I know that this has been talked before, and i have read most of the previous threads concerning this, but i will buy a camera mount in the next 2 weeks, and am still trying to decide on which one

1. Stick Pod: I'm just not sure if those "cups" or the sticky pod itself is strong enough to not fall off, when doing autoX and drifting, and any other G force elements. Can you mount it on the hidden compartment so you can get a cockpit view? (the most common one) and with wideangle lenses can you get the tach, shifter, and enough windshield clearence? Basically, i paid a lot of money for my video camera, and i dont want it to fall of during track. (vibration problems?)

2. I found this mount on www.gtmount.com it can take video of the outside of the car, and looks pretty cool... anyone tried it?

Basically i want to capture as much as i can from the cockpit view (by mounting on hidden compartment) Whats the best alternative for that.

Also i have searched all around, but cant find an external mic (with long cable) for my Sony MiniDv. Anyone know where i can get one?
And where is the best place to place the mic to get engine sounds?

Last question: on wideangle lenses.. does anybody know what 25mm, 30mm, 37mm, and 52mm mean? which one is best

Sorry for all the questions, but all the help would be greatly appreciated... thanks alot

-Jason

 

On the external mic, I got one from Radio Shack. It's powered by one AA Battery, and I got a 10ft extension for it (came with about 2ft wire). Mic was about $25 and extension was like 10 or 15 (my camera requires a powered mic).

I ran the cord behind/under passenger seat and stuck the mic in the cargo net in the passenger foot well. Sound was perfect, all engine noise, no wind. Picked up voices clearly when I had a passenger on track.

 

On my Canon ZR80, I put the Wide Converter WD-H30.5, which is supposed to give 0.7X wider view. I assume the 30.5 is the focal length in mm, which is what all those numbers you quoted are. The shorter the focal length, the wider the view. I'm very happy with this set-up.

 

get one of the wide angle lens from bestbuy or circuit city at around $40-50. They have adapters for different diameter of lenses, so most likey no fitment problem.
It will allow you to see your hand, shifting, and leg. I like it a lot.