Camcorder inside 350,.. need some help please.

[Chromatic]

Hey guys,

 

I have been struggling with this for a few months now. Basically I am trying to figure out some way, any way,.. to get my Canon HF R500 (8oz without battery, 10.1oz with battery) Video Camera to give me footage in car without shaking.

 

I film a lot of electronics for various other reasons on the windshield area, dash area etc.. and It is vital I eliminate shake so these screens can be seen somewhat clearly.

 

I've searched mounts,.. asked in other types of forums.. but really haven't gotten much solid help.

 

Basically I have been using the Fat Gecko Dual suction mount to mount this 10-11oz camera (that's with battery) onto..

 

Mount:

 

http://www.amazon.co...=fat gecko mini

 

I've moved to all locations.. Rear hatch, Passenger window,.. Front windshield.. it all results in the same unacceptable shake.

 

Here is a quick clip of the shake I'm referring to:

 

 

The Gecko mount is a fairly good one.. it's solid.. but obviously doesn't do the job.

 

I've put the camera between the bottom of the passenger headrest and the top of seat.. while tightening down the headrest just to see what that would do.. It's all the same amount of shake.

 

I'm at wits end here.

 

This camera isn't absolutely crazy heavy and is a mid grade video camera ($300) .. Solid 60 Frames per second, 1080p.. with a host of features. Although I'd sacrifice a ton of that quality for just a stable image while the car is moving.

 

I can't believe this is such a hard thing to find a solution for.

 

I thought surely there would be some mount.. even if for $100 that would dampen the shake from the car I could get.. but I don't find any.. nor does anyone I've asked on forums refer me to.

 

If there is just ZERO way to make this video camera stable in a car.. I'm willing to sell it (probably get $250 at best) and buy another camera.. but if I do so, I need references to a camera that will give me the results I"m after.. no shake (or very little). I've seen other people on track day videos.. with cameras that looked to be mounted on their rear hatch (INSIDE car).. that looked to be with literally NO shake.. So this is definitely possible.. so just need some direction.

 

If there is just no way to go about it with this 10oz camera.. (uses a standard camera mount/thread) .. with some special mount, or other ideas.. as I said I'll sell this thing and get another camera.

 

However, I do need the camera to have the following at minimum:

 

1) Zoom function

 

2) Take removable media SD card (I don't think this is an issue)

 

3) Be able to run a few hours on battery.. as I'll be moving it around.. Though I can entertain some cheaper ideas of cameras that need constant power if the price is right.

 

First try to figure out or direct me to a solution (DIY or purchased) to stabilize this camera in car.. and secondarily,.. direct me to another camera to buy. (I'm open to mounts, even those up to $100 or so give or take).

 

Some have said that my camera is just too heavy.. at 8 ounces.. and I need a lighter camera. Which I can understand,.. but the shake is directly in correspondence with the cars movement.. so I'm not sure how well this translates or why it would? A lighter camera is still going to pick up the vibrations of the cars suspension, etc..

 

I'm all for grabbing a cheaper "dash -cam" that would be rock solid, but it needs to meet the 3 criteria above.. so a little research would be needed I think to find one that has a zoom function (even if it's controlled via an application on my phone).

 

Your help is tremendously appreciated..

Edited May 22, 2014 by Chromatic

[Ekona]

The simple answer is to go and buy a GoPro or similar. You need to reduce the weight to an absolute minimum, and whilst you could spend hundreds of dollars on different mounts, you're never going to fight the laws of physics.

 

 

That is using VERY stiff track-biased suspension, with solid engine mounts so the car rattles and shakes like a biatch. The camera was mounted directly the to harness bar, which is in turn attached straight to the chassis. No wobble or shake at all. It'll do 1080p @60fps all day long, and most professionals are now using these for their work (Harris and the DRIVE team, Evo et al) so they're definitely good enough. No zoom, granted, but you can change the angle from wide to medium to narrow, which helps. You cannot really zoom whilst on the move any way, so how important is that? You can connect it up to the 12v supply so will run 24/7, or you add a couple of bigger batteries. No biggie.

 

Bite the bullet, and make the change.

Edited May 22, 2014 by Ekona

[RobPhoboS]

If your camera is the same as my old Canon HF11, there's not a single thing you can do but get a GoPro type of camera.

The camera itself (well, my HF11) has a floating lens, which basically gives you a reasonable smooth image when you're walking around for example but it cannot deal with the high frequency vibrations in a car. Even if you switch off the stabilisation function in the menu it won't help.

 

The only way to do it is to isolate it from connecting to the car directly, and I couldn't be arsed to engineer something so I bought other cameras.

[cmck13]

If your camera is the same as my old Canon HF11, there's not a single thing you can do but get a GoPro type of camera.

The camera itself (well, my HF11) has a floating lens, which basically gives you a reasonable smooth image when you're walking around for example but it cannot deal with the high frequency vibrations in a car. Even if you switch off the stabilisation function in the menu it won't help.

 

The only way to do it is to isolate it from connecting to the car directly, and I couldn't be arsed to engineer something so I bought other cameras.

 

Have to agree, looked at doing something similar but in the end it was much cheaper to buy a purpose made one of ebay or amazon. I paid $90 for mine, do a little research on here for members who have bought theirs.

 

Ps When you get it sorted out a little travelogue of the area where you live would be good to see. Quite enjoy meguiars videos of their weekend garage stuff where the public can turn up.

[Husky]

The only way is to build (or buy) a mount with a damping system to remove the aforementioned vibration. It's totally possible but would just be so much work for little reward compared to just buying a go pro (which is such a great bit of kit).

[rabbitstew]

Agree with the above, go pro or similar. I went for a contour HD as i prefered the sleek bullet like design rather than having something the size of a fag packet bolted to my motorbike helmet.

[GT Driver]

I have a Sony HDR AS-10 action cam in my Zed. It has a 'steadyshot' function which eliminates nearly all the shake. Only downside is that for the steadyshot to be on, the field of view is reduced from 170 degrees to 120 degrees.

[jimboy2]

+1 on go pro. can also be mounted to exterior of car in all weathers. great bit of kit and worth every penny

[jjt]

Headrest mount?

 

http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/hague_chm_camcorder_headrest_mount.html

[Chromatic]

I appreciate the replies.

 

But, how about something that is a little more price friendly. The Go pro's are $199+ for 720p and $399 for 1080p which also eliminates my zoom.

 

Now.. someone asked what good is zoom while you are moving. I prepare the zoom before I go.. to the device/area I'm focusing on.. remember this is NOT a camera to show the road ahead of me.. my Dashcam will do that. This is to focus (and due to obviousness of small electronic screens.. "zoom" from there to acquire that image of the screen). I don't zoom in and out while driving.

 

If the Go-pro had zoom.. I'd likely fork out the cash somehow.. But anyone have any cams that are tiny.. likely meant for action/cam purposes and/or dashcams (I'm finding these are often interchangeable).. That have a zoom?

 

If so, mind posting any links?

 

Someone mentioned a $90 one.. that is definitely in budget. The zoom doesn't have to be outrageous.. just a bit I can adjust on the camera as I setup before taking off.. And I often reset at other locations mid trip.. Which zoom in nearly always needed.. again, to read the information on such screens.

 

Sounds like the mount isn't going to happen -- So camera links? I'd prefer to keep this camera for my other uses, and have a $100 or less camera for this particular use. I will also have a Mobius cam for my dashcam but it will stay permanently behind the Rearview mirror and serve another purpose.. as a Dashcam, 24/7.

 

Thanks!

Edited May 22, 2014 by Chromatic

[RobPhoboS]

You record at a higher resolution (say 2k), then can crop in (720p).

At any rate, if your camera has the same lens function as my one, no chance of it working with a normal mount.

[Chromatic]

If your camera is the same as my old Canon HF11, there's not a single thing you can do but get a GoPro type of camera.

The camera itself (well, my HF11) has a floating lens, which basically gives you a reasonable smooth image when you're walking around for example but it cannot deal with the high frequency vibrations in a car. Even if you switch off the stabilisation function in the menu it won't help.

 

The only way to do it is to isolate it from connecting to the car directly, and I couldn't be arsed to engineer something so I bought other cameras.

 

This is exactly what I have been suspecting. I haven't researched if it's a floating lens,.. but after all the mounting positions.. using a tripod wedged in car,.. putting it without mount wedged between headrest and top of seat, etc.. It's the CAMERA.

 

It's a great Camera,.. but it's designed to compensate for some sharp movements while being hand held,.. but not a vibration and bumps from suspension on a continuous basis from a car.. especially not the tight suspensions on our Zeds..

 

You hit the nail on the head with this analysis. The camera is not going to work. I don't LOVE the camera.. it is however a fantastic picture and I ended up buying the $450 version with another tripod, 2 batteries (one is huge and extended life), external light, external microphone, 64GB class 10 card, and so on.. Lots of extras to go with a $300 camera. If I could push a button and get my cash back and start with $400 to buy something else I would.. but all I can do at this point is sell this BRAND new camera with these accessories on ebay for like $250..

 

I'm short on cash for another "expensive" camera.. I consider anything more than $100 expensive for cameras these days. -- And, I really think it's probably better for me to keep this camera for other work (tutorials, tripod work, family events, and just regular hand held or stationary work.) -- As the quality at 1080p at 60 frames in progressive is phenomenal. Features galore, touch screen, external mic input (which you can see how well that works with my Last exhaust video that has the camera in car and an external mic outside car)..

 

But.. I am short on cash.

 

 

Headrest mount?

 

http://www.cameragri...rest_mount.html

 

I've seen that mount in a few forms.. and a DIY version.. Basically get some PVC piping, some U rings with wingnuts to secure pipe to headrest .. Then come up with some way to mount the standard 1/4 thread so your camera can mount on it.

 

But, from what I'm experiencing and others are saying -- I don't believe this type of mount is going to make any bit of difference to be honest.

Thanks though! If you or anyone else comes across some magic dampening mount let me know.

 

The only way is to build (or buy) a mount with a damping system to remove the aforementioned vibration. It's totally possible but would just be so much work for little reward compared to just buying a go pro (which is such a great bit of kit).

 

I agree. I don't even SEE a true dampening mount out there on Amazon.. The real dampening mounts are for very high end cameras, movies, semi-pro videographers and so on.. and the ones I have seen are for large cameras and about $400-$4000 depending. There is a niche market here to be tapped where someone could design a dampening mount that suctions on for about $80-$100.. I think it would sell well for people with phones, low to mid end camcorders and so on.. that want a plug and play solution for THEIR camera without buying another one (even a sub $100 cheap one).

 

As for Go-Pro.. I've always been a fan of them. They quickly gained popularity because they are good. People latched onto them quickly because they had fairly good 720p (and now 1080p) image quality.. and the LACK of buttons on them I think helped their sales catch on. It's a literal point and shoot camera, that became huge for youtubers, and are "low cost" cameras that can be disposable if need be by film crews under water, catching scenes on vehicles, strapping on people to get decent image quality to put on TV and not have to worry about cost, if it gets broken, and it's not bulky..

 

But.. Given I'll be mounting whatever the name of the camera is I end up buying for my purpose here on my Gecko Mount (which is a great mount).. -- but I'll be mounting it in the Center area of the Rear Hatch/boot window (on the inside).. So a Go-pro would pick up the whole field of view and not be zoomed in on the device I'm capturing. While having zero ability to zoom it in.. I just can't go there.

 

Also Go-Pro isn't cheap. I'd need the 1080p version and that's $400 ($399).. and even if I said, ok I'll get a lesser model for 720 quality.. I'm still talking $199-$299 price. Then the battery life is about an hour, depending on model. I've been doing a TON of video work, and I can tell you if you get into it, you can blow through an hour on a battery in what seems like 10 minutes. I have two batteries for my Canon HF R500.. and I can easily go through both of those.. and that's at least 3-4 hours at full charge.

 

So I need help finding one of these action cams that has a zoom (that won't make things shaky) so I can mount back on the hatch/boot window and zoom it in on say my Radar Detector, Iphone 4, Iphone 5, Galaxy, Escort Live, or whatever electronic device I'm testing, reviewing, etc.

 

While money is an issue -- I need to find one that is like all these small cams that are action cams (or dash cams) -- both of these genre's tend to be designed to eliminate shake and be small form factor -- And I know a FEW exist that have zoom. I've seen a few so far that do have a zoom (digital ) of like 16x.. but for one reason or another something else about it eliminated it from being an option.

 

Have to agree, looked at doing something similar but in the end it was much cheaper to buy a purpose made one of ebay or amazon. I paid $90 for mine, do a little research on here for members who have bought theirs.

 

Ps When you get it sorted out a little travelogue of the area where you live would be good to see. Quite enjoy meguiars videos of their weekend garage stuff where the public can turn up.

 

Oh.. I do "Travelogs" all the time. I too enjoy these. I wish you guys would do them in your area.. And by this I mean just slap in a camera (don't care of quality ) put it where it shows the front windshield and can record your voice. Then drive around and talk.. Talk about what you are driving through.. talk about your day,.. talk about projects your working on, .. talk about your Zed,.. talk about life.. point is ramble on about whatever. It actually becomes very soothing and comfortable to do. May seem a little odd at first talking to a camera.. but when you aren't facing it and driving it comes fairly natural.. This is interesting to me, and I think others. The visual of the scenery of where you live combined with some rambling by yourself is interesting.

[Chromatic]

Made another post to get back to the point at hand:

 

Basically guys I need you to help me search and find a Camera at $100 (or less) -- If it's $150, I'll still consider it, but the lower the better.

 

That does/has the following:

 

1) Some sort of Zoom

 

2) Is an actioncam (camera that will solve the problem of shake completely..) Remember many if not most Dashcams are this way as well..

 

3) Is $100 or less ideally.. (But if you find the perfect one for a little more, let me know.)

 

Now some other things I'd PREFER but if can't be found I can make work...

 

-- To have reasonable battery life.. Say 2 hours.

 

I guess that's the only other major thing I'd like to have with it.. trying not to be too limiting/picky here. But if that can't be found, I can have a power source going to it constantly.. but for obvious reasons battery life of a few hours is a major bonus as these recordings are typically not incredibly long, but it may take 2-3 hours to get the footage in some instances.

 

Thanks.. and I can't believe this is becoming such a difficult task

[Stutopia]

You need something super light, I don't think you've got much chance of a zoom at that price point, but you can always crop in post production. Check these out: http://dashcamtalk.com

 

I'd wager a möbius or innovv would do the trick for sensible money. I mounted my point and shoot, with terrible shake results, but the tiny light innovv camera, although cheaper and less capable, produced way better results. You can also eliminate some shake in processing after, but it can't perform miracles.

[cmck13]

Hi, go on Amazon and have a look at something like this, there are several with X4 zoom, this one has X8 there are no reviews so there all a bit of a shot in the dark.

Over here were just getting into dash cams and most of the general public do not use them but in niche clubs like this they are picking up now.

Do you mind me asking whereabouts are you? Keep going I'm sure you'll get there in the end.

 

http://www.amazon.co...ductDescription

[Chromatic]

You need something super light, I don't think you've got much chance of a zoom at that price point, but you can always crop in post production. Check these out: http://dashcamtalk.com

 

I'd wager a möbius or innovv would do the trick for sensible money. I mounted my point and shoot, with terrible shake results, but the tiny light innovv camera, although cheaper and less capable, produced way better results. You can also eliminate some shake in processing after, but it can't perform miracles.

 

Thanks,.. I'll be getting a Mobius for my Dashcam,.. I settled on that a while back.. For the money it seems hard to beat for that purpose.

 

I have visited dashcamtalk.com.. and I think I posted my question there lol.. maybe not. But I'll look take a second look !

Hi, go on Amazon and have a look at something like this, there are several with X4 zoom, this one has X8 there are no reviews so there all a bit of a shot in the dark.

Over here were just getting into dash cams and most of the general public do not use them but in niche clubs like this they are picking up now.

Do you mind me asking whereabouts are you? Keep going I'm sure you'll get there in the end.

 

http://www.amazon.co...ductDescription

 

Haven't looked yet.. just responding. But thanks for your help.

 

I live in the States .. But, in this "Global Economy" if you will... most of what is in the electronic world one can get anywhere whether in the UK or US.. So as far as cameras go I think we can openly share links and such and I can find it on Amazon, ebay or similar.

 

What do you guys think about this ? (I posted this on another forum.. but it doesn't get much attention).

 

Hey guys.. I just ran across a strong possibility. Thought I would get your opinions on this camera. It's a little pricey.. (I"d go for the $150 option),.. but it's not Gopro $400 pricey. I'm not looking for super UBER quality.. just pretty good..

 

it has a Zoom.. digital, but as long as it's still stable at a zoom that's fine with me.

 

Think this camera will do the job of not being shaky?

 

http://photofocus.com/2013/12/05/why-i-prefer-the-jvc-gc-xa1xa2-adixxion-action-camera-to-the-gopro-hero/

 

It's the JCV Adixxion Action Camera.. shown in the above link/review.

 

Thanks

[Chromatic]

The above Camera looks great.. cept now that I've had some Youtube reviews of it the Mic is beyond bad. I just need it to record my voice.. and if you go listen to it .. I can't believe they put a Mic that bad in it.. I can't believe a Mic exists that bad. -- On goes the search. Someone said I could easily add another mic to it by opening it up and doing some simply electrical work.. but man, buying a $150 action cam to then have to modify right off the bat.. No thanks.

 

But the search terms "Action Cam with Zoom" tends to give me the few that exist of what I'm after. If any of you are familiar with any of these action cams that have the 4x, 8x, etc digital zooms (or happen to find one with optical zoom).. Do let me know.

[cmck13]

I know your from the states, what state? its nice to know appx where people come from.

[Chromatic]

I know your from the states, what state? its nice to know appx where people come from.

 

Here..

