On Board / in car camera's
I wanted to post this up as I'm sure some of of you will be looking to get on-board/in-car cameras for competitions or track days or drift practice days this year.
I've recently secured support from Action Cameras in the UK to help me capture much of what I'll be up to in 2010 and I wanted to fill you in on what equipment I will be using.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b181/Sully01/cam2.jpg
In the past I've used every type of on board camera system, from bullet cams plugged into camcorders to go-pro, and in truth i've never been 100% happy . Some of you will know that I like to get out on 2 wheels too so I use cameras on the downhill bike also. I'll explain this post though from the point of view of drifting.
In general I want a camera who's lens will capture as much of the cockpit in as possible, has good resolution or clarity, doesn't require rocket science to setup and one that I can line up the shot before I press record. Nothing worse than getting home with 30mins of footage of the dash or the tax disc holder (Believe me its happened). And finally, one that makes it as easy as possible to get the footage online.
So, the kit I'm using this year is the 'Drift Innovation' X170 Cam ( coincidence, honestly !). Couple of reasons we went for this one, particularly with drifting in mind.
1. Its 720p resolution in 16:9 - for everyone else that means its great quality and records in widescreen mode.
2. It has a lcd screen built in meaning that before i press record or secure the clamp, I know im getting the right angle. Also you can play the movies back on the LCD.
3. Very important - it comes with the standard thread for roll cage mounts unlike go-pro which seem to have their own fiddly mounts that I hate. Standard thread means that there are 100's of universal mounts on the market for this camera.
4. The remote Control - Genius. Im sitting on the line in Formula D , all strapped in, 1 min to go and Ive to turn a camera on in the far side of the car? Nightmare. The X170 has a remote that works from 5m away - major problem solved right there.
5. Construction - built of tuff stuff and water resistant. Essential for Downhill or Irish Drifting.
6. Price - I researched them all and to be honest, at approx £200, you wont find a better suited cam for drifting.
7. Comes standard with a load of mounts (Helmet strap, handle bar) and the connector cables to PC or direct to your tv.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b181/Sully01/cam1.jpg
I hope to get out with the camera soon to get some actual footage - cant wait to give it a good once over.
A also got separately a roll cage mount, a 4gb card and some spare batteries. (All of these cameras like to use batteries).
If any of you are interested in getting on board gear, the guys at action cameras are specialists in this area and the delivery was with me in 24hrs. As a bonus they will offer driftireland.com members a 10% discount code on the back of supporting me. The Code is "ERICDRIFT10" which can be used against ANY of their products until the end of the year. It would be great if you could show these guys some support.
Look forward to posting up some videos. If you've any questions or comments ask away or check out www.actioncameras.co.uk
