When it comes to capturing your wildest adventures, from skydiving to mountain biking or even just capturing a day at the beach, an action camera is a game-changer. These small, rugged cameras can go anywhere and survive almost anything. But there’s one accessory that makes action cameras even more powerful: the action camera body mount.
A body mount allows you to wear your camera, giving you the freedom to record hands-free while keeping your hands free for the task at hand. Whether you’re surfing, hiking, or even just running errands, a body mount ensures your camera stays secure and captures every moment from your perspective. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about action camera body mounts, including why they’re so useful, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What Is an Action Camera Body Mount?
An action camera body mount is a wearable accessory that lets you attach your action camera to different parts of your body. This allows you to record video hands-free and get unique angles that would be impossible with a handheld camera. Whether you’re attaching the camera to your chest, helmet, wrist, or even your body in other ways, a body mount ensures your camera stays secure and steady while you’re in action.
Body mounts are typically designed to be comfortable, adjustable, and durable. They can be used in a variety of situations, such as extreme sports, outdoor adventures, or even more casual activities like vlogging. With a body mount, you don’t have to worry about holding your camera while performing an activity, and you can focus entirely on what you’re doing.
Why Use an Action Camera Body Mount?
- Hands-Free Filming: One of the main benefits of a body mount is that it allows for hands-free filming. This means you can do activities like biking, hiking, or even cooking without having to hold the camera. The mount secures the camera to your body, ensuring that it captures everything from your perspective without interruption.
- Unique and Dynamic Angles: A body mount offers angles that are difficult or impossible to achieve with a handheld camera. Whether it’s chest-mounted footage that simulates a first-person view or a helmet mount that captures what’s in front of you, the possibilities for creative shots are endless. This makes action camera body mounts ideal for creating engaging content that stands out.
- Stability and Durability: When you’re doing something active, like running, skiing, or riding a bike, a handheld camera can easily shake or fall out of your hands. A body mount helps keep your camera secure and stable, even during intense movements. Many mounts are designed to be extra durable and weather-resistant, ensuring your camera stays protected in all conditions.
- Versatility: Body mounts can be used for a wide range of activities, from sports and outdoor adventures to everyday tasks. You can even use body mounts for professional applications like filming documentary-style content, travel vlogging, or capturing immersive video for virtual reality (VR).
- Enhanced Immersion for Viewers: When viewers watch a video from your perspective, it creates a sense of immersion that traditional video angles can’t match. Whether you’re recording yourself on a skateboarding adventure or showing a behind-the-scenes look at your day, body mounts give viewers a direct connection to your experience.
Different Types of Action Camera Body Mounts
There are several types of action camera body mounts, each designed for specific activities and uses. Here are the most common types you’ll come across:
- Chest Mounts: Chest mounts are one of the most popular types of body mounts. They attach to your chest and provide a stable, first-person perspective. This mount is great for capturing activities where your hands or arms are in motion, such as biking, skiing, or even hiking. It’s also a good option for filming yourself while participating in sports like soccer or football.
Pros: Stable footage, comfortable to wear, great for most sports. Cons: May not provide the most dynamic angles compared to other mounts. - Helmet Mounts: Helmet mounts attach directly to your helmet, offering a high-up angle that captures everything in front of you. This is ideal for activities like cycling, motorbiking, or snowboarding, where a wider view of the surroundings is essential. Helmet mounts are typically adjustable to fit a variety of helmets, from bike helmets to ski helmets.
Pros: Excellent for capturing high-action footage, ideal for sports like biking and skiing. Cons: Can feel bulky, not as comfortable as chest mounts. - Wrist Mounts: Wrist mounts attach the camera to your wrist, making them perfect for activities where you need your hands free, like skateboarding, snowboarding, or even just walking around. Wrist mounts are compact, easy to use, and offer a slightly lower perspective compared to chest or helmet mounts, which can add some variety to your shots.
Pros: Compact and convenient, good for hands-free filming during low-to-medium activity. Cons: Limited stability and viewing angles compared to chest or helmet mounts. - Backpack Mounts: Backpack mounts attach your camera to the straps of your backpack, providing a unique over-the-shoulder perspective. This mount is often used by adventurers and hikers who want to film while on the move but don’t want a bulky mount on their body. The backpack mount offers a dynamic angle that captures your surroundings, making it ideal for travel vlogs or outdoor exploration.
Pros: Unique perspective, great for hiking or travel content. Cons: May not be as stable as chest or helmet mounts. - Body Suits and Harnesses: For extreme sports or more professional filming, body suits or harnesses are often used. These mounts cover a large part of your torso, allowing for more flexibility in where you position your camera. Body suits and harnesses are typically worn during activities like skydiving, surfing, or climbing, where you want a more immersive experience for the viewer.
Pros: Highly adjustable and versatile, great for extreme sports and dynamic filming. Cons: More complex to set up, can be heavy and uncomfortable for extended wear. - Suction Cup Mounts: Though technically not worn on the body, suction cup mounts are worth mentioning. These mounts are designed to attach to flat surfaces like car windows, boat hulls, or even your own body if you’re filming from a specific angle. They provide great versatility and can be used in a variety of creative ways.
Pros: Can be used on any flat surface, great for creative angles. Cons: Not as secure as body mounts, can fall off if not properly attached.
How to Choose the Right Body Mount for Your Action Camera
Choosing the right body mount depends on several factors, including the activity you’re filming, the level of stability you need, and your personal preferences. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice:
- Consider Your Activity: Think about what kind of activities you’ll be using the body mount for. If you’re a biker or skier, a helmet or chest mount might be the best option. If you’re doing something more relaxed like walking or skateboarding, a wrist mount might provide the perfect angle.
- Comfort and Adjustability: Make sure the mount you choose is comfortable to wear for long periods. Adjustable straps are important, especially if you plan to wear the mount for extended hours or during intense activity. Look for mounts with padded straps or ergonomic designs for added comfort.
- Camera Compatibility: Ensure that the body mount you choose is compatible with your action camera. Most mounts are designed for popular brands like GoPro, but make sure the mount fits your camera’s specific size and shape.
- Durability: Choose a mount that is built to last. The best action camera body mounts are made from durable, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements. Whether you’re filming in the rain, snow, or heat, a high-quality mount will ensure your camera stays secure.
Conclusion: The Power of Hands-Free Filming
An action camera body mount is an essential accessory for anyone looking to capture hands-free footage while on the go. Whether you’re into extreme sports, outdoor adventures, or simply want to capture your daily life from a unique angle, a body mount offers the stability, comfort, and versatility you need to get the job done. With the wide variety of mounts available, you can find the perfect one for your needs and start filming your next great adventure today.
So, why not give an action camera body mount a try? You’ll be amazed at how it transforms the way you capture and share your experiences.
