I've got an old panasonic camcorder that i use for in-car vids...the best in-car i've seen comes from wide-angle lenses, but this camcorder doesn't have any threading on the outer lens walls to accept an add-on lens...can i just attach a lens ghetto style? I remember making a telescope in astronomy class, and there was all this math and junk about where to put the lenses...and what shape lens do i need for wide-angle? I'm thinking something like |)

thanks to anyone who might have a clue...

 

No. Buy a new camera that doesn't shake so much and it'll probably have interchangeable lenses. And fix your glove box while you're at it!

(ttt )

 

get a bullet cam if j00r vdo cam has external inputs

 

Is that how they make camers hanging off the outside of cars, and by their feet and on the tach?? Bullet cams?

 

.....sorry I didn't post earlier - had some pc problems last night so I could read but not reply to this thread:

Here's what we used to do (and still do) for skateboarding filming. Keep in mind some of this is very "ghetto," but hey it works:

Wide angle lens .42x or better (.35 or .3 is awesome). You can purchase from www.adoramacamera.com for ~$35, and that place is

Duct tape. Yes, it does work. The guys at adorama might also be able to recommend another method of attachment.....

Another super ghetto method involves going to home depot and purchasing a "peep hole" for a home door... It's tough b/c you have to find a big enough one so that you don't get dark edges on the video..... But some of these are cool cause they offer 170 degrees of vision...

Last option is also pretty cheap - less than $20: Try Wolf Camera or the equivalent. Not the one at the mall, but the big full blown stores... Or maybe online... They sell some "clip-on" wide angle lenses. Make sure you get .42x or better.....

Good luck!

 

thanks for the numerous options Black R! That door peephole idea is pretty cool...never heard of wolf camera, are they like Ritz? I assume the lower the number the wider the field of vision?

And MrBite, you can take your naysaying attitude elsewhere, thank you very much, and rig me up a CF Glovebox latch while you're at it, something that won't pop open every time i autoX

 

Contact your camcorder's manufacturer. The nicer ones often will have a filter that will widen the angle as an accessory.

 

I've never heard of Ritz, but I'm assuming they're a big chain? If so, and they carry a lot of high-end stuff then give it a shot!

BTW, I have a broken snap-one lens that'll prolly work pretty well. Cost = you owe me a favor sometime. Shipping = free. IM me and I'll get your address and send you a package.

MrBite, I'd like a cf glovebox latch too! Something that works for me pretty well is to keep NOTHING in the glovebox - this reduces the number of unexpected openings...

 

Check this out Scott: http://www.teamtekro.com/tvision.php