Bullet cams.........

[SimonV8ster]

Is there a difference between the quality of video captured using a bullet cam compared with using the camcorder by itself ?? Sorry if it sounds a bit of a dumb question but just getting interested in getting a bullet cam. I've seen some footage of people using their camcorders inside their car and I may have space to mount a camera inside the nose cone of my car but wondered whether it was worth the risk (i.e. lens could get smashed by a stone), at least if it was a bullet cam it could be replaced more easily I guess but wondered whether the quality would be dramtically different ??

[GetCarter]

If you buy a decent sony bullet the quality is virtually identicle. You also have the benefit of being able to put it anywhere on the car (works well taped to your skid lid on track), and also can get hold of the thin glass that goes in front of the bullet lens if it gets stone chipped.

The main problem with bullets is getting a decent sound (the mics are generally too 'hot').

[EdT]

mics.. agreed.. I tend to stick mine in the boot, with a generous foam windshield around it for good measure.

[Lambochick]

You can see a sample here

The quality for web use is slightly reduced, but not to the same extent as something posted on Youtube.

That particular clip was filmed on a bullet cam fitted with the equivalent of a wide angle lens (about 3mm I think). I would have to ask Mr C for full details as he's the technical one.

The only downside that I am aware of is that whilst the camcorder is capable of filming in 16:9, anything recorded from the bullet cam is in 4:3

The footage we took during our Italy trip has been put on to DVD and I personally can't say I can detect a difference in quality.

[SimonV8ster]

Thanks for the replies and thanks for the clip, looks really good quality.

I take it when you see them described as 420,480 or 520 lines, etc (or whatever) the higher number the better resolution ?? Whats the best to go for ?? Is there anypoint in going for a top of the range bullet cam with the highest resolution if you've got a 'standard' DV recorder ??

[SimonV8ster]

Another thing, can you run a digi cam off the car or do you have to run it off its batteries and re-charge later ?? If so, what do you need ??

[DIW35]

Bosscerbera has done a lot of in/on car footage and has tried a number of solutions. Bullet cameras can be run off a cigarette lighter but it's not recommended as there is a chance that you lose power at a vital moment due to vibration or bumps in the road. Most bullet cams will run for several hours off batteries, and many are available with a rechargeable pack, so it doesn't need to be a pain having to carry spares.