Mounting Your Action Camera Feed To Your Car Screen

If you want to hook an action camera to your car screen, you'll need to invest in a few pieces of equipment. Firstly, you'll need a camera; GoPros are a popular choice, but there are other options available, such as the Sony HDR-AS10 or the Contour camera system. Once you've chosen your camera, you'll need to select a suitable mount. There are many different types of mounts available, including suction cup mounts, chest strap mounts, and wrist mounts. When it comes to mounting your camera in your car, a suction cup mount is a good option as it can be easily attached to your windshield or sunroof. Alternatively, you could use a roll bar mount, which is ideal if you want to attach your camera to the lower part of an ATV grill or winch.

Using a suction cup mount

Suction cups work by creating a vacuum that holds the cup in place. To ensure a strong vacuum, the surface that the suction cup is being applied to must be clean and dry. Any ammonia-based glass cleaner can be used to ensure the surface is free from dust and debris.

Temperature can also impact the effectiveness of suction cups. If the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use a hot blow dryer to warm the area. If the area is too hot, place an ice pack on the surface and then wipe away any excess moisture.

When using a suction cup mount, it is important to test the strength of the vacuum before attaching the camera. You can do this by jiggling the mount or taking a short drive. If the suction cup is properly attached, it should take over 200 pounds of force to remove it.

There are a variety of suction cup mounts available on the market, including single and multiple cup mounts. Single cup suction mounts are typically used for small camcorders that weigh 6 pounds or less. Multiple cup mounts are more stable and can be used for heavier cameras.

• NEEWER 6" Camera Suction Cup Mount with Ball Head Magic Arm: This mount has a metal suction cup that can be attached to a car windshield or dash. It includes 1/4" and 3/8" mounting holes for ARRI cameras.
• ASOCEA Action Camera Suction Cup Mount: This mount is compatible with GoPro Hero, AKASO, Brave, Dragon Touch, and other action cameras. It includes a tripod adapter and a screw for secure mounting.
• ULANZI SC-02 4.5" Pump-Actived Vacuum Suction Mount: This mount is compatible with GoPro, Nikon, Canon, Sony, and other DSLR cameras. It includes a quick-release NATO magic arm for easy attachment and removal.
• RAM MOUNTS Twist-Lock Suction Cup Mount: This mount has a 3.25" suction cup with a twist lock base. It is compatible with GoPro HERO10/11 and other legacy camera models. It can be attached to cars, boats, motorcycles, and more.
• Delkin Devices Fat Gecko Dual-Suction Camera Mount: This mount can hold cameras up to 8 pounds and can be attached to any flat surface, including cars, boats, etc. It is designed to reduce vibration and includes two 3" diameter suction cups.

These are just a few examples of the many suction cup mounts available on the market. Be sure to choose a mount that is compatible with your camera and always follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Using a roll bar mount

There are several roll bar mounts available on the market that are compatible with popular action cameras like GoPros. When choosing a roll bar mount, it is important to consider the diameter of your car's roll bar to ensure a proper fit. Most roll bar mounts accommodate bars with a diameter between 1.4 inches and 2.5 inches, but some can fit bars up to 2.5 inches in diameter.

Roll bar mounts typically feature adjustable arms, allowing you to achieve the perfect filming angle. They are usually made of durable materials like stainless steel, polycarbonate, or aluminum, ensuring that your camera remains stable and secure even during off-road use.

To install a roll bar mount, simply wrap it around the roll bar and tighten the screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Some mounts may require additional adjustments to achieve the desired angle, but the process is generally straightforward and user-friendly.

Using a chin mount

Installation Process:

• Clean and dry the desired area on your car screen. Ensure the surface is free of any dust, debris, or moisture.
• Choose a suitable chin mount for your specific helmet brand and model. You can find various options available online, such as the Flexible Adhesive Mount by Chin Mounts, which is compatible with several helmet brands.
• Follow the instructions provided with your chosen chin mount. Typically, you will need to remove the adhesive backing and firmly attach the mount to the desired area.
• Use additional tape or glue to secure the mount in place and ensure a strong grip, especially if your helmet has curves or gaps.
• Allow adequate time for the adhesive to dry and cure. This is crucial for ensuring the mount's durability and longevity.
• Attach the camera to the chin mount using the provided connector and screw. Adjust the camera angle as needed.

Tips for Using a Chin Mount:

• Consider using blackout housing for your camera to reduce attention and avoid standing out.
• Ensure your helmet has a relatively flat chin area or plan to modify the surface for a secure fit.
• Position the mount lower on the chin bar to avoid blocking your field of vision or causing distractions.
• Be cautious when moving around to avoid accidentally bumping the camera against objects.
• Regularly check the camera's recording status, battery life, and other indicators by glancing at the side mirrors.
• Be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding the use of action cameras and respect others' privacy.

Using a chest strap mount

When using a chest strap mount, it's important to ensure that the straps are tight enough to hold the camera securely, but loose enough to allow you to breathe and move comfortably, especially if you're engaging in strenuous activity. Look for a chest harness with adjustable straps so you can customise the fit to your body.

Additionally, consider the material of the harness. Opt for a chest mount made from breathable materials, especially if you'll be using it in warm weather, to avoid excessive sweating.

Another factor to keep in mind is the viewing angle. While a chest mount provides a lower angle than a first-person POV, it can also result in your hands or gear appearing in the frame. This may be a drawback for certain sports or activities where your hands or equipment block the view.

Some recommended chest strap mounts include the Suptig Adjustable Chest Strap, the GoPro Performance Chest Mount, and the Sametop Chest Mount Harness, which is compatible with a wide range of action cameras.

By using a chest strap mount, you can capture immersive footage while keeping your hands free to engage in the activity of your choice.

Using a head strap mount

Head strap mounts are adjustable, so you can make them comfortable and secure. They are compatible with a variety of action cameras, including GoPro Hero Series, Dragon Touch, Akaso, and DJI Osmo. When using a head strap mount, ensure that it is tight enough to prevent bouncing and that your camera's image stabilisation feature is turned on for smoother footage.

If you want to mount your camera to a baseball cap, you can use the GoPro Head Strap with the Quick Clip. This will allow you to easily mount your camera and adjust its position.

A head strap mount is a versatile and convenient option for capturing hands-free footage during activities such as running, hiking, trekking, and rock climbing. It provides an eye-level perspective and an immersive first-person point of view.

To use a head strap mount, simply slide the strap behind your head and snap the rear buckle onto the side of your camera. Most head strap mounts come with quick-release buckles, making it easy to put on and take off.

Frequently asked questions