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[PART I] Camera and Mounting Solutions for Motorsports

Updated: Dec 1, 2023

You've landed on this page because you need some help finding a camera for your car, plus I probably gave you the link. Here are my recommendations, in order of importance.




 
Here's what you need to get started...


1. Action Camera

GoPro is what I and most people use. I have owned the Hero 10, otherwise I’d recommend buying the latest model. Steer clear of the Hero 9 since it has the older GP1 chip.





 

2. Suction Cup Mount

Ulanzi makes great mounts. I'm providing a few options, but this one (SC-01) makes it easy to position the camera quickly, it's solid and is not too expensive.


 

3. 1/4-20 to GoPro adapter

You’ll need this part to adapt the 1/4-20 suction cup connector to the standard GoPro Mounting flange. It’s a nice aluminum piece, but there are lots of cheap generic versions on Amazon.






 

4. GoPro Housing with top opening

I like this housing since you can keep your camera in a set position. The top opening is also great for toolless removal.




 

5. Extra Batteries

These batteries are a must-have and last substantially longer than the originals.





 

Want an External Microphone?
Buy these...


6. GoPro Microphone Adapter

Verified: works on GoPro Hero 5-12 cameras


7. Microphone, Wired

There are many cheaper options available, but this is the best on a budget.


8. Microphone Extension Cable (3.5mm)


9. Battery Door

This battery door has a large opening to fit the adapter. Other aftermarket doors are a little snug.


 

If you're crazy, you'll want these...

10. GoPro Mic Adapter Holder

You have to buy the entire case just to get the holder.


11. Microphone Adapter Extension Cable

This allows you to remote mount the bulky adapter. This USB-C cable is the only one on the market to have the correct pinout to function properly. I have successfully daisy chained two cables.


12. Microphone, Wireless

These are excellent quality mics.


 

Video Settings and Tips...

Video Tips:

  • Turn OFF image stabilization if you mount your camera to a fixed position on the car. The camera will capture the true motion of car and how it responds to driver inputs. If you leave stabilization ON, the image will appear to float inside the car. If your camera is mounted to your helmet, you'll want stabilization ON.

  • Zoom and/or crop your video so most of the image is looking out of the windshield. It doesn't do you any good if 75% of the frame is the interior of your car.

  • Get good engine audio as this is helpful as a drivers aid.


Recommended GoPro Settings:

  • Aspect: 16:9

  • Resolution: 2.7k (highest possible resolution that will quick stream and download to your phone)

  • Frames per second: 60

  • FOV:

    • Linear, if camera is behind the driver

    • Wide or SuperView, if on helmet, windshield, or outside

  • Image Stabilization: OFF (if your camera is mounted to your helmet, turn this ON)

  • Audio Input: Standard Mic (this setting is only available if you have an external mic)

  • Protune: ON

    • EV: -0.5 or -1.0 (use "Auto" if camera is outside of the car)

    • RAW Audio: Med

    • Mics: Stereo

    • Bitrate: High

    • Shutter: auto

    • ISO min: 100

    • ISO max: 400 or 800

  • Short clip length: OFF

  • Quik Capture: ON (this helps save battery)

  • GPS: OFF (this setting just wastes battery since we use real GPS loggers)








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