Abstract: The present invention is a camera stand for use by a professional photographer in connection with a camera or a flash unit bracket having the camera mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the camera stand comprises a mounting surface adapted to securely engage with a camera or a corresponding mounting surface of a flash unit bracket having a camera and flash unit mounted thereon. The camera stand further comprises first and second leg members extending downward from the mounting surface. The camera stand further comprises a multi-purpose leg member extending downward from the mounting surface. The multi-purpose leg member comprises an upper portion connected to the mounting surface and a lower portion engageable with a work surface such as a table or desk. The multi-purpose leg member further comprises a hand grip portion positioned substantially below the mounting surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast-deployable light-weight tripod, comprising a center support for supporting a load, provided with three peripheral hinge members, three multi-stage telescoping leg assemblies each attached to one of the hinge members, each leg assembly comprising at least two compression-resistant members interconnected by a telescopic joint, at least one cam locking unit associated with each telescopic joint, each locking unit having a first engaged position preventing relative axial movement which would shorten the length of the leg assembly, and a second disengaged position wherein the assemblies are free to move in either axial direction, each locking unit being urged towards its engaged position for automatic locking of the tripod in its deployed position with the cam locking being effected by pressure on the cam unit from its associated extended leg; and further comprising a hand accessible release element for each leg assembly for independently releasing the at least one cam locking unit as

Abstract: A camera positioning system comprising a track having two parallel outer rails and a center rail, a self-propelled camera positioning device comprising a chassis configured to support a camera, wheels coupled to the chassis for riding on the outer rails of the track, and a drive unit for propelling the chassis along the track, said drive means comprising at least one roller coupled to the chassis for engaging the center rail of the track, and a motor for rotating said at least one roller against the center rail, thereby positioning the chassis along the track; and a control logic for controlling the drive unit.

Abstract: A stabilized platform system for isolating a payload from angular motions of a supporting structure has a base assembly securable to a supporting structure, and a payload stabilizing assembly carried by the base assembly and mounted for angular movement relative thereto about two or more separate axes. At least one of the axes is non-orthogonal with respect to another of the axes and mounted for limited angular movement relative to the base assembly, and the axes have extensions which meet at a common point.

Abstract: An adjustable camera support comprises a lower pistol grip clamp for rapidly securing the support to an object, a flexible intermediate gooseneck portion for adjusting the camera as determined and an upper platform support for mounting the camera. The platform support includes adjusting mechanisms for moving the camera vertically through 180° and horizontally through 360°. A wide range of adjustments for camera sightings is achieved expeditiously by the gooseneck portion and the platform adjustment.

Abstract: An improved quick-release coupling for a tripod panhead and the like includes a base (1) (see FIGS. 3 & 4) and a releasable shoe (2). The base is attached to the shoe by manually depressing a locking button (5) against the force of compression spring (7), which allows locking ball (6) to retract into groove (5b) of the locking button, and then further depressing a fixing/releasing button (3) against force of a compression spring (8), so that retaining screw (4) retracts into the base and allows the shoe to be placed over the base flat area (1b). When manual pressure on the fixing/releasing button is released, the retaining screw moves outward by the force of the compression spring, and together with the stationary retaining screws (4a), engage appropriate concavities in the interior wall of the recess of the shoe.

Abstract: A camera crane arm has a frame pivotally supporting a central beam section. Outer beam sections are attached to and spaced apart from the central beam section. A leveling system is externally attached to the frame and pivotally linked to a camera platform, to maintain the platform in a level orientation, as the crane arm is pivoted up and down, to adjust camera lens height. The crane arm is formed of sections having vertically offset ends, to reduce sagging. The sections have a high moment of inertia but low weight, and can be assembled without force.

Abstract: Optical image sensor mounting apparatus to mount an image sensor to a mount structure includes a frame with a pivot coupling and X-Y translation apparatus interconnecting the frame to the mount structure. The pivot coupling is operable to set the angular displacement between the frame and the mount structure and the X-Y translation apparatus is operable to set the translational displacement between the frame and the mount structure. A rotational coupling interconnecting the frame to the mount structure can also be provide, the rotational coupling operable to set the rotational displacement between the frame and the mount structure.

