in-car cameras

[johneturbo]

hi all
just after some info on in-car cameras...
heard that some of the circuits ie octagon ask for some type of imdenity at a price... is this true??would that involve contacting them?
and also does anyone know where to buy a camera mount that will fix to the roll cage?
thanx in advance
john

[Chris Y]

The best place to get camera mounts are: http://www.b-hague.co.uk/ - find the SuperClamp in the camera section. 'Tweeks sell mounts too, but they're pricey and not as good (I have one). 'Driven' on Channel 4 use camera mounts from b-hague, so they must be good

As for the indemnity - contact Lucy Shrubsall at the Octagon Press Office (call Brands Hatch circuit and ask to be put through) - she'll send you the relevant forms, and you don't need to pay anything if it's for personal use only.

[johneturbo]

hey chris
thanx for the info did see that site with the mounts but wasn't sure bout the regs... ie the very pricey tweeks one comes with a safty strap.. sure i can make one
cheers mate

[rick vaux]

Why, can`t you get the trypod to stay still

[Tony Harman]

Interesting that you mention there is no charge Chris. I had always assumed from the entry forms that they were going to charge astronomical rates for carrying and on board camera.

[Chris Y]

Yeah, that's what you expect with Octagon But if it's for your own personal use, then no charge (else there'd be an uproar).

However, if you want to sell your video to the media (You've Been Framed, etc.!), then you have to pay a couple of (hundred) grand for the privilege. Not sure of the exact figure, just going off what they threaten you with if you disobey them..

The forms are easy, just a couple of standard disclaimers about not selling the material, and if you're trackside, a disclaimer that you know motorsport is dangerous and you're not disabled in any way, etc. It also contains your name, address and phone number. Then you sign it, date it, and write down the date of the meeting, and what circuit.

The 'secondary securing strap' - yes, you need one of these, or the scrutineers will get shirty. But basically, the mount from tweeks just includes a small 'cargo' style strap, with a spring release clamp on the end. You can pick these sorts of things up anywhere really, a bungee cord, or a small ratchet tie-down from halfords would do the trick - it's not rocket science You'll save youself a lot of money by not going to 'Tweeks, and the b-hague mounts are a lot more versatile..

[Tony Harman]

Hey Chris - are you using a conventional analogue tape camera or a fancy (expensive) digital type ? - I'm just wondering how stable the image is, especially when you consider how "unstable" the driver (me) is ...

[Chris Y]

I'm using a standard crappy old analogue camera. A Sony V88E actually. The image is pretty stable, except if you go on kerbs. You just have to make sure it's properly balanced on the mount..

[johneturbo]

any chance or seeing some footage chris? maybe some mpegs??
one last stoopid question.... which superclamp would be best the cheaper one or the one with the ball tilt head??
can they both be used?? as i'm on a very low budget! like most

[Stephen Green]

Best you don't post mpegs Chris or you will have Octagon on your back for copywright infringements

[Chris Y]

Like Stephen says, I can't post the footage anywhere

The ball tilt head SuperClamp would be better, but it depends if your budget will stretch that far. They're both good enough.

[johneturbo]

oh i see do u have any none octagon stuff then!

[PolarisDriver]

i've used various mount / camera combos whilst racing. vhs is fine but digital better - probably because camera is lighter. i used el cheapo bracket (20 quid from jessops) for a season with no complaints from scrutineers. i did tie it on v. well as i didn't want the camera flying loose mid corner! have seen plenty of homemade efforts tooe.g. using exhaust clamos and "shelfs" on the roll cage.
most innovative though was track day guy who has "spy" camera on his dash & the necessary video recorder strapped in the back!
the main issue is battery usage / tape length though... don't want the camera / tape stopping just as you take the chequered flag to notch up your first win!

happy filming.

ps - am too untechnie to "mpeg" files.