With further SIDC track events looming, any views as to a suitable device for mounting a typical camcorder for in car trackday filming, such that the camera position can be easily altered. I usually ratchet down a tripod with the centre rear seatbelt, but would like to mount the camera further forward in the front seat area/dash where the lack of fixing points make it difficult to set up a tripod.

Steve

 

Steve

I mounted a camera using a extendable tripod between the 2 front seats of the scoob, using tie-downs & bungees to attach securely using the holes in the headrests. Worked very well on first session, then I adjusted it & forgot to tighten the straps

Possibly thinking 'bout attaching (nuts & bolts) camera to the roof-rack (have proper cross-pieces for 5dr bars), but not sure BHLG would like that tho'.

 

Steve, I was just looking for something like that myself, and came up with something from a dutch site (www.conrad.nl)

The link should be

 

Evil, can you translate this to english.

Thanks Dan

 

Uh, I'll try ...

"Camera mounting device to be used on windows or similar surfaces. To be used in car, train, plane, etc... A big [sucktion thingy, don't know how it's called in English] will ensure rock solid fastening. Further more, the device can be secured with a rope.

The angle can be adjusted in different ways. Large camera mounting surface with different mounting possibilities.

Price would be about 40 UKP.

HTH,

Theo

 

Puff..........thats the sort of problem I been trying to avoid!

Evilbevel...thanks for that. I have subseqently found a source in the UK for a similar product. I might go for that.

 

Cheers Steve - exactly what I was after and have just ordered one!

Being dispatched today.

Rich.

 

Excellent, been after something like this for a while

Rich, let us know what you think of it!

 

Will do.

Rich

 

If using a palm sized camcorder, you can secure it to the top cubby hole on a 98 or later dash, with a couple of cable ties.

Sit the camera on the lid with two or three cables joined together, trapped under the closed lid. Sit the camcorder on the lid and secure the cable ties over it. It works really well.

The Scoobytrax footage from my car was done using micro Maglight sized cameras, borrowed by Mark Coleman from the company that films F1 for TV. These cameras cost £3000 each and Mark made the car look like a Gaffer Tape Turbo, just to be sure they didn't fall off

 

It arrived this morning.

It is quite large but solid, well made and very adjustable so should fit most camcorders.

The suction is unbelievable - stuck it to a filing cabinet and tried to pull it off - didn't budge just dragged the cabinet as well

Also comes with additional mounting for horizontal surfaces.

Pleased with it.

Rich.

 

Rich,

I'm also interested in this clamp system. Once you have tried it with a camcorder could you please comment on the amount of shake you get (if any).

Cheers

Ian

 

It's worth checking that your camcorder has digital image stabilisation, as the more expensive ones have optical stabilisation, and whilst being better in normal use, generally the vibration in a car will be too much for the moving parts....

It looks like a good design though...

Chris.

 

I received the Hague Camcorder suction mount yesterday and have tried it out in the car.

It clings to the window like nothing else but the cradle appears to wobble slightly over bumps. Surprisingly on video play back especially when you are pushing on this isn't apparent (on my camera). However if the cradle rests on the dash top as well, wobble is eliminated and play back can't really be faulted for a DIY incar installation. Admittedly this is on the road, but I bet most tracks are smoother if you stay off the curbs.

It sounds like PC's suggestion might be just as good if you want dash top forward facing views.

Steve

 

Agree with Steve's comments - my Camcorder (with digital image stabilisation) produced very good results today on a mixture of roads.

Only 1 minor problem - the suction pad is a real bu@@er to remove - even when you release the vacuum the thing still clings - only way I could remove was by forcing something pointed between rubber and windscreen.

Rich