Best personal video recorder for in car

[Chuck Moreland]

I'm shopping for a video system. I want a 12v recorder, could be memory card based or hard drive. But no tapes. A remote bullet cam will feed into this.

Jack's recent experience in this thread is basically what I want:
In-Car Video System

However, the 320x240 resolution of the Mustak PVR looks pretty limited. I'd like a similar device that records higher res.

Any suggestions on a good PVR device?

[Jack Olsen]

Here's the updated (640x480) version of that old model that has no battery, screen or record indicator light.

Here's a 640x480 model that's more like a camcorder. I'm told it as an AV line in for a lipstick camera. Sample videos here.

Both are about $150. I don't have any experience with either, though. This stuff gets updated so quickly, I'm waiting a little while longer.

Before I'd buy the Aiptek, I'd do some more online research for features and user reviews.

[304065]

Chuck, everything you do is at a professional level, this should be no exception. Go big my friend.

http://www.racecam.com/

[Super_Dave_D]

JVC produces a video camcorder that is small and records on a 20 or 30 gig hard drive in HQ DVD MPEG4 format. Might be an option and is available at Best Buy or Circuit City. like 600 bucks for the 20 gig

[JonT]

would the vibrations cause problems for the hard drive in the camera?

[Netspeed]

Try ChaseCam
He has a new digital recorder that's flash-based.
http://www.chasecam.com/recorders/pdr.htm

[2002M3Drew]

I bit the bullet and bought the Aiptek PDVR+ (which is the MPVR with a remote included...same internal model numbers), which is a flash memory camcorder with an A/V In jack for a bullet cam. I also bought the better quality 530 line Sony-based bullet cam that Jack recommended.

Basically, the camera is a total piece of crap. Actually, that's an insult to crap. The first one I had had to be returned, as none of my computers would recognize the device even with their software loaded. I took it back and actually upgraded to their MZ-DV, which supposedly has better resolution (D1: 720 x 480). This one hooked up OK to the computer, and actually uses a mini-USB plug...much easier to replace if need be. But, the video input from the bullet is garbage. It's all grainy, pixelated crap. You can't even watch the vids on the computer. The software in the camera, which supposedly allows you to playback the video, freezes up on playback, and you cannot reset the camera without removing the battery. You buy cheap, you get cheap.

I think the only real solution for the car is a decent MPEG-2 unit like the Chasecam. Gotta look into that.

[TimT]

I have a bullet cam I use with my Sony miniDV,

Im going to get one of these recorders and give it a shot

http://www.neurosaudio.com/store/prod_recorder.asp

[2002M3Drew]

The Neuros looks like more of a home DVR in design...I had looked into that one as well. I'm concerned about power adapters and how well it would hold up to shocks/bumps/vibrations.

[TimT]

the chasecam is looking better all the time...

no fiddling with power adapters etc..