GoPro
External GoPro
I sometimes (not often to be honest) play with Harry's Lap Timer (though for the video overlays rather than actual timing, about which I simply do not care on a track day). The best option for that is to build up a phone mount from the RAM Mounts range with an adhesive (not suction) attachment (again - out of sight behind the rear view mirror {otherwise it would be unwise for road use and a possible MOT failure if not removed before testing}).
The phone can also be mounted to the cage with a clamp - then you get something like this old one
Edited by DiscoColin on Tuesday 25th November 19:33
I use a bit of everything!!!
1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
Edited by LaSource on Tuesday 25th November 20:04
CrazyCayman said:
OP, please forgive me for chipping in, but could I ask if anyone can recommend an external microphone for plugging in to the Go Pro 2 when filming internal footage, my goal is to pick up a little more engine note on video playback.
Any input would be much appreciated.
Cheers.
I use an extension cable with an external microphone for the camera inside the car - mainly for better quality. Any input would be much appreciated.
Cheers.
As the engine is in the back of a 911, the microphone is then placed on the rear inside cabin in between where the rear seats would have been (absent in a GT3)
However, I also 'cheat' a bit in the linked video posted above. I also have a GoPro mounted at the rear outside the car for the rear shot. This mic on this camera picks up noise from the engine as well as exhaust. When putting together the final video, I blend this externa soundtrack with the internal soundtrack for a deeper note.
Always liked GoPros but always promised I'd buy one when they inevitably came down in price as they seemed to make pretty similar cameras for quite a long period and were clearly shifting quite a lot of them.
As far as I can tell GoPro opted to pocket these savings and not pass any on to the customer. I resent that.
Then a couple of weeks ago I had a play with the SJ4000, a fraction of the cost with pretty much all the functionality. That's where my money went.
The cheap copies make GoPro's prices look quite silly in my opinion, especially the prices of extras and accessories.
As far as I can tell GoPro opted to pocket these savings and not pass any on to the customer. I resent that.
Then a couple of weeks ago I had a play with the SJ4000, a fraction of the cost with pretty much all the functionality. That's where my money went.
The cheap copies make GoPro's prices look quite silly in my opinion, especially the prices of extras and accessories.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crocolis-HD-Extreme-Sports...
Comes with a variety of mounts some good, some useless. The sound is ok with the back plate down or with an external mic. 720p@60fps is good and makes the lense wideangle 180 degree which is ideal for windscreen mount. 1080p@30fps is possible but the lense is only 120 degree at this setting - would be fine mounted behind the headrests.
I added one of these for a windscreen mount (think currys do these for £5):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Liquid-Image-Profile-Actio...
Budget setup but for me it's all I need as I've found youtube the limiting factor above 30fps or above 720p.
Good review available here:
http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2011/9/18/the-crocoli...
Comes with a variety of mounts some good, some useless. The sound is ok with the back plate down or with an external mic. 720p@60fps is good and makes the lense wideangle 180 degree which is ideal for windscreen mount. 1080p@30fps is possible but the lense is only 120 degree at this setting - would be fine mounted behind the headrests.
I added one of these for a windscreen mount (think currys do these for £5):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Liquid-Image-Profile-Actio...
Budget setup but for me it's all I need as I've found youtube the limiting factor above 30fps or above 720p.
Good review available here:
http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2011/9/18/the-crocoli...
Edited by Black_S3 on Wednesday 26th November 03:16
Go Pro Hero 3
skeleton case allowing for a mic for sound.
http://www.actioncams.co.uk/gopro-hd-skeleton-hous...
Manfrotto super clamp is superb
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-035-s...
Hama Mic which is superb and has a god cable length
http://www.crookedimaging.co.uk/hamamic46117-hama-...
skeleton case allowing for a mic for sound.
http://www.actioncams.co.uk/gopro-hd-skeleton-hous...
Manfrotto super clamp is superb
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-manfrotto-035-s...
Hama Mic which is superb and has a god cable length
http://www.crookedimaging.co.uk/hamamic46117-hama-...
LaSource said:
I use a bit of everything!!!
