Gopro video camera aerodynamics

[blackbmwk1200r]

I like the video and cost of the GoPro HD video camera but don't want to attach something to the rollbar that will have anymore than a very minor/unimportant affect on aerodynamics. I'd like to get some input on this before making a decision on the camera.

Thanks

[Keith Carter]

Unless you're really at the top of your game, my opinion would be that the aero drag is negligible. Tuck it in as close the the car as possible and have fun with it. There are larger gains/losses to be had in an extra cycle on those set of tires, the nut behind the wheel, etc...

[NPalacioM3]

I agree with Mr. Carter, I think you could probably worry about other things which would probably be of higher consequence to your lap times.

That aside, at $299, the GoPro does have some competition. For $100 more, you can get a VIO POV 1.5 which is not HD but produces very good video. They now have an HD version but at $599 it's not a good price comparison. The 1.0/1.5 is really good though! The camera itself is very small and you mount the recorder somewhere inside the cockpit attached to a frame rail or cockpit side.

[Matt King]

The ContourHD also has a smaller frontal area than the GoPro if you're worried about such things, and is priced comparably.

[NPalacioM3]

The ContourHD also has a smaller frontal area than the GoPro if you're worried about such things, and is priced comparably.

I have yet to see one of these mounted to a car. It seems their mounting options on the site are rather limited? Do you have one? What did you do? It does seem like a nice option.

[David Ferguson]

At PRI I was most impressed by the Stable Imaging Solutions ReplayXD self-contained video camera. It's priced like a GoPro, but in a package that looks just like a lipstick camera. They showed an HD model coming soon.

http://replayxd.com/

[John Thompson]

I second the vote for the RePlayXD camera. We have already used it and it is a wonderful camera. small, great video and easy to use, two buttons, on/off, no guess work. Just press and hold the forward button for 2 seconds and the camera will viberate when it's on, the driver can easily use it himself while in the car (if it is in a reachable position). I can't count how many times we had issues with the Go Pro, either not on when we thought it was, or a thousand pictures of the action. It also didnt show any issues of shutting down when mounted directly to the rollbar like we have had with other cameras...

www.buyreplayxd.com

[NPalacioM3]

I second the vote for the RePlayXD camera. We have already used it and it is a wonderful camera. small, great video and easy to use, two buttons, on/off, no guess work. Just press and hold the forward button for 2 seconds and the camera will viberate when it's on, the driver can easily use it himself while in the car (if it is in a reachable position). I can't count how many times we had issues with the Go Pro, either not on when we thought it was, or a thousand pictures of the action. It also didnt show any issues of shutting down when mounted directly to the rollbar like we have had with other cameras...

www.buyreplayxd.com

John,

What did you use to mount it to the bar? I imagine you fabricated something?

[2BWise]

I have yet to see one of these mounted to a car. It seems their mounting options on the site are rather limited? Do you have one? What did you do? It does seem like a nice option.

I use a Contour. I quickly fabbed up a steel plate with a couple holes and strapped it across the roll hoop and first down tube (on the side). Used some double sided tape to attach it on the plate. You can pretty much mount it to any nearly flat surface as long as its parallel to the centerline of the vehicle. The lens rotates 180 deg, so the surface can be angled.

[John Thompson]

They have a new mount that they just introduced at PRI, so that wasent availble at the time. We used at the Skippy Shootout, so there is a limited amount of time once the cars are drawn and the driver has to due everything himself. He first used the the included mount and velcro and mounted it on his helmet, then later mounted it against the rollbar on top of the fiberglass rollbar shroud with the help of some duct tape... Worked everythime, no issues, knew when he turned it on and off...just by feel...

John

[JScarallo]

One thing to really consider that is way more important if you ask me then aerodynamic effect is the audio of the camera.

I just went on the website of the camera company that John mentioned and it has the same problem that the same GoPro has. AWFUL audio.

All you hear is wind and it is the most annoying thing in the world if you ask me, I can not stand it, I would rather just use my Flip camera instead because thats cheaper still.

