Camera Car Mounts Comparison
In this article we will compare a selection of camera car hostess trays.
When mounting a camera to a moving car, one runs against all sort of challenges. The large variety of camera car mounts provide different solutions depending on circumstances.
In its essence, a hostess tray is a platform that uses car door's edge as a support. You hook the mounting rails to the doors (use some protective material not to scratch up car's surface!) and then rest mounting legs against hardened parts of the door (parts close to where you see creases, as creases in metal = strength). Secure it all with some ratchet straps. In theory, that is it.
For most situations our "Deluxe" hostess (photo above) will solve 80% of your problems. It's easy and fast to set-up, and its 12x12 cheese plate gives plenty of mounting possibilities to attach your camera. Its mounting rails extend far for plenty of great camera angles.
Our "Hi/Low Rider" (photo above) is another great and versatile option. Just like the "Deluxe" version, it's easy and fast to set-up with the added benefit of ability to move the hostess platform up and down. You want a nice dialogue and then jump to a cool angle of car's wheels - sure, you can swap the angles it in minutes!
The "Surfer" (photo above) is designed to bring the hostess tray as close to the car's body as possible so it doesn't extend past the rear-view mirrors. With the right camera configuration, you can film on busy streets without worry that other drivers, unprepared for regular hostess extension, might "bump" into your set-up. This hostess was designed to also give you easy air travel options if you need to bring the tray to places that don't serve film community well and you have to bring all your specialty equipment with you.
Lastly, we have the "Traveler" (photo above). Its advantage is its ability to easily packs in your travel case. Unlike the other rigs, instead of support legs, you use suction cups with short c-stand arms. This gives you versatility to create other light-weight rigs on location. This option is economical, but requires a helper hold the rig as you find placements for your suction cups. Thus, it's not ideal for super-fast set-ups.
Here is basic breakdown of all rigs:
Hopefully you found this comparison useful. You can find all car mount accessories for rent at PAT Rentals (www.patrentals.com). You can also purchase the rigs at PAT Gear (www.patgear.online)