A primer on in-car video systems for the historic racer.
Humans are such visual animals that even when our eyes are closed, some form of imagery usually plays across the big screen of our consciousness as we remember, imagine, or dream of things both real and not. This reality has fostered both the motion picture and television industries and, in recent years, the advent of video technology that has become so accessible to the average person that you could conceivably find images from your neighbor’s shower stall (or even your own) on YouTube.
Being creative, adaptable, and inventive folks, racers quickly embraced this new technology both as a way to share and relive their moments behind the wheel, as well as a means to improve their on-track performance. Not only have once cumbersome systems (think John Frankenheimer’s Cinerama cameras) been miniaturized to the point that they weigh nearly nothing and can fit inside your helmet, but with amazing rapidity, the recording technology also has evolved from film to tape and, most recently, to solid-state digital format.
Within the historic racing world, the use of in-car video has blossomed as this new digital technology has improved and costs have come down. In just the past 5–10 years, professional-quality, solid-state, digital, remote-lens video systems, similar to those formerly reserved for professional television broadcasts, have gone from being tens of thousands of dollars to being readily attainable for as little as a $1,000. As a result, there is now a host of digital video systems on the market that range from as little as $179 to as much $10,000. So, with all this newfound choice, how do you know which one is right for you? Obviously, price point is one way of narrowing the field, but before you make your final choice, there are a number of technical aspects that you might want to take into consideration.
Resolution
Like digital cameras, which have become ubiquitous in the world of still photography, video systems can have differing resolutions. Resolution is nothing more than a numerical way to measure how crisp or defined an image is. This is usually represented as either dots/inch (dpi) or lines/inch (lpi). Ideally, look for a system that records at a resolution as close to 720 x 480 (dpi) as possible. This resolution level is the highest resolution of most TVs and computer monitors, without going to High-Definition (HD) equipment. We won’t be addressing HD here in these pages, but rest assured, this will be the next frontier in in-car video systems, over the coming years.
Frame Speed
Video is nothing more than still images quickly displayed at such a rate as to appear that they are continuously moving. As such, you want the resolution of each individual video image to be as high as possible (see above), but additionally, you want the acquisition and playback of those images to incorporate as many images, or frames, as possible per second. The ideal standard, for video playback, is 30 fps (frames per second). Anything more than that, won’t be able to be resolved by a standard screen (the screen can’t “refresh” the images any faster than 30 fps, therefore, the extra frames just become wasted space on your recording disk). However, as the frame speed gets lower, the human eye starts to be able to catch the jumps from one image to another, and so the video will begin to look more disjointed and choppy.
With the current solid-state, digital video systems available, it is important to keep in mind the relationship between resolution, frame speed, and disk capacity. Theoretically, the best quality video would be acquired with both high-resolution and high-frame speed. However, since this incorporates much more data per second of video, you will in turn get less total video per recording disk or SD card. If you want longer recording times, you may have to sacrifice one or both of these parameters. However, many of the better systems can record both high-resolution and high-frame speed for well over 2 hours on a single disk.
Also, keep in mind that all recording systems are not created equally (and, thus, the wide variation in price). Some systems will state that they are capable of 720 x 480 resolution and 30 fps, but they may not be able to do both at the same time! For example, in order to get high-resolution images, some systems may need to record at a lower frame speed or vice versa.
Compression
Most digital video systems will incorporate some amount of “compression,” that is to say, a special program that makes the stored size of each frame smaller, thus allowing you to get more images or video on a single disk. This, on the surface, might sound like a good thing, in that it can allow you to have longer videos, in higher resolution. And, to some extent, this is true; but the amount of compression utilized can adversely affect image quality. Ideally, look for systems that use 8Mb/sec of compression or less, for the best balance of video quality to recording length.
Camera
As the old saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out.” You could have the greatest recording equipment in the world, but your end video will only be as good as the input images coming from the camera. Similar to the recording equipment, each camera will have a unique resolution level associated with it, as well. Some may be higher or lower depending on whether it is a re-purposed stationary, security/surveillance-type camera (as some are) or one specifically designed for action work. On the whole, look for cameras that have a resolution level of 480 lpi (lines per inch) or better.
