Snow mount? Any ideas?

tijoseph · December 6, 2009

I am planning a big trip up to Alberta Canada to do some skiing/boarding. I always put together a little video slide show of my family ski trips. This year I want to take it up a notch. What I am hoping to do, is perhaps mount, or suction cup some sort of camera mount to my small point a shoot camera, (It does descent video, and I don't worry about ruining it in the snow.) and have it mounted to my snowboard. I thought it might be pretty neat to have it going down the mountain while I ride, and maybe even have it looking up at me while I ride. Any ideas on how to pull it off?

I would also want to be able to mount the camera to my helmet. I'm not too keen on doing anything that might hurt the helmet, but am willing to if there is no other option.

Any great ideas out there?

Also, did I see somewhere out there where there is like a plastic bag type device that you can put the small camera in, yet still be able to take pictures?

Art Scott · December 6, 2009

using a suction cup that can be secured by sheetmetal screws to a quick release platform and the QR plate to cam.

Jeremy Winterberg · December 6, 2009

I haven't tried it, but this looks like it would work alright... And its not too expensive.

http://www.virtualvillage.com/suction-mount-tripod-holder-for-car-window-camera-005155-008.html

Otherwise you can spend like $50 and get a more professional suction cup mount.

http://www.filmtools.com/cleatsuccamm.html

Or an even more professional mount for $90

http://www.filmtools.com/gripper-3025-suction-cup-camera-mount.html

tijoseph · December 6, 2009

Awesome. I like the homemade idea, but also like the bells and whistles on the best professional model recommended. It think I will go with it. In fact I'll order one in the morning!

Any thoughts on the helmet?

Jeremy Winterberg · December 6, 2009

tijoseph wrote:

Awesome. I like the homemade idea, but also like the bells and whistles on the best professional model recommended. It think I will go with it. In fact I'll order one in the morning!

Any thoughts on the helmet?

Well, I found this one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUmCTyIJyUw

But it doesn't look too secure. But if you don't care about the possibility of it falling off it sounds like a cheap DIY project. I will continue to search for a better helmet option.

They do have helmet cameras ($150+), but from what I'm getting you want to be able to mount YOUR pns camera to it.

I'll keep looking.

I'm thinking about getting one of the suction cup products I linked to before, but I don't think I would use it very often.

Jeremy Winterberg · December 6, 2009

I just found this:

http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/monsterpod-mini-tripod

might be a solution for both the board and your helmet... and its only $30!

tijoseph · December 6, 2009

Jeremy Winterberg wrote:

Well, I found this one - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUmCTyIJyUw

But it doesn't look too secure. But if you don't care about the possibility of it falling off it sounds like a cheap DIY project. I will continue to search for a better helmet option.

They do have helmet cameras ($150+), but from what I'm getting you want to be able to mount YOUR pns camera to it.

I'll keep looking.

I'm thinking about getting one of the suction cup products I linked to before, but I don't think I would use it very often.

I haven't really found anything on my searches. It is defenitely to mount the point and shoot. It is something I would keep in my pack and whip it out from time to time. I wouldn't want it strapped onto my helmet all the time.

Nikolai · December 6, 2009

Rather than mounting it on a board (very shaky) or on the helmet (very high) try attaching it to your leg with the help of some soft brace (you can find a variety in any drug store). This way it will be firmly attached to your leg and it's very easy to adjust it (if you turn) by rotating the whole assembly. If you use a knee brace, it even comes with a nice round window perfect for your P&S to "peek" through...
Of course, protecting the lens from the snow is a totally different issue...
HTH.

Art Scott · December 6, 2009

Nikolai wrote:

Of course, protecting the lens from the snow is a totally different issue...
HTH.

Not to mention most knee braces are neoprene any more and restrict movement.....at least the dozen or so I have had to wear for over 30yrs do..............

Nikolai · December 6, 2009

Art Scott wrote:

Not to mention most knee braces are neoprene any more and restrict movement.....at least the dozen or so I have had to wear for over 30yrs do..............

I didn't mean to put it on the knee itself - just below. As for the rest, neoprene can cushion the potential falls, and Velcro is very reliable on those.

