Sticky Pod Vehicle Camera Mount TEST 1 with customized 3 Sucker Rig on 2009 Porsche 911 Twin Turbo

I decided to test the Sticky Pod, so purchased a few suckers, rods, and knuckles to experiment with for feature production. I have a few high end cameras, but often need shots where the camera may be lost, so use smaller 24P Handicams for the purpose, which do a decent job, although often need the full cam setups mounted too. I was confident I could test with the smaller rig and camera which would indicate the viability of the system. And, I was right!

Firstly, I like the engineering. Simple, solid, easy to get tight. Reminds me of Cardellini clamps' solid and trustworthy functionality. The suckers are fantastic! Easy on, tight, easy off.

With a straight rod and suckers, I used a Manfrotto Nano Clamp on the end of a rod/sucker assembly to make a "T", and a 494RC2 ball head suitable for this lightweight camera itslef also attached via Nano Clamp. There was a little play in this non-standard system, so I zip-tied the camera to a plastic spacer, which did the trick gorilla-style. I think I'll make a block with adjustable spacing for this type of future mounting. I also had to Velcro the camera's flip to prevent the wind ripping it open. This would not be a problem facing forward of course, and each camera's aerodynamics would vary.

With just a little prudent rigging, we decided to take friend's Porsche for a spin. NOTE: this is actual speed footage, not sped up like some on here.

Off the record, we easily hit ***+, and some serious Gs in the corners without a hint of Sticky Pod drama. The car's paint was not affected at all, other than the suckers had actually cleaned the area where they had been stuck! They didn't wander, and therefore abrade, the surface. Our full ride was about ten minutes.

Based on this very basic test, I think the far beefier Director rig would be eminently suited to larger cameras, and, of course, even more stable with smaller cams. I'm sure we'll decide to make the purchase in a few days, and am excited to try it for some shots we have coming up in a few weeks for a rodeo/offroad/cowboy project. Oh, but first, I'll try the little rig on my AMG. More to follow!

I am already thinking of more ways to use this system, beyond the straightforward vehicle mounts. It's inspired me!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Sticky
• Pod
• Vehicle
• Camera
• Mount
• TEST
• with
• customized
• Sucker
• Rig
• on
• Porsche
• 911
• Twin
• Turbo
• Nyk
• Fry
• drive
• fast
• freeway
• pass
• cars
• look
• backwards
• Sony

[photronic]

Oh, and also there were a few zip ties in there too!

[photronic]

I do have a photo of the rig on the car if anyone's interested.

[photronic]

Indeed, so many grip/DP conversations are about making stuff work, somehow, so don't be disappointed if you first don't succeed, but try, try again! And, definitely test before using any piece of gear. Interestingly enough, the first proper use of this rig was not on a vehicle, but a horse, so go figure! And, remember, it's all fun!

[photronic]

The main thing with this stuff, is to bear in mind each situation is different. Although we got smooth enough footage (digitage?) with the Porsche, on a smooth freeway, I probably would have needed even more rigging for offroad with a Hummer. Camera weight & balance are also important. If you're overloading the rig: add more rig. Even tried and tested things like Steadicams usually have personal mods, etc. Mine do, and I have never been on set with anyything "out the box".

[photronic]

Firstly, let me state, I do not work for StickyPod. We just wanted to share our results. This was a test using 3 suckers suckers, rods, and knuckle components, but using a small Manfrotto ball head, and Manfrotto Nano Clamps, to make a 3-legged, 3-suckered mount, which was perhaps more rigid than "out of the box", but for our tests, it proved the suckers were amazing, and the modular nature of the components feasible.

[sourcekings]

which model did you use on this one

[photronic]

@sourcekings: It was a hybrid made from the 4", 6" rods, 3 suckers, and some Manfrotto QR.

[kristielizabeth17]

Please share the photo of your rig, I would like to make a car mount that would support my 5D and/or T3i.

[sourcekings]

i got the mini and man it so shaky its not even funny