Best camera option for mounting to pro go-karts?

Grug

Grug

Veteran
Hi guys,

I have a shoot coming up where we want to record onboard action on pro-level racing go-karts, and I’m trying to decide on the best way to approach things.

Ideally I’d rather be able to record higher quality footage than I can get from a couple of GoPros, so I’m wondering if anyone can recommend a good small-form-factor option?

Ideally I’d like a camera with a global shutter (the new Blackmagic Micro Camera would be perfect, but doesn’t ship until July). I think the Codex Action Cam would be great, but I’m not sure how available they are to rent down here in Australia (I’m waiting to hear back from Codex).

Blackmagic Pocket Cameras would be easy to source, but I worry that the rolling shutter could be problematic on that camera.

Does anyone have any other suggestions that might be worth looking into.

I’d also be keen to hear of any rigging solutions people have used before that have worked well (so that I have a starting point to go over things with my Key Grip.

I'd also be keen to hear people's thoughts on hard-mounting to a go-kart vs. using gimbals for stabilisation. I wonder whether the smoother motion would take immediacy out of the visuals?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Cheers,

Mark
 
There are very few global shutter cameras at all.

In fact the only two I can even think of at all are the Blackmagic Micro and the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K. I mean for under $5,000.
The BMPC4K is the exact same size as the regular Cinema camera and if you're shooting outdoors then it's healthy lighting requirement won't be a problem for you at all. And the footage will sure have resolution to spare.
 
Thanks, I'd kinda forgotten the Blackmagic 4k. It's go a bit more heft to it than something like the pocket, but the size and shape would be pretty manageable for gripping I suppose.
 
Grug said:
Thanks, I'd kinda forgotten the Blackmagic 4k. It's go a bit more heft to it than something like the pocket, but the size and shape would be pretty manageable for gripping I suppose.
Click to expand...

The square shape bums some people out..but I can tell you this about it. It sure makes it easy to strap that baby down. Especially with the 1/4" taps they put on the top of the body. If you go that way - just remember you have to vent the bottom. I've used a piece of metal grid (Home Depot ceiling light grid - but in metal) under the camera. Also having it in the cage and just putting a couple metal blocks on the sides when I strapped it down. I've ran it for hours on a car.
Mine is just the Cinema 2.5K though. That global shutter on the 4k makes a HUGE different on action shots.
 
IO industries 4k and 2k cameras are the Pro option. 2k has GShutter, think the 4k does too.

Price? Sit down when you check.

s
 
Indiecam makes a global shutter camera. C-mount lenses, very small form factor. The only drawback is that you need an external recorder.
 
Tough call Mark. Are these the 125cc shifter karts without suspension?

Depending on the perspective you are trying to achieve, you might go ahead and mix in a couple GoPro cams as well. A helmet cam might be nice to mix in. Not sure how well hard mounting is going to work, as these karts can transmit vibrations through the chassis. Something like a Cinesaddle might be helpful. I wish I could be more helpful, as I have done a ton of exotic and race car stuff, but never any kart work.

Good luck!

Dave
 
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