D90's definitely a bit more expensive though

 

I think the big advantage of the D90 is the ability to shoot HD video.

Just for reference, I shot this video entirely with my D90 and a 16 GB SD card.

"The Hairpin" - ALMS at Long Beach 2009 on Vimeo

 

That's what my dad shoots. For another $300 you can get a D90, which is much more compact, will shot (marginally) better photos, and does the HD video thing. The D200 is a great camera, but if I was in the market right now, I'd get a D90, no doubt.

 

Okay, I need the ability to do that. Is this the camera that you mounted in your 997TT as well? B/c I'd really like the ability to use the same camera for some track footage.

 

No. I used a Sony HD camcorder and a Chasecam for my in-car shots.

But with the right mount, there is no reason why you couldn't use the D90.

One drawback that might kill it for track use is that the D90's microphone can't take too many decibles. It was fine when I was 30 yards from the track. But in my Ferrari, the sound got distorted.

Here is an example. Note that the sound is fine when I am outside the car. But once we get in the car, it is too much. Note the distortion when I shift gears.

An external mic may overcome this.

A Few Clips of My Ferrari 360 Modena on Vimeo

 

I honestly think that the distortion wouldn't bother me too much. I just want a camera that I can get back into photography with, and the clarity of those videos basically sells me as far as it being an all-rounder. Thanks for the info Dana, now I just have to find a mount that will hold the camera.

How does your car mount work? Does it hang off of the windshield? I've seen a number of guys with it mounted to their roll bar, but I don't intend on putting one of these in the M3. I've also seen the setup where the mount is a long bar with suction cups attached to the two back windows, but I can see some stickler track marshalls having an issue with this.

 

JC:

Heineken shot this add exclusively with a D90, and then edited pretty thoroughly I'd imagine. Still, you can see what the camera is capable of (720p). I think you might enjoy it out on your new boat this summer too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np4VLNPolL0

 

I have just the mounts for you. Check out this website:

Camera Mounts - Sticky Pod, Grippers, Suction Cups, Light & Mid Weight Camera Mounts

These are the best mounts you can get and they are absolutely rock solid. I have one for the outside (a bit larger suction cup) and the inside (not quite as bulky). I will find the exact model numbers when I get home.

You can't miss with these mounts. They are the same mounts that ELIM uses for his videos. He turned me on to them and I could not be happier.

 

^Muchos gracias, I throw you some rep when I'm able. DAMN REP LIMIT!!!

 

Bump

Since I just got my D90, and was considering the D5000, I thought I would mention that the D5000 actually is less adjustable than the D90. So if you ever want to get semi serious and take classes and stuff, the D90 is a better camera.