Camera mounting position for track day
 

All I want is to capture at least my steering input and the track through windshield or side window with only one camera, most likely GoPro. I am gonna use Harry's lap timer for timing stuff. And the nice thing about it is that it allows video overlap.

So my question is where should I mount the camera? I am really looking someone with a snapshot and where the camera is mounted so that I can get a feel of it.

Thanks!:party0030:

Maybe the driver-side quarter window?

if i were to do it, i'd use a go pro somehow mounted to the headrest post, so it extends to the center of the car on your right

i'm sure someone makes a jig

Rear windshield suction mount is fine for 99% of the cameras out on the market.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr3901PZCQA"]2:07.152 - Buttonwillow Raceway Park - 9 April 2016 - YouTube[/ame]

Passenger quarter window, suction mount, 1080p, medium FOV:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K7Km8kCtkA&t=338s"]BRZ and Miata dancing in the rain - Harris Hill Raceway - 6.4.2017 - YouTube[/ame]

Good for driver inputs, not so good for seeing the track. You probably also want to turn on spot metering. I left it off and got away with it due to overcast weather. Need the windows closed to hear the engine.

The other option is driver side quarter window on the outside. That shows more of the track while including all driver inputs, but the A pillar in the middle of view kinda bothers me. Wind noise is also pretty terrible.

I disagree, the problem with this view is you cannot see your gear shifting if you have manual.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDf0bUg-bpQ"]Circuit of the Americas - 29 April 2016 3:00.78 in my Subaru BRZ - YouTube[/ame]

This sounds like the best bet to me.

Yeah, just checked and the shift knob area is mostly blocked by the helmet in my vids too. I mount the Gopro a little differently and use wide FOV for that position, but still...

Also, COTA in the BRZ :thumbsup::thumbsup:

+1 for upside down hanging from the rear window for track days:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE7uy-tvOxA"]Putnam Park 5/4/14 With 10/10ths Motorsports - YouTube[/ame]

For autocross, I tend to put it on the outside quarter window so I can see how close to cones I'm getting, at least on the left side.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it1Mcvg1Ays"]2015 Solo Nationals 140 STX - YouTube[/ame]

If you're going to mount it inside, be sure to turn on spot metering. Otherwise you'll get a beautiful shot of your dash and a completely blown out exterior.

speak softly and carry a big stick.




http://jalopnik.com/subaru-dealer-ho...ing-1795828438

I have this.

I don't use it for track purposes, it's more for a photography project and I'm a little concerned that it may not be sturdy enough with my camera on it but for a GoPro? Probably no problem.
It's cheap enough that if it doesn't work out it's not a huge loss.

Rear windshield, hanging upside down.

Or create a headrest mount easily - tube, two u-clamps, drill some bolts into it, use a washer and nut to secure the u-clamps, put a go-pro plastic receiver mount on the other end of the tube.

You will want some sort of damping for vibrations on this set up. My footage gets a little shaky at faster run groups.

I just use the gopro suction cup mount at the top of the rear windshield, works great.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuEVsnzop3E"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuEVsnzop3E[/ame]

That sounds pretty awesome, where did you put the mic? I'd also consider a narrower FOV to see more track and less interior.

Thanks! I taped the mic on the rear bumper, maybe about 4 inches from the passenger-side exhaust tip. I think I use a medium FOV and I like it because you get to see out the side windows as well.

Will that work with a tint?

I have the headrest mount from http://www.headrestmount.co.uk/

It is definitely pricey, but I absolutely love it. I do second the suggestions for go pro suction mount on rear window however! Much cheaper alternative!!


[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJa5NNH3LXQ"]SCCA Event3 2017 - YouTube[/ame]

Worked fine for single day events.

-alex

Made this mount last year. Cost me about 16 bucks in material.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/n...pskfoxsjni.jpg

Thanks for all the inputs! I like the headrest mount view the most. But the suction cup at rear window will be acceptable too.

My $20 headrest mount: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUHLRES/

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unV68YdwHBs"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unV68YdwHBs[/ame]

Excellent find thanks. £25 over here but I'm still having one.

Cheersmedears :bow:

Suction cups work fine with tint, I've mounted my Go-pro at the top of the rear... I like high view on the rear window or interior-side helmet mounting (great to see where you are focusing on track, though I use my eyes more than moving my whole head sometimes so not totally an accurate representation on where you are focusing). Go-pro car kit comes with adhesive helmet mounts.

https://youtu.be/46UR_tI7ZrY

https://youtu.be/xzbKAahWEw8

I like the Tackform headrest mount a lot: http://amzn.to/2sxHkhQ

At $70, it's obviously more than a $20 plastic mount or $20 DIY solution.
But it's made like a nice piece of photography grip equipment -- all metal, high quality, with multiple adjustment points for the perfect angle.

I mount the camera on the passenger side, and use Wi-Fi app preview on the phone to get the camera angle dialed in.

One thing to remember too if you're using a GoPro and it's your first time using one in car: turn on the spot meter mode otherwise everything outside the windshield will be totally washed out.

I lost a whole day of footage because of that :(.