DIY GoPro Car Mount for Epic Road Trips

When it comes to capturing memorable moments on your road trips, a GoPro camera is a great choice. Instead of buying a dedicated dash cam, you can use your GoPro as a car mount to record high-quality footage. In order to do this, you’ll need a GoPro Hero 3 or newer and a dash or windshield mount. There are two main options for mounting your GoPro in your car: adhesive mounts and suction cup mounts. Adhesive mounts are simple to use but have some limitations, while suction cup mounts offer more flexibility and adjustability.

Additionally, you’ll need to provide power to your GoPro during your trip, either through a USB port in your car or a USB adapter for the car’s cigarette lighter. Finally, don’t forget to configure the best settings on your GoPro, including looping video, field of view, and video quality, to ensure you capture the best footage.

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Choosing the Right Mount for Your GoPro Car Mount

When it comes to creating your GoPro car mount, selecting the appropriate mount is crucial. You have two main options: adhesive mounts and suction cup mounts.

Adhesive mounts come included with most GoPro cameras and offer a simple and secure mounting solution. These mounts can be easily attached to your car’s dashboard using the adhesive pad. While adhesive mounts provide stability, they do have limitations in terms of positioning and view.

On the other hand, suction cup mounts are commonly used for dash cams and offer greater flexibility. GoPro’s own Suction Cup Camera Mount, designed specifically for GoPro cameras, is a popular choice among enthusiasts. However, there are also numerous third-party options available on the market. Suction cup mounts allow you to attach your GoPro to your windshield, providing a wider range of adjustability and capturing different angles.

Headrest Mounts

If you want to capture footage from inside the car, headrest mounts are worth considering. These mounts are designed to be attached to the back of the car’s seat, allowing you to record the cabin and the passengers during your road trip.

Choosing the right mount for your GoPro car mount depends on your specific needs and preferences. Assess the type of footage you want to capture and the angles you wish to achieve. Both adhesive mounts and suction cup mounts offer their own advantages, so it’s important to consider the options and select the one that best suits your requirements.

Powering and Configuring Your GoPro Car Mount

To ensure your GoPro car mount is ready for your road trip, it is essential to provide it with a reliable power source. Fortunately, most modern cars are equipped with USB ports that can be used to power your GoPro camera. Simply connect your GoPro to the USB port using a compatible cable, and it will be powered up and ready to capture stunning footage.

If your car does not have a built-in USB port, there is no need to worry. You can easily obtain a USB adapter for your car’s cigarette lighter. This adapter allows you to convert the 12-volt power source into a USB power output, enabling you to charge your GoPro and keep it running continuously throughout your journey.

When configuring your GoPro car mount, it is crucial to optimize the dash cam settings to ensure the best video quality and functionality. Take advantage of the various settings available on your GoPro camera, such as video resolution, frame rate, and field of view, to capture the desired footage. Additionally, consider enabling looping video mode so that your camera automatically records in shorter segments, ensuring you never miss a moment.

Remember to keep the GoPro battery in place while connected to the power source, as it can act as a backup power supply in case of any temporary interruptions to the external power. With the appropriate power source and optimal dash cam settings, your GoPro car mount is ready to document your road trip adventures in stunning detail.

FAQ

Can I use my GoPro as a car mount for recording footage during road trips?

Yes, you can use your GoPro camera as a car mount to capture high-quality footage on your road trips.

What do I need in order to use my GoPro as a car mount?

To use your GoPro as a car mount, you will need a GoPro Hero 3 or newer, a dash or windshield mount, and a power source.

What are the options for mounting my GoPro in my car?

There are two main options for mounting your GoPro in your car: adhesive mounts and suction cup mounts.

How do adhesive mounts work?

Adhesive mounts are simple to use and can be stuck to your dashboard using the adhesive pad provided. They offer a secure mounting option but have some limitations in terms of positioning and view.

What are the advantages of using suction cup mounts?

Suction cup mounts provide more flexibility and adjustability compared to adhesive mounts. They allow you to attach your GoPro to your windshield and offer a wider range of positioning options.

Can I capture footage from inside the cabin of my car?

Yes, there are headrest mounts available that allow you to capture footage from inside the cabin of your car.

How do I provide power to my GoPro during my road trip?

You can provide power to your GoPro by using a USB port in your car or a USB adapter for the car’s cigarette lighter.

What if my car doesn’t have a USB port?

If your car doesn’t have a USB port, you can easily get a USB adapter for the cigarette lighter. This will provide a constant source of power to your GoPro while your vehicle is running.

Should I keep the GoPro battery in place?

Yes, it is recommended to keep the GoPro battery in place as it can serve as a backup power source in case there are any interruptions to the external power supply.

Are there any specific settings I should configure on my GoPro for recording footage in a car?

Yes, it is important to configure the best settings on your GoPro for recording footage in a car. This includes setting looping video, choosing the appropriate field of view, and selecting the desired video quality.