[Video] In car recording setup ---

[RC45]

Not really - just screwing with TT.. ;) (Guess the topic title backfired TT.. LOL)

What I was hoping to do, was get input from this raucus bunch.

I have been messing around with my in-car video setup again (translation: Spent more money than is justified on extra crap... ;)) and was trying for some interesting camera layouts.

The ideal solution would be a multitude of cameras and recording systems - allowing you to record full size movies from front, back, interior, undercarriage etc and then mix them "back at the studio" (Jabba knows the drill LOL :lol:)

Or - when one is on a relative budget, you take the video feeds, send them to a splitter and record the already mixed/composite image.

The down side to this is that you can't switch to full screen for any one source in the editing room if you already recorded a 4-way split image to tape. (with my cheap setup anyway)

What I have
My kit includes 5 cameras - 4 bullet cams and the camcamcorder, and 2 recording devices - the camcorder (which has video in) and a hard mounted 8mm VCR (ex F15 Gun-Camera video recorder - VERY robust unit).

I also have a couple of digital video splitters (takes 4 video inputs and shows them all at once). Both splitters have a very cool PIP mode, so it is easy to setup a BM style display.

I may eventually get a real-time data aquisition setup (G's speed, RPM etc) later.

The Question
What camera layout do you folks think will be the most interesting for viewing?

I know the "security camera" style 4 way split is ok for short bursts, but is rather busy and boring for an entire session - while the PIP mode is not that bad.

I had figured on setting 3 bullet cams to shoot rear view/front bumper/front suspension - being always recorded in that 4-way split to the 8mm VCR - with one quadrant empty so I could always add a 4th source "back at the studio" (data feed or image etc)

And then have the 2 bullet cams feed to the Camcorder for a PIP "in car" view. The PIP could be footwell, dash what ever.

This sound interesting?

Feedback wanted
Well?

[BADMIHAI]

It does sound interesting. It's just that you are a pussy driver, and don't really do too much interesting stuff :fist: :fist: . :wink:
Don't forget to find good places for a few microphones too....like somewhere where the wind doesn't get in, and we can hear the mighty V8. :)

[RC45]

It does sound interesting. It's just that you are a pussy driver, and don't really do too much interesting stuff :fist: :fist: . :wink:
Don't forget to find good places for a few microphones too....like somewhere where the wind doesn't get in, and we can hear the mighty V8. :)

Pussy this... ;) :fist: - if by "interesting stuff" you mean trash my car for a non-paying audience.. sure - right after you kiss my a$$... :D

...and my recordings NEVER have windnoise... unless you count your hot air... :P

[novass]

Sounds good. I would suggest just messin around with the setups. Id like to see some foot action like Best Motoring. Maybe a rear view or put the cam near the rear wheel pointing out so we can see the wheel and whats next to you. The normal left, right, front and back would be cool too. Slap a mic right next to the exhaust, that should be fun.

[wahhaj]

I think you should send that setup to me by express delivery and I will test it for you ;) :mrgreen:

[bmwfreak]

I agree with Dan. Hehe. BUt honestly, i think the best setup, for you, would only come from dioing alot of experimenting. PLus, i guess you gotta figure out who your target audience is, and do the camerawork and editing accordingly with what you want to show. Different people will all have different wants, of course. For racing buffs who want to learn how to race properly might wanna see some heel'n toe footage, as the PIP with how this is matched to steering input, opposite lock etc etc. It depends really.

[TT]

Sure I'd love to have my car completely wired with cameras on every corner so I could shoot every car I saw in the easiest way ;)

IMO a good setup just need a bumper mounted camera, low on the ground and capturing also the engine sound, then an inside one showing the hands of the driver for wheel and gearstick and maybe even one toward the back for some additional images :D

But that stuff is really to much for me, just dreaming :D

[coombsie66]

I'd like to see a footwell camera, to analyse your heel and toe technique!! :wink: