An E-Z Mount for a New Pocket Video Camera

I just recieved a new Kodak Zx1 camera. During my initial trials, I wanted to alternate between tripod shots and hand-held shots. It is a little tricky to mount and dismount the camera on a tripod each time which is just the nature of the beast, I guess. So I thought about it for a while, and decided to make a mount where I could just slide the camera in and out, and save that little bit of time and effort. By changing dimensions of the mount, it can be adaptable for most cameras.

Step 1: Draw Out a Plan to Follow

By laying the camera on a piece of cardboard, I could judge the dimensions of my mount. I measured the thickness of the camera with a ruler, so that I could include these dimensions in my plan.

Step 2: Cut and Score Cardboard for the Mount

Cardboard fits the bill very well, is easy to work with, and is plentiful...This is a very light camera, so major strength is not a consideration. To cut out the piece, I just used a ruler and cut with a box cutter knife.

Step 3: Make Hole for the Mounting Screw

See pictures for the result of making the hole. I just used a paper punch that was 1/4in. in diameter.

Step 4: Strenghten Bottom of Mount With Additional Cardboard

Here, I used traditional cardboard (as opposed to corrugated) for the additional strength I thought was needed. There shouldn't be too much stress on this opening, but wanted to be sure. The hole has to be punched in this added piece as well, so I just put it in place on the mount to be sure the holes lined up perfectly.

Step 5: Tape and Glue Mount in Final Configuration

After mount is cut out and punched for the mounting screw, tape and glue as shown in the image notes.

Step 6: Use a Nut to Secure Mount to Tripod

The nut used is a standard 1/4 inch nut, easy to find at the store.

Step 7: Make Safety or Keeper Strap(s) From Cardboard

In this step, it's much easier to just use a rubber band to hold the camera in the mount. I like the idea of a sliding strap, so made a couple from cardboard as well.

Step 8: Place Mount on Tripod and Install Camera.

Once the mount is bolted on the tripod, it is simply a matter of sliding the camera in and out of the box when you want to use it in the hand held mode. Again, it is a small savings in time and effort, but worth the time devoted to this project. As anyone who uses a tripod can testify, video quality is vastly improved by doing so. Also allows for easy self portraits, group photos with you in the shot, and/or as a second pair of hands during other photo shoots.