Digital Video Camera Settings

[deadbeatle]

I'm looking for some tips and tricks to the video settings for a roll bar mounted camera. Starting with focus, should I leave it on auto to find the correct setting? My gut says to manually focus, otherwise I may get a beautiful view of the rear view mirror on the dash the entire time or the focus may wander with any vibration. The camera has a setting that will keep it in infinity mode. How about other settings such as video mode (normal, sport, etc...) Does image stabilization really work? Any other tricks to improve the video?

I purchased a video camera that will accept an external mic. Where is the best place to put the mic to record the sound without the wind noise? I've heard behind the seat, on the floor and in the trunk.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

[STL Mark]

Set the camera to infinity - that will guarantee that the distant images will be in focus (not the rear view mirror). Some image stabilization programs are ok. Try it with and without - you'll be able to see the difference. Setting the camera to sport mode will increase the shutter speed, thus faster moving objects in the frame will be sharper (but dark areas will be darker). For the external mic, place it anywhere out of the wind - under the seat, behind the seat, glovebox, truck - anywhere. What you are actually recording is the exhaust note - and a nice clean recording of that alone will be sweet!

Post a clip when done - we'd love to see it!