[Mcouple]

Has anyone used a GoPro or mounted an iPhone for either the BMW Performance Center Delivery track driving session or the M-School course?

If you have, how were you allowed to mount your device in the car?

How did it turn out?

Do you have any suggestions of using a GoPro or an iPhone for either of these experiences?

[orangeglim]

I'm doing a two day M-school in a couple weeks, I'd like to know the answer to this as well.

[zx10guy]

No experience with using an iPhone (or Android) for something like this. I do have experience with a GoPro for track outings. I haven't had one mounted to a car but on a motorcycle. It was mounted on the nose fairing of a BMW S1000RR when I was doing the CSS school at VIR. The GoPro had no issues handling 150+ MPH stints down the front straight of the north course. The video came out excellent with no buffeting or vibration being recorded. The video was rock solid steady.

[Z K]

mounting a phone to the car with any mount will have a lot of vibrations and the video will not be very smooth. Also, most phones have some kind of image stabilization, that actually makes the video worse with a rolling jello effect because the driving vibration is too fast for the phone to compensate and it causes weird looking video.

Gopro or other action camera would be the best option if you want good video. I've used both my iphone and gopro for track days and the gopro is a ton better.

[GATORB8]

I've had a good experience with Ram-Mounts for Phone use, but in addition to the image quality ZK mentions, the GoPro takes significantly less windshield space.

Overlay apps like Harry's Laptimer and TrackAddict add a lot to the video as well.

[Mcouple]

Thanks for your responses. I will be attending the 1 day M school in the spring as well as accepting PCD next month and wanted to capture the experiences. Really appreciate everyone's input. Sounds like the GoPro maybe a better option per the responses so far

[Mcouple]

For those who have used GoPros for their track days what kind of mounts do you use?

Do you mount the camera on your dash? Or somewhere else?

[R3dliner]

I have something similar to this below
https://www.amazon.com/Headrest-Tack.../dp/B00XIB6SK4

[Mcouple]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

I have something similar to this below
https://www.amazon.com/Headrest-Tack.../dp/B00XIB6SK4

Thank you! Didn't know this even existed. Love this forum

[GATORB8]

Originally Posted by Mcouple

For those who have used GoPros for their track days what kind of mounts do you use?

Do you mount the camera on your dash? Or somewhere else?

GoPro Suction on windshield by rear view, this is with a 5 Black, I'm sure youtube dropped the resolution:

Ram-Mount Suction to sunroof, Iphone (I think this was a 7) with TrackAddict overlay

[Z K]

I use the GoPro Suction mount on the front windshield. It a view similar to what you see while driving.

Here's a few of my videos.

At Laguna Seca: This is with GoPro 5 Black using Harry's Laptimer overlay

At the Nurburgring: GoPro 5 Black as front camera, iphone 7 front "selfie" camera facing into the car, external stereo microphone and Harry's Laptimer overlay

[Z K]

For comparison, here is Laguna Seca with my iPhone 7 and RAM suction mount. Crazy vibration and jello effect:

[Mcouple]

Originally Posted by Z K

For comparison, here is Laguna Seca with my iPhone 7 and RAM suction mount. Crazy vibration and jello effect:

Thank You ZK. So helpful. You have done some amazing driving!

[GATORB8]

Originally Posted by Z K

At Laguna Seca: This is with GoPro 5 Black using Harry's Laptimer overlay

ZK, how do you have your phone mounted for running Harry's? I've been trying to figure out the best way to run it without RamMounting my phone to the windshield.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by GATORB8

ZK, how do you have your phone mounted for running Harry's? I've been trying to figure out the best way to run it without RamMounting my phone to the windshield.

For the video from the nurburgring, I have it stuck to the windshield as I'm using the front camera. Same as when I am using the iphone to record video. I have the phone right behind the gopro under the rearview mirror so it doesn't occupy a lot of space.

Other times when I am only using the gopro for video, I have it mounted to my dash air vent with a phone holder - same as how I usually use my phone for navigation while driving. I can easily read my lap times as I'm driving.

Gopro integration for Harry's Laptimer is pretty good, the laptimer can start and stop the video. I just wish Harry's can work with stereo audio. Every time you overlay, it only does mono audio even if your source is stereo.

[Z K]

I'll also add that Gopro 5/6 also has built in GPS path, speed, altitude, g-force, elevation gain and more... so you don't necessarily need Harry's Laptimer for overlay. The refresh data rate is higher than the iphone GPS as well so it's much more accurate. You just need to know your start/stop and you can do the overlay in Dashware (free).

Here is a lap at the ring with GoPro data - I didn't set up laptimer since this was a unplanned fun run in my fully luggage loaded rental car.

[GATORB8]

Originally Posted by Z K

I'll also add that Gopro 5/6 also has built in GPS path, speed, altitude, g-force, elevation gain and more... so you don't necessarily need Harry's Laptimer for overlay. The refresh data rate is higher than the iphone GPS as well so it's much more accurate. You just need to know your start/stop and you can do the overlay in Dashware (free).

Cool find, thanks for sharing.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Mcouple

For those who have used GoPros for their track days what kind of mounts do you use?

Do you mount the camera on your dash? Or somewhere else?

Depends on what YOU want to see when watching the video. So imho there is no 'right' answer. You could get three or four GoPros and catch a variety of angles including the pedals. Too many mounting options to suggest just one (depends on location/angle you want, etc).

Ditch the iPhone for the track.

PS: If just one camera, the behind the driver with a view of your steering angle and shifter, looking out to the cars ahead to understand where you are at the track and traffic conditions.

Watch this video so you can see different angles and decide for yourself what YOU want to see when playing back video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Lm0e7U254

[aas5]

I went to the 2-day M school in SC last August and used my iPhone with my own phone holder with a suction cup. Worked great and no issues with vibration. They also had phone holders in almost every car so you don't have to bring yours. I was debating about buying a GoPro for this event and decided against it.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

During HPDE I use a iPhone-based system using Harry's LapTimer. It's relatively inexpensive but your going to want a 128gb phone. This app provides a lot of data that really enhances the playback experience.

The GoPro advantage I really notice is how much better you can mic (record audio) the footage. While I haven't used my iPhone X in this scenario... My iPhone 6S couldn't match how well I could use a GoPro to record audio.

Either would work. I'd think you'd buy for the long term and use that solution for the BMW event. Can you justify the added expenditure for the dedicated device?

[markymark666]

I can recommend the Waylens Horizon for filming during events: Waylens Horizon

For example used here:

and here:

and more test videos here: Playlist Made with Waylens

[EDWYER]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

I have something similar to this below
https://www.amazon.com/Headrest-Tack.../dp/B00XIB6SK4

Nice.