Card-based video camera with external video input?

[IDBoating]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive, card-based video camera with an external video input. As noted elsewhere, I have a camera mounted on my tower that feeds a screen so the driver has a "rearview mirror". Many have asked if I can record what that camera sees. Great idea, but the only video camera I have that has a video input is a tape-based "handycam" machine from a few years ago. I'd much rather have the video end up on an SD-style card to make PC transfers fast and easy.

Anyone know of such a camera? Thanks in advance!

[Guma]

I use the Go Pro Hero, but there are far less expensive options out there.

[IDBoating]

I use the Go Pro Hero, but there are far less expensive options out there.

I visited its webpage:

http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-helmet-hero-camera/

...and found that it has video OUT, but cannot find anything about a video INPUT. Are you saying it does have an input for an external camera? That's what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

[jbort]

no input on the gopro.

[brett22i]

I looked around and didnt come up with anything. I would assume a whole new breed of video jacks (2.5 and 3.5 mm, USB galore, HDMI, ETC.) have emerged making it nearly impossible to match an external camera with the proper plug to match the input jack of a recording device.
I recently purchased a GoPro 1080P Hero and could not be happier, purchased it off of ebay for $199 shipped.
The versatility of the GoPro is awesome, waterproof, multple still photo options, multiple video options, battery life is awesome, and they make every mount you could possibly ever think of so its not just limited to the boat.
I would imagine by the time you spent money to find a camera/recorder to work with your current system you would have spent the same amount of money and not have the video quality.
Another option is to use the GoPro as the camera and wire it into your exisiting monitor?

[IDBoating]

Another option is to use the GoPro as the camera and wire it into your exisiting monitor?

That could probably work, but I already have the sunk cost into my existing components. I'll look around a bit more.

There appears to be a class of compact DVR made for portable applications. Might be an answer there.

[jbort]

Gopro has 2 downsides in my opinion. No zoom so u need to be close to the person (if desired) and no LCD display in base camera. LCD is add-on though we'll likely get at Xmas. We really like the vid quality and use extension boom for surfing.