VIO POV 1.5 Vital Statistics
RRP: $795
Resolution: 720x480 (max, other avail)
Field of View: 110 degrees
Memory type: SD card
Recording capacity: 4GB = 2h50m, 8GB = 5h44m (at max resolution)
Battery type: 4 x AA
Battery life: 4-5 hours alkaline, upto 10 hours lithium
The VIO POV1.5 is a very capable digital point-of-view (POV) video recording system.RRP: $795
Resolution: 720x480 (max, other avail)
Field of View: 110 degrees
Memory type: SD card
Recording capacity: 4GB = 2h50m, 8GB = 5h44m (at max resolution)
Battery type: 4 x AA
Battery life: 4-5 hours alkaline, upto 10 hours lithium
We tested a unit at Round 1 at Oran Park, onboard Tony Bonanno's Turbo MX5 in RocketSports. The results were excellent (and can be seen at onboard.irace.net.au), but read on for our full review of the VIO POV1.5.
What's in the box?
The VIO POV1.5 arrives in an attractive box. Inside the box, pretty much everything is contained in a sturdy carry case (very handy for ongoing use). Inside the carry case you get:- POV1.5 recording unit
- Camera head with 1.5 metre cable
- Software/instructions CD
- Wireless remote control
- 4GB SDHC memory card
- USB cable
- Analog AV cable
- Mounting accessories
- 4 x AA batteries
Setting Up
Setting the camera up to record is quite straightforward.
Batteries are inserted in a receptacle on the back of the recorder, the cover is held in place by two locking tabs - very secure.
The memory card is inserted in the bottom of the recorder. The slot is protected by a cover affixed by a thumb screw - again, very secure.
The end of the camera head cable has a screw on plug that screws neatly into the top of the recorder.
Getting this ready to go takes about two minutes.
Mounting
We mounted the camera in Tony Bonanno's MX5, and it took about five minutes. We used an accessory mounting case for the recording unit (we'll talk more about this below), which allowed us to easily mount the recorder to a vertical leg of the roll cage. There are many options for where to mount the recorder, but we wanted to be able to see the small screen, and access the controls in place.
We cable-tied the cable along some roll cage tubes, and then used the included 'double hook and loop mount' and some more cable-ties to attach the camera head to another part of the roll cage. The resulting mount was very steady, and provided an excellent camera shot. As the shot incorporated part of the dash board, we had an iRace sticker in view initially, but discovered that it reflected of the windscreen, partially obscuring the shot - just something to keep an eye out for when mounting your camera.
Operation
The controls on the camera are quite simple. There are seven buttons, but you can pretty much get away with using just two of them once setup.The onscreen menus are easy to follow, and setting the modes you want is simple (you may need to read the manual to help decide which modes and settings are best for you).
Once the settings are right, to start recording all you need to do is turn the camera on (one button), and then press record. You'll get visual confirmation that recording is in progress on the screen. Once you've finished recording, it's one button to stop recording, and one button to turn the camera off.
It is possible to review the footage on the small screen, and this could be quite useful in the field/at the track.
The camera also includes a small wireless remote control. This uses radio frequency to control the camera, so it doesn't need to be line-of-sight to work. We elected not to use the remote, because we wanted to check the screen and confirm the camera was operating each time. With some familiarity, the remote would be an excellent option, and could easily be mounted (cable-ties) to a steering wheel or dashboard.
Downloading
The benefits of a Memory Card Reader
A memory card reader can be had for around $10. Make sure you get one that accepts SD cards. You simply plug your reader into a USB port on your computer, and plug your SD card into the reader. Your files are available to copy to the computer, or edit/upload them straight from the card! If you have a second memory card, you can pop it into the camera, and get back to shooting, while you download.
The camera includes a variety of cables to access the video. There is an AV cable to allow you to connect the camera direct to a TV, and control the playback via the recorder. There is also a USB cable to allow you to connect the camera to the USB port of your computer and download the video files. Our preferred method of download is to remove the SD memory card from the camera and use a USB SD Card Reader to access the files directly (see sidebar for more info on this).A memory card reader can be had for around $10. Make sure you get one that accepts SD cards. You simply plug your reader into a USB port on your computer, and plug your SD card into the reader. Your files are available to copy to the computer, or edit/upload them straight from the card! If you have a second memory card, you can pop it into the camera, and get back to shooting, while you download.