Jeremy Winterberg · December 6, 2009

Nikolai wrote:

I didn't mean to put it on the knee itself - just below. As for the rest, neoprene can cushion the potential falls, and Velcro is very reliable on those.

The only downside to using a knee brace is it would make it harder to ride. Being a snowboarder myself I would use the brace as a last resort. It would feel uncomfortable, and like the OP said - he would like to be able to take it off and store it in a bag when not using it. A knee brace would be inconvenient.

Also being on the board it would be safer than on the leg. If anything your leg would hit the ground before the top of the board. Since the board is attached to your feet and doesn't come off (snowboards don't have fail-safe mechanisms like skis) its almost impossible for the top of the board to touch the ground.

Art Scott · December 6, 2009

Nikolai wrote:

I didn't mean to put it on the knee itself - just below. As for the rest, neoprene can cushion the potential falls, and Velcro is very reliable on those.

Sorry I thought you meant to wear properly but over clothing.....

Nikolai · December 7, 2009

Jeremy Winterberg wrote:

The only downside to using a knee brace is it would make it harder to ride. Being a snowboarder myself I would use the brace as a last resort. It would feel uncomfortable, and like the OP said - he would like to be able to take it off and store it in a bag when not using it. A knee brace would be inconvenient.

Also being on the board it would be safer than on the leg. If anything your leg would hit the ground before the top of the board. Since the board is attached to your feet and doesn't come off (snowboards don't have fail-safe mechanisms like skis) its almost impossible for the top of the board to touch the ground.

It's a piece of think fabric, like the one the make the wetsuits from. Trust me - it won't affect the movement and it's extremely easy to fold/pack.
Maybe the brace is not a correct term, support is better
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/178-8230321-6522853?ASIN=B0016J6V66&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B0016J6V66|Futuro_PrecisionFit_Adjustable_Knee_Support&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0016J6V66&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Jeremy Winterberg · December 7, 2009

Nikolai wrote:

It's a piece of think fabric, like the one the make the wetsuits from. Trust me - it won't affect the movement and it's extremely easy to fold/pack.
Maybe the brace is not a correct term, support is better
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/178-8230321-6522853?ASIN=B0016J6V66&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B0016J6V66|Futuro_PrecisionFit_Adjustable_Knee_Support&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0016J6V66&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

I know what you're talking about. I wasn't thinking about a metal brace. I've worn those neoprene supports, and I always feel uncomfortable when wearing them. I couldn't imagine a camera shoved behind it. it would feel really awkward.

tijoseph · December 7, 2009

Thanks for all the great ideas. I think the knee brace one is out for me. I have a vision of the camera moving as the snowboard does, so if it is bumpy terrain, that's okay, the camera will show the snowboard in the frame appearing to stay still. I also want to be able to turn the camera back at me.

As far as the helmet, I was thinking of dome sort of a "T" shaped metal thing that I could put thru one of the air vents, and some how tighten down to the top of the helmet. I included a picture here that is very similar to my helmet. That way i don;t have to drill any holes, and I should be able to mount it pretty fast in the field.

Any ideas on how to pull that one off. Definitely a DIY type rig.

waygard33 · December 7, 2009

You might take a look at the GoPro site. They sell quite a bit of mounting hardware for their Hero cam. When you get to the main site, watch the opening video. They have the camera mounted to a surf board. Really cool.

I use the GoPro on the handlebars of my ATV. You might consider purchasing this camera and the mouting system that comes with it. It shoots video (new model is HiDef) and can shoot pics every 2 or 5 seconds. I've really enjoyed mine.

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php

Wayne G

Jeremy Winterberg · December 7, 2009

waygard33 wrote:

You might take a look at the GoPro site. They sell quite a bit of mounting hardware for their Hero cam. When you get to the main site, watch the opening video. They have the camera mounted to a surf board. Really cool.

I use the GoPro on the handlebars of my ATV. You might consider purchasing this camera and the mouting system that comes with it. It shoots video (new model is HiDef) and can shoot pics every 2 or 5 seconds. I've really enjoyed mine.

