My camera mount project...on a budget!

[tabasco]

So...I just installed a Kirk 4 Point into my E30...and figured I should get a camera mount set up so I can film the DE's and Autocross.



However, I was wary about spending a ton of money on one. So...after reading up a bit on the interwebs...I went off to Home Depot and Target.



Parts...

Targus Table Top Tripod - $8

1 big #5 Pipe Clamp - $2





1st...the tripod...





And the Clamp...





And the Camera...





Camera On Tripod...





So...I uncrew the legs off the tripod...





And mount the clamp to the tripod head...





Test fit in the car...





Dis-assemble and paint the clamp...the re-assemble...







Reinstall in car...







So...about $10 and a half our of work.



I am happy. The test video came out pretty clear with minimal vibrations. I will have to get a video posted at some point.



jason

[Vedubin01]

nice job sir!

[Dave]

That might work with a tiny camera - but an actual video camera will vibrate too much.

Ask me how I know . . . :-)

[tabasco]

nice job sir!

Thanks!

That might work with a tiny camera - but an actual video camera will vibrate too much.

Ask me how I know . . . :-)

Yeah...I am just going to use my Nikon S550. It is small, easy to use, and it has image stabilization. I will try to get a video up this week.

[PaladinReed]

That might work with a tiny camera - but an actual video camera will vibrate too much.

Ask me how I know . . . :-)

Thanks!



Yeah...I am just going to use my Nikon S550. It is small, easy to use, and it has image stabilization. I will try to get a video up this week.

Awesome set-up.

PS. You two have eerily similar signatures... :)

-Paladin

[jefffribourg]

That might work with a tiny camera - but an actual video camera will vibrate too much.

Ask me how I know . . . :-)

damn. im trying to think about how you could mount a bigger video camera like a sony vx model or a panasonic hvx sized camera.

[tabasco]

damn. im trying to think about how you could mount a bigger video camera like a sony vx model or a panasonic hvx sized camera.

Wow...I would never want a camera that big in the car while on track. I'd prefer the camera remain compact.

If I had to have a camera of that size in the car, I would certainly not use a budget mount to keep it secure.

[Erik]

Looks good Jason! Make sure you take that tether off before you take a run with it. I can only imagine out distracting that thing would be.

[Dirtboy]

That's the same little tri-pod that I got. I did the el-cheapo route too, except mine mounts to the headrest poles. Kinda like this pic, but with wing nuts:



It is sturdy enough for a camcorder, you just have to crank down on the mounting screw.

[Lionel]

Wow...I would never want a camera that big in the car while on track. I'd prefer the camera remain compact.

If I had to have a camera of that size in the car, I would certainly not use a budget mount to keep it secure.

Nicely done DIY on a budget DirtBoy.

However, if you can't make it yourself and have to buy one. Here is what I have found.

There is a tripod that has flexible legs and wraps around the head rest. it is strong enough to hold a coolPix or similar camera but not a cam corder. It cost about $29.99 @ BestBuy, It is good.

There is also a winshield mount for the coolpix camera at BestBuy. Didn't do the job for me. The suction cup was about 1.5 " or so and with a cold window it didn't hold up to vibration. Stay away from that unless its used in hot weather all the time. Even so it may not hold to extreme driving or vibrations.

For a camcorder use the headrest mount($45.00 + shipping).http://www.filmtools.com/cruisecam.html

For the winshield I have been using the Gripper 115 XL.http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-gripper-115-xl.html

You can use the regular 115 for $84.00 + shipping for a small camcorder under 6Lbs, its great. For a heavier camera, up to 10 lbs the 115XL is great(that is what I have).

Rolling shots can be found here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=banBr1D5xvE. The videos are nothing to write home about but shows how it works.

I have no affiliation with the seller(filmtools). just figured I'd help anyone who can't do the DIY and still wanted to do this.

Makes the search easier.

Kudos to Dirt Boy for a nice DIY.

L.

[Zacm829]

Looks good, lets get some video up and some pictures of the installed cage.

[tabasco]

Drove the E30 to work. Since I drive to work in the dark...I shot this on the way home. I cut the length due to you all probably not wanting to see my entire 10 minute commute.

Camera Mount Test Video

[vlad]

cool little project, I had the camera mounted to my roll bar, got some awesome footage from teh race track, it's fun to look back and learn on yor mistakes :up:

[tabasco]

cool little project, I had the camera mounted to my roll bar, got some awesome footage from teh race track, it's fun to look back and learn on yor mistakes :up:

One of the main reasons for all this!

[325ix]

thats pretty cool!