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MG Midget and Sprite General - Video Cameras - (NMC)

Considering buying a basic priced video camera. I have seen people mention a Flip on the BBS. They look to be the right sort of price range but,
a) why is one of these better than taking video on a smartphone? They look to be similar in size.
b) If I do buy one, what are the relevant features to look for in a sub £100 video camera?

(NMC, but it might get to be used to film a Sprite!)
Guy

Ask Gary his exploits on Youtube at Marham and the autosprinty things is done on his Flip camera, I believe.

A good enough reason? There is a screw thread under it so it screws onto a minitripod or other camera mounts.

He fixes it to the grab handle, passenger side. Gazing over the bonnet to the action.
Bill1

Many phones are actually better at video recording than the cheap little flip type cameras. But I don't want to try and figure out how to mount my phone, and It would be a PITA to answer it while it was mounted to the car.

And yes the little 1/4-20 threaded hole in the camera makes mounting a breeze. My next purchase will be a GoPro type sports video camera.
Trevor Jessie

This was recorded on a sony "flip" camera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXFS0Yb0Voo
Trevor Jessie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0se1V35HI0

Mr G WOTBRAKES? Lazarus

Marham 2009

and a bemused hot hatchee who did use brakes

about half way through
Bill1

Yep, an entertaining filum.

I am impressed with how steady it is. Is that to do with the screw-on mounting used, or is it some clever wizardry of the camera?

I knew that Mr G of the Gaps had posted Flip video filum here, as have others. What I was after was advice on what to look out for (make, model, worthwhile features) So far I have gleaned that the chosen one should have a screw fitting on its bottom.
Guy

I haven't looked lately, but most all of them are now "HD" quality and accept standard memory cards.

I'm saving my pennies for this:
http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero2-motorsports-edition/
Trevor Jessie

I rather think Mr G L uses one of these, legs closed and pushed firmly between the grab handle and the dash. Possibly secured with a cable tie to stop it hopping off on the runway.

Mayhap when he returns from editorial esoterica he can confirm such details for you Guy

incidentally

Morgan Computers were selling Flips for ludicrously low prices not so long ago (under £20) Not sure if they still have them

in fact I advise checking out those prices

http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/c/427/Video-Cameras/

Bill1

Hmm Trevor, I like the picture it takes of surfboarding, that must be a good camera.

So, HD and a screw on the bottom then. Anything else?
Guy

Hello
The flip camera that I use is an older one. The newer HD ones are way better.
The advantages are:
Two hours of memory.
Small and simple to carry and mount
Built in usb plug which plugs straight into the computer.
Built in software (no disks etc) which allows instant editing and instand uploads to youtube etc.
Idiot proof useability

Downpoints are:
Poor sound quality (especially prone to wind noise).
Degradation of image quality on zoom (but that may just be a feature of my Low Def version).

I haven't tried any other product so I have no other other camera to compare this to.
Gary & Gaps

Thanks Gary,
I guess the test question is, - would you buy another one? (assuming you would get the current model equivalent HD version) I think I can get a 120 minute one for about £75. But is there anything better. Do they do them with bigger screens?

Couple more questions:
Can you zoom whilst filming?
Can you pause, and then continue without creating a new file?
Guy

Couple more questions:
Can you zoom whilst filming?
Yes (but not while I'm driving)

Can you pause, and then continue without creating a new file?
Not sure, but you can weave them all together with the editing facility, cut and splice, add music etc.

Based on what I've seen of the HD one I would say yes I'd would (and probably will) buy another one.
Gary & Gaps

zoom, zoom!
Guy

For 'in-car' use, I believe there are various suction mounts available - ala sat-nav.
Dave O'Neill2

With the smartphone so light and compact...I was thinking the other day of fixing it to a ball cap with a strap

The big advantage would be for the camra to see everything the driver is looking at and not just the hood of the car....which i find really boring to watch....i want to see what the driver is seeing...the hot 19 year old hitch hiking a ride, the non observed.road signs,the back and forth of the hair checks in the mirrors the glancing looks at the gauges, flipping of the bird to another driver...hands on wheel and shifting...all as it relates to the car infront of you

But Bill young posted some great video of wisconsin and he has a pro gopac.camrea...nice

Prop
Prop

<<glancing looks at the gauges>>

a full 30 seconds in your case ;o)
Dave O'Neill2

But I bet not as long as the "hair checks in the mirror"
Guy

Guy,
Looking forward to lots of video of the Sprite doing timed runs between Fell Foot Farm and Eskdale and back. I suspect a fair bit of it would just come out as either sky or tarmac though!
Oh and if you're taking requests throw in between Dungeon Ghyll and Fell Foot Farm for good measure. Its a tad narrow through there! I expect a handbrake turn round the sharp bend at the Little Langdale junction for good measure! Lots of sheep for the Dutch boys too!
Matt1275Bucks

Ah Matt, you know the local roads well!

Actually the only safe time to take a thrash on those routes is after dark when you can see what's coming from the headlights. Best time is on a summer's night at about 2am, top down, dashboard lights off! (and yes, I have done that!) Not sure what the video would look like though!

Sadly (unless I get 2) the camera is intended as a present for my daughter so opportunities for videos from the Sprite will be a bit limited.
Guy

Guy,
Get two, you know you want to!
Too many hill-walking holidays in the Lake District plus family from the Barrow/ Dalton area explains my knowledge.
I'm desperate to take the Midget up but two growing daughters somewhat preclude it for the next few years. We'll be back again at Easter no doubt staying at the same cottage in Threlkeld we've been going to for the last twenty plus years!
Matt1275Bucks

This thread was discussed between 22/11/2011 and 23/11/2011

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