POV action camera

[DaleTx]

I am looking to purchase a new action camera that I can mount in my car for videoing track day events, and off road motorcycle riding. It seems like the GoPro Hero 3 is the most popular, but there are some new ones out that are pretty nice… Contour +2, and the Sony action cam.

The GoPro has a wireless remote, the Contour and Sony can be switched on using an I Phone or Android mobile phone. I am looking for some input on what other guys on here are using… and some input on picture and sound quality.

There was one video I saw on here (Scott Borduin's 69 Camaro in car camera) that showed G forces accelerating, decelerating, and lateral G’s… this would be a nice.... but I have not been able to find a camera with that feature.

[sshep71]

I use the VIO POV 1.5 HD camera over here. Its awesome, its a "lipstick" style camera so it mounts anywhere and you can put whatever size SD card in. They are more expensive than the other cameras, but it is worth it.

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by sshep71

I use the VIO POV 1.5 HD camera over here. Its awesome, its a "lipstick" style camera so it mounts anywhere and you can put whatever size SD card in. They are more expensive than the other cameras, but it is worth it.

Thanks!

Anyone have any more input on a good in car camera set up? I have done some research on the internet... most of the new new action cams seem to provide good images but there seems to be mixed reviews on sound quality.

Leaning towards a Hero 3 right now ... from what I have read the sound quality is improved on the 3 compared to the older models. Planning on buying something this weekend so any feedback on in car camera set ups is appreciated.

[GregWeld]

Dale --- I like USING my Contour HD.... I know when it's on and or off... big slide button on the top! Super simple.


I also have a Go Pro --- which I can NEVER remember all the stuff like what to do if it's mounted upside-down...


I just bought (at SEMA) a Go Pro with the latest remote but have yet to use it yet.

[Sieg]

Greg - The Hero3 has an improved function menu and an additional power on indicator light...........it's much simpler than your Nikon.

I have a grudge with GoPro due to 4 camera's with audio issues that are manufacturing defects and they know it...........but I'll bet that due to marketing expenses and the number of units in the market they can't afford a recall.

My Hero3 had similar audio issues and I went straight to the guys I was previously battling with and ask them to explain this one..........didn't hear from them for over 3 weeks, then I received an email requesting I upload the just released firmware and let them know if it resolved the issues. It did based on limited testing. It's the best raw audio I've heard from one of their products. Will it last? I don't know.

Sadly, all said and done I still think they currently have the most versatile POV with the best combination of video and audio quality on the market.

Dale - this was the main audio test, music is from the truck stereo with the camera mounted in a skeleton case: http://youtu.be/T8vhmoUNz-k

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Dale --- I like USING my Contour HD.... I know when it's on and or off... big slide button on the top! Super simple.

Greg- Thanks for the feedback on the Contour camera! I do like the simplicity of operation. Also.... it's the only camera I have found that has GPS built in. You always hear about the Go Pro's but that's good to know the Contour is working good for you.

Originally Posted by Sieg

Dale - this was the main audio test, music is from the truck stereo with the camera mounted in a skeleton case: http://youtu.be/T8vhmoUNz-k

Sieg- Thanks for the video with the sample of the audio! The Hero 3’s are nice cameras… I’m glad to hear you were able to resolve the issues with the audio. You are the man on the camera stuff ...You sure spoil your dogs, Lol.


At this point I am leaning towards the Contour +2 because of the built in GPS. With the GPS you can document your speed and position while your recording... and then the software will display a layout of the track, car position, speed, and G-forces on the playback... pretty cool feature!


Here is an in car video of the Contour cam mounted in a Ferrari F40 at Sonoma Raceway (from the Contour website). Check out the info in the frame at the bottom of the screen. This is the GPS feature... it shows the track layout, car position, speed and G-forces.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=83Y70JrYLiA

I’m going to pick up the Contour camera just so I have more techno stuff to play with… next Friday I will be out the the track so I can test it out.