In-car Camcorders Tested

An in-car camcorder helps you relive memorable driving experiences. We pick the best from eight

Auto Express Car Reviews

April 2010

The camera never lies – especially if it’s fitted to your car! The latest camcorders are proving ever more popular to drivers wanting to record track day thrills or day-to-day commuting. These digital kits can also prove useful in providing video evidence should you be unlucky enough to have an accident.

New models are appearing each month, but older ones are being updated, too. Our test of eight featured both – so which small-screen star is the best buy?

The Test

High-definition (HD) TVs are an increasingly common feature in living rooms across the country, and we looked for our cameras to capture footage in this resolution, as it provides the best pictures. It’s just a pity sound quality hasn’t come on in the same way.

Many of the models featured have a bracket or mount. We noted how easy these were to use when fixing each unit to the car. We then drove along a stretch of road which included shaded, tree-lined areas and bright sun to see how well they adapted to light changes.

In addition, our test route included a section of rough tarmac to gauge justhow stable and well built each system was. The results were then displayed on a computer, and at every stage of the process, ease of use was assessed. Finally, accessories and price were also taken into account.

Check out the footage from our winning camera here.

Verdict

Selecting a winner was no easy task, but the user-friendly Contour HD 720p takes top honours with its simple, rugged design. A surprise performance and reasonable price meant the Flip MinoHD – which isn’t even designed with drivers in mind – was closely matched with the GoPro Hero. However, the latter takes the runner-up spot as it comes with that waterproof case.

Top 3

Contour HD 720p
GoPro HD Motorsports Hero
Flip MinoHD

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3 Comments

the Drift X170

This may be a good contender in future test

By durbanite on 22 April, 2010, 11:29am

Save yourself £100+

Why not use a phone app like Witness Driving to record through the windscreen - gives speed, GPS, G-forces - all for 69p - and gives great footage....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElYB9RDSJX8

By Pulse326 on 4 October, 2011, 11:52am

Latest Car Camera

Just to let you know, I purchased one of these cameras after seeing many of them on a trip to Moscow. Success! My car camera witnessed a collision between 2 cars in front of me and I was able to supply a recording to one of them as a witness of accident. If any one intrested, I bought this camera on
www.c-everything.com

By Witness on 10 October, 2011, 10:03pm

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