Go Pro Hero 3 vs??????

[johnnewcomb62]

I have a technical question for all the high tech guys.
I am pondering getting a video device to play with in
my DSR. Of course I know some about the Go Pro but
was wondering if there may be a better less advertised
system out there for racers. I am NOT high tech more
of a stone and chisel type so I will need something simple
and that doesn't require alot of attention. Just want
something easy to use that is tough. I have heard of
camera's on glasses, helment mount ones ect. Just
want something basic to record some laps.

Thanks,
John

[nicktcr]

If you're looking for something simply to record video, hassle free and simple, you might look into the Sony Action Cam. I got one for just that purpose, and it's great. After a little bit of basic setup, there's only one button on it really, and that's the big fat "RECORD" button on the back.

Does 1080p HD like anything else, has built in image stabilization (really nice to not have a shaky video), fantastic battery life (a single charge did more than an entire track day for me), can come in WiFi versions so you can control with your phone and such, and is reasonably priced.

I know people like the Contour HD, but I have not personally played with those.

[JohnW8]

I use the Contour and it's great. Unfortunately, I heard rumors that Contour has gone bankrupt. Bankruptcy doesn't have any effect on the camera as long as it doesn't need warranty work.

Go Pro seems to be constantly improving their product.

[johnnewcomb62]

Thanks for the info guys! I have talked with several people so far
and there are several options. Roll bar mount, helment mount, even
some in glasses. So I guess it just really depends on what I find
at the best deal since they are all really good anyway.

Best of Luck to all!

John

[Cholewa]

Thanks for the info guys! I have talked with several people so far
and there are several options. Roll bar mount, helment mount, even
some in glasses. So I guess it just really depends on what I find
at the best deal since they are all really good anyway.

Best of Luck to all!

John

I would stay away from body mounted cameras, the movement of the body (whether it be helmet or chest or glasses) gives a weird feeling with the stabilization. Mount it on something solid.

[johnnewcomb62]

I have seen the product of both and yes I tend to agree with you M. Cholewa.
I also want whichever device mounted so that you see the drivers hands as well
as the track. If you don't see the drivers hands and he's doing a decent job it
looks like a nice Sunday drive through the park. I am thinking of a rollbar mount
on the Cheetah and play with it till I get the correct veiw.

Thanks ya'll!

John

[zukitek]

I bought a go pro hero3 and was pleased with the quality of the video it too but was a little disappointed by the sound recording. I am using the open back rollbar mount and you could barely hear my cars exhaust at all. Funny thing though...all the cars I would come up on and pass...you could hear them all too well. I was puzzled by that especially since the sony I used previously had very good sound recording of my car with the same mounting , but it was an old camera that is not really an action cam and had a very small amount of memory

[nicktcr]

That's just because your car is too quiet

[zukitek]

yeah ....try telling my wife that when Im running it in the garage while shes in the house trying to watch TV

[TouringBubble]

Using the open back on the GoPro case helps with audio, but I agree that it's lacking in that area.

[johnnewcomb62]

OK so I think we are all in that the Go Pro may not be perfect but its the best
product for the money! We are planning to attend the PBOC event this weekend
at Barber so maybe I can meet some of you guys there. Feel free to come by and
say hello you prolly won't have a problem finding me I usually am down on the
lowest level close to pit in.
Thanks all,
John

[TouringBubble]

Some GoPro tips ...

• Get the smart phone app. It allows you to preview the shot.
•*Don't leave the WiFi on after you are done with the app, unless you are using the remote. WiFi kills the battery quick, and says on after you turn the camera off.

[zukitek]

another go pro tip. Buy the battery bacpac . Its well worth the money if you wanna make it through the weekend without having to worry about the battery going dead. At PBOC a few weeks ago I recorded 4_20 minute sessions on the same battery without charging either the bacpac or the battery and missed nothing. Also like Matt said ...get the smartphone app because it sux to try and reach the camera while strapped intot he car and safety gear . The remote is slick.