Guys,
I don't want anything fancy I was just curious what you are using to take your incar footage with. How much do I need to spend? Any suggestions?

 

Your main decision is probably whether you want a digital camera or not.

Something like a non-digital 8 or Hi-8 camera can be had dirt-cheap now.

 

definately do not spend any real money on this. These things take a massive beating. I got a Hi8 Sony off of Ebay for 200 bucks. I have to use a strap to hold the tape deck itself in place against the body of the camera and have dismantled it and reassembled it twice in two years. It was still in the box (unused iirc) when I bought it.

 

really depends on how much you really can spend, but i suggest you get firewire capability. you can get firewire kits (card and cable and cheap software) for under $30 so you can make a quick mpg from the video. so try to find the most inexpensive MiniDV. i paid less than $300 for my Sharp last year. but if you just want replay without any computer editing fluff, then yeah, cheap hi8 will do. it does take a beating.

 

go digital if at all possible. if you plan to do any computer editing. you will have a blast creating your own videos and reliving the experience. you can then put them back to video or dvd. i've been using one i paid full til for and haven't had a problem, off road excursions and all. i'am also looking for a cheap used digital for rear view. sometimes helps prove when you get tagged or when you did pass on the yellow, sh** happens.

 

The Canon ZR series is the best bang for the buck MiniDV camera (plus it weighs about a pound, so you can mount it anywhere!). Footage quality is very good, and of course it's digital b/c it's MiniDV. This means you can quickly put the footage onto your computer, and create videos. It's also the most practical as formats such as Digital 8 and Hi8 are fading away. For about $500, you can have a miniDV camera.

Now, if you just want footage to watch on your TV and what not (no computer editing), go with an older Hi8 camera. You should be able to find one for under $200 in good condition.

 

I purchased a Sony TRV250 Digital8. Downloads to my computer via USB cable - I admit it's not the best but works for me.

But don't spend alot as someone said the camera will take a beating.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JAMES "A" &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">go digital if at all possible. if you plan to do any computer editing. you will have a blast creating your own videos and reliving the experience. you can then put them back to video or dvd. </TD></TR></TABLE>

James, Glad to see you finally joined us. Stick around.
I use a Sony TRV240 Digital8. Paid about $500 new Christmas of '02. The cool thing about digital is the ability to edit on the PC. This model also allows the use of a remote lipstick camera video input, and the ability to record from VHS tapes, or to VHS tapes.

If you just want to watch it back on your TV and record onto standard VHS tape, any inexpensive 8mm (Hi8) analog camera will do. New ones are about $200-$300, used even less.

 

actually, if youre not interested in computer editing or going to get a miniDV, i would recommend then making sure you get a VHS-C(compact) recorder. that way you can pop it into your VHS anytime/where and not have to use your camcorder for playback. partly saves the wear and tear of the camcorder so you dont have to remove and mount/adjust it repeatedly.

 

http://www.conecam.com

I used it to make this video:

http://www.we-todd-did-racing....3D%3D

good luck,

aj

 

I used to work for Circuit Shitty. There are always a bunch of "open box" or former display camcorders on reduced price. Many times people buy and then return the camcorders after their trip to Hawaii. We called it rental. Take a look. Sometimes there are camcorders so old (3months in retail terms) that you can haggle over. Things with missing manuals, no box or just plain out of production models are to be had for cheap.

 

I would just get a $20 power inverter, throw a $40 vcr in the back and wire up a $20 analog security camera with RCA composite output.
Don't forget a microphone. Total should be less than 100$.

Edit: Definately not fancy. http://www.smartbargains.com/p...o=997

I forgot where, but I got some mini cameras for $20 each... I'll see if i can find the URL.
http://www.compgeeks.com/detai...-0151

ok, they ran out.

 

Interesting topic since I've been looking for a camcorder for in car and general usage.

What I may consider is getting decent miniDV camera through Best Buy. Yes, retail sucks and online offers are generally better but ...

1.) Service plans are usually not worth it but for this particular application this may be a deal sealer. http://www.bestbuy.com/InfoCen...P.asp &lt;---they even cover batteries on top of "normal wear and tear".

2.) If they can price match a local Sony authorized retailer, I'm willing to pay local tax because of the service plan.

Any thoughts on going this route?

 

ive seen about 10 not sell on ebay @ their starting bid of $50.. cant beat that unless you want digital ...

 

OK so if I want to digtally play with the video I need a DV camcorder. Are Hi8 the mini VHS tapes?

Hmmm... Decisions Decisions!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VTECAcuraGSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK so if I want to digtally play with the video I need a DV camcorder. Are Hi8 the mini VHS tapes?

Hmmm... Decisions Decisions!</TD></TR></TABLE>

You could always use an analog camcorder (8mm/Hi8/VHS-C) and encode it digitally with various PC hardware such as a TV card or dedicated units. A DV camcorder just makes it easier.

VHS-C is the mini VHS tapes.

I just happen to prefer miniDV because the camcorders tend to be smaller.

 

Don't ever get Hi8 camcorders. The tapes are hard to find and are expensive.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JeffS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your main decision is probably whether you want a digital camera or not.

Something like a non-digital 8 or Hi-8 camera can be had dirt-cheap now. </TD></TR></TABLE>

hi8 isn't digital 8, hi8 = non digital 8

digital 8 = digital 8

mike

 

btw: a digital 8 will be more than fine, and u still have the good ol' firewire

mike

 

So it sounds like Digital 8 is the cheapest way to go while stil being digital. I can use a firewaire connection to download the video to my harddrive. Sounds like a plan.

Now what kind to get and what kind of $ are we talking about?

 

some of the sony digital 8 camcorders go for $399, which is the same price as the samsung/jvc miniDV cameras. Maybe it would be better to try to find a MiniDV camera, or a differen't brand of digital8

mike

 

I was thinking of using my olmypus digital camera since it records video but no sound.....what can I do about having sound??

 

I assume there are brands that are better than others. Which camcorders are best, well for the money. Good Value