I had GoPro HD for 3 years and sold it recently.
I was going to get new GoPro for my track day, autocross, etc.
However, $400 is not the cheapest option for once a month event or less.

I look around for a cheaper action cams.
And I thought....wait...I have my iPhone, which can record HD video. Why not take advantage of it?

Here is my solution;
Combination of
1. iPhone 5s
2. Modifry wind deflector camera mount
3. iPhone tripod mount: Amazon link
This mount is really legit. It is made of aluminum, has thumb screw, can mount it with case on.
Following is a picture of my example.

4. Videometer app: iTune link
This is made by Hitcase, who make a waterproof case for iPhone. It reads most of sensor outputs from iPhone and overlay it on the video clip.
Speed, G-sensor are good. They said their next version of app will have GPS map overlay, which will be awesome for autocross.
5. Earbud
Earbud will be my remote. Pressing + on mic will initiate video recording.
Top of that, I had annoying wind noise with my GoPro.
The sound will be recorded using mic embeded in earbud, which is sound inside of the car. A lot less wind noise with the top down at 5~60mph.
I wrap the earbud, so it does not dangling around. Picture is where I keep my earbud.


IMO, this is one of the best solution for autocross, or track days in S2000 and I want to share it with fellows of S2ki

Following is my video taken today top down in nice weather cruising after church.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JgZKgNzB9A&hd=1 [/media]
Or
[media]http://vimeo.com/90502529[/media]

 

Cool! Thanks for the write up!

 

Great idea but that video you posted ........... come on. That's horrible quality compared to a GoPro.

 

I think it takes some time for Youtube to process my video.
But I am not sure what happened. I uplaoded 720p HD video and it is just fine in my computer.

 

Youtube does evil things to certain formats of video. If you were to upload the raw video in its native format to some other location, it would probably look fine.

 

Good idea and nicely executed. Thanks for posting

 

Nice idea!

 

I thought about this option as oppose to buying a GoPro. The missing step/disadvantage of the iphone is the fact that one would have to enable the video app, start the recording then put in on the mount. It would then also be a hassle to stop recording. The GoPro has a wifi remote that makes this less of a hassle. I do like reusing what's already available.

 

My older gopro shoots better video though

 

thanks for the post.

I'm still not convinced to buy a cell phone.

but, it shows the versatility of one of those gizmos.

darcy