Admit it: You’ve always wanted to make your own version of Rendezvous but lack a proper camera to capture the lunacy of running flat-out through the streets of Paris. Or maybe the only thing keeping you from bursting onto the Formula 1 scene is the absence of some decent in-car footage of you slicing up an autocross course in your sleek Ford Probe. Listen up: Car-friendly and affordable cameras are now widely available to help you document your driving greatness. We rounded up four such devices: two simple video cameras and two track-themed units with more features. All four have wide-angle lenses with panoramic views. The perfect camera depends on your needs; the affordable cameras are more versatile, but the pricier units let you delve deeper into driving analysis with their integrated data. Now hop to it, Spielberg.
Video VBOX Lite
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This video-telemetry setup comes complete with a central processor, two cameras, and a 4-GB SD data card. The Video VBOX calculates position, speed, and g-force using a GPS antenna and also can record one CAN input, such as engine rpm or steering angle, from the vehicle’s computer. The first suction-cupped, thumb-size camera provides the main video image; the second adds a picture inset. The video file includes the recordings from both cameras and any on-screen display, so be sure of your desired settings because you can’t go back and add info later. Included software lets you customize the screen layout, including gauges that match your car’s. To line up your cameras perfectly on the go, there’s an optional 3.5-inch LCD screen for $157.
Price: $1845
Contact: 248-655-0557; www.vboxusa.com
GoPro HD Motorsports Hero
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Between a track day at Laguna Seca and some around-town shenanigans, the GoPro emerged as our favorite for one reason: picture quality. On the downside, there’s no viewfinder, so pointing the camera involves some guesswork and adjusting the camera angle can be fussy. Plus, an SD card is not included, and changing the settings with the GoPro’s two buttons and simple display takes some practice. But the waterproof camera overcomes those shortcomings with its clear, crisp picture. And it transmitted the least wind noise while videotaping at speed. There are five resolution settings up to full 1920-by-1080-pixel high-definition, and the camera can take still photos.
Price: $300
Contact: 415-738-2480; www.gopro.com
ContourHD1080p
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Like the GoPro, the ContourHD1080p offers 1920-by-1080 resolution and a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second while recording on lower-resolution settings. We like the simplicity of a big switch on top that starts and stops the recording. Also nice is a pair of laser pointers built into the lens; they help you line up the camera and keep the shot level. Not so hot: Changing this camera’s settings requires connecting to a computer. A 2-GB microSD card and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery are included; the suction-cup automotive mount is $40 extra.
Price: $330
Contact: 866-397-6920; www.vholdr.com
ChaseCam PDR100 Racer Kit
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ChaseCam products are aimed at the racing market. As with a race car, extra performance bits require extra cash. The kit we tested includes a data-recording box, a camera, a 4-GB compact flash card, and a built-in g-force sensor. A second camera and video processor is $650 (ouch!); coming soon is an all-new unit that can accept up to four camera inputs. A GPS module, which also has inputs for engine rpm and throttle position, is $490. ChaseCam sells an excellent editing program, DashWare ($250), so you can analyze telemetry and add it to the video after the fact. For even more dough, you can integrate the ChaseCam data and features into your car’s digital dashboard. Once it’s all in place, this camera works well, and we liked the rugged case.
Price: $950
Contact: 858-397-1777; www.chasecam.com
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