VacuCam Updated with Flip Ultra HD

Discussion in 'Car Builds, Projects, Idea's Experiments' started by Octaneguy, Oct 7, 2009.

  1. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

    Apr 24, 2009
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    As many of you know, I used to manufacture and market the VacuCam switchable micro camera systems. Earlier this year I purchased a Flip Ultra HD camcorder and it's been an incredible tool. Last weekend I participated in a local 4 hour mountain run, and shot footage with my Flip, though unfortunately hand held! From past experience this footage is pretty much unwatchable as you feel motion sick right away!

    So tonight I took a VacuCam 1B (with the adjustable ball mount), attached the Flip Ultra HD to it inverted. I mounted it to my sunroof above the passenger seat. I brought the footage into iMovie and rotated it right side up which amazingly took almost no time at all to do.

    Here is the result of the first test. I realize placement isn't optimal.

    I think the results are very promising. I've got many more ideas planned here now that I know camera orientation doesn't matter.

    Richard

    http://www.facebook.com/v/1251691615420
     
  2. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

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    Seems pretty cool. Too bad uploaded videos usually have to be made a lower resolution.
     
  3. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    There are two problems with my footage. One it was shot at night...the Flip is lousy in low light and second, I'm using an older version of iMovie that doesn't support 720p so it's resizing it down.

    I shot more footage on my way to work this morning that looks substantially better..but I gotta finish this Porsche before I can post it. I will upload it to YouTube so I can embed it here in the post.

    Richard



     
  4. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Does this mean the VacuCam system is coming back???
     
  5. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    Undecided at this point. If I do, it'll just be the mounts without the cameras. Sadly, the ex wife hawked all my inventory when I wasn't around, so I'd be starting from scratch again.

    I think you'll like the POV on the next clip. It shows from the driver perspective. Footage from the Kodak Zi8 might be improved with its built in stabilization and external mic input over the Flip. I intend to get one in the near future.

     
  6. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    Ok here is a much better clip. Same mount, location adjusted. Process same.

    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aZvce4NUDY"]YouTube - VacuCam Flip Test2[/ame]
     
  7. Mishka

    Mishka Badge Whore

    May 4, 2009
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    Looks great, Richard!
     
  8. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

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    Those crazy line bumps on the road sound like you're hitting a mountain.
     
  9. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Bott's Dots

    Darn things are annoying. But y'all that live where the snow flies don't get the pleasure.
     
  10. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    My car is pretty stiff, so the interior panels creak a lot, and my fire extinguisher tends to rattle on bumps too. The cool thing is that the stereo mic of the camera is pretty much where my ears are, so you're hearing what I hear daily, lol.


     
  11. Rixter

    Rixter Well-Known Member

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    Richard, dumb question, but what's that convex mirror image in the upper part of your windshield? Nice clear video though!
     
  12. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    Thanks! It's called LightInSight.com

    It's for seeing stop lights and things where you would have to crane your neck to see them.

    Richard
     
  13. flatlander_48

    flatlander_48 New Member

    Oct 11, 2009
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    I noticed that on my first MINI test drive. If you're the first car at a medium to small intersection (and sometimes larger), it's almost easier to stick your head out the window...

    Anyway, interesting set up. Might be nice for track days if you pass on OBD data...
     
  14. that vacucam is really cool. i bet driving canyons and twisties and even autocross would be a LOT of fun knwoing that you can watch your own line. i'd love to play with this bad boy in my car.
     
  15. Octaneguy

    Octaneguy New Member

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    This is from the Italian Job Charity Run in 2009 shot in the same manner.

    [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjBTBVHoG8&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - Chasing a modded Classic Mini with modded R53 MINI[/ame]
     

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