Best Action Camera Mounts for Obstacle Course Racing

Understanding the Challenges of OCR Filming

Obstacle course races present unique filming challenges. Mud, water, and intense physical activity can easily damage equipment. Mounts need to withstand significant impact and maintain a secure grip on your camera. Choosing the right mount will protect your investment and guarantee clear, stable footage.

Furthermore, different obstacles call for different perspectives. A low-profile mount might be ideal for crawling under barbed wire, while a chest mount could be better for climbing walls. Understanding these nuances is key to capturing the best possible video.

Top Action Camera Mount Options for OCR

Chest Mount

The chest mount offers a stable, immersive point-of-view perspective. It’s excellent for capturing upper body movements and the terrain directly in front of you. This mount is particularly useful for obstacles that require balance and coordination.

• Pros: Stable footage, immersive POV, relatively comfortable.
• Cons: Can be restrictive, may not capture full body movement, susceptible to mud splatter.
• Best for: Climbing walls, rope climbs, balance obstacles.

Head Mount

A head mount places the camera at eye level, offering a first-person perspective that is highly engaging. It’s a versatile option, but stability can be an issue, especially during high-impact activities. Consider a secure and adjustable head strap for optimal performance.

• Pros: True first-person perspective, lightweight, relatively unobtrusive.
• Cons: Can be shaky, may not be suitable for all head sizes, limited adjustability in some models.
• Best for: General running, navigating trails, showing exactly where you’re looking.

Helmet Mount

If you prefer wearing a helmet during races, a helmet mount provides a secure and stable platform for your action camera. It’s ideal for capturing a wider field of view and is less prone to shaking compared to a head mount. Ensure the mount is compatible with your helmet type.

• Pros: Very stable, wide field of view, good protection for the camera.
• Cons: Requires a helmet, can be bulky, may not be allowed in all races.
• Best for: Races that require helmets, capturing overall scenery, high-impact activities.

Wrist Mount

A wrist mount allows you to quickly adjust the camera angle and capture unique perspectives. It’s particularly useful for obstacles that require hand dexterity. However, it can be less stable than other mounting options and may interfere with grip.

• Pros: Quick adjustability, unique perspectives, easy to use.
• Cons: Less stable, can interfere with grip, susceptible to damage.
• Best for: Obstacles requiring hand dexterity, capturing close-up action, quick angle adjustments.

Handlebar Mount (for Supported Races)

For OCR events that incorporate cycling or sections where carrying equipment on handlebars is permitted, a handlebar mount is invaluable. These mounts offer secure attachment to handlebars, providing a steady shot during movement. They are designed to absorb vibrations, ensuring the footage remains stable even on rough terrains.

• Pros: Provides a stable platform on handlebars, reduces vibrations for clearer footage, allows hands-free operation.
• Cons: Limited to sections with handlebars, may not be suitable for all types of OCR events, additional weight on the bike.
• Best for: Cycling portions of OCR, events with designated equipment carrying areas, capturing wide landscape shots during movement.

Pole Mount

A pole mount, or extension pole, allows you to capture unique angles and perspectives that would otherwise be impossible. It’s great for getting overhead shots or filming from a distance. However, it can be cumbersome to carry during a race.

• Pros: Unique angles, extended reach, creative filming possibilities.
• Cons: Cumbersome to carry, requires two hands, not suitable for all obstacles.
• Best for: Capturing overhead shots, filming from a distance, showcasing the environment.

Mouth Mount

A mouth mount secures the action camera directly in front of your mouth, offering a unique perspective that simulates your own vision. It’s hands-free and relatively stable, but can be uncomfortable for extended use and may affect breathing.

• Pros: Unique perspective, hands-free operation, relatively stable.
• Cons: Can be uncomfortable, may affect breathing, limited adjustability.
• Best for: Short bursts of filming, capturing a personal perspective, hands-free situations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mount

Selecting the right action camera mount depends on several factors. Consider the following to make an informed decision:

• Durability: The mount must withstand mud, water, and impact. Look for materials like aluminum or high-quality plastic.
• Stability: A stable mount ensures clear, shake-free footage. Test the mount’s stability before the race.
• Comfort: Choose a mount that is comfortable to wear for extended periods. Avoid mounts that restrict movement or cause discomfort.
• Compatibility: Ensure the mount is compatible with your action camera model. Most mounts use a universal adapter, but it’s always best to check.
• Adjustability: A mount with adjustable angles allows you to fine-tune the perspective. This is particularly useful for capturing different types of obstacles.
• Water Resistance: Essential for OCR. The mount should not be affected by water exposure.

Tips for Filming During OCR

Filming during an obstacle course race requires some planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you capture the best possible footage:

• Protect Your Camera: Use a waterproof case to protect your camera from mud and water.
• Charge Your Batteries: Ensure your batteries are fully charged before the race. Consider bringing extra batteries or a portable power bank.
• Clean Your Lens: Regularly clean your lens to remove mud and water droplets.
• Adjust Your Settings: Experiment with different camera settings to find the optimal settings for OCR. Consider using a wide-angle lens and a high frame rate.
• Plan Your Shots: Identify key obstacles you want to film and plan your shots accordingly.
• Stabilize Your Footage: Use video editing software to stabilize shaky footage.