Time for a new video camera. The old analog cam-corder finally gasped it's last breath. Chief among the causes for it's untimely death, no doubt, was having the **** knocked out of it whilst fixed to the roll cage of my race car.

So, what's the best digital video recorder for UNDER $500? (Under $400, would be better still...)

Please add choices below with specific make and model:

 

Thawley, just stick to the sony's. They seem to produce one of the best images while in the car. Edik tried out the canon and had no luck with it, so he returned it.
My sony has a great picture, and most of the other racers are using the sony's as well.

Get any of the mini DV sony cams and you will be fine. Some are in the 300.00 range now I believe!

 

Yeah...stick with the Sony...I've had mine for over six years...and the in-car footage I get with it is very nice. I can't remember what model it is...but you might be able to find a nice used model similar to it for under $300 easy.

I also use a Sony X0.7 Wide End Conversion Lens.

Example: AutoX - April 30 - Run 3

 

That is weird. I have the exact opposite experience. Went through several Sony before settling with Canon.

Once my camera breaks, I will definitely go with portable DVR. It is so easy to transfer it to tape and overlay data into it. I'm currently setting one up for a customer.

 

Dunno about a suggestion of camera, but for pricing, go to http://www.pricewatch.com

 

Canon Digital Elph SD500. 7.1MP, small size, good video/sound for under $400.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Andrie Hartanto &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Once my camera breaks, I will definitely go with portable DVR. It is so easy to transfer it to tape and overlay data into it. I'm currently setting one up for a customer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Got any links for this?

 

http://www.archos.com/?country=global&lang=en

You should get better lipstick cams than what they offer though. Some ebay seller have pretty good lipstick cam.

 

If you'll primarily be using for in-car video, my suggestion is either the DVR or an inexpensive MiniDv recorder (I have a Cannon and have been happy with it). Just make sure it has a video in plug. Then use a lip stick camera to capture the image. I mounted my lipstick camera on the roof of my car and really like the angle.

http://www.chasecam.com has some pretty cool stuff.

 

id go with a canon zr200 or any canon at that

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by granracing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you'll primarily be using for in-car video, my suggestion is either the DVR or an inexpensive MiniDv recorder (I have a Cannon and have been happy with it). Just make sure it has a video in plug. Then use a lip stick camera to capture the image. I mounted my lipstick camera on the roof of my car and really like the angle.

http://www.chasecam.com has some pretty cool stuff.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have a Sony PC-105 with a Chasecam plugged into it. Here's a video of my Mini at the autocross (57MB and has been compressed, so don't use this video quality as a guide.):

http://www.kimini.com/Video/04...s.mpg

In my opinion Sony builds the best camcorders, and Canon owns the digital still-picture market.

 

I went with the Panasonic PV-GS59. Easy to use, true widescreen mode, and widescreen view finder, and 30X optical zoom. Plus, the tape and battery can be removed while camera is mounted in the car. I also opted to get a wide angle lens.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/c...w.htm

 

Solid state flash memory MPEG4 recorders are definately the way the market is moving. If I were buying right now, I would definately go with one of those.
Either the Samsung "sports" video camera, or something put together using the recorders on the market combined with bullet cams

Definately do not go with a hard drive based PVR like linked above.
Hard drives do not like any kind of vibrations or shock like what is constntly present in any racecar.

 

Don't get a samsung.....the buttons seem to quit working when you fall down on them after a good night of drinkin' after the day's event.

Pat, who takes advantage of the sticky velcro....it keeps the remote control in place on the dash so fer I can werk the camera in the kaa

 

A few friend of mine has been using the hard drive PVR in a padded box with great success. Almost a year with no problem so far.

 

Canon ZR200 user here, and have had no problems at all with it

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Evan55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Solid state flash memory MPEG4 recorders are definately the way the market is moving. If I were buying right now, I would definately go with one of those.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This the way I'm going. I just don't like tape. No FF or RR needed. Everything I record goes straight into my Mac anyway. Been using a very cheap Microtek (China) camera which I got free from my last company as a going away gift (they give you a booklet and you choose some company's overstocked item). I've seen them hear (Japan) from as little as $300 to $1500.

Used Cannon ZR25 for the last five years, zero problems and still going.

 

Yeah, most digital cameras developed in the past 2-3 years have a decent video function. Here's some samples...

Canon Powershot SD400:
http://www.steves-digicams.com...7.AVI

Casio EX-S500:
http://www.steves-digicams.com...4.AVI

Nikon L3:
http://www.steves-digicams.com...7.mov

I think the Casio's use MPEG4, so filesizes are much more reasonable.

 

Canon's and sony's have the best glass (either is good) but my father likes Panasonics (I'm not sure why)
But if I did buy one for myself I'd either go with a Canon or Sony..

 

Check Costco as well or
http://www.beachcamera.com
Beach has the best prices but costco has the best return policy

 

I just picked up a Samsung SC-X205L Sports Camcorder for $408 at ecost.com. Its a memory MPEG recorder. It records to 1/2 Gig internal RAM or to up to 2 gig SD cards. Essentially no moving parts. Tiny - smaller than a pack of cigs. Has a wired remote camera that has a 180 degree rotating wide-angle lens. Also includes MP3 player, still image and voice recorder.

The image quality is not the best but does a great job for Auto-x. The wired external camera is perfect because it has a single button the controls camera on/off and record on/off. It also has a light on the button so you can see whether its in standby or record or off. This makes it incredibly easy to start and stop before an auto-x run. You never touch the camera - leave it in the glove box or armrest or even in your pocket. Hold the button down for 3 seconds and its armed. Press the button again to begin record. Press once more to stop. Hold for 3 more seconds to turn everything off.

The sound leaves a lot to be desired as it picks up ignition noise (I am working on eliminating it via antistatic bags - someone suggested it and its workth a try)

regards,
alan

 

do you have any sample video?
720x480 @ 30fps in the samsung is the highest mpeg4 resoultion on the market right now. It should be pretty high quality, just as high as miniDV.

 

I've got this one and I'm very happy with it.

Canon Elura 100

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...20034

 

When looking at digital cameras can anyone give a little tutorial on best options. Like what is best for optical zoom? Does this matter? Don't you really want a wide angle lens?

Which format is best?

Etc...

Can anyone please edjumicate Jeremy? I am literate I swear!

 

are you talking about digital cameras or video camcorders?

for camcorders in a track car, zoom matters zero.
Image stabilization is good, a remote is very nice to have (you cant always reach the camrea strapped in) you probably want to go with a miniDV camcorder which is the cheapest solution, simple and good quality. The solid state mpeg4 recorders are cutting edge right now and still maturing and expensive.
Make sure it has a firewire/1394/i.link outport (and you get a firewire card for you pc).
Video input is good for if you ever want to use a bullet cam instead.

Make sure to get a wide angle lens. You can get a .50x kenko for about $25 and make sure you get an adapter ring specific to yoru camera so it fits. available from bhphotovideo.com