I like to video my rides for blog articles. I chose 360 for perspectives and events I may have missed while riding. It begs the question, “where to put the camera”? Mounting a 360 Camera on a recumbent trike requires consideration for the best results.
View
I want to document my surrounding in 360. The camera must be far enough above my head to give a good view in all directions for this to work. Experience has shown that being too lofty causes problems with low hanging bushes.
Stability
Stability is also an issue. Modern 360 cameras have excellent tools to stabilise and horizon match videos. Being mounted on a recumbent trike was not in the design documents. Every time we push, the trike gives a slight surge in speed. The resulting video records a small swing back and forward if the camera is not firmly mounted. As I mount cameras to other trikes, I will add the results to this blog. Please join my mailing list to be kept informed of updates.
Position on Trike
So, with the camera above my head and firmly mounted. Position one is the front derailleur post. I used that for a standard action camera. It made getting on and off the tadpole trike awkward. It is the best place if you want to be in the frame occasionally – at the cost of loss in rear vision.
Two is one of a pair of kingpins/accessory mounts. It looks like a good spot (and it is for an action camera), but it rotates with the steering. The camera can correct this movement. I have not tried yet—an experiment for the future.
Three is the back of the seat — with the benefit of a stable and 360-degree view. The Greenspeed Magnum BW seat has a vertical tube with an open top. I removed the stopper and added an extension.
Four is the luggage rack. The extension would need to be longer and could suffer from additional flex. As you can see, I have plenty of use for the luggage rack without adding a camera mount.
Camera Extension Pole
You can fit a selfie stick from your camera if you are lucky. I found that the one for my GoPro could too easily unlock and shorten without my aid or permission.
The Magnum seat has a tube with a 20mm (0.8″) inside diameter. I had an old trekking pole that fitted perfectly. Search for a “trekking pole with a camera mount” in Amazon or eBay. One for under $20USD will do. I use the same approach for walking by strapping the trekking pole to my backpack. A monopod is more expensive and would not fit the tube.
Another option is a wooden dowel or a broom handle. Drill a hole and glue or screw a 1/4″ 20 UNC camera screw on top. As a photographer, you probably already have the necessary part.
I use hook-and-loop strapping to hold the pole down until I remove it. It is a sign of my paranoia. I prefer to think of it as “belts and braces”. Cameras are expensive to replace.
Using a quick-release clamp that clips to the mounting rod might be tempting. One problem. The 360 cameras hide a selfie stick, but this does not work if there is an offset. For the same reason, I removed the strap from the trekking pole. Because the mount is close to the camera, it can conceal more view than you would expect.
Camera to Pole Attachment
I also put a smaller quick release on top to take the camera with me when I leave the trike outside the coffee shop. I like one that is sturdy but easy to operate. With the camera so high up, it can be fiddly to use otherwise.
Since the pole and quick release use the standard 1/4″ thread, an Insta360 One (either model) can be directly connected.
The GoPro Max uses the GoPro mounting system. Fortunately, the camera comes with a converter to the standard thread. Keep the adjustable mount in line with the pole for 360 modes. The rod then becomes invisible in the resulting videos.
Coming Up
I will be writing reviews of some 360 cameras and articles on problems I have encountered, creating videos, editing and publishing. Mounting a 360 Camera on a recumbent trike is not that difficult but it will vary from trike to trike. My mailing list can be your friend if you want to be informed. Please let me know what you think in the comments below.