I suggest first the ChaseCam and then the POV. The Chasecam is probably the most expensive but its just the best. You never, never, never hear any wind while using it. I personally have had one on my car all year long and I never heard any wind. The audio is the best and its nothing to compare it to. The visual is pretty good, not HD but very good. They just came out with HD but I do not have that.

The POV is a bit cheaper again and very good. The audio is not quit as good as the chasecam but it is also very very very good. Its a bit easier to set-up then the chasecam because it just uses AA batteries I believe. Unlike the chasecam which needs a hot and ground wire, unless you buy the battery system which is complex as well.

Here is the link to all my in-car videos which were shot with a Chasecam: www.Youtube.com/JSMotorsports22 Here are all my brothers videos which were also all shot with a chasecam: www.Youtube.com/GroupARacing

Here are some videos of Matthew Inge. He used the POV camera: http://www.youtube.com/user/MatthewIngeRacing

[Mike B]

One thing to really consider that is way more important if you ask me then aerodynamic effect is the audio of the camera.

I just went on the website of the camera company that John mentioned and it has the same problem that the same GoPro has. AWFUL audio.

All you hear is wind and it is the most annoying thing in the world if you ask me, I can not stand it, I would rather just use my Flip camera instead because thats cheaper still.

Are you talking about the GoPro HD audio? I've never heard wind noise with any of my GoPros, HD or not. Here are a couple vids that sound okay to me:
http://www.vimeo.com/15290861
http://www.vimeo.com/7066881

[Matt King]

That doesn't sound bad at all, but the original GoPros had awful audio. It seems they have worked a lot of the bugs out of them, but the early one I used had a lot of issues and kind of turned me off to them.

[Jim Garry]

That doesn't sound bad at all, but the original GoPros had awful audio. It seems they have worked a lot of the bugs out of them, but the early one I used had a lot of issues and kind of turned me off to them.

Same here.

[RussMcB]

I have a Contour HD1080p and mounting has not been a problem. It uses pretty strong double-sided sticky tape to attach the mount to the car, and some kind of hook & loop (Velcro) to attach the camera to the mount. The lens can be rotated if the mount is not level or perpendicular to the ground.

The thing I like best is how easy it is to turn on (a big slide switch on top) and know that it is on (LED lights aimed forward). That was always an issue with my early GoPro cameras, but maybe they addressed that in the later model.

[NPalacioM3]

I have a Contour HD1080p and mounting has not been a problem. It uses pretty strong double-sided sticky tape to attach the mount to the car, and some kind of hook & loop (Velcro) to attach the camera to the mount. The lens can be rotated if the mount is not level or perpendicular to the ground.

The thing I like best is how easy it is to turn on (a big slide switch on top) and know that it is on (LED lights aimed forward). That was always an issue with my early GoPro cameras, but maybe they addressed that in the later model.

You have any videos posted we could see?

[Keith Roberts]

Just wanted to let everyone know, we keep the Contour HD in stock . At $279 it's a very capable and user friendly camera. We've been using them on the cars with good success.

[NPalacioM3]

Just wanted to let everyone know, we keep the Contour HD in stock . At $279 it's a very capable and user friendly camera. We've been using them on the cars with good success.

Are the videos on your site taken with this camera?

[Jim Gustafson]

I use a Contour. I quickly fabbed up a steel plate with a couple holes and strapped it across the roll hoop and first down tube (on the side). Used some double sided tape to attach it on the plate. You can pretty much mount it to any nearly flat surface as long as its parallel to the centerline of the vehicle. The lens rotates 180 deg, so the surface can be angled.

There are simple, easy to use mounts available for both the Contour, and POV, which we stock. Apexspeed members, contact us directly for special discount pricing.

Jim Gustafson
Visual Communications
www.vis-comm.com
contactus@vis-comm.com
262-246-8944

[Mark Filip]

Why is no one using this HD camera? Looks like it will put most others to shame for the money. I may buy one and try it. I have a SD Gopro now and for the most part pretty happy but it's not very reliable I know the HD Gopro is supossed to be much better but this one has most of the same specs and has a wireless remote and a LCD screen 2 things that I hate about Gopro's

And it's on sale now I may have to purchase my own xmas gift.

