What's the best way to take photos from cars ?

[te51cle]

I'm thinking of both still and video cameras which might require different solutions for each medium. I'd like to get some dramatic views like the pros in the magazines. They seem to use a lot of bungee straps and suction cups. I don't want to install permanent brackets and I don't want to mark my car as I own it !

I have wide angle lenses and remote releases so that's not a problem, just mounting the cameras so that I don't do any damage.

[sparkyjohn]

Brick on the accelerator, knee on the wheel, head out the sunroof

Alternatively: KISS solution for video footage=lipstick camera and a suction mount from here

For the professional (and surprisingly reasonable-well under £100) approach to camera mounts, go to these guys: Hague

[Bodo]

Get yourself some tools and start working:

said:

A unique camera car utilized to shoot the film's many high-speed pursuit sequences; the rig was originally built for use on the film Bullitt. Spielberg is safely situated in the passenger's seat, while Zsigmond can be glimpsed riding between the twin Panavised Arris up front

[te51cle]

That's a good site. Have you had any personal experience with the suction clamps ? I'm wondering how much shake and vibration gets through to the camera.

[leszekg]

Most of the decent tripod manufacturers offer car mounting gear. Try someone like Gitzo or Manfrotto. You should be able to find details on the web.

Alternatively, before spending any money try improvising with whatever tripod or tripod attachment you already have. I have seen reasonable results produced by weighting down a normal tripod in the back of an open top car and using lots of heavy duty tape to keep it in place. Using a wide angle lens and reasonable shutter speed will maximise the chance of getting a reasonable picture. I have also heard of someone who got good pictures by using a minipod (one of those fold up desk top jobbies) and putting it through the hole in the top of the seat where the headrest normally goes!

If all else fails build your own cradle that can be fixed to an appropriate mounting point in your car. I've seen an aerial photgraphy web site somewhere which shows what you can do to mount a small camera to a kite! I'm sure if that can be done then mounting one in or on a car can't be any more difficult.

[Simpo Two]

leszekg said:

I've seen an aerial photgraphy web site somewhere which shows what you can do to mount a small camera to a kite!

Try it on a helicopter then!

[leszekg]

Simpo Two said:

leszekg said: I've seen an aerial photgraphy web site somewhere which shows what you can do to mount a small camera to a kite! Try it on a helicopter then!

Mmmm, very nice. Is that yours?

[Graham.J]

Not very good I know but I made a makeshift mounting for my digi cam (60sec video feature) in my Smart Car with a belt and an old, broken tripod which I found in the cupboard under the stairs Must get a new one.

You can see the vid here (3108kb)

Poor quality and not all that brill but it is possible to do.

>> Edited by Graham.J on Wednesday 10th December 23:33

[sparkyjohn]

te51cle said:

That's a good site. Have you had any personal experience with the suction clamps ? I'm wondering how much shake and vibration gets through to the camera.

I've seen footage using them (so have you, in all likelihood, since theyre in widespread use for 'the telly') and the items themselves.
The quality of the clamps is excellent and the camera is held rigidly to the car so there is not the vibration often seen in in car footage caused by the camera itself wobbling.
tbh, for the sake of £75 quid they're the best option. Gitzo do a car clamp, but its £80 PLUS a tripod head

[jmorgan]

Simpo Two said:

leszekg said: I've seen an aerial photgraphy web site somewhere which shows what you can do to mount a small camera to a kite! Try it on a helicopter then!

TSW (westcountry ITV now) used that or simular a few times. Last saw it in use at Fistral (sp?) beach, surfing in Newquay. Bucket load of years ago now.

[te51cle]

I might have to go with the £150 version as the stills cameras weigh 1.5kg and they'll need to stay on when I'm driving fast !

[Fishy Dave]

Hi guys, I have gone for the SM1 mount on the Hague site - www.b-hague.co.uk/Mounting%20Brackets.htm#SM1

Been pleased with it, stays put at 125mph! Definately recommended, does need a flat surface (not many on my Coupe!).

See following for results - www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=180217&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=171854&page=4&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[FourWheelDrift]

These www.b-hague.co.uk/Mounting%20Brackets.htm

The won't mark. Glass mounting is the way forward though.








>> Edited by FourWheelDrift on Friday 19th December 00:24

[.Mark]

I just wouldn't trust those with my expensive equipment suckered on to the outside of a moving vehicle. Much better to get a mad mate to dangle out the window and hold it I think.

[simpo two]

leszekg said:

Mmmm, very nice. Is that yours?

Hi Leszekg - yes, it's a cooperative venture with a colleague. It uses MiniDV with b/w vision assist - you can see more at www.autograph.uk.com and click on the helicopter thumbnail. Cost is around £600 per day.

[TT Tim]

Thanks everyone...

just had one of these delivered



What an excellent bit of kit, and it's all Manfrotto so the chances are that it'll last a while too.

Just a shame that it's chucking it down at the moment as I want to go out and play.

Tim