I just got a miniDV camera and want to know if I can use my cell phone car adapter to power it while on the track. Do you have to use a camera specific car adapter or do you guys just use the batteries?

 

I just use the batteries. I have a 90minute battery and another 60 minute battery, IIRC. A day's worth of track time usually only consists of about 80 minutes on the actual track.

 

First thing, get an external mic. (omni-directional). I found a cheap (~$25) Sony @ Best Buy. It's relatively large and heavy but works ten times better than the three previous RadioShack purchased hunks o' crap.

I put mine in the webbing on the passenger side of the tunnel. Point it up and you should get a good mix of tire, exhaust, and tranny. The built in one will only catch wind noise even with tape and/or foam over it.

 

http://www.chasecam.com/





mics. mounts, tethers, etc.

no power adapter that i could see, tho.

-geekd

 

I just use the battery, but I'll have to be better about watching the charge on them. My camera died during my last run at BW yesterday, and I missed some really good stuff. (I carry an extra battery, so it was just carelessness on my part) I was actually able to find a 3 hour battery on eBay if that helps.

 

After having batteries die more than once in the middle of a great session, I now have a car adapter/battery charger for my Sony camcorder. One less thing to worry about whle driving.

 

yup, I'm definitely getting a DC power adaptor for mine. I got a whole bunch of 2:12 laps at thill in the morning and none of my 2:09s in the evening. Oh well.

BTW, easiest way to mount a camcorder is to just drill through the lid of the "Secret Compartment" and run a 1/4-20 eye bolt through the hole. put a fender washer on both sides, enough so that it doesn't bottom out in the camcorder's tripod mount.

Best buy has a universal wide angle lens that gives a better perspective, as well. I'll try to put up some video later on. It's $40.

 

Power Inverter + Camera Charger is a good way to do it.

 

No way I want a power inverter or the power supply brick flying around my car! there is no reason to do a DC -=> AC -=> DC conversion either...

 

Heh, um, ok.

I haven't run into that problem..

Additionally, when using a Sony DV Cam, running the power inverter will automatically turn the cam on and off with the ignition, that means you don't have to worry about it timing out in camera mode inbetween runs.

But, to each their own.