Using our preferred method, the video files were easily accessible, and downloaded quickly to our computer. You can also watch the video files on the computer directly from the memory card (accessing it as an external drive). The files are .AVI, which can be viewed on almost all computers.
Video Quality
The video quality from the VIO POV1.5 is excellent.
Resolution: There is a range of resolutions to choose from, up to a maximum of 720 x 480 pixels, at up to 30 frames per second. This is effectively DVD resolution video.
Resolution options are: 720x480, 720x400, 640x480, 360x240, 360x200, or 320x240.
Clarity: The video is very clear, and a very wide field of view. Objects that are quite close (~40cm) are in clear focus, and objects that are far away are in focus. The wide angle of the lens - 110 degrees - also means that you capture a lot of action in the frame.
Smoothness: With up to 30 frames per second, the smoothness of the video is very good. DVD video maxes out at ~30 frames per second, so that gives you an idea.
Light Balance: Much of our test footage was shot in overcast conditions - these are often the most troublesome for an onboard camera - the exposure or light balance needs to be adjusted to show detail on the dark areas inside the car, as well as the very bright, white sky. The VIO POV1.5 handled these conditions very well, with excellent details on all parts of the picture.
Sound: The camera cable features an inbuilt microphone (about halfway along, so around 3 feet from the camera head), and this proved to work very well when mounted inside the car. We didn't do any testing with the unit mounted in a noisier area (engine bay, or outside in the airflow), but the mic level is adjustable, and should be no trouble to get nice sound in challenging conditions. There's also the option of an external (tie-clip) microphone, which could be positioned wherever you like.
To view some of the video we filmed, click here. Note that this video is compressed for display on the internet, but still gives an excellent idea of the video quality. If you're interested in seeing the original files, let us know and we can send them to you.
Accessories
There is a wide range of accessories available for the POV VIO1.5, including:
- Camera Mounts
- Bags and Cases
- Cables and Microphones
- Power Supply
- Spare Parts
The accessories that may be useful for you will depend on where you are going to mount your camera head and recording unit. For mounting the camera in the cabin of most cars, you should be able to get by with the included gear, but you may want to check out one of the camera extension cables to allow you to put the camera head further from the recorder. You may also like to get a case to protect and mount the recording unit. Finally, a roll bar mount for the camera head may give you that little bit of extra security and flexibility.
If you want to be more adventurous with mounting the camera head, you may want to consider some of the alternative accessories. There are lens and camera protectors, roll cage mounts, suction mounts, clamp mounts, goggle-strap mounts and more. There is also the optional external microphone, and you can even get a power kit to allow you to hardwire the camera to your battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter.
VIO POV 1.5 Scorecard
Value for money: 7/10
Ease of installation: 9/10
Ease of operation: 9/10
Video resolution: 7/10
Video clarity: 10/10
Video smoothness: 8/10
Battery life: 9/10
OVERALL: 8.4/10
Value for money: 7/10
Ease of installation: 9/10
Ease of operation: 9/10
Video resolution: 7/10
Video clarity: 10/10
Video smoothness: 8/10
Battery life: 9/10
OVERALL: 8.4/10
Summary
The VIO POV1.5 is a professional-quality camera. The included equipment allows you to capture onboard footage straight away, and there are a range of accessories available to expand your mounting options. Video quality is very good across the board, with the only omission being HD recording. The inbuilt screen allows you to ensure you've got the perfect shot, access menus easily, and review your video without a computer or TV. And the price is affordable, at $795. If this is in your budget, and you're in the market for an onboard camera, the VIO POV1.5 is highly recommended!
More information
VIO POV1.5 User Manual
VIO POV1.5 Product Page at Launch Helmet Cams
VIO POV1.5 Sample iRace Footage
Mounting accessories
Cable and microphone accessories
