Mini Cameras for in car video?

[orbmedia]

ANyone know a good source of the lipstick case style color video cams that can hook up to a camcorder with analog inputs? I want to get some shots from outside the car near the wheels, etc.

[ghanlon]

You bet.
National Electronics has a very small "bullet" style color camera that operates on 12VDC. Specs are around .2 lux at f1.4 with 380 Lines resolution.Lens is a 3.6mm Auto Iris. It weighs approx 300g.
This is a great little camera thats in a total weatherproof, virtually indestructable housing. Of all the inexpensive cameras out there this one is your best bang for the buck for this type of application. It would work great for videoing auto racing. Check with your local security dealers in your area. Price should be in the neighborhood of around $200.00 US (I am guessing because I am in Canada). Take a look aroung and check pricing / availability and get back to me because I can definitely supply and provide you with competetive pricing.(I own a company that specializes in intelligence and surveillance networks).
Good Luck
Gary

[Z-man]

Try cone-cam:
http://www.conecam.com/



Specs:
2 lux color, 24 bit color images up to 640x480. The camera can be hooked up to either a VCR (via RCA jacks) or a computer (with Cat-5) The unit is $185.

I know Randy Chase (autox national champion) from the MR2 board that I frequent.

-Zoltan.

------------------
PCA NNJR
My Toy:


[This message has been edited by Z-man (edited 10-05-2001).]

[nhromyak]

I am looking to adapt the x-10 (~$79.99) camera and mount it (that's the hard part for me) on the bumper. I got the wide angle lens camera for those cool twisty road shots.

Check out the wireless x-10 camera's at http://www.x-10.com/

If someone figures out a good (no mess) easy way to mount the camera to the bumper let me know.

------------------
Nick Hromyak
'85 Carrera 7 & 9 Fuchs
Havin' Fun in Sacramento

[ChrisBennet]

I got my "lipstick" style camera from these guys a couple of years ago.

http://www.spycameras.com/main.htm

I had him make up an extended lead for the camera so I didn't have a connecter out by the camera. The long lead keeps the connector from whacking your paint and away from the elements. On the camcorder end of the lead I had him attach a right angle connector. The right angle connector is nice because otherwise you have an adapter and the extension cord connector sticking out the side of your camcorder a couple of inches.
Last time I was at Lime Rock I taped it to my right rear fender so I could see how close my front wheel came to the apexes. I also taped it to my helmet. I've taped it to the roof. Last year I taped it to the bumper of the 944 tow hook. You get the idea. Lots of fun.
-Chris



[This message has been edited by ChrisBennet (edited 10-05-2001).]

[orbmedia]

Wow, alot of you are doing this! Thanks for all the great suggestions.

[ghanlon]

nhromyak
RE mounting camera
By using an automotive grade silicon you can literally "glue" the mount of a small ccd camera to your bumper. After the race you can easily twist off and rub clean with a rag. There are also some special mounts with industrial strenght magnets thatwill work as well.
gary

------------------
ghanlon

[emcon5]

Personally, I would not even consider the X-10, even if it was the best and least expensive thing on the market.

The reason? I HATE POPUP ADS!!!!!

Tom

------------------
82 911SC Coupe

[ghanlon]

Just my opinion but I would stay away from any of the plastic housing cameras and spend a few extra bucks on a metal weatherproof model. They will work well in wet conditions and you can "clean them at the carwash" with the rest of the car. . I took a look at the spycameras.com site and the WBC-3000 or the WBC-5407 look like they would do the trick.
Just make sure they are 12vdc. Most ccd cameras are 24VAC or 12VDC but there are a few out there that operate with some odd voltages. (This way you dont have to buy an expensive transformer or inverter)

------------------
ghanlon

[Periokid]

I have already done this on my SLK.

I used a metal all weather camera. You can get them at smarthome.com.






------------------
David

1988 911 Carrera Coupe
Leonoff Net

[cstreit]

Okay camera guys, how do you plug one of these remote cameras in to the recorder? I have a small camera, but can't plug it in to m camcorder I think.

Suggestions?

[orbmedia]

Your camcorder really has to support analog input. Most newer Sony DV models do.

[campbellcj]

http://www.supercircuits.com is another good source for mini CCD cameras, mics, cases and so forth.

I haven't built my video 'rig' yet but will tackle that in Nov/Dec.

------------------
Chris C.
73 914 2.0
70 911E Targa
campbell.chris@gte.net

[ghanlon]

cstreit.
Your camcorder should have an external video input. (Possibly yellow. the red and white are for audio). It should be an RCA female.
your camera will either have an RCA male plug or a BNC male plug.If its an RCA you just plug it in. If its a BNC you need to pick up a BNC female to RCA male adapter.
You mave have to go into your camcorder menu or find a switch on the camcorder to switch from camera in (on the camcorder) to external video in or line in. This will allow you to utilize the video signal from you external camera not whats on the camcorder camera. Hope this helps.
good luck
gary

------------------
ghanlon

[ChrisBennet]

Here is my setup. Camera was about $200. I had them attach a longer cable and a right angle connector for the video signal. Otherwise you get a short lead and the connectors are outside with the camera subject to the elements and banging against your car. The right angle connector allows the cable to lie close to the camcorder instead of sticking out the side of the camera over an inch (with adapters). I found this setup would just fit in my 944 glove box but not in my 911. -Chris

[orbmedia]

How long do the batteries last?

[ghanlon]

A good quality 12V dc supply would work off of the car battery as well. (no need for batteries). Some are better than others for filtering any "noise" of the cars system. Dont know what the rules are for this type of wiring in "race" applications though.
gary

------------------
ghanlon

[cstreit]

My cam has S-Video and A Stereo plug output, no inputs though.. Damn! (Stereo plug splits to RCA vid and sound on the other end).

It's a Sony Hi-8 cam. Didn't want to invest in a MiniDV for the racecar where it will get wet and beat up...

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by orbmedia:
How long do the batteries last?

I don't know. The camera gets hots so I know it must be using a lot of juice. I bought a 12v regulator so I can run off the car's power but I haven't gotten around to wiring it up yet. -Chris