Abstract: In a panhead device (1) which supports an image sensing apparatus (100) on a panhead (2) and pivots the image sensing apparatus (100) in the pan or tilt direction, a pan pivot shaft (43) stands upright on a base (49) of the device, and a tilt pivot shaft (25) is horizontally disposed above that shaft. The shaft (25) is disposed to be offset in front of the shaft (43). Principal constituting members of a tilting mechanism are disposed behind the shaft (25).

Abstract: A quick-release device that accommodates an interface connection between a camera and a support having a base plate (32) and a release plate (12) that has a predetermined configuration (21) (22) to allow for a locking plate (14), a detent pin (36), and a clamping block (34) that, when used in combination, provides for a quick, reliable and rigid joining of a camera and support device.

Abstract: A portable camera support system (10) has a tubular main support body (14) extending along a generally vertical axis between an upper end (18) and a lower end (16) for movably supporting a motion picture camera (12). The support system (10) is adapted for operational use supporting the camera (12) in both a lower camera mode of operation and an upper camera mode of operation. In the lower mode, a camera yoke assembly (54) is pivotally coupled to the lower end (16) of the main support body (14) and maintained at the lowermost position. The yoke assembly (54) is adapted to pivotally support the camera (12) about its sides and thus eliminate the traditional base mounting. A power supply assembly (38) and operator handle (48) are supported along the length of the main support body (14). The system (10) is balanced so that the handle (48) is aligned with the center of gravity of the components. A camera cage support system (104) also supports the camera (12) from the sides without need for a base support.

Abstract: An image blur correcting apparatus is controlled in accordance with panhead data signals received from a panhead apparatus to save energy while compensating the performance of the panhead apparatus with an image blur correcting function of the image blur correcting apparatus. The panhead apparatus outputs a variety of panhead data signals such as a panhead identification signal representing the type of the panhead apparatus, a signal representing the panning or tilting operation, a signal representing a panning or tilting speed, and a signal representing a panning or tilting position. The image blur correcting apparatus receives the panhead data signals through a signal transmission part, and automatically turns on or off the image blur correcting function and adjusts a sensitivity, in accordance with the performance of the panhead apparatus and the panning/tilting speed and/or positions.

Abstract: A two-way interactive system that includes an apparatus for matching the line of sight of interlocutors in order to enhance communication through a transmission means when the interlocutors are located in remote areas. Terminal equipment, located at the site of each interlocutor, includes a display unit, a position regulator means and an image pickup apparatus. The display unit includes a monitor that displays an image of a partner interlocutor. The position regulating means regulates the position of the interlocutor with respect to the monitor. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit which captures an image of the interlocutors and a support means which sets the image pickup unit in a predetermined position between the interlocutor and a monitor of the display unit.

Abstract: An improved bracket for connecting a camera mount to rectangular supports for headrests in automobiles is disclosed. A camera support having extendable telescopic legs for bearing against a surface in the automobile provides improved support for larger, heavier cameras supported on the camera mount for recording images during operation of the automobile. A cushion pad attaches to a front or rear face of the camera mount, for example, to guard against bruises to a person operating the camera in a back seat of the automobile. Improved pivotable supports for the camera are also disclosed, whereby the camera is selectively positioned at a horizontal angle for recording images.

Abstract: A tripod, which includes a tubular center post, a socket mounted on the center post, a plug cap fastened to the socket to secure a holder frame, a left side cover and a right side cover fastened to the holder frame to hold a platform, and a bush mounted on a cylindrical coupling portion of the holder frame and secured to the left side cover by a clamp and an adjustment screw to stop the holder frame from displacement relative to the left side cover, wherein the socket has a collar stopped above the tubular center post, two coupling spring strips plugged into the tubular center post, two raised positioning portions provided at the coupling spring strips and respectively forced into engagement with a respective positioning hole at the tubular center post, and a plurality of positioning holes spaced above the collar; the plug cap has a plurality of springy plug strips respectively plugged into the socket, and a plurality of raised positioning portions respectively provided at the springy plug strips and forced i

Abstract: A leveling head for a camera has four jacking screws attached to a base plate. A ring is pivotably attached to a hub on the base plate. A top plate is pivotably attached to the ring and supported on the jacking screws. The top plate can pivot along two perpendicular axes relative to the base plate, to provide a level mounting surface for a camera. A spring on the base plate pushes the top plate upwardly, to partially counterbalance the weight of the camera, to reduce the turning force needed on the jacking screws.

