Topic: Sturdy Video Camera Clamp

[insanescott]

I am looking for a sturdy clamp for my Sony Handycam video camera.  I am looking to clamp it to a balcony.  Any suggestions?

[greatape]

My Bogen Super-Clamp with the heavy duty flex arm is probably secure enough.  Without additional hardware it would need to remain stationary, though.  I've attached my camera just to see how it fits, but I haven't used it like this at a show.

[insanescott]

Thanks for the recommendation.  I was unable to find which of the Bogen clips you are referring to.  Can you provide a link to the model you recommended?  Thanks so much.

[greatape]

Super-Clamp:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5166-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2915_2915_Super_Clamp_without.html

Heavy duty flex arm:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/74314-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_237HD_2896HD_Heavy_Duty_Flex.html

I'm not sure if there is another device available that would allow you to easily pan the camera.

[guitard]

I use this one:



It works out really well when you want to just clamp the cam to something steady and film.  You can go stealth mode with it also by clamping it to the front of your seat or to the seat's armrest.  If you tighten up the locking nut really firmly, of course, you can't move it around.  However, I've learned to tighten it up just enough to where it will hold the cam steady while I'm not touching it, but it also allows me to turn it up and down a bit while still remaining tight enough to once again let it go.  Obviously, you don't have the flexibility of a tripod, but it can really come in handy.

I bought it online here:

http://www.trophytools.com

I've never seen it available at a retail outlet, but I'd imagine some of the larger hunting/outdoor sports stores have them.

[Josh P]

do you need it to be stealthy or not so much?

[insanescott]

I do not need this clamp to be stealthy.  I have permission to tape at a big local venue and just wanted to clamp it near the sound booth.  A friend of mine is a sound guy so it doesn't matter how stealthy it is.  Also, I think i might need to suspend the camera from a balcony with this clamp.  Thanks for the suggestions.  Any more?

[Josh P]

Right on.  Here's what I use in those type of situations...

Clamp- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5151-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2900_2900_Super_Clamp_with.html

or if you need to clamp to something thicker than 2", use this clamp, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=252212&is=REG

This is the greatest little fluid head, SO versitile.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272630-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_700RC2_700RC2_Mini_Video_Fluid.html
It will connect to either of those clamps (or a mic/light stand) with this, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5357-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3102_5_8_Stud_to_3_8_.html

or this is a cheap, all in one option, but only clamps to 1.4" thick.  It also won't be as easy to make fluid movements, but it is about $100 less of an inveestment, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358011-REG/Kalt_NP4001_Deluxe_C_Clamp_Tabletop_Tripod.html

[fanofthemule]

Do you guys have any problems with vibrations using these?  I use some home made shock mounts for my tripods and don't get any.  I'd like to ditch a tripod or two but don't want to sacrifice the quality.

[beatkilla]

I have 2 of the ones guitard mentioned and they work great(although my cameras are fairly light)Sony dc21's.
Really come in handy in many many situations.

@fanofthemule-I'm mailing all your tapes and DVDs out on Saturday.(i'm having problems with PMs so send me your real email addy.)