Mounting An Action Camera On Your Car: Best Techniques

There are many ways to attach an action camera to your car, and most of them are inexpensive. You can buy a suction cup camera mount or, if you have a GoPro, you can buy a cheap suction cup mount. Alternatively, you can make a DIY mount using household items. For example, you can use a peanut sponge, a rug pad, and some weights to make a dashboard mount.

Using a suction cup camera mount

Step 1: Choose the Right Suction Cup Mount

Select a mount that is specifically designed for action cameras and ensure it has a strong suction cup, preferably made of rubber, to provide a secure hold. Some mounts offer additional features like a ball head for adjustability or a magic arm for extending the camera's reach.

Step 2: Clean the Mounting Surface

Before attaching the suction cup, clean the car's surface, such as the windshield or window, to ensure a strong and secure hold. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust, dirt, or grease. Avoid mounting on plastic surfaces, as suction cups work best on smooth and non-porous materials like glass.

Step 3: Attach the Suction Cup Mount

Firmly press the suction cup onto the desired mounting surface. Ensure that the surface is flat and clean. Activate the suction mechanism, whether it's a pump-activated vacuum or a simple locking lever, to create a strong vacuum seal. Check that the suction cup is securely attached before proceeding.

Step 4: Mount the Action Camera

Securely attach your action camera to the suction cup mount. Ensure the camera is tightly fastened to the mount to prevent accidental detachment. Adjust the camera's angle and position as needed to capture the desired footage.

Step 5: Test and Secure the Setup

Before driving, test the stability of the suction cup mount and camera by gently trying to pull or shake it. If the setup feels secure, you're ready to start recording your driving footage. Always perform a test drive at slower speeds first to ensure the camera remains stable and in place.

Step 6: Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity of your suction cup mount, properly maintain and care for it. Clean the suction cup regularly, especially after each use, to remove any dirt or debris that may affect its performance. Store the mount in a safe place when not in use, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively use a suction cup camera mount to attach your action camera to your car, allowing you to capture unique driving footage and perspectives. Remember to always drive safely and obey all traffic laws when using an action camera on your vehicle.

DIY dashboard base plate mount

Materials:

• A piece of wood
• Four rubber feet
• A bolt
• A peanut sponge
• A rug pad
• Weights (if using a light camera)
• Two D batteries
• A roll of coins

Instructions:

• For the dashboard mount, take a piece of wood and attach four rubber feet to the bottom for grip. Drill a hole in the centre and attach your camera with a bolt.
• Alternatively, you can use a peanut sponge and a rug pad to hold your camera in place.
• If your camera is light, you can also use weights to hold the mount in place. Ben Gill's method uses two D batteries and a roll of coins.

There are also various adhesive mounting disks available on Amazon that can be used to mount your camera to the dashboard. These typically have a sticky suction cup base and are compatible with most dashboard-style car mounts.

Magnetic GoPro mount

The Accessory Pro Magnetic Mount is a popular option that can withstand speeds of over 100 mph. It comes with a safety tether, which is recommended for use with magnetic mounts to ensure the safety of your camera. This mount is strong, so caution is advised when applying and removing it.

Another option is the PellKing Magnet Camera Mount, which has a 2.6-inch (66mm) diameter magnetic base and a 44-pound (20kg) vertical magnetic pull force. This mount is flexible and can be adjusted to any sail, tarp, backpack, car, or other hard or flexible surfaces.

When using magnetic mounts, it is important to consider the paint on your car. Some users recommend placing a thin cloth between the magnet and the car's paint to prevent scratches, especially if your car has a nice paint job.

The RigMount 1/4-20 Magnetic Mount is another option that uses rare earth magnets to achieve a high holding power of up to 50 lbs in a vertical pull. It has a rubber coating to protect the surface you mount it on and to prevent slippage.

Sponge dashboard mount

This is a simple and cost-effective method for mounting an action camera to your car. All you need is a car sponge (a peanut-shaped one works well) and a rug pad. This setup is ideal for filmmakers or anyone looking to capture footage from their dashboard without breaking the bank.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare the Sponge: Start by cutting out a camera-shaped hole in the sponge. Trace around your camera with a marker, and then cut slightly inside the line to ensure a snug fit. If you have a lighter camera, such as a GoPro, consider adding some weights to the sponge to prevent movement while driving.
• Secure the Sponge: Attach a rug pad to the bottom of the sponge. This will keep the sponge from sliding around on your dashboard.
• Mount Your Camera: Place your camera in the sponge mount and adjust as needed. You can point the camera forward for road trip time-lapses or angle it as required for your desired shot.
• Additional Tips: If you need to attach a live view monitor to your DSLR, simply cut an extra hole through the side of the sponge for the cable.

This DIY mount is a creative and affordable solution for anyone looking to capture unique footage from their vehicle. It is a great example of how a few simple household items can be transformed into a functional camera rig.

Headrest mount

A headrest mount is a great way to attach an action camera to your car. The Hague CHM Camera Headrest Mount, for example, enables the camera to be mounted onto a car's headrest and is fully adjustable for different widths of the headrest. The Tackform Headrest Mount for GoPro and Other Action Cameras is another option that features a locking headrest clamp that fastens to any headrest post up to 0.5" in diameter.

To install a headrest mount, you will need to attach the mounting clamp to the headrest post of your car. This is typically done by tightening screws onto the headrest post, although some mounts may use a different method of attachment. Once the clamp is secure, you can then adjust the angle of the camera using the ball joints and locking elbows on the mount.

When choosing a headrest mount, it is important to consider the compatibility of the mount with your camera. Most action cameras have a standard 1/4-20" tripod screw, but it is always good to double-check before purchasing. In addition, you may want to look for a mount that is adjustable, sturdy, and easy to install.

With a headrest mount, you can capture footage from the driver's perspective or video inside the vehicle. This type of mount is ideal for vloggers, car review videos, and can even be used as a dashcam replacement.

Frequently asked questions