1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
That's great footage! It makes a great improvement over the standard "mounted on dash" view you get with most peoples footage. I especially like the "pedal cam", I found my eyes almost constantly drawn to that section of the video..1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
Edited by LaSource on Tuesday 25th November 20:04
Synchromesh said:
McSam said:
B&Q mate, B&Q... Still the coolest thing I've ever had thrown in with a car. It almost makes up for you handing me a detached foglight with "Sorry, I hit a cone yesterday".....
Phateuk said:
LaSource said:
I use a bit of everything!!!
1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
That's great footage! It makes a great improvement over the standard "mounted on dash" view you get with most peoples footage. I especially like the "pedal cam", I found my eyes almost constantly drawn to that section of the video..1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
Edited by LaSource on Tuesday 25th November 20:04
I find I get to film all the control inputs (steering wheel, gear box, throttle, brake, clutch) and can then see why I was quicker or slower on my best lap of the day.
The throttle position sensor also enables to see when you apply full gas, when you are lifting, coasting, etc.
Shame I can't get a brake position reading from the CAN bus (without additional hardware) for how hard the brakes are being applied.
LaSource said:
Phateuk said:
LaSource said:
I use a bit of everything!!!
1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
That's great footage! It makes a great improvement over the standard "mounted on dash" view you get with most peoples footage. I especially like the "pedal cam", I found my eyes almost constantly drawn to that section of the video..1x GoPro
2x GoPro 2
1x Racelogic performance box
1x Racelogic video vbox (with 2 bullet cams!) hooked into the CAN bus for rev/accelerator data
I know, its a bit silly. To be honest, I bought the Performance Box and GoPro first. Later upgraded to GoPro 2.
Vid quality was great, but got bored having to sync vid with data logger in dashware...
Then I bought a video vbox for simplicity (integrated vid and data logger)...it helped to sync all the video streams.
Recently I've started using all of them for fault redundancy...
I've yet to upgrade to GoPro 3. Ive got too many accessories (spare batteries, memories, cases, etc) for the GoPro/GoPro2 platform
I'm very happy with the GoPros. I also use them on vacations, skiing, once on a flying lesson with the Performance Box too for gps/altitude/knots logging, etc.
The GoPro 3 video quality does look excellent though...will have to upgrade at some point
Example vid below...
http://youtu.be/fVcRi7ZlDA0
Edited by LaSource on Tuesday 25th November 20:04
I find I get to film all the control inputs (steering wheel, gear box, throttle, brake, clutch) and can then see why I was quicker or slower on my best lap of the day.
The throttle position sensor also enables to see when you apply full gas, when you are lifting, coasting, etc.
Shame I can't get a brake position reading from the CAN bus (without additional hardware) for how hard the brakes are being applied.
Last time out I forgot to turn the GP off while having a break and it ran out of battery after my second session, leaving me doing emergency charges from the car USB between sessions
Phateuk said:
Yeah that's all useful to have when reviewing your track time. I suppose the effort you put in pays off, I imagine it takes a while to edit it all together, plus the coordination of the cameras while at the track - I commend you I struggle to keep one go pro and a data recorder running lol, my best effort was go pro + torque app on my phone then using race rander to put it together which took me hours (still not exactly in sync with the data and video ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4a0XHdLTzY
Last time out I forgot to turn the GP off while having a break and it ran out of battery after my second session, leaving me doing emergency charges from the car USB between sessions
Actually it takes a lot less time with the vbox. The vbox is fully integrated. i.e. you pop put the memory card, fire up a video file and all the telemetry and video is on the same file.....so within 5 minutes I'll have the fastest lap of the day. I just need to note either which session the fastest lap was in, or which car I was following out of the pits, and then can very quickly zero in on the right GoPro file....rest is a synching of the relevant vid files.Last time out I forgot to turn the GP off while having a break and it ran out of battery after my second session, leaving me doing emergency charges from the car USB between sessions
But no minute synching as you would do in dasher or race render.
But yes, on the day you do have to turn on all the cams before venturing on track and turn them off again upon return to pits.
You video seems very smooth and well rendered
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff