In-car camera recommendations

[Dionysus]

Looking for in-car HD cameras that provide at least 4hrs recording without loopback and had a look at Go Pro Hero 3 (thinking of suction mount to sunroof); is there anything else that would be worth looking considering?

[boots]

I have the go pro but don't think it will do 4 hours of playback. I mount mine on the dash. Perfect fit.

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by boots

I have the go pro but don't think it will do 4 hours of playback. I mount mine on the dash. Perfect fit.

Was told by go pro that hero 3 at 1080p & 30 frames could do 7 hrs with 64GB memory card; no idea if that's realistic.

As to mounting on dash, what type of mount are you using (I'd prefer not to use std adhesive)?

[Orich]

Suction cup on passenger side window or top of windshield will be my idea.

[Orich]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

Was told by go pro that hero 3 at 1080p & 30 frames could do 7 hrs with 64GB memory card; no idea if that's realistic.

As to mounting on dash, what type of mount are you using (I'd prefer not to use std adhesive)?

I was thinking to get a suction cup mount off amazon or eBay for $15 then mount a regular point and shoot camera. This way you can still use the camera for other stuff and most point and shoot nowadays can do 1080p at 60fps for less than $300.

Only thing to check is if the camera can shoot 4 hrs continuous video, I know sometime even the memory card is large but the camera software won't let you shoot that long of clip in one file...

[boots]

I used the adhesive mount it came w. I also have a outside suction mount but I use a mic so I run it inside the car.

[Neil McRae]

4GB = 20 mins 1080p at 50fps on go pro 3 - sound is iffy

really keen to see if the 3+ improves sound.

for mounting use the adhesive mounts, they are cheap and stick well. I had 2 gopro 3s externally mounted for 5 days 2000 miles. No problem.

[Dionysus]

Ordered a couple of 3+ black editions direct from GoPro; called this morning to be told that I cannot access My Account in UK (by design apparently) and need to call them for order tracking and also that their warehouse is out of stock so my order has not been shipped (even though everything was available & in stock on the website when I placed the order), they cannot commit to the estimated 1-2 days delivery and they cannot provide indicative dates as to when anything will be in stock.

Apologies to vent my spleen here, but just a little nervous now...

Was hoping to video the CP exhaust rattle to show my dealer for 1200 mile service this Friday. Highly unlikely now.

[Neil McRae]

phone them and cancel the order:

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/GoPro-3-Cameras.html

got a pile of stuff from them, very good service.

Neil

[Spinny02]

My gopro black only last about one hour thirty . Maybe I need new batts.

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

phone them and cancel the order:

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/GoPro-3-Cameras.html

got a pile of stuff from them, very good service.

Neil

Thanks Neil, will give GoPro a few more days as will be on business trip (intended to use the cameras whilst traveling), so already missed the boat, so to speak. If their attitude towards UK customers has not improved by then, I will be cancelling (although, ironically, still likely to stick with their products ).

[Dionysus]

Originally Posted by Spinny02

My gopro black only last about one hour thirty . Maybe I need new batts.

GoPro quote 1.5 hours battery life on the 3+ black for 1080p at 60fps (2hrs for 1080p 30fps). The 3+ does come an upgraded battery, which is supposed to provide 30% more life. On that basis, doesn't read as though you need a new battery. I have ordered the GoPro Auto Charger to allow in-car recording for 4hrs+.

[Used2be]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

If their attitude towards UK customers has not improved by then, I will be cancelling (although, ironically, still likely to stick with their products ).

I've been using the Contour products for some years and have been pleased with their customer support. Their cameras can be powered through the USB connection in the car, or with their charger using the 12V output, so no reliance on batteries if you choose to do that. At this point I believe the largest microSD card they will accommodate is 32GB, but that will give you over 5 hours of recording time using either 1080p 30fps or 720p 60fps. They don't have 1080p 60fps yet as far as I know. The Contour +2 is very user friendly and reliable.

[Neil McRae]

on battery, you get about an hour give or take (atleast on the 3) depending on wifi usage which hurts battery life badly. If you plan to run a camera at the rear you can use the 12v socket in the boot and run a cable to the camera. I did this for the alpine run and was able to have the camera running all the time and use the wifi.

for the front camera which I had in the middle of the air dam under the front number plate, in the centre box I had a battery charger with a couple of spare batteries that also ran of the 12V supply. I'd swap them at stops along with the memory stick. next time I'm going to connect a 12v socket to the battery clamp points and power the front camera fully also.

one thing to test are the different picture modes. in my view the wide angles aren't very good better with narrow. sound is quite hard although I think I have a solution for that.

whatever you do don't use the suction cup, it's dreadful in my view.

Neil.

[v3n0m]

I just picked up two Blackvue dr500gw-hd's. They're great, continuous loop and wifi access on your smartphone.

I hardwired that and a valentine 1 on my GTR. haven't installed in on the M5 yet, but should be relatively simple to do. I'll post pics once I do.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

Looking for in-car HD cameras that provide at least 4hrs recording without loopback and had a look at Go Pro Hero 3 (thinking of suction mount to sunroof); is there anything else that would be worth looking considering?

I have the Blackvue DR380 HD, can use the 32Gig micro card for many hours use.
Great pictures.
16 hours play back

http://www.blackvue.eu/Blackvue_DR380G.php

[Orich]

There is also Sony Action Cam

http://store.sony.com/compact-pov-ac...pfm%3Dcategory

[Dionysus]

Thanks to everyone with alternative camera suggestions; all my go pro kit arrived this Wednesday, so only a day late. Have just had a call from my dealer to say that my 1200 mile service is complete. Just need to work out where to mount both cameras. I did order the suctions mounts for internal use, however, may give them a miss.