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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
Frame Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t be able to be resolved by a standard screen (the screen can\u2019t \u201crefresh\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Compression<\/strong><\/p>\n Most digital video systems will incorporate some amount of \u201ccompression,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Camera<\/strong><\/p>\n As the old saying goes, \u201cGarbage in, garbage out.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Additionally, keep in mind that cameras can come with different fields of vision or \u201clens angles\u201d (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 \u201cfish-eye\u201d effect), while at the opposite end of the extreme, a 70-degree lens will provide a fairly limited, \u201ctunnel-vision\u201d field of view.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $1,000<\/strong><\/p>\n AiM\u2008Sports LLC, 31889 Corydon, Suite 130, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530<\/p>\n http:\/\/aimsports.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n $POA<\/strong><\/p>\n Autometer-Stack Inc., 413 Elm St., Sycamore, IL 60178<\/p>\n www.stackltd.com\/videosystems_motorsport.html<\/a>\u00a0 815-991-2285<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $POA<\/strong><\/p>\n Catchit Cam Inc., K&B Motorsports, 2696 Neely Store\u2008Rd., Rock Hill, SC\u200829730<\/p>\n www.catchitcam.com\/videocamera\/incar\/index.php<\/a>\u00a0 877-450-9737<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $950<\/strong><\/p>\n Chase Product Development, Inc., 8348 Center Dr. – Ste A, La Mesa, CA 91942<\/p>\n www.chasecam.com<\/a>\u00a0 619-337-2300<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $1,698 or $1,997<\/strong><\/p>\n Datatoys, 500 W Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217<\/p>\n www.datatoys.com<\/a>\u00a0 414-294-8017<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $179.99-$199.99<\/strong><\/p>\n GoPro Camera, P.O. Box 523, Pescadero, CA\u200894060<\/p>\n www.goprocamera.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n $804<\/strong><\/p>\n JonesCAM, 171 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY\u200812839<\/p>\n http:\/\/jonescam.tv<\/a>\u00a0 518-746-5802<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $849.99-$1,999.99<\/strong><\/p>\n MotoCam360, 329-208 St. SE, Bothell, WA 98012<\/p>\n www.themotocam.com<\/a> 206-795-2644<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $950-$1,250<\/strong><\/p>\n Northeast Microelectronics, P.O. Box 175, Elmwood Park, NJ\u200807407<\/p>\n www.racecam.com<\/a>\u00a0 201-794-9766<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $1,895<\/strong><\/p>\n Trivinci Systems LLC, 45662 Terminal Dr., Suite 130, Sterling, VA 20166<\/p>\n www.race-keeper.com<\/a>\u00a0 571-203-1420<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $POA<\/strong><\/p>\n Race Technology USA, 2317 Westwood Ave., Suite 101, Richmond, VA 23230<\/p>\n www.race-technology.com<\/a>\u00a0 804-358-7289<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $2,299<\/strong><\/p>\n Stable Imaging Solutions, LLC, 3709 Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320<\/p>\n www.stableimaging.com<\/a>\u00a0 805-480-9800<\/p>\n <\/p>\n $699.95<\/strong><\/p>\n Viosport Camera Systems, 100 N Front St., Marquette, MI\u200849855<\/p>\n www.viosport.com<\/a>\u00a0 906-226-9393<\/p>\n <\/p>\nAiM Sports<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/04\/FEA200904-p1.jpg\")
<\/a>AiM\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nAutometer \u2013 Stack Inc.<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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\u2019s palm-sized Digital Video Recorders that are designed specifically for auto racing applications. Cameras are not included.<\/p>\nCatchItCam<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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.<\/p>\nChase Cam<\/h3>\n
<\/a>The rugged, solid-state PDR-100 is the basis of the RK-1 kit.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\nDatatoys<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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.<\/p>\nGoPro Camera<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nJonesCAM<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Combining JonesCAM\u2019s JC-2 PVR broadcast-quality mobile personal video recorder with the company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nMotoCam<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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\u2019s contained in a waterproof, polycarbonate \u201cShockbox\u201d 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.<\/p>\nRaceCam<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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.<\/p>\nRace-Keeper<\/h3>\n
<\/a>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.<\/p>\nRace Technology<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Race Technology\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nStable Imaging Solutions<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Stable Imaging bills its top-of-the-line IDRS 2000 Pro as the industry\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nViosport Camera Systems<\/h3>\n
<\/a>Viosport\u2019s POV.1 is a fully integrated, point-of-view video system that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nVBOX USA<\/h3>\n