Maximum Exposure: Rigging a Motorcycle with FilmTools

Whether its a track day, an off-road ride or a cross country trip, motorcyclists seem to want to record their latest adventures. Mounting a camera to a vehicle provides the most versatility, and to learn more about how to do it, we spoke to Cinematographer Stan McClain. Stan has been a director of photography and has worked on over 50 motion pictures, and he has a knack for rigging vehicles with cameras.

This video contains simple, clearly explained instructions for how to rig, where to get the tools, and even a camera recommendation.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Peckhammer
• BMW
• R1200R
• R1200GS
• Flip
• Ultra HD
• FilmTools
• Motorcycle
• Camera
• Rigging
• Video

[najuad]

Ive had problems with wind/air noise, any suggestions for getting engine/tyre noise and loosing wind speed noise?

[peckhammer]

I used a Sure SM-58 microphone in a furry mic cover for the riding scenes in this video, recording the sound separately like they do in the movies. Wind noise is a problem with most cameras because the mic is in line with lens, and thus, the wind. You could always try covering the mic with foam, if it's possible. I've also seen people modify cameras to remove the mic, and locate it is somewhere else. That will void your warranty, and you might kill your camera, but it is a potential solution.

[gbtexas]

really helpful.  Thanks

[peckhammer]

Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate it!

[motochron]

Great tips, excellent video!

[peckhammer]

Thanks for your feedback. We had a lot of fun making this video.

[kawi33]

I use the GoPro, which is also good. But this camera looks good too. I also connect it to a monopod that is also mounted to the bike. I can get high angle shots that way when the surroundings allow it.

[2002TouringMOE]

I've posted a video response, check my video after 1:15. (mic test 2) The biggest problem with motorsports videos is wind noise, the best bet is using a small unidireccional or omnidirreccional mic and placing it at a location a bit more protected from the wind. In my video the mic was duct taped to the back of the car near the license plate. Your camera needs to have a Mic in jack.

[bashynator]

Great video, lots of good ideas for camera angles. Do you know of any tricks to reduce vibration of the video. The handlebars shake horribly.