Camcorder recommendations
 

I've done some research on the site but haven't came up with a good anwser. I was at the LCS this past week, had my HD camcorder all mounted on the car, had the drop sensor off, and still it would shut off after we got moving. I'm looking for a camcorder that I can use a remote mic with, preferably not a dvd or tape version. Any recommendations. Trying not to break the bank, but it looks like I'll have to invest in a in-car race cam.

Looking also, would like remote mic so the sound of twin turbo can be heard.
would like split cameras, mount one in sand car and one pointed at frount wheel. Needs to be robust. Will use on cobra also. Local shops of no help.

Try a digital camera in video mode. Most camcorders are effected by vibration so you'd need a shock mount of some kind to use these.

There are some reletively cheap camcorders now that record to SD flash cards that would be a good choice for HD video. Samsung also has a SSD (solid state disk) camcorder that's just now coming out.

I have a JVC everio that used compact flash drives or cards, with the newer 8GB cards it rocks. You can probably find one on ebay for a couple hundered bucks now. (GZ-MC500/MC200)

You'll need some foam to tape over the mic ports to cut down wind noise. (any open-cell foam will work)

You might try this site. I have it for my motorcycle . the quality is real good http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php?area=2&productid=2 click on the video tab. the kit comes with the suction cup for mounting. I haven't used it on my car yet. Berm

IIRC, Canon FS-100. I got one a couple of months ago, and it works great. Records to SD card, and has a mike input. Never drops out due to vibration, and you can cancel wind noise by using the mike input and placing the mike out of the way. I have used it at the track usccessfully. Best part was it was only $200 bucks from fleabay.

Also works good for recording other things besides in-car videos. I have even used it to record the kids sporting events, etc., LOL!

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep'em coming.

I've used with great success a Sony Handycam. Digital, Mini DV. It is still a tape, but the picture is awesome, no skip or static, and relatively inexpensive.
I recently bought another, they can be grabbed sub $200 for one in like new condition.
If someone wants to buy one, I have an extra, in near new condition. Jut PM me.
Cheers,
Richard

I have a Sony Handy-cam and it works great. If yours is like mine, in the instructions it tells how to turn off the auto shut off and stabilization off. I bought two different mics. One has a narrow band mic that directs 40% to where you want the sound to be, versus 100%. The second mic has a long cord or you can have it wireless, to put anywhere, like under the dash or sitten on your engine. :LOL:

The mount is a big block Chevy (:eek:) Mickey Thompson aluminum connecting rod. I tiged in a 2" bushing to mount it on the roll bar. I bought a tripod stand for a buck and will either use a set-screw to hold it in or drill a couple of holes for height adjustment. With this, I'll be able to move the camcorder in any direction, up or down, 360 degrees, full tilt, ect. I can run it with the remote or the passenger will.

If you want the model number of this camcorder, I'll post it. The programing CD is fantastic to edit a DVD. You can run the video, stop at any point, and save it as a photo. It also has a switch to take photo's. I really like it.

I have some sticky backed foam for protecting the chrome on the roll bar. This winter I'll probably polish the rod, just to make it pretty. ;)

http://i40.tinypic.com/6s3r5i.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2v1rler.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2i23i9t.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/kbzsds.jpg

I have a Sony Handy-cam and it works great. It's a 60 GB hard drive so no tapes or DVD disk to fool with. If yours is like mine, in the instructions it tells how to turn off the auto shut off and stabilization off. I bought two different mics. One has a narrow band mic that directs 40% to where you want the sound to be, versus 100%. The second mic has a long cord or you can have it wireless, to put anywhere, like under the dash or sitten on your engine. :LOL:

The mount is a big block Chevy (:eek:) Mickey Thompson aluminum connecting rod. I still have to finish this. I tigged in a 2" bushing to mount it on the roll bar. I bought a tripod stand for a buck and will either use a set-screw to hold it in or drill a couple of holes for height adjustment. With this, I'll be able to move the camcorder in any direction, up or down, 360 degrees, full tilt, ect. I can run it with the remote or the passenger will.

If you want the model number of this camcorder, I'll post it. The programing CD is fantastic to edit a DVD. You can run the video, stop at any point, and save it as a photo. It also has a switch to take photo's. I really like it.

I have some sticky backed foam for protecting the chrome on the roll bar. This winter I'll probably polish the rod, just to make it pretty. ;)

http://i40.tinypic.com/6s3r5i.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2v1rler.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/2i23i9t.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/kbzsds.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/j8h187.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/3311wk8.jpg

Kevin, whats your model number? I have the HDR-SR1. It shoots great video but even when I turn off the drop sensor and the automatic shut off it still cuts out when I mount it to the car. I have a suction cup for the camera. I was looking at the sony DCR-SR45. That one you can record to the hard drive or a memory stick.

It's the DCR SR82. Hard Drive. I bought it to record our cruise to Alaska. I bought a bigger battery and I don't think I charged it all week. The only thing I wish it had is the eye window. The screen is great but, it washes out in the sun and you can't see what in the hell your recording. Just point & hope ! The salesman told me that most company's are not making the eye window, to keep the camcorder small. Works great though.

Thanks Kevin. Appreciate the info.