Looking to buy a camcorder for taping some track sessions. I’m going to get a roll bar camera mount but I’m still concerned about getting a jittery image. A lot of camcorders advertise “auto stability control – anti jitter” features, but I have no way of actually testing their claims. What type of video cameras are you guys using and are you happy with the results?

 

I use a Sony DCR-TRV38,it is a mini DV has the antijitter deal and it works excellent.If I wasn't so computer illiterit I would put some video on to show you.

 

whassup yo! Get a Sony. And, get an I/O Port camera mount... they work well. Also, make sure you use the stability strap that comes with it.. makes a big difference.

 

Great! Thanks for the info!

 

Get a cheap analog 8mm Hi8, or a more expensive digital8 camera. If you're worried about stability, get a cheap camera with inputs and mount it low, then use a lightweight lipstick camera on your I/O Port mount.

I use a Sony digital8 with a wide angle lens attachment on a I/O Port mount.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by johng &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get a cheap analog 8mm Hi8, or a more expensive digital8 camera. If you're worried about stability, get a cheap camera with inputs and mount it low, then use a lightweight lipstick camera on your I/O Port mount.

I use a Sony digital8 with a wide angle lens attachment on a I/O Port mount.
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How much do the Sony digital's go for with a wide angle lens? I have a Sony computer that has all the editing software and a DVD writer/burner, so I have all the tools to edit movies I just need a good digital Sony video camera. TIA.

-Mark

 

Specifically, it's a Sony DCR-TRV240 digital8. I think it was about $450-$500 new (Christmas gift). I'd bet you could do much better on ebay. Or get a Hi8 or 8mm analog new for about $250-$300.

 

Yes, everyone Please buy Sony

 

Sony cameras and some others have "optical" image stabilization, which is what you want. Analog Sony camera (Hi8) can record up to 4 hours on one tape in EP mode, while 2 hours in SP mode. Diital cameras have shorter record times according to my friends who use them, and they think my 4 hours on a tape is a bonus.

 

for you crewwless guys, a remote control is handy so you can start the camera after you are strapped in

 

Yeah, my Sony Digital8 has a remote and it's great. I'm not sure on the model but I picked it up pretty cheap at Sears in their scratch and dent cabinet for really cheap. There was nothing wrong with it other than it had been opened, it was in really great shape and is a good digital alternative to memory sticks. Definitely get one that has steady-cam technology that helps to stabalize the picture.

If the camcorder is plugged into a monitor at the store just bump and jump sith it to see how the picture comes across on the screen... you may look funny but at least you'll have an idea.

 

If you're looking for a non-sony product, I've heard Canon's are decent.

-dave, who will most likely buy a Sony

 

Canon is great. My videos are made with Canon ZR70MC. I has better quality than my old Sony Digital 8, and my friend new Sony with micro DV.

Price is about $500

 

You can pick up a wide angle lens for like $25, then it screws onto the front of the camera. They sell them at most Best Buys and Circuit Citys...

 

Stick with the mini-DV camera's. I have worked in the video production business for over 10 years and have tryed a number of different types of tape. The digital-8 camera's use Hi-8 video tape which has a tendency to stretch real easily after fast forwarding or rewinding a few times or by using the tape over again causing glitches in the video. The Mini-DV units are newer and have better quality recording and tapes. Though most will only record for 1hr on each tape in SP mode, but its not like you eally need more than one hour anyway. Most times when you record on media that is more than one hour....say four it becomes a PIA to find video clips since the tape is so damn long.

Good Luck,

John

 

I use a Mini DV with a lip stick camera. The picture is absolutely awesome!!! Also have a powered mic that is part of the system.

We had some discussion on this subject which has all of the secrets of the system that I and Jake use http://www.racerjake.com.

http://www.improvedtouring.com

In the General Discussion area; as of today the last post date was 5/20. Thread title "Remote Camera".

After this weekend race, I'll put some video up. (I mount the lip stick on the roof of the car - the view is great)

 

We just started using our digital camcorder for in-car video.
Not really too many problems with "jitters", but our camera is a window mount with a suction cup. which I find works well cause you can stick it anywhere.
Camera is a JVC GR-DVL520U
It has digital video and digital pics

Just make sure you tighten the screws down good(like the adjuster screws) and strap the camera.
Only problems I now of people having with in-car cameras is wind noise over eninge/exhaust noise

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hondachick81 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Only problems I now of people having with in-car cameras is wind noise over eninge/exhaust noise
</TD></TR></TABLE>Do the Sony's have an external mic input that you could locate near the engine bay to reduce/eliminate the wind noise?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by granracing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I use a Mini DV with a lip stick camera. The picture is absolutely awesome!!! Also have a powered mic that is part of the system.
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What type of lip stick camera do you use?