Dash Camera Mount Question...

[Mark Farnik]

Hey gang,

Well, after a season of using a decidedly low tech method of mounting my Panasonic GS-320 to my dash (which consisted of Velcro strips on the bottom of my video camera and on my dashboard - classy, I know, but it worked fairly well), I've decided to bite the bullet and get an actual dash/windshield mount for my camera. I jumped on Ebay, and am looking at the following mounts:

RAM Suction Mount ($46 with shipping)
file:///C:/Users/Mark/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg
http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Windshield-Suction-Camera-Camcorder-Mount-by-RAM_W0QQitemZ360138355647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item360138355647&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Windshield-Suction-Camera-Camcorder-Mount-by-RAM_W0QQitemZ360138355647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item360138355647&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C2 40%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50)

Panavise 809 CCTV Camera Window Mount ($25 with shipping)

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-PanaVise-CCTV-Camera-Car-Window-Mount_W0QQitemZ110367294685QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPDA_ Accessories?hash=item110367294685&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-PanaVise-CCTV-Camera-Car-Window-Mount_W0QQitemZ110367294685QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPDA_ Accessories?hash=item110367294685&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C2 40%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

And finally this little off brand model ($16 with shipping)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Suction-Mount-Tripod-Holder-for-Car-Window-Camera-New_W0QQitemZ310134120032QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item310134120032&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Suction-Mount-Tripod-Holder-for-Car-Window-Camera-New_W0QQitemZ310134120032QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item310134120032&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C2 40%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

I'm on a pretty tight budget (living off student loans sucks) so I'm giving serious thought to the little off brand one. It looks solidly built and though it is not as fancy or has as many capabilities as the Panavise or the RAM mount, it should get the job done. But at the same time, I'm having the thought that it might be better to spend a little more money on the Panavise or RAM mount and have something that will serve me better and last me longer.

I'm looking to buy tonight and do express shipping so I can have the mount in time for the chase late next week, so if anybody currently has or has had any of these mounts in the past and would like to share their experiences with and the pros/cons of these mounts ASAP, I would greatly appreciate the advice.

Thanks!:)

[Scott Hammel]

Hey gang,

Well, after a season of using a decidedly low tech method of mounting my Panasonic GS-320 to my dash (which consisted of Velcro strips on the bottom of my video camera and on my dashboard - classy, I know, but it worked fairly well), I've decided to bite the bullet and get an actual dash/windshield mount for my camera. I jumped on Ebay, and am looking at the following mounts:

RAM Suction Mount ($46 with shipping)
file:///C:/Users/Mark/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg
http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Windshield-Suction-Camera-Camcorder-Mount-by-RAM_W0QQitemZ360138355647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item360138355647&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Car-Windshield-Suction-Camera-Camcorder-Mount-by-RAM_W0QQitemZ360138355647QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item360138355647&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C2 40%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50)

I've got the Ram mount and it works great. In fact, I think it's even cheaper from the Ram website than that eBay listing. Very easy to put together and I never worry about it falling off the windshield...

[L.B. LaForce]

If those are your ONLY options, get the RAM Mount. The CCTV mount will not work, unless you have a top mounted camera. I bought it, then had to return it, cause it didnt work. I bought the filmtools suction cup mount for $99, but it is amazing!

[Kai-Asle]

Hi, Scott

We're going chasing in three weeks time and would like to know how much weight your ram mount can hold. We can't find specs any where.

Thanks

Kai-Asle (Chase Team Denmark)

[Scott Hammel]

Hi, Scott

We're going chasing in three weeks time and would like to know how much weight your ram mount can hold. We can't find specs any where.

Thanks

Kai-Asle (Chase Team Denmark)
Well, that's a good question. It got delivered in three separate parts that you put together and it doesn't really specify any specific weight limit. I will say this though, the suction cup that actually sticks to the windshield is pretty high quality and "locks" down, not one where you just lick it and pray it stays. I use it with a Canon mini DV camcorder and have no problems. Hope that helps...Have a great chase this season, and see you out there...:)

[John Erwin]

I own the ram mount but use it for a GPS unit; while it works well for that there is NO way I would trust mounting an expensive camera on it at all. If I was going to go to a windshield mount it would need to have a proper vacuum mount on it; the Filmtools mount would fit the bill nicely. Those units have an indicator that show you how much suction is actually holding on so that you have ample warning.

Best to spend a few extra bux now to avoid expensive repairs later IMO.

