(2009) Car Camera Mount

[ea-sport]

Seeing so many cars with camera mounted on them and seeing the benefit of recording your runs, I am thinking about buying a car camera mount. I know it's an easy DIY to make an interior camera mount but I want to mount the camera outside so I need a real car camera mount. I saw two options on ebay:

1. http://cgi.ebay.com/New-PanaVise-CCT...d=p3286.c0.m14

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Windshield-S...d=p3286.c0.m14

Which one would you get? Thanks.

[SamB325es]

Item #1 is what I have used this year. Seems to work well for me.

[mcoupemindy]

PanaVise is the one that I've heard most people use. I think either option looks good.

[Alan]

I'm using a CruiseCam that I picked up from OG Racing. It does everything I need.

[Reach]

Nice Cinnamon interior... I mean... How much is that thing? I'd be happy to pay for a turn-key solution like that as well. Do you have any sample videos from it online?

[Alan]

Nice Cinnamon interior... I mean... How much is that thing? I'd be happy to pay for a turn-key solution like that as well. Do you have any sample videos from it online?

The mount is the CruiseCam. Goes for around $40.

For the camera - I use the Aiptek HD camera. Records at 720p for about $70. You can get 1080 resolution for ~$150 or so.

For my use I put a standard adjustable swivel between the camera and the mount that allows me to aim it at any angle.

ETA: I don't have any online videos (I just shoot them for my own self-critique). The video is pretty good - like all video usually limited by the quality of the lens. Keep in mind that such cameras pick up a LOT of wind buffeting noise. You can get a few with an external microphone jack (that you can bury somewhere in the car out of the wind). You can also retro-mod the Aipteks. Instructions are on the web if you feel confident with some minor electronic hands-on).

[woodym3]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have a bar for a camera mount. Unfortunately it only fits E30 2-door cars. Send a personal message if interested.

[Dirichlet]

I use a Cruise Cam mount with an older point-and-shoot digital camera (Cannon SD750). It works really well.

[TMB_540i]

I too use the Cruise Cam mount. Picked it up at OG Racing for less than $40. It works great!

[ea-sport]

I guess it's the Cruise Cam mount for use inside the car and the panavise for use outside the car. It depends on whether I want to put the camera inside or outside the car.

As far as the camera, which one gives better result, mini dv tape format or point and shoot digital camera with video capability? I have both and just want to know from experience which one will give better result. Thanks all. I know mini dv is a pain to download .

[Car54]

Something without moving parts seems to work best. So if it's on a memory stick and doesn't have a mechanical zoom or focus, it seems to work best in motorsports applications. The Aiptek A-HD is really the best bang for the buck.

Here's a pretty good read: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...ight=hd+camera

[Reach]

FWIW, I'm using a Sanyo HD-1000. It used to be a more expensive camera, but I'm sure it can be had for much cheaper now. It does 720p60 or 1080i30 to SDHC cards in AVCHD format. Couldn't ask for better. Higher image quality than an aiptek, but yes it does cost a bit more.

Their newer HD-1010 does 1080p. It wasn't out when I bought mine unfortunatly. It makes a great all around camcorder / shooter, good enough to do your home videos and not just motorsport.