Abstract: A camera support device for elevating a camera above its operator. The device provides a stable support and allows the operator to manually control the camera's field of view. The device comprises a support base, a rotatable telescoping pole and a tiltable camera mount at the top of the pole that may be manually controlled. The tilt control of the camera mount is preferably provided by a spring lever which biases the camera platform to rotate forward. A cable is attached to the camera mount and is used to apply resistance to the spring lever and to rotate the camera backwards. The lower end of the cable is attached to a control arm connected to the pole at a location that is accessible by the operator. The camera's field of view may be manually raised or lowered by lowering or raising the control wire respectively. In addition, the camera may be manually panned left or right by rotating the pole accordingly.

Abstract: A cable drive apparatus is presented which has minimal cable slippage and backlash. Such a cable drive is particularly well suited for systems requiring accurate positioning and repositioning capabilities, such as motorized camera orientation systems. To achieve minimal slippage on a cable driven pulley, one or more positioning balls are located at fixed locations on the cable, and corresponding positioning holes are located on either pulley. Tensioning means are also provided to remove slack, to minimize the backlash which may result from the stretching of the cable over time. A two pulley system is presented wherein the cable is fixedly attached to one pulley, travels over the other pulley which has the slippage constraining positioning holes, and then to tensioning means which also fixedly attached to the first pulley.

Abstract: A camera flash bracket comprising a rotary bracket on which the camera may be mounted, an "L" arm rotatably connected to the rotary bracket, a flash arm fixedly connected to the "L" arm for supporting a flash, means, with at least a portion of said means connected between said "L" arm and said rotary bracket for rotating the flash arm relative to the camera and means, with at least a portion of said means interposed between said rotary bracket and said "L" arm, for fixedly securing the flash in one of two predetermined positions with respect to a camera.

Abstract: A mounting system for minimizing pointing error in image capture equipment having a first support member rotatable about a first axis and a second support member rotatable about a second axis, the second support member including an adjustable mount allowing the image capture equipment mounted to be positioned so that the center of mass of structure rotatable about the second axis is on the second axis, and the first support member includes an adjustable positioner allowing the second support member position to be adjusted along the second axis so that the center of mass of structure rotatable about the first axis is on the first axis, and further including two hand grips carried by the second support member and positioned equidistant from the second axis of rotation and on a line passing through the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A pan-tilt unit for positioning or aiming a device requiring motion control, such as a videoconferencing or surveillance camera. The pan-tilt unit includes a base, a rotatable pan platform and a rotatable tilt bed for supporting and selectively orienting the device in a desired direction. The pan platform is rotatably supported on the base about a pan axis, and the tilt bed is rotatably supported on the pan platform about a tilt axis that is transverse to the pan axis. A pan motor and a tilt motor drive the pan platform and the tilt bed in response to control signals that may be provided to the unit across a communication network. The motors may be mounted on the unit to remain stationary relative to the base during panning and tilting operations. The motors may be controlled to rotate in opposite directions to maintain the tilt bed at a fixed tilt angle as the pan platform is rotated about the pan axis.

Abstract: An image input apparatus includes a camera unit for converting image information from an optical system into an electrical signal and outputting the electrical signal, a pan head having a control mechanism for at least two axes, a sensor for detecting the attitude of the image input apparatus, and a controller for controlling the control mechanism of the pan head on the basis of the attitude of the image input apparatus detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A monopod body is constructed such that inside pipes having smaller diameters sequentially are extensibly inserted into an outside pipe in a telescopic fashion and a bracket to which a panhead is attached is fitted into the upper end of the outside pipe. Two auxiliary legs whose lengths are substantially equal to the shortest length of the monopod body when the monopod body is contracted most are pivotally attached to the bracket so that the two auxiliary legs can be rotated with an inclination of a predetermined angle. Therefore, the monopod for supporting a camera or the like can be served also as a tripod.