[Steve Polley]

This is the one that I use. http://www.powrgrip.com/cgi-bin/powrgrip/buycleat.html?vacuummounts=1 It also says it has a load capacity of 10 pounds as well. This is my first season chasing with it and I am very pleased. It also has the indicator to let you know that it is losing it suction too. Very strong vacuum mount as well

[Jesse Risley]

I'll second the Filmtools products. I use the Gripper, and it holds my heavier camera too.

http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-in-car-windshield-camera-mount-gripper-116-xl.html

I would just recommend that you consult your mfg. manual and check the exact weight of your camera and compare that to the specifications of the mount that you choose to order. Having a mount with a weight load that exceeds what the mount is designed to handle is a recipe for an expensive disaster.

[Chris Nuttall]

Are you guys able to move the camera around at all or do you basically just have to let it point one direction?

[Ben Holcomb]

I can move the filmtools mount around and point it at anything I want pretty easily. There's a lever to adjust the tightness and allows you to move it around.

[Skip Talbot]

Are there mounts that drill into the dash? I've been looking around and it seems like the suction mounts are about the only ones I can find. I don't mind sinking a few screws into the dash and it seems like it would be the cheaper and sturdier option. How about a method to mount an existing tripod head to the dash?

[Steven Maupin]

You might want to check out this one: http://www.delkin.com/products/accessories/fat-gecko.html I was playing with one at Baker photo & video (Hank Baker's shop) and it's pretty awesome, I was really impressed with the suction cups, super strong and each one is positionable so you can attach it to some pretty acute angles.

[Kai-Asle]

Hi, Scott and the rest of you

Thanks a lot for your answer. We will take your comments into consideration.

For the fourth year in a row we will be teaming up with Florida based chase team Warmsector. Hope to see some of you out there.

Kai-Asle

[Jason Boggs]

This is the one that I use. http://www.powrgrip.com/cgi-bin/powrgrip/buycleat.html?vacuummounts=1 It also says it has a load capacity of 10 pounds as well. This is my first season chasing with it and I am very pleased. It also has the indicator to let you know that it is losing it suction too. Very strong vacuum mount as well

Steve, I have this same vacuum mount but I'm having problems. Are you able to use this on your windshield with a video camera? I have a rather small vid camera, but I can't find the right angle on the windshield. Mounting on side windows is no problem, but the angle of the windshield is giving me fits. Any help is appreciated.

[Chris Nuttall]

Can you post some pics of your setups? That might give some people some ideas. I think I've got an idea for a setup combining the PowerGrip suction cup and some RAM parts. I already have the suction cup from a previous mount in my old vehicle, so that one isn't a problem.

[Jason Boggs]

Here are a few photos that I just took of my mount. I might have found a way to set it up without the windshield. I found a place on the dashboard that looks like it might work ok, but I'm a little leery. The indentation in the dash seems like it was made for the suction cup because it fits perfectly. If only there was a way to make the surface smoother for better suction. The other 2 photos are on the side window.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9666/img2563q.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/812/img2575j.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6708/img2576n.jpg

[Ric Burney]

Jason, this idea might help. If you can find a small square of plexiglass, cut it to fit inside the dash indentation. It can then be secured w/ hook and loop, double sided mounting tape or the like in all four corners and one in the middle. Then you would have a nice, smooth surface for the suction cup to mount. I got this idea as I received a tom tom for christmas. Enclosed was a round 'plate' that could be stuck to the dash or somewhere to allow the suction cup to mount if the windshield area doesn't work.

[Steve Miller OK]

You guys need this mount (http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-in-car-windshield-camera-mount.html). It's great - very stable. The difference between it and the one Jason has is it has one more joint in it giving it a little more extension. Makes it MUCH easier to work with your windshield angle.
Been using one this season and have had zero issues.
If you call in to order one, make sure to mention ChaserTV sent you. Never know, you might get a discount.

[Kris Hair]

My TOMTOM came with a plate that would stick to the dash and you mount the suction cup to that.

Dont know where you could find one, but that would work perfectly!

[Kris Hair]

You guys need this mount (http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-in-car-windshield-camera-mount.html). It's great - very stable. The difference between it and the one Jason has is it has one more joint in it giving it a little more extension. Makes it MUCH easier to work with your windshield angle.
Been using one this season and have had zero issues.
If you call in to order one, make sure to mention ChaserTV sent you. Never know, you might get a discount.

How hard is it to remove the camera from that mount?

Is there a "quick" disconnect?

[Steve Miller OK]

No, the bracket and head is Manfrotto but it's still a screw on. That said, it's a dial screw so it's a matter of turning the dial three times and the camera is off. It's too much of a hassle but not as easy as a quick-release.

