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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: in2blues on July 12, 2015, 07:53:29 PM

Title: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: in2blues on July 12, 2015, 07:53:29 PM
I have been shooting some videos of bands and although I have a decent stand, when it is raised all the way up it is about eye level. Anyone walking in front of the stand is in the way. I had the stand on an equipment box which raised it about 6 inches and didn't have any problems with people walking in front of camera. Is there any attachment that I can attach between top of stand (boot) and camcorder that will give me about 6 more inches of height?
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: 2manyrocks on July 13, 2015, 12:30:52 AM
I don't know the answer to your specific question.  If B & H photo doesn't have what you're looking for, my uneducated guess is it doesn't exist. 

The way I video over people's heads is to mount my camera to a 8-10' light stand that I also use for my microphones.  I also clamp my DR60d to the same stand and run an audio feed from it into my camera.  I don't pan or zoom in and out.  I just let the camera run on the stand. 
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: bryonsos on July 13, 2015, 01:13:15 AM
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554044-REG/Manfrotto_259B_259B_Extension_Column_for.html
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: flipp on July 13, 2015, 01:24:56 AM
^
That would work if your threads are 3/8-16, and with adapters if your tripod and camera have 1/4-20 threading.

If they have 1/4-20 a less expensive alternative would be a trip to your local hardware store/home center for a coupling nut and a piece of 1/4-20 all-thread. Screw the coupling nut on the tripod and the all-thread into the coupling nut and mount the camera on top. Since most all-thread is sold in 3' pieces use a hacksaw to cut it to the length(s) you want, multiple pieces and still cheaper than ordering from B&H.
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: aleal5687 on July 13, 2015, 10:41:43 AM
I use this on my mic stand.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?N=10576064&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

I use it for my "wide" shot close to the board. I shoot hand held w my other cam. Zooms etc

Hope that helps
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: guitard on July 13, 2015, 10:45:55 AM
I wasn't familiar with "coupling nut" and "all-thread."  I looked them up and it all makes sense now.  ;D

coupling nut
(http://cdn3.volusion.com/vj539.howo6/v/vspfiles/photos/600000-2.jpg?1375357691)

all-thread
(http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m5MGnq5fn645lb9L6lSmBsg.jpg)
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: Gutbucket on July 13, 2015, 12:55:47 PM
Lock the coupling nut to the section of all-thread with a normal nut (or a lock-nut) torqued down against the coupler, or with a thread-locking compound such as Locktite red.  You can cover the all-tread and nust with heatshrink for a nice dark charcoal-gray matt finish.
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: hoppedup on July 13, 2015, 04:55:42 PM
I use one of these on my stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400119-REG/On_Stage_MY550_MY550_Microphone_Extension_Attachment.html

Then a 6-inch gooseneck with a 5/8-27 to 1/4-20 adapter. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/82408-REG/Atlas_Sound_GN_6E_GN_6E_Gooseneck_Extension.html The gooseneck is rigid enough to stay in place and still allows plenty of room to adjust the angle of the camera.
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: guitard on July 14, 2015, 11:09:45 AM
The gooseneck extension looks nice - but I can't help but wonder how well it holds up to a thumping bass or pounding bass drum.  Any camera jitter when you use it?   

(http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/Atlas_Sound_GN_6E_GN_6E_Gooseneck_Extension_1233291600000_82408.jpg)
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: in2blues on July 15, 2015, 08:31:55 PM
Thanks for answers, I have a few ideas now
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: 2manyrocks on July 18, 2015, 10:58:04 AM
The gooseneck extension looks nice - but I can't help but wonder how well it holds up to a thumping bass or pounding bass drum.  Any camera jitter when you use it?   

(http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images500x500/Atlas_Sound_GN_6E_GN_6E_Gooseneck_Extension_1233291600000_82408.jpg)

Gooseneck extensions vary in tightness. That one is so short that it's probably pretty rigid.  With use over time, the longer ones tend to loosen up.  Cameras that have built in stabilization apparently depend on a built in gyro that can be shaken by loud bass/drums, and may need to be turned off. 
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: willndmb on July 19, 2015, 05:33:08 PM
Are you using a tripod?
Legs out all the way?
If so there should be a center shaft that the leg support slides up and down.
If you keep/pull the legs in you will have more height and a smaller footprint.  In exchange however for less stability
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: 2manyrocks on July 20, 2015, 11:11:08 PM
I went through a phase when I really wanted a jib crane.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1090173&gclid=CNf38pef68YCFc0WHwodd-INTw&is=REG&m=Y&Q=&A=details


Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: seethreepo on March 12, 2016, 12:18:37 PM
I went through a phase when I really wanted a jib crane.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1090173&gclid=CNf38pef68YCFc0WHwodd-INTw&is=REG&m=Y&Q=&A=details
tough to stealth those  :o
Title: Re: Need to raise camcorder about 6-10 inches
Post by: firmdragon on March 13, 2016, 04:41:58 PM
a swivel head of some sort... and you could add some thick foam blocks under your tripod legs, which would also act as shock absorbers.