[datasafe]

This is the question.

I want a camcorder primarily to fix to my track car - an Ariel Atom (here www.atomfun.co.uk )

My main criteria are:

1. Small & light.
2. Good picture quality.
3. A format easily downloadable to a PC for editing.
4. Ability to attach an external mic so I can avoid wind noise.
5. Handle vibration.
6. Maybe a SDCard.
7. Possibility of powering from the cars battery.

I already have a Sony IP55e but TBH is one of my worst buys - can't download to PC without problems. So I'm boycotting Sony as their attitude is crap.

Any advice gratefully received.

[xmb]

Given the vibration it will test any camcorder!

Looks like you nee http://www.qv500.com/racecam/kits.php if you can afford it.

At least you will need a good mount such as http://www.b-hague.co.uk/camera_suct...uum_mounts.htm

If you need good pictures go for a 3CCD camcorder (Panasonic) or the Sony HDV range. You will end up paying more for a good camcorder that has a mic input. (How will you hear the wind over the engine and road noise?)

[datasafe]

Thanks for the reply.

I've had a good look at bullet cams and the 520 line bullet cam would be ideal but I'd still need somewhere to record the video onto.

My existing Sony IP55e micromv camcorder is a disaster and I refuse to give any of my money to Sony. The cameras cost about £130 and do take an external mic.

I wonder if there's some sort of solid state recording system maybe one that'll take a 4gig SDCard?

The picture quality from my IP55e mounted on the car is quite good when zoomed out but capturing to a computer is just useless.

The windnoise is significant - when your microphone is pointing directly into the wind at 100+mph!!

Cheers

John