Capture Stunning POV Car Shots Using a Suction Mount
If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing buttery-smooth, immersive POV shots from your car—but felt paralyzed by fear that your expensive gear might go flying off your hood—you’re not alone.
I’ve been there.
In fact, that anxiety was real for me the moment I strapped my Canon R6 Mark II to the hood of my car using the NEEWER Suction Cup Mount CA013. I had one question running through my head: “Is this $50 mount really strong enough to hold a $4,000 setup while I’m driving?”
Spoiler: It held up. And then some.
But there’s a lot more to this story—so let’s break it down. Whether you’re a filmmaker craving dynamic car shots or a content creator looking for unique camera angles that your tripod can’t give you, this guide will walk you through how to use the NEEWER Suction Mount properly, what to watch out for, and how to get the most cinematic shots with confidence.
Why POV Car Shots Are Worth the Risk
POV (Point-of-View) car shots have this magical way of immersing your viewer. Whether you're cruising through downtown, navigating a forest road, or just adding cinematic flair to a client shoot, these shots can instantly elevate your content.
But the real challenge? Securing your camera in a way that’s both safe and flexible. That’s where suction mounts come into play—especially the kind that promise professional-level stability without breaking your budget.
First Impressions: NEEWER CA013 Suction Mount Build Quality
Let’s start with the basics. This $50 mount surprised me.
Material: Lightweight aluminum alloy that feels way more premium than the price tag.
Mounting Points: Multiple 1/4” and 3/8” screw holes plus Arri locating pins—ideal for serious setups.
Size: A hefty 6-inch suction diameter that screams “grip strength.”
Bonus: Comes with screw adapters and a protective cover to keep the base clean.
It feels like a tool that belongs in a pro’s kit—until you try the included magic arm. More on that in a minute.
Putting It to the Test: Strength & Stability
Moving Vehicle Test
I strapped my Canon R6 Mark II + 24–105mm f/4 lens (roughly 4 lbs) to the hood and drove around at moderate speeds (under 50mph on smooth roads). Technically, the mount is rated for up to 11 lbs in motion, but only under those calm, non-bumpy conditions.
Did it hold?
Yes. Perfectly.
But I’m not going to lie—watching thousands of dollars ride shotgun on a single suction cup? Nerve-wracking.
Static Surface Test
On walls or windows, it’s even more impressive—rated to hold up to 111 lbs. That opens the door to a ton of creative static setups: side angles, overhead shots, BTS footage on windows—you name it.
How to Use the Suction Mount (The Right Way)
You can’t just slap this thing on and go. Here’s a breakdown of proper use:
✅ Surface Prep
Only attach it to smooth, dust-free surfaces like glass, metal, wood, or ceramic.
Wipe the area clean beforehand to ensure strong suction.
✅ Mounting Process
Press firmly against the surface.
Pump the lever until a white line on the plunger disappears.
Double-check suction strength before mounting your camera.
✅ Recommended Setup
Skip the included magic arm. It’s flimsy and not confidence-inspiring.
Instead, swap in a quality ball head or heavy-duty arm for a much more secure and adjustable setup.
What’s Not So Great: 3 Key Limitations
Even the best budget gear has trade-offs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. ❌ The Magic Arm is... Not It
It works, technically. But:
It’s hard to tighten securely.
It doesn’t inspire trust with heavier setups.
I switched to a better mount mid-test. You should too.
2. ❌ No Shock Absorption
There’s no built-in dampening, so you’ll see camera shake—especially on bumpy roads.
Tip: Cameras without image stabilization may actually perform better since there's no constant counter-jitter.
3. ❌ Risky With Heavy Rigs
If you’re mounting a cinema rig or a cage-heavy mirrorless setup, this single cup design isn’t ideal. Consider a triple suction system for safer, more stable results.
Final Verdict: Should You Get It?
For $50? Absolutely—if you use it smartly.
✅ It’s great for:
Action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo)
Light mirrorless cameras on safe, smooth roads
Creative static angles on windows and walls
Budget-conscious filmmakers looking for new perspectives
🚫 Not great for:
Off-roading footage
Large cinema rigs
Anyone relying on the included magic arm
Pro Tip: If you buy it, also invest in a better mounting arm and always test your setup close to the ground before mounting it high or on moving vehicles.
Ready to Try It?
Would you trust your camera to a $50 suction mount? I did—and I’m glad I did.
Just be smart, test before you trust, and get ready for some seriously cinematic POV shots.
👉 Check out the NEEWER CA013 here: https://amzn.to/4cHNAXw
Thanks for reading—and if you're into practical gear reviews like this, check out the full playlist on filmmaking gear I’ve tested. Let’s make something epic.
