Today, there are mounting systems to place video cameras virtually anywhere. From helmets to cars, motorcycles, boats, helicopters and even broomsticks, there are specialty mounts for camera bodies. Then there are mounts to attach accessories, such as hard disk recorders, batteries and lights, to the camera itself. The choices, and companies making them, are enormous.

Element Technica (www.elementtechnica.com) recently introduced V-DOCK, a new professional mounting system designed to replace the messy and insecure practice of using Velcro-type material or gaffer tape to attach accessories such as batteries or hard disk recorders to the camera platform.

Compact and user-friendly, this precision mechanical device includes a main assembly featuring a female V-Lock interface and a spring-loaded split clamp. A separate male V-LOCK attaches to accessories to allow fast mounting.

The V-DOCK main assembly anchors securely anywhere on a single 15mm or 19mm iris rod. Once in place, it’s a simple matter to add any item equipped with the male V-LOCK. Removal of accessories takes only seconds. Prices start at $250.

Delkin (www.delkin.com) recently introduced the Fat Gecko camera mount, a dual suction cup assembly that allows the mounting of cameras to moving vehicles. There are three attachment options: a suction cup mount, clamp-style handlebar mount and crossbar bicycle mount.

The suction cup allows cameras to be secured to motorcycles, cars, trucks, airplanes, or any other smooth surface. The suction cups are so strong they can hold a eight-pound camera and the double knuckle design and two-inch extension tube allow for a 360 degree tilt, turn and rotation for the best shooting angles.

The 1/4 x 20 tripod mounting screw means users can use virtually any video or digital still camera on the market. With the handlebar mount, one can attach the Fat Gecko to standard 1-1/4 inch handlebars on motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts and more. The cost is $89.99.

Hague Camera Supports (www.b-hague.co.uk) offers a wide range of camera mounting gear for attachment to about anything, including broomsticks and trees. One model is the 100mm bowl mount, which attaches to any horizontal pole, roll bar, scaffolding, ladder run, or table edge. It is held in position by two superclamps, the jaws of the clamps will attach to a pipe or tube between 12 to 55 mm in diameter or to a table or beam with a maximum width of 25 mm.

The 100mm bowl gives a rigid platform onto which you can attach a video head or leveling system. It’s ideal for use in locations where it is impossible to use a tripod, such as stepladders to get that high shot or on railings or scaffolding. Price is about $107.


Another Hague product is a helmet mount that enables the attachment of a lightweight camcorder, or bullet camera, to a helmet. The mount has two thin stainless steel strips, which can be bent to the shape of the helmet and secured to the helmet with Velcro. A quick release camera plate enables the camera to be easily removed. It supports cameras weighing up to 2.2 pounds. The cost is about $38.

Ram Mount (www.ram-mount.com) allows a kit-like modular approach to mounting camera or accessories. To build a complete mounting system, add the adaptor (RAM-B-202AU) and a choice of arm and base from dozens of models. The adaptor contains a male 1/4-inch long, 1/4-inch-20 thread that will connect to many cameras.

Sportbikecam.com offers a couple of unique camera mounting systems for motorcycles. A front mounting system includes an adjustable pivot mount with vibration damping pad. The camera can be rotated 360 degrees, up and down and has multiple mounting holes to move the camera forward or back. It’s priced at $89.95.

A rear mount attaches to the stock passenger footpeg holes. It includes stainless steel hardware for a simple bolt-on installation. A Velcro safety strap is also included. It’s also priced at $89.95.

Vertical Visions (www.vertical-visions.com) sells a series of belly mount camera platforms. Its Dual Raptor model is an advanced, dual-belt belly mount platform that provides camera stability.

Designed and tested by mechanical engineer/skydiver Jason Bell, it’s been used since 1997 for skydiving, BASE jumping, skiing, roller coasters, Disneyworld photographers, the military, and numerous other projects.

The Dual Raptor contains a special ball and socket system permitting the camera to tilt, swivel, and rotate 360 degrees for the ultimate in video or still camera positioning and control. Virtually any camera angle is possible with the fully adjustable top plate by a simple turn of the black knob. The price is $199.99.

These devices just scratch the surface of available mounts now on the market. Some, of course, came from homemade contraptions invented by creative camera operators who needed a special shot. The size of today’s cameras and operator ingenuity now make almost any kind of shot possible.