Camera Tripods

Use Your Tripod for In-Car Video Capture

Author: C. T. Jaeger

In-car video capture (using your camcorder to capture scenery as you drive along) is an emerging digital photography technique. The in-car video application requires a stable, safe, and reliable mounting solution to capture high-quality footage without becoming a distraction to the driver. Some in-car camcorder mounting solutions can require specialized camcorders and attachment hardware while others let you use your existing camcorder and tripod.

Tripod-based in-car camcorder mounts can enable more flexible camera angles by positioning of the tripod head. For example, you can aim the camcorder and tripod head to capture scenery through the front windshield, out the rear windshield, or through a side window for different perspectives based on where the best scene is and which direction you’re driving in.

Suction-cup based camcorder mounts typically do not enable such adjustment of the camera angle since the camera is near the windshield or movement of the mounting mechanism is not adjustable.

Tripod-based in-car camcorder mounts typically require a tripod with leg braces on the tripod. Leg-braces are common on more inexpensive tripods as they are intended to provide increased stability for the photographer / videographer by locking into place. However, some more expensive tripods may not provide leg-braces as they are intended for use by professional photographers who may work in a variety of locations, requiring maximum adjustable of the tripod legs.

The tripod mounts on a platform that sits in your car seat while the platform itself is held down by a seatbelt. You can see a variety of in-car camcorder mounts online.

Two additional tripod features are useful for in-car video applications.

3-axis Heads To Enable Positional Control of Your Camera Angle

3-axis heads provide control along the three X, Y, and Z axes so that it’s easier to set your camera angle. In cases where you may want to shift the shot from the front windshield view to the side window, the horizon may not be level due to the angle of the carseat and mounting platform. You can simply use a lever to adjust the level of the tripod head (and therefore of the camcorder) without any adjustment to the tripod mount.

Quick-release Camera Plates

These plates make quick removal of your camcorder from the tripod easy by unlatching the plate and camcorder. This enables you to take your camcorder along with you while leaving the tripod mount in place when you want to take some shots outside your car. The quick-release camera plate stays attached to your camcorder; you don’t have to unscrew the ¼-inch mounting screw each time.

You can see a demonstration video of these features on YouTube.

Copyright 2009, AziMotion, LLC

About the Author:

C.T. Jaeger enjoys taking his Porsche for scenic drives through Texas Hill Country. He also enjoys driving at The Driveway road track in Austin, TX and creating Google Maps / YouTube mash-ups

Azimotion.com is an online source for in-car camcorder mounting solutions. The Tripshot mount is quickly and easily installed to help you begin shooting your scenic drives. Orders can be placed anytime through secure PayPal services. You will find how-to information and demonstration videos to help you get ready for your next scenic drive.

For more information about Tripshot, please visit the product website at http://www.azimotion.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Use Your Tripod for In-Car Video Capture

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