Thanks Markhr and Robert C.

I decided on two cams: tachyon xc (head cam, 50 degrees FOV) and the GoPro (for underseat, rear 170'FOV).

I'll add a red glow light to the bottom bar: http://www.rockthebike.com/down-low-glow even though they are not waterproof .

It's going to take years to recoupe the cost of this in commute dollars...

And a red t-shirt to wear over clothes reading "Research" in reflective letters (English and Spanish). I hope to look municipal and neutral--maybe people will throw/yell/honk/swipe less, ask a few questions at a stoplight, and not be so hyper about passing a cyclist on the road.

At the end of the day I hope to have fun on the way to work, reduce fear of this straight route, encourage a flotilla of bike commuters, and, at the very least, have traffic footage for the NY Depart. of Transportation.