Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
A hi hat is a low-profile camera mounting device used to place a camera extremely close to the ground or another flat surface. It typically consists of a metal camera plate or bowl adapter that can be screwed directly onto a piece of wood, plywood, or speed rail, allowing the camera to sit far lower than it would on standard tripod legs.
Hi hats are used when traditional support systems are too tall or bulky. They are a staple of professional camera departments for achieving very low-angle shots while maintaining stability and precise camera control.
Role in Cinematography
The role of a hi hat is access. It allows the camera to occupy physical positions that would otherwise be impossible, particularly shots that need to feel grounded, imposing, or spatially constrained.
Hi hats are commonly used for floor-level perspectives, dramatic low angles, shots under furniture, vehicle interiors, and tight architectural spaces. They are also used when the visual language of a scene calls for a camera height that feels embedded in the environment rather than observer-like.
Because they remove the visual and physical footprint of tripod legs, hi hats enable cleaner compositions in confined spaces.
Construction and Variations
A hi hat typically consists of a flat mounting plate with a Mitchell, bowl, or flat-base interface for the camera head. Many hi hats are designed to be screwed or bolted into wood, allowing custom platforms to be built to suit the shot.
Some versions are purpose-built metal units, while others are improvised using camera plates and plywood. The defining characteristic is not the material, but the minimal height and rigid mounting.
Hi hats may be combined with wedges, shims, or leveling solutions to fine-tune camera angle when used on uneven surfaces.
Use on Set
Hi hats are placed directly on the ground, floor, or other stable surface. They may also be mounted to apple boxes, platforms, or custom-built rigs when a precise but still very low height is required.
Because there are no legs, all leveling and framing adjustments must be handled through the head or the mounting surface itself. This makes setup slightly slower but far more flexible in tight environments.
Hi hats are frequently used in conjunction with sandbags, cribbing, or screws to ensure the mount cannot shift during a take.
Stability and Safety
Stability is critical when using a hi hat. Since the camera sits close to the ground, even small shifts can be noticeable. Securing the hi hat to a solid surface is standard practice, especially when supporting heavier camera builds.
Trip hazards are also a concern. Hi hats are low and easy to overlook, so clear communication and awareness are important when they are placed in walkways or high-traffic areas.
Despite their simplicity, hi hats are considered professional-grade support and are treated with the same care as larger camera rigs.
Hi Hat vs Low Tripod
A hi hat differs from a low tripod in both height and footprint. Even low tripods have legs that introduce minimum height, spread, and obstruction. A hi hat removes those constraints entirely.
Low tripods are faster to adjust and reposition, while hi hats offer lower camera placement and greater flexibility in tight spaces. The choice depends on the physical limits of the location and the framing requirements of the shot.
In many cases, a hi hat is the only viable option.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that hi hats are improvised or non-standard tools. In reality, they are a normal part of professional camera support systems.
Another misconception is that they are only used for stylistic shots. Hi hats are often used out of necessity rather than aesthetic preference.
It is also incorrect to assume that hi hats are less stable than tripods. When properly secured, they can be extremely solid.
Why Hi Hats Matter
Hi hats expand what is physically possible with camera placement. They enable shots that would otherwise require complex rigging or compromise framing.
Understanding hi hats allows filmmakers to solve spatial problems cleanly and efficiently. They are a reminder that camera support is about adaptability, not just elevation.
When used correctly, a hi hat disappears completely, leaving only the perspective it enables. That invisibility is precisely why it remains an essential tool.
Related Terms
[Tripod] A three-legged camera support used for stable, elevated mounting.
[Low Angle Shot] A shot framed from below the subject’s eye level.
[Apple Box] A wooden box used on set for elevation and support.
[Camera Plate] A flat mounting interface used to attach cameras to support systems.
[Cribbing] Stacked wood used to build stable platforms or supports.