Mount DSLR to R/C car

[Bobonli]

Has anyone mounted their DSLR to a remote control car for video work?

I'm looking to mount my 7D and 50mm lens to a car. Camera and lens weigh about 3.5 lbs. I know I'll need to mod the chasis a bit to include a mount, but I'm not sure what size R/C car I should be shopping for.

At 2:03 in this clip, you can see roughly what I have in mind: a plate added to the chasis to mount the cam to:
http://www.petapixel.com/2010/04/05/nissan-shoots-rc-cars-with-rc-cameras/

If anyone has done this, I'd appreciate some advise on vehicle selection. My first thought was a tank, but the hobby shop owner said the suspension on those is insufficient to support the weight of the camera.

Thanks
Bob

 

[Calomile]

I remember having a very large monster truck style RC car as a kid that would have been perfect for these purposes. It had a VERY large suspension travel, as it was designed to be driven on sand dunes and off roading on small ramps and hills.

I think as long as the suspension is quite tough and has enough travel any type of car should work, but I'd suggest going with an off road style car. They're a lot tougher and rugged than drifting/road car models.

 

[vitalitystudios]

look in to a traxxas emaxx they have great suspension and power dual motors and 4 wheel drive we taped a hi8 camera to an added roll cage to see how it look. was fun till we rolled the car on a turn and fliped it and cracked the lens. No big deal it was a cheap camera any ways.I would be very careful loading that much weight to the top of the car.

 

[Bobonli]

look in to a traxxas emaxx they have great suspension and power dual motors and 4 wheel drive we taped a hi8 camera to an added roll cage to see how it look. was fun till we rolled the car on a turn and fliped it and cracked the lens. No big deal it was a cheap camera any ways.I would be very careful loading that much weight to the top of the car.

I returned to my hobby store today. The Emaxx indeed bears the load without any issue. The center of gravity (height) will be the issue. I dont intend on doing anything rough at first; flat ground for sure with the 7d as I cannot afford to trash it. Will probably trial it with a smaller point and shoot at first.