Abstract: A stand assembly maintains an optical device at a location spaced from a stand assembly supporting surface wherein the optical device includes a lens system and a longitudinal image axis extending through an objective lens disposed at a distal end of the lens system. The stand assembly comprises a support base member, a plurality of leg members each having one end thereof mounted to one side of the support base member. The support base member is effective to carry the optical device on a side opposite the leg members. The base member includes a device support surface on the side opposite the leg members, and has two opposed outer free end sections and two opposed edge portions extending along the device support surface.

Abstract: A camera crane arm has a frame pivotally supporting a central beam section. Outer beam sections are attached to and spaced apart from the central beam section. A leveling system is externally attached to the frame and pivotally linked to a camera platform, to maintain the platform in a level orientation, as the crane arm is pivoted up and down, to adjust camera lens height. The crane arm is formed of sections having vertically offset ends, to reduce sagging. The sections have a high moment of inertia but low weight, and can be assembled without force.

Abstract: A camera tripod for receiving a camera, the camera tripod comprises: a tripod foundation for providing a structure on which the camera may be disposed; a voice receiving mechanism disposed on said tripod foundation for receiving vocal instructions; a speech recognition system disposed in the foundation for recognizing the vocal instructions, and for initiating signals to the camera for implementation of the received vocal instruction.

Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a camera by an operator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises camera crane member that mounts the camera. The camera crane member will have a first end containing a camera platform. Also included will be the pan and tilt head member, operatively attached to the camera platform, that is adapted for panning and tilting the camera. The device further includes an upper arm plate extending from the pan/tilt head member, with the upper arm plate adapted to mount the camera. The device also contains a first rod and a second rod that extends from the camera crane, and a swivel component, operatively attached to the second end of the first rod of the mounting rod, for swiveling the second rod. The device will also contain a vertical arm that is attached to the upper arm plate that extends vertically downward.

Abstract: An optical image matching apparatus and method of use, including mechanism for mounting an optical instrument, mechanism for syncromoniously moving a plurality of optical instruments, said mechanism further including mechanism for fixedly connecting two optical instruments and mechanism for moving the connecting mechanism, and mechanism for altering the rate of rotation of each optical instrument with respect to other optical instruments.

Abstract: A support bracket or camera tripod mount serves to support a camera tripod by attachment to a center post of the tripod and to allow the tripod with camera attached to be hung from a vertical structure such as a fence. The support bracket includes a crosspiece member which is approximately horizontal in use, first leg portions extending in parallel, perpendicular to the cross-piece member to first elbows. Intermediate leg portions are connected to each of the first elbows which may rotate relative to the first leg portions. Distal leg portions extend in parallel to the first leg portions and are fixed to ends of the intermediate leg portions through second elbows. A set screw fitting is provided in each of the first elbows for locking the intermediate leg and distal leg portions against rotation. A connecting member extends perpendicular from the cross-piece member to a post bracket for attachment to the center post of a camera tripod.

Abstract: A topological panorama camera has a track or other system upon which a linescan camera can move in one, two or three dimensions while recording the image of an object. The path, speed, acceleration and direction of the linescan camera can be controlled, as can the path, speed, acceleration and direction of the object. Further, the scan rate of the camera and the orientation of the scan can be controlled. These factors allow the user to record an image of an object which change many of the properties of the object. The relative motion of the linescan camera and the object allows a student to create images which change properties of an object from one geometry to another.

Abstract: An assembly for holding a camera comprising a first section including two flat portions, a sleeve portion from which the flat portions extend so as to enable movement of the sleeve portion, a first and a second pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from an end of each flat portion, a platform slidable supported by the first pair of tubes, a double clamp slidable supported by the second pair of tubes, a second section including a substantially flat upright, a first pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from a lower end of the upright, a double clamp separating the ends of the first pair of tubes, a second pair of tubes extending perpendicularly from the double clamp, the first section being connected with the second section so as to enable relative rotation between the sections.

