When I’m shooting Kayak Angler’s web show, Hook, Line & Paddle, I’m constantly on the lookout for new angles or weird spots to stick an action camera that will give me a fresh perspective and keep viewers wanting more. I’ve always liked the footage that chest mounts gave me, but the awkward bra-like chest piece that I had to wear was not only super uncomfortable around a PFD, it also just looks weird. Practically any shot of me fishing while wearing the chesty mount, wouldn’t make it into the final cut of the episode.
Until I first tried Peak Design’s Capture POV Action Mount, $69.95, which solved all of my problems. Getting ride of the awkward strap that wraps around your entire body, the Capture POV mount condenses down into a clip system that mounts to any kind of strap. I was able to strap it to the shoulder strap of my PFD, the Molle system on my Mustang PFD, and even my belt to hold my DSLR while at trade shows. Extra points for making me feel like a cowboy with a sixgun on my hip.
The simple quick release system lets you take off the camera in an instant by pressing a button, which allows you to switch one camera to multiple mounts quickly throughout the day, giving the illusion of a multiple camera video shoot. The Capture mount is compatible with nearly any action camera or point and shoot, and there is a tripod mount adapter plate so you can use DSLR cameras or anything else with a tripod thread at its base.
The mount is also clever enough to allow you to pan and tilt the camera while it’s mounted, so you don’t need to awkwardly point your body to get the shot you want, like with more basic chest mounts. I also found the footage smoother than chest mounts with straps, since there is always a little play in the elastic straps, causing them to bounce a little. The footage from the Peak Design mount looked solid and smooth.
A lifetime warranty means you don’t need to worry about beating the mount up and ruining it. It’s also well built and super tough, so you’re unlikely to even need the warranty.
For more information about Peak Design, or their Capture mount, check out their website, PeakDesign.com.
