Best Car Mount For Your Smartphone Camera

While I was learning How Not To Shoot A Movie on S16mm film, back in 2005, we planned some shots with the camera mounted to the side of the car. This involved hiring a thing called a Universal Car Mount and an official, trained Arri grip. This metal beast took some time to attach safely, as it had no rubber suction pads. And, with trained grip included, cost a fortune.

When we came to reshoot that film, we swapped from a 16mm camera to a mini DV prosumer camcorder. The much lighter camera then allowed us to use a simple, cheap car mount with suction pads. It took a couple of minutes to mount to the car and needed no £500/day Arri grip.

Now, the lighter your camera, the easier it is to mount to the outside of your car. So a smartphone camera or an action camera like a GoPro is ideal.

Why would filmmakers want to mount a camera to a car?

The most obvious reason is to acquire interesting shots. For example, if we want to film a conversation within a car, sometimes we might want an angle looking in the side window.

Alternatively, you might want an angle through the front windscreen.

Then there’s a range of shots you might want showing the movement of the vehicle. Perhaps with the camera mounted to the front looking forwards, for example.

Safety & Legality First

Before you mount a camera to your car and drive it on a public road at 60mph, think again! As a filmmaker, it’s up to you to make sure:

You are not breaking any laws or driving codes specific to the country you are filming in. You are acting in a way that does not risk danger to anyone, which includes your cast, crew and members of the public.

This post isn’t about the safety or legal aspects of doing this, so you’ll need to do your research first. However, I will say that mounting your camera so that it protrudes from the side of your vehicle is something to be even more aware of.

If possible, film somewhere where there is zero traffic. When professional productions film car scenes, they either use green screen, mount the car on a trailer or pay to have roads blocked off. Most of us can’t afford this, but perhaps we can find a private road to film on.

So, pretty much all car mounts useful for smartphones and actions cameras have suction pads. Bear in mind, many of these are designed to be used with DSLRs, but there’s no reason you can mount a smartphone. Note, you will need a secure method for attaching a smartphone by mounting it in a cage, for example.

Here’s our best choices:

1. Delkin Fat Gecko Three-Arm Suction Mount

With a triple suction-pad design capable of carrying cameras weighing up to 8lb (3.6 kg), this car mount will have no trouble carrying your 200 gram smartphone. If you find 3 suction pads to be overkill for your smartphone, there are double and single versions available too.

However, the advantage of 3 pads is the tripod-like stability for the camera. Driving will cause shakes, which are exaggerated by the length of the magic arm. So 3 pads will add extra stability.

The Delkin is well-built, with powerful suction cups. The six adjustable points provide lots of flexibility when setting the angle for the camera. Solid, sturdy and reliable.

2. Fantaseal Triple Cup Camera Suction Car Mount

The Fantaseal is a very sold triple cup camera car mount. While it doesn’t have the flexible arm of the Delkin, it’s lighter whilst still capable of carrying your smartphone, GoPro and more. Each of the suction heads are hinged, making it easier to adhere to door panels and curved surfaces.

Fantaseal say this mount can carry weight up to 6.6 lb (3 kg), which is plenty enough for a smartphone or GoPro. There’s a 1/4″ 360 degree rotation ballhead, compatible with any camera or cage with 1/4″ screw.

3. EXSHOW Suction Cup Car Mount

The Exshow is a small, single suction cup camera mount designed for GoPro, Action Cams and smartphones. Plus, it can perhaps handle the weight of a DSLR if there’s not too much shaking.

The Exshow should carry up to 1.3 kg (3 lb) comfortably. But I would probably think twice before mounting a DSLR to the exterior of a moving car with one. While there is a ball-head mount, you can always add extra flexibility with a magic arm.

4. GoPro Suction Cup Car Mount

GoPro’s own brand suction mount allows you to attach your camera to cars, boats, motorcycles and anything with a smooth surface. The mount has been tested with a GoPro at speeds of 150+ mph. There are cheaper non-brand alternatives, but if you have a GoPro and feel more comfortable staying in the GoPro family, this is for you.

5. Smatree Double Suction Cup Car Mount

Compatible with all current GoPro models, the Smatree Mount is very well built and has 2 suction cups, making it more stable and secure. The mount should easily hold a smartphone or a small DSLR. Although this is designed for small cameras, an enterprising user tested the mount with a 15 lb (7kg) weight attached:

Of course, this is a stationary test so vibrations created from a moving vehicle might reduce it’s grip. Added to that, curved glass might create another challenge. Even so, that should be enough grip for most small cameras.

The Smatree Mount also comes with a ballhead mount and arm to give you extra options for positioning the camera.

Tethers

In the unlikely event your suction mount to loses grip, a tether will secure your camera and prevent it hitting the road. It doesn’t guarantee your smartphone or action cam won’t get damaged at all, but it’s less likely to be critical. Once in place, they can easily be removed using heat (from a hairdryer for example).

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