GoPro or Replay?

[bball7754]

Finally going to bite the bullet and purchase an HD camera for track days.

 

Was planning on purchasing a GoPro HD3 (probably the Silver), but then looked at the Replay XD1080 and thought it might be a good option.

 

Primary question has to do with the lense. GoPro is 170 degrees, while the Replay is 135, which apparently reduces the fisheye look that 170 provides.

 

The GoPro is the easy choice. Anyone have a Replay? Thoughts?

 

Steve

[yellowss7]

Steve, I have the Drift HD which is pretty good, has the wireless remote, external mic, and easy to use. The newest version is the GhostHD but don't know what extras it has. Price for the HD has come down since the newer version was released.

 

Tom

[Nick OTeen]

I have the Replay XD and really like it. The "lipstick cam" shape is so much easier to mount and unobtrusive on the car - I use one of the Replay mounts to attach it directly to the rollbar on the 7.

 

I also have a couple of the Contour HD cameras and have had good results with those as well but the Replay has so much going for it in terms of video options as well as accessories.

[slomove]

I have an older Contour HD with a homemade waterproof housing, external mic and remote. Kind of works but it is a bit big and clunky. I was looking for the HERO3 black that comes with the waterproof shell and had the remote as well. But I read so many user reviews that complain of quality problems (unlike older HERO models) and many people apparently sent it back. I guess i will hang in and wait until they have sorted that out.

Edited March 30, 2013 by slomove

[Croc]

While I have 3 GoPros HD2s (now known as GoPro HD Silver) that I use for track work, I would not recommend them wholeheartedly. Each has been fully replaced under warranty within 12 months of purchase and one of those replacements has already been sent back to have the shutter button repaired. None were mistreated or subject to dropping or impact damage although all have been mounted on the seven during track events, mounted on me for skiing and taken sailing, skydiving and snorkeling. I have the optional remote and find that it is a pain to consistently pair up plus it chews up batteries like nothing else.

 

in Belgium last weekend I tested a Drift HD Ghost using a Manfrotto mount with ball head and it was excellent. Remote just paired up automatically, I could swivel the lens to get the right angle, it handled the snow well (i.e. it is waterproof), and the inbuilt screen made aiming a breeze. Its a nice slimmer profile than a Go Pro. It did not produce any rolling shutter effect at 1080 and exposure was surprisingly good on a bad weather day. And it comes as 1 package - no need to buy anything extra other than a good roll bar mount (manfrotto super clamp or RAM). GoPro charges extra for everything - skeleton case, remote, external mic, cable, etc. So the Drift Ghost works out much cheaper on a like for like spec than the GoPro Silver.

 

I will upload a test example to youtoob tonight to give you an idea.

 

So I think your real comparison should be between the Replay and the Drift HD Ghost.

 

While I have not tried the Replay, I have used bullet cams (VIO POV) in the past and like them. Bullet cams are really easy to mount securely and nicely discreet.

Edited March 30, 2013 by Croc

[bball7754]

Nick - How hard is it to line up/aim the Replay? Do you just sight down the barrel?

[Nick OTeen]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to do just that - look down the length of the camera and line it up. I usually do a quick check by shooting a few seconds of video and then look at it on my laptop to check the framing. You can also use the HDMI out on the Replay XD to send the video signal to an external monitor (such as the one Replay sells) or laptop and check the framing live before you start recording your drive.

[Croc]

hi Steve - PM sent

[Automoda]

I got one of these "action cameras" from ebay (Mine is all black). 160$

 

http://tinyurl.com/cqwglue

 

I've used the heck out of it and its doing great. It has 1080 or 720, timelapse features, a screen on the back, can be mounted upside down and if so flips the image, has a standard camera threaded mount, tons of manual adjustments and options, waterproof, gobs of mounting hardware etc, good 2 hour battery life with 12 dollar lith ion battery (get a couple spares), removable flash cards and can take large ones... and on and on.

 

The down side is that there is no remote, and after a year I broke a clasp that latches the screen/door so its not waterproof anymore. Also if you press a button, the sound effect wont override any previous sound effects so you might miss it if you double press a button. Minor issue. In any case I rate it 5 stars.

[xcarguy]

Okay, guys (and gals),

 

I just purchased a Replay XD1080. I'll be using this camera for the first time on Saturday at an HPDE at MSR Cresson. Any pointers on the use of this camera to get the most bang for the buck right off the bat? I'm all ears. :bigear:

 

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