Dash Camera Recommendations

[Bob Hartig]

I need to get a cheap dash cam for live streaming and wonder what y'all are using. Any recommendations or tips on making a selection?

I've just sunk a chunk into a new Panasonic TM700 for video, so again, the operative word here is CHEAP, and used is just fine. I get the impression that for streaming video, I don't need anything fancy.

 

[Skip Talbot]

The Microsoft Lifecam's are a pretty popular pick on here:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-LifeCam-Cinema-Webcam-Black/dp/B002MCZJ78

If you have an old camcorder laying around (doesn't even need to be digital). You can use the RCA composite out with an Easycap to turn it into a webcam as well, and you'll probably get better image quality/low light.
http://www.amazon.com/EasyCAP-DC60-Creator-Capture-High-quality/dp/B002H3BSCM

That's what I use for streaming, connected to my Sony camcorder.

 

[Sean Ramsey]

I recently purchased a Microsoft Lifecam Cinema webcam and I'm pretty happy with it. I was lucky enough to get it from Staples for $40 on sale, but I think the sale has expired. Still, these run between $50-$60 regular price and I think it's well worth it.

 

[Marcus Hicks]

I got a lifecam as well. Great camera which I got at Staples as well.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Does the Lifecam have any ability to zoom?

 

[Bob Hartig]

A webcam? Really? That's all I need for live streaming?
Say, I've got an old Canon ZR70 mini DV--like around 6 years old. The low light is pretty noisy, but if you guys are using webcams for streaming, maybe it would do the trick. What do you think?
I expect to do some chasing for local media this season. Not having live-streamed before, I don't know what I'm getting into or what all I need in a camera for a dashcam that will deliver acceptable images. Am I right in thinking that's really not much of a concern?

 

[Skip Talbot]

Streaming video is usually sent at 320x240 and then further compressed on top of that, so you don't need an HD camera. I suggested using an old camcorder if you have one because it usually will have better image quality than a cheap webcam (although the lifecams are pretty good from what I hear), and you can zoom with it. Of course they are also more bulky and require a power source other than the USB cable.

 

[Bob Hartig]

Thanks, Skip. That's really helpful! Barleywine for you this weekend.

 

[Dean Baron]

All I use for streaming is a Logitech Pro9000 which I picked up on Ebay for about $65. Works like a charm. I know a lot of other chasers who use this for their stream too.

 

[Sean Ramsey]

Does the Lifecam have any ability to zoom?

It does have the ability to zoom but you have to do it within the software on your laptop, which could be kind of a pain especially if you are chasing solo.

I would have used my Sony DCR-HC52 mini, but I didn't have a firewire port on my laptop so I had to go the webcam route.

 

[Robert Rohloff]

I have my old Sony Digital 8 mounted on the windshield and stream via firewire, it works very well and the zoom is a plus.

 

[jason kissam]

I recently purchased a Microsoft Lifecam Cinema webcam and I'm pretty happy with it. I was lucky enough to get it from Staples for $40 on sale, but I think the sale has expired. Still, these run between $50-$60 regular price and I think it's well worth it.

just found that on staples web site. they are running a new sale. 59.99 or so with instant savings. im looking at getting one now. how is the video quality? saw several reviews that picture quality and speed are not that great. but this is a webcam so i know quality and such might be diminished....

also have a sony camcorder that the lcd screen doesnt work. im thinking i can rca cable it out to a vcr deck to record?

 

[Bob Hartig]

Hey, everyone, thanks for all the helpful input. I just purchased a Logitech 9000 Pro from TigerDirect. I'm impressed by the Carl Zeiss lens, and at a sale price of $59.99 it seems like a pretty good deal.

 

[Jarrod Barnett]

Are you able to record and save the footage straight to your computer with that lifecam?

 

[TJ Whitt]

Yes, you can use the Microsoft Lifecam software to record video or use a 3rd party software to record.