 

[Chromatic]

Found this randomly online:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-1080P-Waterproof-Sports-Cam-DV-Action-Camera-Bike-Camcorder-4x-Optical-Zoom-/131177891278?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

Has an OPTICAL zoom.. and all features I need..

But leary, it's no brand.. But, sometimes you get stuff from Asia that's awesome.. my rear view back up camera I bought for 19$ and it's the same camera as the Kenwood $300 version.

Thoughts?

[GMballistic]

Found this randomly online:

 

http://www.ebay.com/...=p2054897.l4275

 

Has an OPTICAL zoom.. and all features I need..

 

But leary, it's no brand.. But, sometimes you get stuff from Asia that's awesome.. my rear view back up camera I bought for 19$ and it's the same camera as the Kenwood $300 version.

 

Thoughts?

Could be a bit of a risk and it's not that cheap either really to risk it is it?!

 

Just been reading all their negative feedback ~ mostly from people purchasing ipod "style" players & phone cases/charges. Few people though have bought 7" tablets from them which seem to break within minutes of use and a couple of people complaining about the cameras not being in boxes.

 

I liked that JVC camera you posted earlier but then you mentioned the Mic is rubbish on them but tbh I can't imagine it being better on that Asian knock off "GoPro" copy.

 

I'd keep searching if it was me.

Edited May 25, 2014 by GMballistic

[Chromatic]

Thanks GM.. you seem like the nicest person on the planet

 

Anyhow.. I've been searching for weeks and like a madman for the past week+..

 

I've come full circle...

 

I found what seemed like the PERFECT solution in this:

 

http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Adixxion-GC-XA2-Color-Size/dp/B00DY6SSYW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

^^ Has 5x Zoom.. Is actioncam so stable.. Has LCD screen to view and aim.. has decent battery that can be changed,.. good mic (with external mic port for better one ).. and so on. However,.. it's $300. About 3 times my budget. I ALMOST bought it.. but kept looking and reading and came full circle..

 

I'm going with your standard Mobius Cam -- Which is by far the most popular little dashcam.. Has NO zoom, no LCD/LED (screen) to see what you are filming,.. really has nothing lol.

 

But, it's so popular because it has image quality better than anything else really.. It's absolutely tiny :

 

 

Which is awesome cause the smaller and lighter -- the more stable the image. I'll also be getting a second one for my Dashcam (permanent) that will mount behind rear view mirror (I just got a brand new Homelink mirror to finalize my Base model conversion to GT/Enthusiast model ) and you won't see it!

 

But it has great audio,.. holds 32GB M-SD card,.. and apparently has all the options that WORK, is the most reliable,..blah blah.. You can change it's options blind with those buttons, or you can plug it into your laptop/computer and there is a GUI .. program.. made to easily change all options then you just stick it in there and it's good to go.. of course time stamp, date,.. looping, and so on.

 

The kicker is price. US dollars you can grab it for $69 -- Really hard to beat that for a 1080p high quality camera that is stable and tiny like that -- which, again, is why it's so dang popular. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for a dashcam..

 

Well,.. I considered that initially.. but was like.. No zoom.. can't see what I'm aiming at.. can't use it for my commentary video recording in my car.

 

But figured out I can adjust the lens with an allen wrench.. And it's adjustable from a range of 2ft to Infinity,.. So I can set it up to zoom (albeit not super quick).. BUT,.. for aiming, The USB just goes into my laptop and I can see it in webcam mode and see what it's looking at. So a round about way of doing it.. but I don't pay $300 and it should work great.

 

Also I'm protected here.. I was going to def. buy it for my dashcam.. so ordered one,.. if for some reason it doesn't work out for this,.. It isn't a waste, I just mount it up for my dashcam.. no loss. If it does work, -- I anticipate it will,.. then I just buy a second one for dashcam. Being so dang cheap.. This is a cam you can have a dash cam, rear dash cam..and a third one to play with if you want.. I mean.. It costs more to fill my car up than this thing costs.

 

Would be even cheaper for your guys due to conversions I imagine.

 

So you are right.. the Money risk for that last camera,.. Nay.. Mobius, no real risk for above reasons.

[GMballistic]

When you get it all sorted maybe do a short review with some video to show how it works ~ of course by video I mean of the 350Z driving around as everybody loves that.

[Chromatic]

When you get it all sorted maybe do a short review with some video to show how it works ~ of course by video I mean of the 350Z driving around as everybody loves that.

 

For sure.. I have some other neat gadgets I've been working on for a while to video as well.. Though they have so many features it's going to be a challenge to make the video(s) short.. lol.

 

Oh well.. those who want to watch will, and those who don't.. can ,.. well.. not.