Team-BHP - In-car Camera mounts - Attaching a video camera to the Car

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDP (Post 2995028)

Can you please share details about the mount itself? A couple of snaps which show how and where the camera is mounted inside the car would also help.

Thanks
SDP

Here's a snap of the car mount. I don't have the snaps with it mounted in the car, it was mounted on the windscreen, but I'm sure you get the picture. The only thing is that the camera records everything upside down due to mount design. You need to post process the video later.

In-car Camera mounts - Attaching a video camera to the Car-img_3136.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmet (Post 2995852)

Thanks for the pic hellmet! How much does something like this cost? Can it bear the weight of a DSLR?

I just procured a Joby Gorillapod. Have to experiment with it in the car. I am planning to check tangling it with the IRVM or the headrest of the passenger seat.

I could keep the laptop on a makeshift stand on the passenger side dash, or on the passenger seat (since I mostly travel alone). Switching on/off the laptop is not a prob because it's a matter of seconds.

Yes, I plan to use it more or less every day, and then spend about half an hour working through the video and cleaning it up. I might discard it entirely if there was nothing of interest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDP (Post 2995989)

I got this from ebay.com, arrived from HongKong, paid only about Rs150 incl. shipping. The item looks to be of pretty decent quality and would easily be able to hold any point&shoot. However, I don't think any suction based mount would be able to bear the weight of a DSLR. I can PM you the item URL if you want.

I think the Gorillapod would keep slipping no matter where you mount it. Let us know how it goes!

I tried briefly with a windshield mount and my mobile camera in it. The videos are pretty good quality, I think once fully charged the mobile should give me around two hours or more of video.

There are drawbacks, however: you can't easily start and stop recording, best left untouched. So that's good enough for my daily driving, but not good on long distance travel.

Battery consumption too won't allow it to be used for a prolonged time.

Camera can't be left in the car, as you need to carry the phone with you. Also, the battery won't last.

Lastly the mount doesn't stay put in the correct position.

But it's a nice tradeoff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by malq (Post 3076823)

The Mahindra Reva e20 has a front and rear camera pre loaded in the t2 upper end version.

Are you sure about the front camera? I think it only has a rear camera.

Given that its wired up to the head unit, chances are you'd have to unplug the camera from then and plug it into a recording device instead. Might be easier to get a dedicated recorder.

cya
R

Hello Ppl,
How I wish I had a camera to record the accidents that have happened to me...Had a bad one last week.And this got me thinking too.So while searching for a dashboard cam (apparently the average russian car owner has one),I came across an Android app 'Dailyroads Voyager'.

How it works:The phone camera records video and stores it.The video length,sound,duration,quality,encoding,frame rate is customisable.Three back-to-back files are recorded.Once the fourth video is being recorded,the first video gets deleted and so on.So your memory doesn't get full.Overlay of kmph,GPS etc is available.It runs in background also.It adjusts for brightness,so you can use it in the night.

Advantages :
Almost zero investment (unless you are one of the three TBHP-ians who don't own a smart phone with Android/iphone.As I finish writing this,you are one of the two BHP-ians left...):The App is free on android.ok you need a car charger.
Theft :Since you are a smartphone junkie,chances are you wont leave it overnight in the car.Although if you are not one, there is an option which automatically uploads the last video to the internet.So you get to see who is the desperate dolt who stole your phone even though its easier and cheaper to get one on the second hand market.
Ease of use: No offense,but you dont have to wait until an accident, for your wife to approve of that 270$ Dashboard cam purchase.Also because a tripod looks...admit it,tacky.Splurge 300bucks in a vacuum cup mo-pho holder and your dashboard cam is ready to record in all the glory, that idiot crotch rocket rider that crashes into your car whilst overtaking a truck without even checking, crossing a freaking yellow line!! :Frustrati

Insurance : Nowadays when the witness becomes the accused,this video evidence is indispensible.

BTW Some of the TeamBHP-ians are already using this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nijelj (Post 3084145)

...I came across an Android app 'Dailyroads Voyager'.

...
BTW Some of the TeamBHP-ians are already using this.

Thanks @nijelj. This app is very helpful. Do you have any specific recommendation for dashboard/windscreen mounts ? I was searching one for my S3 and found quite a few ones but most are not available in India.

Request other TBHPians using this to share what mounts they are using with their smartphones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mohan41 (Post 3088258)

Thanks @nijelj. This app is very helpful. Do you have any specific recommendation for dashboard/windscreen mounts ? I was searching one for my S3... Request other TBHPians using this to share what mounts they are using with their smartphones.

I got one called FECA from Phoenix market city mall (mahadevpura, Bangalore) for 1750. It's one year old and detachable (2 second install / remove time). It's used in my gypsy (off road as well) and its served me well - excellent quality high definition videos even at speeds north of 60 on dirt tracks.

I've been pondering over this for some time now and looking for options. I have a web cam that can be easily attached to the windscreen. Problem is,which software will help me record the proceedings on my laptop. So guys,please tell me which software is the best option to record videos on laptop (Windows7). My use of filming will only be on highways as of now. Will plan for city at a later stage,maybe with my next car when it happens.