Mark




http://www.raceoptics.com/evohds.php

[Keith Roberts]

Yes, they are. All attached with the small stick-on mount.

[keithl024]

Well there seems to be allot of responses to this post so I feel like I need to give my three cents. I have been doing in-car video professionally for fifteen years and I have owned/tried a miriad of different systems. That being said, I have tried the Go Pro system and I am very much less than impressed. Simply put, the overall quality is poor. Video, Audio, the plastic Housing. I can say that the cost is attractive and I have to commend the company for their marketing abilities. They are everywhere ! I can, however, highly recommend the V.I.O. sport system. I have tested their system and although it doesn't competely suit my needs I can work around that This is a very rugged system that has been used by the military and law enforcement and television producers. I will likely be using their system exclusively this coming race season. I will also say that they have mounts for any type of situation you may have.
Good Luck and remember, the benefits of a good video system can faaarrr outweigh any aero drag you may encounter. These systems can be invaluable to even the most seasoned driver.
Choose wisely
Keith

[Jim Gustafson]

Why is no one using this HD camera? Looks like it will put most others to shame for the money. I may buy one and try it. I have a SD Gopro now and for the most part pretty happy but it's not very reliable I know the HD Gopro is supossed to be much better but this one has most of the same specs and has a wireless remote and a LCD screen 2 things that I hate about Gopro's

And it's on sale now I may have to purchase my own xmas gift.

Mark




http://www.raceoptics.com/evohds.php

This system is very similar to the POV, in fact it appears to use the same cable, camera as the POV.1. The camera cable on the POV.1.5 is hard wired. This was a problem area on the POV.1 as the cable would vibrate loose. It appears the cable on the RaceOptics model screws on to the camera, which proved to be a weak link in racing applications. BTW, price for POV.1.5 is $385 for Apexspeed members.

Jim Gustafson
Visual Communications

[RussMcB]

You have any videos posted we could see?

Only in a closed IT car, so this wont tell you anything about the wind noise.

http://vimeo.com/14818177

Vimeo is a pretty good host, but some quality was lost during the upload process.

[Mark Filip]

The POV 1.5 is $385 for SD video and the race optics entire set up with memory card, case and 2 batteries with HD for $10 more and free shipping. I have been looking for a POV camera for months that has HD with remote and the race optics system seems to be the best bang for the buck.

[2BWise]

You have any videos posted we could see?

http://www.vimeo.com/11220724
Practice Day, I had it mounted onto my helmet. This is the full HD file.

http://www.vimeo.com/14744860
Mid Oh race video. I had to compress it to get it fit onto Vimeo, but the original is quite impressive.

Surprisingly in both videos the wind noise isn't too bad. The engine can still be heard easily despite the wind. With it mounted on the roll hoop I can easily power it on and start recording while belted in. It beeps at the start of recording, stopping recording, and powering off. I can hear it even with the motor running.

[blackbmwk1200r]

Thanks to all for the input. Found this Car and Driver review that may be of some interest.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ested-gear_box

[F five hunj]

I've got a newer gopro HD. Use the correct case and wind noise is not an issue. Also, the problems I've had with it have all been operator error, like switching to picture mode inadvertently. With a good quality flash card you can record some great looking video.

[GAR]

We are a new Apex advertisers and also a new POV dealer and have some of the first new 1080P HD cameras available. Feel free to contact us about getting this very user friendly and fantastic quality camera.

[swiftdrivr]

Does anyone know how to attach a GoPro to a Swift DB-1? The roll bar is 13/8ths, and very little is exposed, with tight spacing otherwise. My machinist friend is busy right now, so I'm a bit stuck.---Jim

[jaytourist]

hi swiftdrivr,

we have the same problem. but i hope we could have that, soon.

[Kazis31]

Since your shopping consider Epic.
I have it on my Russel FM works very nice ,has wide screen lens that gives you very
good overall view.
also it was only $185 bucks on eBay.
you can put a larger SD car in it and after each track day just download all videos on laptop.
Anyway something else to consider.

