I've been having problems lately w/ getting shaky video and bad recordings. I am looking to get a new camcorder/video recording system to get better video and was wondering what you guys have found to be the best way to go about doing this. Right now I have a Sony 8mm Handycam w/ SteadyShot that was recently cleaned and I still see no improvement in recording quality, the tape still jumps around just as much as it did before. TIA for helping me decide what step to take next.

 

I use a circa 1989 JDM SVHS-C Panasonic on an IO-Port mount attached to the roll bar. I have also used a Sony Digital 8. Neither have had much trouble with jitter.

 

This is what I also use, supposedly it has shock absorbsion built in and it seems to work well for me.

 

I bought a small RCA Pro8, 8mm VHS camcorder used for $100, and it mounted to a I/O Port camera mount. With the included I/O Port mounting strap, it's very steady.

 

I'm also using an I/O Port camera mount w/ safety strap on my Harness bar which is the same thickness my roll cage will be (I think 1 1/2"). I think it may be that it is so jittery due to running on such a rough track. Sebring has quite a few really rough corners and that seems to be where it cuts out the most, but I also noticed it shaking alot under braking which my rotors were slightly warped, maybe I have it set too stiff or something and maybe it needs more dampening? I'll try using more padding between the mount and harness bar.


[Modified by B18CJDM, 1:42 PM 12/15/2001]

 

I have used an IO Port mount attached to a home-made carbon fiber thing that wraps around the read deck-cover-thing (parcel shelf) in my Integra. I put a folded polish cloth underneath and then additionaly held down the IO Port mount w/ a bungee. It worked very well, but was further back than I would have liked.

 

No matter how you attach it (I use I/O Port as well) the vibration reduction is all in the strap.

 

How tight is your bungee? Maybe using and adj. length tie down would work better.

 

I've heard a lot of things about Sebring being very bumpy. This was useful info that we were denied before. I'm willing to bet this is 85% of your problem.

 

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing after I had the camera cleaned and took it for a test on a road near me w/ similar bumps and still no change. Oh well maybe it's time for a remote video system? lotsa cash.


[Modified by B18CJDM, 12:17 PM 12/16/2001]

 

I know a guy who got an X10 cam and mounted it to the front tow-hook on his '95 M3 and put the receiver and his camcorder in the glovebox and it worked really well. Basicly you if you can find a place to mount an X10 cam, the receiver then hook into the line-in on the camcorder and can go anywhere you can get a signal.

 

Do you know anywhere I can find one of these and any idea on how much they run for?


[Modified by B18CJDM, 12:55 PM 12/16/2001]

 

Yeah they're the ones w/ all the really annoying pop-under ads (and a really obnoxious web site):
http://www.x10.com

He got this deal, with the wide-angle lens:
http://www.x10.com/products/x10_vk58a.htm

$99.99

 

Kick *** thanks man

 

Here is another cool one.
http://www.conecam.com/

 

I.O. Port Mount & Panasonic Digital camcorder.

 

Well I think I'm gonna just quit my bitchin and deal with crappy video until I can afford something better like this RaceCam

All the other ones don't look high enough quality for me at the time, when I get something it's gotta be the best, so I'm gonna hold out for a few years and then go all out.

Thanks for all your help on the matter though.


[Modified by B18CJDM, 6:26 PM 12/16/2001]

 

I run a newish Sony DCR-TRV320 Digital8 on a tripod that I bungie into the back seat of my Impala when autocrossing/lapping, and it works fine on all but the bumpiest tracks (like Waterford Hills). The suspension on the Impala ain't exactly plush, and the tripod is pretty cheap and flimsy. I'd have to give a lot of credit to the camera for keeping things steady.