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php

Wayne G

I was gonna recommend that camera, but I didn't know if the op wanted to spend that much... also he wants to use his pns... But, they gopro cams look like a pretty good deal.

waygard33 · December 9, 2009

Jeremy Winterberg wrote:

I was gonna recommend that camera, but I didn't know if the op wanted to spend that much... also he wants to use his pns... But, they gopro cams look like a pretty good deal.

My main thought was just to check out the GoPro hardware to see if maybe some ideas can come from them. It might also be possible to modify the hardware a bit for use with the OP's pns.

On the other hand, once you go to the site, it's hard not to want one. I have the wide angle and am drooling over the high def. I will say the battery usage on the original stinks. They burn through AAAs at an alarming rate and I'm probably under exagerating that point. Last trip I tried their recommended rechargeables and had only limited improvement. The new HD has a rechargeable battery that is supposed to last a long time. Also has a faster lens and uses larger capacity SD cards. Those are the main reasons I'm drooling....Helloo...Santa???

Wayne G

darryl · December 9, 2009

I once dropped my Canon P&S into the snow. Tried to shake as much snow/water out, but it never zoomed like before. Just preaching some caution or a plastic zip-loc bag.

I know you want to use your existing camera, but I thought I'd mention Pentax's Optio W-series of cameras because a while back I found some amazing footage taken with a kitesurfing rig that uses Pentaxes:
http://www.camrig.com/faq.php

As far as mounting to a board... I suppose this *might* work on the nose of your board, or the side of your helmet:
http://www.rei.com/product/777251

Looks pretty unwieldy though. But if you have a local REI it's worth playing with it.

OH -- I quite like this exceedingly simple solution for DSLRs w/ video:
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/08/diy-helmet-cam-with-bungee-cords-video.html

(Although I would not want to fall onto a camera, even in the snow.)

darryl · December 9, 2009

Oh oh -- and I *really* like this idea:
http://www.nastyclamps.com/index.php

But DIY:
http://photojojo.com/content/tips/spring-clamp-diy-camera-mount/

Also - you might want to put a tether on that rig if/when it falls off of your board/helmet. Suspenders and a belt... :-}

Oh, re: the Monsterpod -- it's not designed for sustained stickage. It's not a suction cup, but actually made of that gooey stuff used for those toys that you throw at walls and then they flop down slowly. You know, like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEPTm8qJeyg

Oh man, and I missed this one on Photojojo. Looks totally DIYable if your helmet has the necessary holes:
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/helmet-camera-mount/

tijoseph · December 9, 2009

waygard33 wrote:

You might take a look at the GoPro site. They sell quite a bit of mounting hardware for their Hero cam. When you get to the main site, watch the opening video. They have the camera mounted to a surf board. Really cool.

I use the GoPro on the handlebars of my ATV. You might consider purchasing this camera and the mouting system that comes with it. It shoots video (new model is HiDef) and can shoot pics every 2 or 5 seconds. I've really enjoyed mine.

http://www.goprocamera.com/index.php

Wayne G

Well I made the mistake of going to the website you recommended. I bought the whole get-up. Couldn't believe the price for what you get! My wife is a little mad at me but atleast I'll have some killer videos.

waygard33 · December 10, 2009

tijoseph wrote:

Well I made the mistake of going to the website you recommended. I bought the whole get-up. Couldn't believe the price for what you get! My wife is a little mad at me but atleast I'll have some killer videos.

Nice...I feel your pain. Hard to resist those little cuties!

Did you go HiDef? Looking forward to a review.

Wayne G

leaforte · December 10, 2009

Ride safe....back country rastafarian!

tijoseph · December 10, 2009

waygard33 wrote:

Did you go HiDef? Looking forward to a review.

Wayne G

The HD is what turned me on so much! Of course I got it!

StevenSzabo · December 10, 2009

we have a motorcyle video company here in calgary that sells the gopro units, they did REALLY well with them this year. those little buggers will take quite the beating...I've seen a few survive crashes at pretty high speeds on the track.

Good luck with it...

Assume you're doing Louise? maybe Sunshine?

Snow mount? Any ideas?

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