[Dave SanF 50]

I attached my Contour onto an Alum plate that covers the opening for the tow strap. I used two NyLock wing nuts (10-32) that mount to the rear engine cover. I'll take a couple of pics and post them. The tow crew liked the installation. SCCA requires video camera mounts to be inspected by grid ONLY if the camera is over 8 oz. The Contour is just over 4.

JScarallo is right about wind noise. The mikes on the Contour, GoPro, Et Al are on the camera so they are in the wind stream.

A short clip I made last weekend @ Thill

http://contour.com/stories/scca-sfr-regional-race-1-thill-4-9-11


dave

[Dave SanF 50]

This is how I mounted my Contour cam on my DB1. I used .050" Alum for the base. Be aware that this is close to the coil and HT wires, therefore there is some EM interference. But the view is terrific.
dave

Attachment 24569

Attachment 24570

Attachment 24571

Attachment 24572

[roun0016]

I just pulled up this post because I am now in the market for a new cam. I was heading down the front straight at BHF last weekend when the mounting case on my GoPro failed. The GoPro is secured by a compression system, and if you don't tighten it hard enough, the camera will move (point straight in the air). The problem is that if you over tighten it, the plastic will crack and fail under high speed/wind conditions.

Thankfully, no one was hurt by my flying cam, but the stewards were FAR from pleased (it DID meet SCCA regulations before failing - under 8oz). They actually didn't allow a FV competitor to use his because they were concerned about the integrity of the mounting. Coincidentally, at the previous event at BHF (Fall Sprints) a S2000 had the exact same thing happen to him (same place). Thankfully the shards of the case didn't puncture my tire when I hit it. Anybody else had the same issue? Also, the previous 5 track sessions it had shut off, and the files were corrupt. Why am I paying so much if the thing isn't working all the time?

I did here some people talk about putting a soft washer in the GoPro system to make it grip better without tightening so hard.

I'm torn between the POV 1.5 (seems the safe choice), another GoPro, and the Contour HD. My biggest concern is that I have belted in my dad for the first time in 28yrs, and wanted to capture that moment, and now it's gone. I also had my brother in the car for his drivers school and that video was also corrupted.

What do we think? POV? Where do I get a good roll bar mount for my RF'97?? (hopefully for not an arm and a leg - this is already cutting into my tire budget - aka my one set of stickers this year....)


Go ApexSpeed! Best forum ever.


-Patrick

[NPalacioM3]

Patrick,

Do yourself a favor and get the POV. 1.5. It is what I have (as well as many others) and is great with the mount I got from fellow Apex member, Greg Pizzo. I have attached a link to his site below. It is a fantastic little piece and you will never have these worries about your camera flying off ever again! However, if you decide to look at the HD version of the POV, I do not believe it will fit.

There are videos posted above by Jonathon which were taken with the POV 1.5.

http://www.onboard-videotech.com/views.html

[Dick R.]

Anybody have any formula car experience with the Race-Technology Video 4 system in regard to video quality, reliability, etc.? The Video 4 has been available for over a year I think.

I'm considering getting a Race-Technology DL-1 with somebody's camera versus the brand new Video 4 with GPS and sensor inputs to replace my current GoPro and MaxQData "video" and "DA". Cost starting from scratch seems about the same.

This is an autocross application so I have no need for a real time electronic dash and don't need more sensor inputs than the new Video 4 system provides. In fact, it appears that my Stack recording tach which can replay whole runs is the best way to get quick rpm info (not just peaks) between runs.

Thanks!

Dick
85 VD
CM 85

[Evl]

If you go for a 3rd party camera w/ the race-technology software, just keep in mind you'll need to buy a video license. Should still be cheaper than a video4 though.

[Dick R.]

If you go for a 3rd party camera w/ the race-technology software, just keep in mind you'll need to buy a video license. Should still be cheaper than a video4 though.

Why (other than cost)?

Thanks,

Dick

[Evl]

Yup, just pointing out a hidden cost of the 3rd party system. I haven't seen the video4, so I can't help you on that point. The video analysis in the software is pretty cool though. I've used it w/ 3rd party cameras (bought the license), and you click on any point in the run, it brings up that frame of video, you can overlay video from multiple runs, etc.