Additionally, keep in mind that cameras can come with different fields of vision or “lens angles” (measured in degrees). Looking straight ahead, a 90-degree lens will be able to see everything up to 45-degrees either side of the centerline, while a 180-degree lens will able to see everything up to 90-degrees either side of the centerline. While more may seem better, the potential downside to a wider 180-degree lens is that the image around the periphery will appear farther away than it actually is and slightly distorted (the so-called “fish-eye” effect), while at the opposite end of the extreme, a 70-degree lens will provide a fairly limited, “tunnel-vision” field of view.
If your budget allows, you may want to consider having a selection of lenses, with differing lens angles, to allow you broader options in terms of the action you capture. For example, you might want to use either a 70-degree or 90-degree lens mounted on, or even in, your helmet to better capture what you actually see. Whereas elsewhere, you might want to use a 180-degree lens, mounted low to the ground, to show more of the action around you. Some of the better systems will even allow you to do both simultaneously. There is no right or wrong choice here, just personal preference.
With this basic primer on the various technical aspects to consider when buying a system, what follows is a guide to a number of presently available systems, across various price ranges, and which are currently being marketed specifically to the motor sport community. Keep in mind, that in addition to the features highlighted above, other factors that you may want to consider, for your own specific installation/use, might be such factors as size, weight, water resistance, dust resistance, shock resistance, compatibility of video format with your computer/TV system, compatibility with multiple camera inputs, data acquisition systems, etc.
While it may seem like there are a bewildering range of options and features to consider, the good news is that there are now more options than ever to ensure that you can get a great video system at a great price.
AiM Sports
AiM’s tiny SmartyCam is a camcorder using H264 compression with real time video overlays. The data to be overlaid comes from the internal GPS system and (optionally) direct from either the car’s ECU or an AiM data logger. The SmartyCam is a versatile video and data logging system that merges video signals with vehicle performance data and outputs a single synchronized video signal that can be recorded or broadcast.
$1,000
AiM Sports LLC, 31889 Corydon, Suite 130, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
Autometer – Stack Inc.
Stack offers a Synchronized Video-Logger System that integrates performance data in real time with the relevant video images. It can present side-by-side comparisons of two different runs so the driver can see and understand exactly what is happening at any point on the track. Broadcast quality MPEG-2 video can be produced by combining the system with one of three versions of Stack’s palm-sized Digital Video Recorders that are designed specifically for auto racing applications. Cameras are not included.
$POA
Autometer-Stack Inc., 413 Elm St., Sycamore, IL 60178
www.stackltd.com/videosystems_motorsport.html 815-991-2285
CatchItCam
Although, as the name suggests, CatchItCam is primarily a purveyor of cameras to provide affordable, broadcast-quality video signals compatible with any recording device, the company does offer complete systems using a variety of available Sony Camcorders. Besides delivering actual video of the car running on the track, this system can also be tailored to monitor internal mechanical operations such as suspension travel or throttle position.
$POA
Catchit Cam Inc., K&B Motorsports, 2696 Neely Store Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730
www.catchitcam.com/videocamera/incar/index.php 877-450-9737
Chase Cam
The rugged, solid-state PDR-100 is the basis of the RK-1 kit. It utilizes Supercaps capacitors and a G-Force module to automatically record an entire weekend of racing, without pushing a button. The G-Force module triggers the unit to begin recording when it senses vehicle motion, and to stop shortly after motion ceases. It can be used in manual mode with or without a remote switch. Comes complete with 520+ line BulletCam, choice of camera mount, camera cradle, 4GB compact flash card, 5-foot camera cable, cigarette-lighter adapter, MiniAV-adapter cable, and external battery holder. The PDR-100 synchronizes with many popular data acquisition systems.
$950
Chase Product Development, Inc., 8348 Center Dr. – Ste A, La Mesa, CA 91942
www.chasecam.com 619-337-2300
Datatoys
Datatoys claims its XM-DVR Pro is the highest quality digital recorder available. The dual-channel recorder features a bit rate twice that of any others, and it can record from two cameras at once, producing two individual video files on a removable SD flash card. In an anodized aluminum housing less than two inches tall, the XM-DVR Pro is sold as a complete system with either one or two cameras, so all the user needs to do is mount it and connect it to a power supply.
