In Car Camera Choices... Sony vrs JVC

[AI Coupe Driver]

Wanted to check out two video cameras I am considering for my in car. Please help me out if you have any experience with either of them...

 

1) my sons four or five year old JVC MINI DV. Labels say 520 lines resolution, optical 16X zoom

 

or this one I can buy from a "bud" for about $250.00

Sony DCRDVD101 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

 

FYI, short learning curve required.

 

What mount do you suggest for either of them?

 

I don't have a clue and should probably buy one of the in car units I see in Grassroots.

 

Any help will be appreciated.

 

Thanks, Ron

#76 AI GT

[white_2kgt]

The only mount I suggest is the IO Port Racing one, which is about $100. However, I'd suggest taking that $100 and putting a little more $$$ with it and getting a chase-cam (http://www.chasecam.com/). Use the camcorder as a VCR. It's much more versatile. As for which camera to use, if one of them has a LAN-C connection, use that one. Makes starting/stopping the recording while strapped in the belts MUCH easier!

[blazinsrt]

Ron, I am no expert by far! But I had to go and look at my camera and I have the JVC one that you mentioned. I have a video that I just did this last weekend and I had the set up set for long play. Otherwise I can only get two runs on the tape in High res. I have been looking into a hard drive type camcorder. Reason being is my current one I have to take off the mount just to change the tape.

 

 

Oh and this is without a wide angle lense.

[Renntag]

I have a few Sony digital video cameras and they are all great. I have had great luck with them so far. The lanc port the chad mentioned is a great feature. The chase cam ext camera will give you more options if your video camera has the ability to hook it up.

 

The I/O port camera mount is the best choice for using your Vid-cam as an incar camera. ( if you just use it as a VCR, there is no need to mount it to the roll bar).

 

I also have to remove my camera from the camera mount in order to change tapes, yeah its a little more work, but the camera is small and it only takes a few minutes for the entire process.

 

FYI: As for the Hard drive cameras...perhaps someone else can chime in, I have heard that there are stability issues using these incar on a rollbar mount. Mounted in a vibration absorbing case with an external camera shouldnt be an issue, I have seen this set up work well.

 

Best of luck and choose wisely grasshoppah.

[Renesisfury]

Wanted to check out two video cameras I am considering for my in car. Please help me out if you have any experience with either of them...

 

1) my sons four or five year old JVC MINI DV. Labels say 520 lines resolution, optical 16X zoom

 

or this one I can buy from a "bud" for about $250.00

Sony DCRDVD101 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom.

 

FYI, short learning curve required.

 

What mount do you suggest for either of them?

 

I don't have a clue and should probably buy one of the in car units I see in Grassroots.

 

Any help will be appreciated.

 

Thanks, Ron

#76 AI GT

I have a MiniDV Sony that I have been very happy with. Personally I would NOT use a DVD cam, vibration issues as well as limited recording time on media

[AI Coupe Driver]

JVC GR-DVL120U

 

Originally retailed for about $400. Just wondering if this is the same you mention or not.

 

If you have the same model how can I turn it on and

off from the drivers seat?

 

And is there a 12 volt plug in anyplace?

 

Tape says 60 DVM60 Mini DV.

 

Just listing this info cause I don't have a clue how to use this and no instructions.

 

Looks like I need to 110 the charger and thats OK but how long does it last?

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Ron

[StraightSix]

Or you could go Here and download a .pdf copy of the manual. Click the link that says Download PDF.

[AI Coupe Driver]

OK, now I got it.

 

Thanks guys... next HPDE is Mid Ohio 7/13-15.

 

I'll let you know.

 

I'll take a look at the IO Port mount today.

 

Blazinsrt... video looks good, thanks for the info. I might get back with you.

 

Thanks again, Ron

[GAC]

Canon Elura 100 with a Kenko 0.5x WA on an I/O Port mount. Here's a sample:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfpMM-Bylrg

[AI Coupe Driver]

Heres what I have decided to go with:

 

Already have the JVC MINI DV and I found a remote that will take care of the on/off from the drivers seat for $49.

 

I just ordered the IO Port mount.

 

I plan to buy another battery or two so there is always one to go and a couple extra tapes based on the 1 hour maximum record.

 

This is all new to me so I guess it will take a couple sessions to get the camera mounted with the proper view.

 

I plan to "zoom out" to get the widest view.

 

Don't have a clue what the sound will be like or the vibration...

 

Thanks to all for your comments and recommendations.

 

I'll post after the Mid Ohio weekend.

 

Ron

[white_2kgt]

I plan to "zoom out" to get the widest view.

 

You might want to look into getting a wide angle lens. They can give a much better field of view for not much $$$, just don't get a fish eye one, they are painful to watch replays.

 

Don't have a clue what the sound will be like or the vibration...

 

Sound will most likely be crap. If you can tape a few pieces of foam (like the kind that would surround old school headphone's) around the mic, several layers. This will reduce the wind noise and muffle the overly loud engine. If that doesn't work get an external mic and mount it under a seat cushion (if you have any). The vibration should be ok, esp at mid ohio where's it smooth and w/ the IO port mount. Rough tracks can pose problems if you have a stiff suspension.

[Renesisfury]

I plan to "zoom out" to get the widest view.

 

You might want to look into getting a wide angle lens. They can give a much better field of view for not much $$$, just don't get a fish eye one, they are painful to watch replays.

 

+1, I wouldn't do without my wide angle