Camera to record Trackday?

Overlag · 21 Aug 2009 at 12:59

Hi there, I'm looking for a cheapish Camera to record my shoddy driving at Snetterton next week but i got no idea what would be ideal, and what will last long enough, after all there's so many to choose.

specs should have:
*SDHC (prefer full size, but wont rule out micro's) slot so i can change cards after each season. 2.5hrs total record time.
*A Battery that can last long, or a camera that can run off a USB charger in the cars 12v socket. again to match the 2.5hrs record time.
*SDef or HDef im not really bothered, HD would be a plus, as long as its good FPS.
*Prefer to have AVI file types but no biggy if it isn't.
*standard tripod mount
*Sub £200

Now I've looked at a Veho Muvi, at sub £100 its a bargin, and i could even clip it to my RC car when messing around with that, but its sound quality is terrible, and I'm not sure on its battery life, plus there's no tripod mount, or screen so you don't know if your aiming it in the right place.

Also a Sanyo (cant remember the model) HD camera at £170ish Looks good, but battery life is short, and you cant charge it at the same time as using it so that's out the window.

So any ideas or things I've missed?

Thanks guys.

Raikiri · 21 Aug 2009 at 14:59

Maybe consider a compact? The Panasonic LX3 records 720p video and does everything else you need AFAIK.

It's a little more expensive but the lens will likely be higher quality than you'll get on a sub £300 camcorder and you get a fantastic camera thrown in.

Sample:
http://img.photographyblog.com/revi.../sample_images/panasonic_lumix_dmc_lx3_01.mov

Overlag · 21 Aug 2009 at 15:13

dont compacts have a time limit on what they can record, i have a Canon S3IS but it cannot record more than 1gig, due to EU laws, my mates Nikon only does a max of 10minutes etc.

Raikiri · 21 Aug 2009 at 15:17

Yeah, sorry you are quite right. There may be a way to get around it with US/custom firmware but I haven't looked into it.

Overlag · 21 Aug 2009 at 15:25

Raikiri said:
Yeah, sorry you are quite right. There may be a way to get around it with US/custom firmware but I haven't looked into it.

yeah im searching around to try and do the same thing on my S3IS but no luck so far. Shame, as its a good camera but has no use now since i got my 400d.

the 500d does HD video, do those have size limits?

Overlag · 21 Aug 2009 at 16:06

to update, i managed to use a firmware hack and you can increase the compression and get almost an hour per gig which is handy. testing it now