$1,698 or $1,997
Datatoys, 500 W Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217
www.datatoys.com 414-294-8017
GoPro Camera
This is a waterproof, wireless, mini digital video camera system available with either a 54-degree (standard) or a 170-degree (wide) lens, and featuring either a three (standard) or five (wide) megapixel sensor and 16mb of internal memory that’s expandable to a 2GB SD card. Records in motion-jpeg AVI format, and is compatible with computers using either Windows Vista or Mac OSX or higher.
$179.99-$199.99
GoPro Camera, P.O. Box 523, Pescadero, CA 94060
JonesCAM
Combining JonesCAM’s JC-2 PVR broadcast-quality mobile personal video recorder with the company’s JC 560 OSD Sony Super HAD Bullet Cam creates a system featuring a Sony color CCD sensor with ultra-high resolution of 560 scanlines, and a recorder that can operate in either MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 format. It also has a wireless remote, GPS, motion detector, and either Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectability.
$804
JonesCAM, 171 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839
http://jonescam.tv 518-746-5802
MotoCam
Motocam offers a basic in-car system to capture, record, and playback video that can be purchased with one, two, or four 550 scanline Sony color CCD bullet cameras. These feed their images into a compact DVR recording in MPEG-4 format on SD memory cards that’s contained in a waterproof, polycarbonate “Shockbox” housing and powered by a rechargeable 12-volt Lithium-ion battery. System also includes the necessary cables, mounts, and connectors as well as video editing software. MotoCam also offers a helmet-cam version.
$849.99-$1,999.99
MotoCam360, 329-208 St. SE, Bothell, WA 98012
www.themotocam.com 206-795-2644
RaceCam
The RaceCam system is designed as an affordable option for amateur and professional alike, producing clear and vibration-free color video despite operating in the harsh environment of a racing car. Both standard- and high-resolution options are available, but since RaceCam is only the camera system, it needs to be combined with a suitable recording device to capture the images. A shockproof mounting enclosure for that recorder is, however, part of the package.
$950-$1,250
Northeast Microelectronics, P.O. Box 175, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
www.racecam.com 201-794-9766
Race-Keeper
The Race-Keeper Video Data Logger is a plug-and-play video data-logging system designed to provide synchronized video, audio, and data outputs. It features a sturdy but lightweight, flame-retardant case, has the ability to handle as many as four cameras, uses standard SD memory cards, and employs a USB key for instant offload of files.
$1,895
Trivinci Systems LLC, 45662 Terminal Dr., Suite 130, Sterling, VA 20166
www.race-keeper.com 571-203-1420
Race Technology
Race Technology’s new VIDEO4 offering is a state-of-the-art, solid-state, combined video and data logging system featuring as many as four video inputs and one video output. The system synchronizes top-quality graphics with data overlays (from a separate system) and records the final product in MPEG-2 format to a removable flash memory card that can be viewed on a PC using the software provided.
$POA
Race Technology USA, 2317 Westwood Ave., Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230
www.race-technology.com 804-358-7289
Stable Imaging Solutions
Stable Imaging bills its top-of-the-line IDRS 2000 Pro as the industry’s first, true, one-wire-in/one-wire-out, 12-volt, isolated digital recording system. It has been designed and manufactured to aircraft quality standards, and its locking HRS connectors allow connection to multiple Power-Link options and Cam-Links. Three camera options include the night-vision Speed IR Cam that lists separately for $379.
$2,299
Stable Imaging Solutions, LLC, 3709 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320
www.stableimaging.com 805-480-9800
Viosport Camera Systems
Viosport’s POV.1 is a fully integrated, point-of-view video system that’s waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant. The system includes a mountable camera head with 110-degree wide-angle lens, built-in MPEG-4 video recorder, wireless remote, and software for managing the resultant videos.
$699.95
Viosport Camera Systems, 100 N Front St., Marquette, MI 49855
www.viosport.com 906-226-9393
VBOX USA
A variety of performance data-logging equipment is available from VBOX, with its Video Vbox, a combination of high-quality, solid-state video recorder with GPS data logger and a powerful 32-bit, 270Mhz, real-time graphics processor that generates 24-bit color imagery able to be tailored for individual applications. Picture-in-picture capability is standard, and the Video Vbox can encode at full DVD quality using an advanced MPEG-4 encoder chip, although MPEG-2 is optional. These systems do not include cameras.
$POA
VBOX USA, 1368 Anderson Rd., Clawson, MI 48017
www.vboxusa.com 248-655-0557
