As time passes, technology evolves, and that's to our advantage, especially since it tends to lower the cost of the electronics we want to get our hands on most. It used to be that shooting in-car camera footage required a fairly decent camcorder, and even by today's standards, the digital versions can still cost a pretty penny.
If a conventional camcorder isn't in your best interest and you're looking for an alternative to capture your best moments behind the wheel, then you're going to dig GoPro's line of 5-megapixel digital sports cameras. For starters, they're incredibly affordable, starting at just $179.99 for the Motorsports Hero with a 54-degree viewing angle. The Motorsports Hero Wide is a few bucks more at $199.99 but provides a full field of vision with its 170-degree viewing angle.
While these small wireless cameras are impressive, the price also includes many additional items to maximize the use of the little wonders, such as a quick-release housing, a suction-cup mount, and a handful of adhesive mounts with quick-release buckles.
Follow along as we give you the complete rundown of the system and showcase some of the more unique features that make this camera stand out above the rest.
Quick Notes
The Gadget
Affordable motorsports video camera
Bottom Line
GoPro gets the job done
GoPro's Motorsports Hero Wide...
GoPro's Motorsports Hero Wide (MHW) is pretty small, 1.75 by 2.30 by 1.25 inches, yet is able to produce 5-megapixel images at 2,592x1,944 resolution (512x312 for videos).
The Wide model has 16MB internal...
The Wide model has 16MB internal memory, too small for any significant length of video. You'll need to purchase an inexpensive SD card, available at most electronics stores. At this time the camera only accepts cards up to 2GB, but that is enough to store 56 minutes of video or 1,945 images. A 4GB card option will be available shortly, but you'll need to download free software from GoPro's website.
It only takes two AAA batteries...
It only takes two AAA batteries to power the unit. GoPro highly recommends the use of lithium batteries, which will keep the unit going for approximately three hours. Also recommended are rechargeable NiMH batteries, generally good for up to two hours.
Every kit includes a polycarbonate...
Every kit includes a polycarbonate quick-release housing with easy-access buttons to control the camera. The housing is shockproof for those times when you happen to drop it, and it is airtight, making it waterproof down to 100 feet.
Other features include the...
Other features include the ability to shoot photos, and this is where it gets good. You can go through the menu and set up the MHW to automatically shoot photos in 2- or 5-second intervals or shoot three images in sequence. You can also control the volume; high is recommended for when there isn't a lot of vibration, and low is better in a motorsports situation, such as when recording in-car racing footage.
We've used our Motorsports...
We've used our Motorsports Hero Wide unit on a number of occasions, and it's flat-out awesome. To check out our adventures, be sure to drop by our website, chevyhiperformance.com. You can see video clips of a '71 drag-radial Nova and a stock-suspension '68 Camaro in action at the dragstrip, including a few road-course clips from our most recent outings.
Each system comes with three...
Each system comes with three flat and two curved adhesive mounts with quick-release buckles for fixated mounts, which can be used to mount the camera onto your helmet or anywhere on your vehicle. You also get a suction-cup mount with a three-way pivoting side arm assembly. Simply press the button to flatten the suction cup, and lift the lever to secure it. We've used this thing on everything from body panels to glass and Lexan windows, with no failure whatsoever.