A camcorder that clips on to things?

Question

Hello you guys out there! I was wondering, you know on some guitar/stringed instrument videos you get a camera looking down the neck of the instrument? Well i'm looking for either a camcorder or just a clip that screws onto the camcorder. Do you know where I can get one/if there is such thing. Also, I don't mind shipping from abroad but I'd prefer it if it was from england! Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

You are talking about a flexible tripod.  The most common names are Gorillapod, Gripper, and Gripster.  You can find them online, and you should also be able to now find them in your local department, electronics, and specialty stores.

The guitar shot you described can be made made using consumer level camcorder on a flexible tripod, but this is not how this shot is normally achieved.  The design of the flexible tripod usually holds the camera out to far from the strings, and it can wobble as the guitar is moved.  Most flexible tripods are not designed to hold a video camera steady on a moving object.

Most of the time, this shot is quickly and cheaply made with a compact consumer camcorder sitting on the Head or Headstock.  The camera is simply held securely with a one or two tight wraps of gaffer's tape.  This set up is much less likely to wobble versus the flexible tripod setup.

You can also get the same shot with a high quality webcam.  Attach the webcam to the Headstock with a C47 (clothespin), the clip on the webcam, or gaffer's tape.  Connect the webcam's cable to a laptop (or desktop).  Start your video editing program, and record all the video you need.

Filmmaking does not have to be neat to get a great shot.  In reality, if you ever see a behind the scenes shot of a film crew filming your favorite scenes, it looks like c**p compared to what the camera is filming.  Plus, the more devices you purchase for a particular need is more money spent to get the same shot you could have achieved with what you already have around you for free.  Most camera attachments and camera positions are usually custom made on the spot as needed with what you have available.  Every good camera operator carries several clamps of different sizes, gaffer's tape, bungie cords, and high tensile lanyards for securing cameras of various weight and other related equipment to almost anything.

Every filmmaker understands being creative with your script and perspective. Don't be afraid to be creative about your camera and equipment setup too.