What's the best camera to mount on the roll bar?

[CharlieC]

Having enjoyed Goodwood hugely on Saturday, as well as finding the videos posted after the event very helpful, I have decided that a camera mounted on the roll bar would be a useful addition to help me improve.

Can someone please suggest a good camera and mount combination? Go pro seems to be the go to option but is one better than another? Getting a secure mount would also be important.

I had considered a data logging system (with cameras) but I think that is probably overkill considering my level of experience/skill.

[Richard Price]

Hi Charlie,

Yes, I find in car video a very useful driver aid.

I record every run, and review each run between runs (its amazing how you forget what went wrong.....). Likewise, others can review your video with you to help you develop. I wish I'd started using video much earlier than I actually did!

My previous set up packed up last winter (2017-18), and I needed to hastily work out a suitable alternative.

Many action cameras boast huge resolution and massively wide angles of view. But I find neither of those beneficial. 

I'm now using a GoPro Hero 4 black, chosen because when mounted close to eye level on the roll cage.and angled slightly downwards,  I select its narrowest angle of view, and I can see what I'm doing with the steering wheel and gear lever, whilst seeing where each front wheel is placed in relation to the edge of the road  (Don't look at my May Curborough video, I used a wider angle of view, and don't like the results). Whilst the camera will record in at least 1080p, I only ever record at 720p which is quite adequate.

I also chose the Hero 4 black because its possible to use a remote microphone, as the sound is an integral part of any video, but wind noise frequently masks out any useful sound. I use a remote microphone mounted under the dash.

Additionally, the Hero 4 black has built in WIFI, so video can be reviewed without having to remove the camera or card to review video between runs. I also start and stop recording using a WIFI remote control.

I actually mount my camera on a home fabricated clamp mount, but I'm sure others will assist with proprietary clamp mounts. 

I do also use a separate data logger (Racetechnology DL1), but find I look at quite different information on video and data, and would suggest starting with just video, which is the biggest single aid.

[Richard Price]

As an example, here's my video from Anglesey 1 last year

[Jonathan Kay]

Previous discussions of mounts.

Jonathan

[CharlieC]

Hi Richard,

Thanks so much for the immensely helpful advice. I will get on Amazon this evening!

Sorry not to have met up at Goodwood, but hopefully will see you at one of the future Sprint events.

Best, Charlie

[CharlieC]

OK. I have purchased a refurbished Gopro Hero4 Black (thanks again Richard) - I now need to buy some sort of clamp or other fixing to secure it on the roll cage.

Jonathan, I have been through a number of old threads through your link and on Blatchat but none answer my question of how best to secure such a camera. Any suggestions gratefully received!

[Jonathan Kay]

I'd start with VE's solution.

Jonathan

[CharlieC]

Thanks Jonathan - very helpful.

[Richard Price]

Charlie,

Whilst its not as sturdy as as my own home made bracket, and not in the same price league as the Manfrotto stuff, my son Tom uses something like this one:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Handlebar-For-GoPro-Hero-1-2-3-3-4-Camera-Seatpost-Clamp-Roll-Bar-Mount-Adapter/171985009651?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I should also say that we both use our GoPro 4 hero black's upside down, but there is a setting so that the image is the correct way up.

[SLR No.77]

Richard, I've used the version you've linked to on ebay and my experience was that it fell apart at the first outing ... maybe I'm more hamfisted than Tom! The pivot pin for the clamp disappeared never to be seen again, fortunately I'd not been very trusting from the outset and had used a tether as well.

Stu.

[CharlieC]

I spoke with Manfrotto today and have opted for one of their Super Clamps along with an adaptor/connector and a single ball joint (less bulky and expensive than the double ball option recommended in the post accessed through Jonathan's link). This was the combination recommended by the folks at Manfrotto and I will give that a go on the car when it arrives.

It's a BIG price difference vs the eBay option but there were enough negative reviews (not to mention Stu's) for me to opt for the equality option to be safe.

Thanks for the tip on the upside-down fitting, Richard. Any chance you could send a photo?