The track is fertile ground for epic (and sometimes not-so-epic) moments. Crashes, powerslides, and hitting the perfect apex are all worth capturing on video. That way when your friends say, “Nah, there’s no way that happened,” you’ve got proof.
We’ve evolved from the giant car-mounted cameras of old to little things called action cameras. With the right mounts, you can stick them on the outside or inside of the car. Perhaps you want to capture a nasty reverse-entry drift, or maybe record your feet prancing on the pedals. You might even go viral on YouTube—hopefully not in one of those crash compilations.
We’ve gathered expert opinions from track-loving Car and Driver editors, along with some of the top-rated selections on Amazon. Spoiler: They’re not all GoPros. Just remember, send us a cut of that YouTube check.
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This entry-level action camera is a great starter choice. The video resolution is a bit lacking—1080P at 15FPS and 720P at 30FPS—but it does the job. While you’re just getting the bare bones with this camera, you can’t go wrong with the price.
The VanTop Moment 3 is another fantastic budget-friendly option, with optional 4K video at 30FPS thanks to a 16MP camera. The ultra-wide lens even records up to 170 degrees. Comes with a durable carrying case, too.
As another entry-level action camera, the Akaso EK7000 features quality standard performance. With 4K at 30FPS and a 170-degree lens, you’ll be able to capture a good chunk of the track. Editing is easy through the Akaso Go app.
This action camera is an excellent choice at a mid-point price range. The camera features two crisp screens—on one the back and one on the front next to the lens to help you frame yourself in the shot. The RockSteady stabilizing technology delivers great, steady footage.
There’s a reason why GoPro is the benchmark for action cameras. The HERO8 is a slightly older choice, but it’s more affordable than the current generation. With three levels of stabilization, rest assured that your laps will look good no matter how rough the track is. The battery life ranges from one to two hours, and recharging takes a measly three hours.
This is GoPro’s current gen, and the best one at that. Its genius 23.6MP sensor catches sensational 5K video and boasts a front screen like the DJI Osmo. The new HyperSmooth 3.0 is the upgraded stability system to make sure your video is smooth as butter. And with GoPro’s massive accessory list, you’ll be able to mount the HERO9 anywhere, anytime.
This is the mother of all track analysis tools. While the focus of this product is the main screen, the remote camera shouldn’t be overlooked. It captures your lap in clear HD, which can be replayed on the device with time-synced overlays showing speed, lap data, and more. If you’re serious about shaving tenths—and visualizing where you can find them—the Catalyst is a must-have.
From: Road & Track
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