The POTN.COM Blog

Picture the most amazing footage, featuring you!

Posted on 27. Mar, 2009 by Nick in The Store

I’ve been in communication with Pete Dennis at TPC Automotive Distribution for many years now and his team have released something that all car enthusiasts should be excited about.

Back in December 2008 Pete and his team gained the exclusive licence for the world’s smallest, wireless on-board video camera, the GoPro Video Camera.

I want to get the word out because I think the GoPro Motorsport Camera is Hot!

The Motorsports HERO Wide quick-release attaches to helmets or cars and features the industry’s widest 170º wide angle lens and 5 megapixel sensor for the most amazing point of view video and photos possible from a wearable sports camera.

The set up only takes a few seconds and is easily moved between different mount locations.  I managed to get 56 minutes of high-resolution video and 5 megapixel photos automatically in “Photo every 2 seconds” mode. I also found it really handy as a hand held camera, too.

The GoPro is also Shockproof and waterproof to 100 feet/30 meters which means you can use it in really awful conditions without worrying about damage.

The camera features video, photo, audio, and low light performance. Reliability in ultra-high vibration environments is well thought

out and features a robustly designed internal circuit design. Battery life is improved to 3 hours of video record time when using Lithium batteries and 2 hours when using NiMH rechargeable batteries.

Five quick-release adhesive mounts and industrial strength suction cup are included and approved for external high speed driving and riding, and is strong enough to pull dents out of a car door (unfortunately tested by me!) but still safe on paintwork.

If you really wanted to get the perfect setup, additional expansion mounts are available separately.

Are there any downsides to the GoPro?

Good points:
Superb at high speeds, I took it upto 140mph and it was still solid.
Camera shake is low, thanks to its low weight.
The mounts are very strong and cling on well.
VERY easy and simple to setup and use.
Good quality images and frame rate.

No so good points:
GoPro didn’t produce great night results.
No LCD screen so you can’t checkout instant playback.

On the whole,  this camera is a great way to get awesome footage that you’ll want to watch time and time again but  night filming is poor. For a really good presentation from Extreme Video, check out the following advertorial.

So What’s Included?

• 5 Megapixel Camera with 170º Wide Angle Lens
• 1 Shockproof/Waterproof Quick-Release Housing–100 feet/30 meters
• 3 Flat Adhesive Mounts
• 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
• 2 Horizontal Surface Quick-release Buckle
• 1 Vertical Surface “J-Hook” Buckle
• 1 Suction Cup Mount
• 1 Three-way Pivoting Side Arm Assembly
• 1 USB/RCA Combination Cable
• Warranty: 1 Year

Do you need the GoPro ?
When you compare the spec to other much more expensive kit, the GoPro Motorsport Camera offers fantastic value for money. You can take it anywhere, it’s waterproof, it’s small, it’s light and it’s tough as old boots. The best bit however, is that it been designed from the ground up for being smashed around and heavy vibration applications which as we all know sums up performance cars. You can also use it when your skydiving, rollerblading, skiing and snorkelling, maybe?! I’m going to loan it out to my club members on trackdays at £10 a pop and i’ll get my money back in no time

Price £199.99 inc VAT    Added to the site next week.

What do I rate it?
Got to be  sweet 8/10

Model Number: GMHW5170
Resolution: 5 megapixel (2592×1944) photo, 512×384 video
Sensor: CMOS
Video Format: MJPEG, 30 fps, saved as .AVI file
Optics: glass lens, f/2.8 aperture, with ultra-wide 170º angle of view
Modes: video, standard photo, photo every 2 or 5 secs, 3x photo burst sequence, self timer, upside down photo/video flip
Exposure Control: auto
White Balance: auto
Self Timer: 10 seconds
Microphone: built-in with adjustable recording/input level
Audio Format: 8kHz, mono
Memory: 16 MB internal, expandable to 2GB with SD card (not included), expandable to 4GB with SDHC card (not included) via free software download from GoPro website—available soon
Capacity: 56 minutes video (incl. audio) or 1,945 photos with optional 2GB SD card. 1hr 52min video (incl. audio) with optional 4GB SDHC card—available soon
Power: 2x AAA batteries (not included), lithium batteries highly recommended. 3hrs. video recording with lithium, 2hrs. with NiMH
TV Out (with RCA cable): NTSC or PAL
PC Connection: USB + RCA combo cable
PC Compatibility: Windows ME, 2000, XP, and Vista; Mac OS X 10.2 and later
Dimensions: 1.75″ x 2.30″ x 1.25″/4.45cm x 5.84cm x 3.18cm (H x W x D)
Weight: 4.9 oz/139 g