P.O.V. (Point of View) Camera Technology Explained

A point-of-view camera (also known as P.O.V., or POV, or subjective camera) is a simply a terminology that notes a style of filming with camera angles recording the scene from a particular rider or driver viewpoint.

Filming point-of-view shot has become increasingly popular as motorsports enthusiasts seek to gather objective recordings of their viewpoint during riding or racing.   Aside from sentimental values, when replayed or edited for inclusion in films, the audience is given the impression they are in the position of the rider or racer. The recording viewer sees the footage from the rider/racer viewpoint, as if right alongside him or her during the filming.

The technique of filming POV during outdoor activities such as mountain biking, motorcycle or ATV riding and racing, and even trophy truck racing, is now one of the foundations of contemporary action sports film editing.

The footage and editing of the POV shot within a sequence of shots determines the POV.   Camera quality, placement, editing, and special effects all contribute to the impact of a particular POV shot or sequence, and the subsequent experience of the viewer.

Traditionally POV filming on a consumer level has always faced problems with usability, due to combining various cameras, lenses, microphones, and batteries with recording units.   This typically resulted in a mass of cables, and inadequate camera mounting, which proved highly cumbersome.

Increasingly rapid advancements in microelectronics and video capture technology have led to high quality, high definition, reliable, compact and portable systems.

Motovideo offers a wide range of cameras, mounts, and accessories for your personal filming or digital video production needs.