Adjustable Video Mount

[earthmansurfer]

I have bought 3 or 4 camcorder mounts for my V3i. This one is probably the best - at least it is the most adjustable. You can see it in action in my video on Threshold and Zero Tone.
The nice thing is that you can quickly remove and re-attach it OR you can just fold it away. It is out of the way and doesn't really interfere if you fold it down correctly. The one adjustable knob loosens all three pivot points so it is quite quick to adjust. I don't know the manufacturer. I found it new on Ebay in the UK for 30 pounds but it is a standard tube style mount (with a rubber lining - no problem for the detector.) I'm sure you can find something similar, though I'll try to find out the manufacturer.

I also put an Iphone 3G glare guard on the screen - it is a thick one. It makes a BIG difference with glare. It just sticks and stays there with no glue. Couple the glare guard with adjustability of the mount and glare can usually be figured out and avoided.

Here is that video I shot today to give you an idea of it in operation. I guess I don't have to dig to the side of the detector and I could just film over the top of the coil, but I like this better as it's closer but I have to work on presentation of course! The camcorder is absolutely great. It's the only mini one that I could find that will auto focus on the screen with no problem. It is the Kodak ZX5 - waterproof to 3M and drop proof. The battery is not removable though, but still gives close to a couple of hours of use - which is about enough if I am selective though I'd like to film more to get more footage and then just delete it later.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os0K77fGCaM[/video]

 

[Low-Boy/LCPM]

Cool as I say they have not made a machine that can tell you everything you have to have a lot of skill but the V3i sure gives you the info to help you!

 

[CyberSage]

I really like that camera mount EMS! Any link pointing me to the right direction in ordering one would be greatly appreciated. Your videos look good. The best I have seen for a live hunt shot. Thanks for your dedication to the V3i. You have some good information coming to light.

Jack

 

[nw1886]

I really like that camera mount EMS! Any link pointing me to the right direction in ordering one would be greatly appreciated. Your videos look good. The best I have seen for a live hunt shot. Thanks for your dedication to the V3i. You have some good information coming to light.

Jack

I agree. Very nice job!

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

Nice job on the video. That was a typical button signal in my book. I could have predicted that one. It seems like you are not in mixed mode by the drop out of the audio.

How do you detect without your arm getting blocked by the setup?

 

[earthmansurfer]

Hey Guys, thanks for the nice comments. Jack - Don't worry, I was going to PM you if you didn't reply as I know you were looking for a nice mount. I compared this mount to two others and it came out tops. I'm working on a telescoping mount which will attach to any kind of rod mount (as Neil uses) but that will be in the way of your arm as it's right on top of the shaft. I have another very nice mounting system but the adjustability of this one above is tops as is the quality.

This one is just so adjustable and that is important when it comes to glare, for as the sun moves the glare changes, so a more "fixed" mounting system won't work as well. Even though it's totally adjustable, you can easily do it fairly quickly as you seen in my video. That was the first day I used it (my older videos were with a different mount.) Also, you really need to buy the iphone glare guard as it makes a HUGE difference, just cut it to fit. Also, the clamp connects VERY quickly and is adjustable as far as where the arm ends up (so as not to interfere with your hand - you can move it away after tightening.)

As Neil asked "How do you detect without your arm getting blocked by the setup?" Neil, it's not even in the way, the arm is slightly off to the side and then goes up via an adjustable pivot point. My arm isn't huge though, so it could get slightly in the way if you are a big guy I would guess, but it wouldn't stop you from using it. I'm a righty so I mount it off to the left. If you zoom in on my pics you'll see what I mean. You can just take the clamp off and re-attach it as it's VERY quick, but folding it down and leaving it there is easier but you have to do it in a way that doesn't interfere, which only takes a few times to figure out. edit - Neil, forgot to ask, why is that a typical button signal? Normally for me they hit quite solid. I can't imagine hunting in mixed mode as the iron would wear my ear off, really. I have tried it but it was so fatiguing with the audio and I learned on a Nauty and loved mixed mode.

Ok, the moment you have all been waiting for - It's called the Magic Arm, but you got to get it with the clamp. Here is the link in the states:
Magic Arm This one has the same measurements as mine, so I think it's the same. Not cheap at $46 but VERY WELL MADE - trust me on this (+ 2 year warranty). I imagine if you want to extend it even further that wouldn't be a problem as it's built well. edit - This is the one I have, notice the different clamp and it's slightly more: My Magic Arm

One last thing, I have to adjust my above statement on the Kodax ZX-5. The big difference is that the auto focus is MACRO for close-ups. It's the only hand held camcorder that has that that I could find (including the nice Flip). Notice in the videos how well the focus is close up, the older model didn't have that, though it had the removable batteries! (damn)

I look forward to your videos,
All the best,
EMS

 

[CyberSage]

Thank you EMS!