Autocross and GoPro
 

Finally ordered a GoPro camera to start doing some video during my runs. For those that AutoX using a GoPro where is the best mount spot for the best images? Any tips?

You need to put it somewhere you can see the driver's inputs. On the driver's side quarter window is a good spot.
Only done one event in my car so far:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=985VnvvRFDQ
In retrospect the camera was a little high, will put it lower next time, so there's more to see through the windshield, less of the roof.

I agree, need to be able to see more of what's in front. Maybe on the roof?


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I'd rather have this view, than a perfect view forward but no idea what the driver is doing with the wheel

Do yourself a favor and get an external microphone, and a suction cup mount

Amazon.com : GoPro Suction Cup Mount : Camera & Photo

If you have a Hero3, you'll need an adapter, and if you have a Hero2, you'll be able to directly connect it. Of course, you'll need a 6-12' extention cord, and need to tape it to the panel gaps. I mount the microphone with tape just above the licence plate, in the recess.

Amazon.com : GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter : Headphone Adapters : Camera & Photo

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


A couple samples of mine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxCh...IpVPI8SI1X18Wg

with in-car at the end, attached to the right side of my helmet. (the mic is located about 6" above the exhuast exit here, so you can hear why it needs to be farther away).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evA3...IpVPI8SI1X18Wg

I like the roof mount better for watching my lines afterwards, since it's similar to a view that's in Gran Turismo :tup:

I normally use a two camera setup, which you can see here on reversed version of the course in j-rho's video: El Toro 081714 - YouTube

However, I think with only one camera, j-rho's angle is about the best you'll get while still including driver inputs. I've tried mounting it inside the rear window, as far forward as possible, which worked alright (AAA 112313 Practice Jeff - YouTube), but you can see the white balance is pretty bad. Perhaps with spot metering mode and the camera aimed properly at the middle of the windshield it would look better.

The biggest thing you can do to improve the quality of your videos is to get better sound. Newer GoPros may be better, but on the Hero1 and Hero2, the mics are horrible. I use a $50 stereo mic (http://amzn.com/B00006HOLL) with a right angle adapter (http://amzn.com/B008SFSIXU). You can see it at the top of the "driver cam" in the first video I linked. It has a custom fuzzy thing that I sewed on to it do reduce wind noise, but I'm not sure how much it really helps.

EDIT: Aw snap, beat to the punch by NoGrip on the external mic advice.

Jeff's spot there is pretty good - a little higher and further forward, it'd be perfect.

Liked where I had the camera in my Viper since I could kinda see the feet too, though it was only in SD...
jrho_2010Nats_day2_run1.mp4 - YouTube

I'll have to get a mic for sure. I ordered the Hero3+ Black Motorsports Edition. I have my next event on the 7th, so I'll play around with it. I do like the view where you can see the driver.

What apps you you guys using for the lap tracking? I found RaceTrace, any others? I have a PLX Kiwi if there are any that can upload that data.

here is my last event where I put the camera on my helmet. I have few other videos with different view.

I use a Ram Mount on my cross bar inside, and tape a ext mike below the license plate, between the exhaust tips. I also use a polarized filter on the lens. It helps with the white-out, and going into and coming out of the shadows. Have the camera set at 1048x48 wide.

Got a trackday tomorrow. I'll post pictures of my set-up when I come home. ;)

Search. Start on page 10. :D

http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...inside-13.html

Suction cupped to Front Windshield and to front of hood:


Suction cupped to Roof:


Suction cupped to Rear glass:


Mounted on Top of helmet (not in Z d/t headroom, I can put it on the side but then it makes me tilt my head)

Welcome to Harry’s GPS LapTimer

Harry's Lap Timer

Video of it in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d39FbJzfQTs

Here is my video from the event a week ago. I finally got an external mic which I hook up to my GoPro that's mounted on the bar behind our seats. AK370 has a nice writeup on how to make a custom mount there that doesn't cost much and requires one quick trip to Home Depot. I also tried a new spot on the outside of the car, right on top of the roof. Gives me a bit better sense of how close I'm getting to some of the cones.

I feel that the roof is too high, personally. You lose a sense of the speed. I like helmet mounts, and an over-the-shoulder is always good.

I bought a suction cup mount to use for the drivers side rear window view and also made one the mounts the AK370 posted the DIY. Sunday I plan to do the 3-4 morning runs with one and the afternoon runs with the other.