Having used fixed cameras for years, I've decided to experiment with the helmet cam. So far, the feedback has been generally positive, since the viewer sees what the driver sees. From a coaching perspective, it is easy to determine if the driver is sighting through the turns, scanning mirrors, checking gauges,etc. Also, if there *is* drama, you get a wider field of view, since the driver is presumably tracking the drama (if not directly involved in it
).
The head-lean is an interesting phenomenon. I'm still trying to determine how it relates to driver position/comfort, overall roll angle of the car, driver style/goofiness, etc.
With the camera literally mounted to the driver, it could prove useful in long-format races with multiple drivers. First, it could mitigate the storage-space problem, allowing you to record at higher-resolutions. Second, it could provide a means to review video mid-race, allowing the team to fine-tune their driving, develop a workaround to a mechanical or driving issue, or document on-track incidents for mid-race penalty discussions.
With all of the motion, it also just seems to make it a little more interesting to watch.
-Bruce