[Ric Burney]

I bought a few of these guys:
http://www.simaproducts.com/products/product_detail.php?product_id=72
They work pretty well.

[Steve Polley]

Steve, I have this same vacuum mount but I'm having problems. Are you able to use this on your windshield with a video camera? I have a rather small vid camera, but I can't find the right angle on the windshield. Mounting on side windows is no problem, but the angle of the windshield is giving me fits. Any help is appreciated.


To be honest Jason, I have only had it suctioned to the dash and side glass with zero problems. I will try the windshield tomorrow. Sorry I couldnt help but you may have it figured it out anyway.

[Brandon Headley]

I will give a vote to the filmtools gripper. It is great! I have used it a few times so far and no problems. It took a few minutes to figure out the proper arm positions, but after that it is super easy and rock solid.

[Skip Talbot]

I bought a few of these guys:
http://www.simaproducts.com/products/product_detail.php?product_id=72
They work pretty well.

Ric, does that quick release move around at all? I have one and there is a little bit of a gap where it fits into the base, and it can get jostled a bit with bumps in the road.

[Ric Burney]

Ric, does that quick release move around at all? I have one and there is a little bit of a gap where it fits into the base, and it can get jostled a bit with bumps in the road.

I bought several sets of these so I could keep a 'shoe' on each camera and it's mate on every mount and tripod I have. I had one set that seemed a little loose but I took a small square of paper, folded it over the shoe and it locked in place. It was just enough to fill up any gaps and still allow for quick installation and release.

[Dustin Wilcox]

Searching I was unable to track anything down, but has anyone found a better built Quick Release option? I'd like to get the filmtools mount (or something of similar or better quality) but it must have a QR option, and I'm not sure I trust that "Simaproducts" one...

[Steve Polley]

I use the "Cleat" from vacuumounts.com. I have been very pleased with it and it is inexpensive as well.

http://vacuummounts.com/prodpics.php

[Brandon Headley]

I love my mount I got from FilmTools. Can move it all over the place and the suction is amazing even on rough roads it doesn't fall off. It has the red line to indicate if it is starting to lose suction. I just pump it a couple times and it is good.

I mount my HV20 on it and it holds fine.

[Jason Boggs]

Yea, I'm going to have to get to work on a good mounting system for my Xterra. When I had my Frontier, I bolted a monopod with a quick release head next to the dashboard. It was a rock solid system, but I don't want to do any drilling to my Xterra's floorboard.

[Bart_Comstock]

This is my weapon of choice. It is the perfect leangth and is only $84.95 on Film Tools as apposed to $111.95 on Vacuum Mounts.

Gripper 115 - The Filmtools In-Car Windshield Camera Mount (http://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-in-car-windshield-camera-mount.html)

You can also then get a pretty cheap quick release from Manfrotto to fit onto this mount.

[Dustin Wilcox]

You can also then get a pretty cheap quick release from Manfrotto to fit onto this mount.

Cheap meaning construction wise, or price wise? Do you have a product number or a link? This seems to be the only Manfrotto option I can find http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/269979-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_625_625_Quick_Release_A dapter.html I can't seem to find one without the hexagonal head, excluding the RC4 which too won't work...

EDIT: FOUND ONE!!! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_323_323_RC2_System_Quic k.html

[Bart_Comstock]

Cheap meaning construction wise, or price wise? Do you have a product number or a link? This seems to be the only Manfrotto option I can find http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/269979-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_625_625_Quick_Release_A dapter.html I can't seem to find one without the hexagonal head, excluding the RC4 which too won't work...

EDIT: FOUND ONE!!! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554141-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_323_323_RC2_System_Quic k.html

Between all the experiance I have with Gitzo and Manfroto I have to say that there is nothing cheap about the build of Manfroto's products. They are top notch and that is all I buy anymore.

[Jerry Funfsinn]

Manfroto I have to say that there is nothing cheap about the build of Manfroto's products. They are top notch and that is all I buy anymore.

I've used a manfrotto fluid head on my mount for several cameras. B&H sells this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553886-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_128RC_128RC_QR_Micro_Fl uid.html) as a replacement for the 3130 head I use. The quick release works great for me. It is certainly durable and holds up to all the backroads in the Plains. BTW that camera is 5.25 lbs and a considerable investment. I would not let it sit atop that mount without some piece of mind.

http://www.creativejetstream.com/pictures/interior2.jpg

[D. Hayes]

I'd like something that could absorb some shock because I normally spot solo and need the camera mount to take up some of the shake when driving.

Jerry that's top notice and I love it. Now if I could get something to work with my laptop rammount I'd be happy.