Background:
I've been running a MiniDV camcorder as a
dash cam on nearly every trail run I go one. I have a RAM
mount attached to the dash bar of my Rockhard sport cage
for camera mounting. I've a big fan of the RAM accessories
and use them to mount my GPS to the sport cage. I also use
RAM mounts when I run the GPS on my DRZ400. I bought all
the RAM parts from a local supplier in Seattle that caters
to the off highway community: www.cycoactive.com
On the last two trail runs I've been on (January
2008) I realized the nuisance it was to get the camera angle
dialed in when at various zoom levels. I also often wanted
to pan side to side to catch some action of the rigs in
front of me when on curved sections of trail or road. With
the RAM mount, once you loosen the clamp on the arm, the
camera moves where ever gravity takes it unless you hold
on to it, so it's a two handed operation, and a hassle.The
thought of being able to do all this ONE HANDED sounded
appealing. Then the idea hit me... I needed a tripod head!!
I found a few heads that were ball mount and
thought they would adapt right in to the RAM arm, but they
didn't have tilt or swivel capabilities, so that option
was out. They offered a quick releaze plate and that was
about it.
I tracked down a few REAL tripod heads (that
offered swivel, etc.), but they were all too big and bulky,
not to mention expensive. Finding a compact head proved
to be quite a challenge.
I
looked at my collection of tripods and thought maybe I could
take the head off one of them. That was a no-go as well
because they were press fit and crimped in place. After
some more online searching and refining my serach phrases
I eventually found the perfect unit, which cost $45.00 including
$5.00 for shipping. Once I found it I didn't even hesitate
to order it. It's a SLIK brand head, item number SH704E
