HD Hero cam?

[Jean]

Anybody here using one of these?

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php?area=2&productid=30

[Hellabad]

On my Christmas list! The GoPro display at SEMA show was a 20 x 20, and was packed with people watching multiple 64" HD Plasmas.

Very very very impressive.

Lets just say that if had a whole bunch of soldering irons and wire and were really really smart, you probably still couldn't build your own for $299.

Jay

[Jean]

Another option is http://www.aiptek.com/ or http://www.smartycam.com/

[PeaveyBassist]

Just btw jean, I sold these when I worked at an online motorcycle shop place and the owner used this on his track bike. The batteries only lasted about 10 minutes with the normal Duracell/Energizer battery you are used to. I forget which battery they recommend but when you get those, you only get about 15-20 minutes until they are DEAD. Good camera other than that though.

[Hellabad]

Just btw jean, I sold these when I worked at an online motorcycle shop place and the owner used this on his track bike. The batteries only lasted about 10 minutes with the normal Duracell/Energizer battery you are used to. I forget which battery they recommend but when you get those, you only get about 15-20 minutes until they are DEAD. Good camera other than that though.

I didnt know that about this one, but on the racecars we usually hardwire the camera anyway because then you dont have to worry about anything but memory space (The race is like 45 minutes from turn camera on to turn camera off)

[PeaveyBassist]

Try running them with batteries and see how long it lasts. I would have thought that maybe it was a problem, like a one camera thing, however it happened on about 4 of the ones we had and we talked with a GoPro rep and he said thats just how long the batteries last. Maybe 20 minutes of constant recording.

[tubby17s]

Yeah i have one of these. good little camera. Sound is a bit average but the video quality is pretty good. use these batteries energizer lithium and they last a lot longer (over an hour on mine) Mine has been used for surfing in the water, snowboarding, motorsport...

[808BMW]

Everyone recommends energizer lithium batteries, non-rechargable.

The rechargables don't last as long, but I hear of some filling their whole card on the rechargables too, so they seem fine to me.
This is on my buy list after christmas, since I doubt anyone will get me one. Although I want it for 2wheels, where the portability is needed.

[Dyno4mance]

I used one for the first time on Saturday (hero HD)....Batteries last over 2 hours and footage is really good
You tube does not do it justice and the angle these two films were shot at were too wide I have since found out how to narrow it down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2GQH6ILIP8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYpDCe-ShVU&feature=related

dark and gloomy day but I am doing another event in mid Jan so hopefully I would have learnt the functions on the camera by then

[PeaveyBassist]

http://www.indysuperbike.com/GoPro_HD_Motorsports_Hero_Camera_with_True_1080P-p-2398.html

$240 ^^^ But I used to work there. Its where I got layed off from and the owner is a total douche. Long story but I wouldnt want to support his business thats for sure. Plus, it wouldnt ship for about 1-2 days after placing your order (2-3 days if you place your order after 4pm EST) and it would cost you $10-12 for shipping. You should be able to find them for around $250 shipped or so from other locations. Just thought I would throw that out there that it doesnt cost $300.

[matt]

I got one. It uses a battery pack now, and it's supposed to last 2.5 hours, but I haven't pushed it.

[Bishop]

Hmmmmm, this could be something I overlooked in "wanting" for upcoming season.

[evil_twin]

It's something that I've thought about wanting, but at the moment it's not worth it since I don't see many track days. My friends have used it, the quality is pretty good, and they never had problems with the battery pack yet.

[SkinnyVT]

From what I have read, the Aiptek 1080P HD is the way to go for inexpensive in-car video. THe two biggest benefits are that it is $100+ cheaper than the GoPro and it also has a jack for an external mic, so you can run a mic in your trunk or someplace else where it won't get wind noise. There are couple big threads on this subject on BF.c with some actual valuable information.

[Jean]

SkinnyVT - I read one of the threads on bfc and Aiptek cought my eye as well. I went on there site and couldn't find a dedicated "recorder"? Or are they all using Aiptek camcorders and adding external cameras to it?