Abstract: A moveable lens apparatus for digital camera includes a CCD lens set, a first motion mechanism having a bracket pivotally holding the lens set and a first gear set for driving the bracket and the lens set to rotate left or right angularly, and a second motion mechanism having a guide slidably engageable with a rear end of the lens set, a gear rack vertically attached to the guide and a second gear set for driving the gear rack and the guide up or down so that the lens set may be swung pivotally up or down. The first and second gear set may be actuated manually or by motors. The lens set thus may be moved and rotated smoothly and precisely without a user's hand directly touching the lens set.

Abstract: A fixed-position, but manually adjustable, video camera mounting assembly employs frictional bearing elements in place of ball bearings that are present in a corresponding motor-driven remotely controllable movable mounting assembly. The frictional bearing elements are endless toroidal coil springs which provide durability and satisfactory performance over a wide range of temperatures. The endless coil springs are fashioned from linear springs which have an open end and an opposed reduced-diameter end which is pluggable into the open end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing a three-hundred and sixty degree spherical visual data set using at least one lens. The lens encompasses a field of view of not less than one-hundred and eighty degrees. The field of view is represented by a hemisphere defined by a half-space which is, in turn, defined by a first plane having an origin point through which a vertical axis of the plane extends. The apparatus includes a mounting support member and a plumbing device. The mounting support member positions at least one camera having the at least one lens. The mounting support member is aligned with the vertical axis and rotatable in first and second directions through at least one-hundred and eighty degrees from a first position to a second position. The plumbing device is mounted to one of the camera, lens and mounting means and maintains the vertical axis plumb.

Abstract: An extendable device mountable on a cargo rack of an all-terrain vehicle for supporting a camera or spotting scope and adjustable to secure the camera or spotting scope in a raised operative position above the rack or in a collapsed non-operative stored position proximate the rack. The device includes a base mounting plate for removable attachment of the device to a cargo rack of an all-terrain vehicle, a lower support arm having its lower end pivotally and rotatably connected by a ball joint to the base plate, an upper support arm having its lower end pivotally and rotatably connected to the upper end of the lower support arm by a ball joint, and a top mounting plate pivotally attached to the upper end of the upper support arm by a pivot joint for attachment to and support of a camera or spotting scope.

Abstract: A panoramic support for a camera having a rotatable indexing head used to rotate the camera the same angle between successive image recordings in order to obtain a series of recorded images that can be combined to provide a comprehensive panoramic image, is characterized in that the rotatable indexing head is adapted to support the camera alternatively in a horizontal orientation for making horizontal-format recorded images and in a vertical orientation for making vertical-format recorded images, and includes respective angle indicators for rotating the camera one angle between each horizontal-format image recording and another angle between each vertical-format image recording.

Abstract: An object photographer and corresponding method are disclosed that enable the capturing images of an object for later electronic stitching. The photographer has an object stand, which rotates the object to be photographed, and a camera frame, which supports a camera to swing through an arc around the object. To facilitate stitching, the height of the object stand is adjustable so that the object coincides with an axis of rotation of the camera frame. Further, the camera is preferably mounted on an adjustable bracket to enable adjustments in the height of the camera relative to the camera frame. At least one counter weight mechanism is preferably used to balance the camera frame for smooth pivoting motion.

Abstract: A manually operated camera float device for achieving movement-free video camera shots. This device attaches to a camera boom and is comprised of a first frame member and a second frame member, the first frame member having a platform for coupling a camera upon. The second frame member rotatably couples to the camera boom and the first frame member rotates in a swinging arc in relation to the second frame member. The first frame member rotates as a result of a system of pulleys communicating by a drive belt, in a first embodiment. In a second embodiment, a system of tie rods allows the first frame member to rotate. In a third embodiment a system of gears allow rotation of the first frame member. In operation, the camera float device operates in conjunction with a camera boom for allowing the camera to be floated in a three-dimensional environment through simple manual manipulation.

Abstract: A pan/tilt device consists of a pan motor and a tilt motor on a motor mount structure, a camera mount structure rotatable by the pan motor about the pan axis, a camera bracket on the camera mount structure rotatable by the tilt motor along the tilt axis. A pair of concentric drive shafts extend from the motor mount structure to the camera mount structure to accomplish the pan and tilt functions. The pan/tilt device is capable of remote operation over a computer network.

Abstract: A vehicular camera mount is supported on the exterior of a vehicle door and includes a series of vacuum mounts adjacent the edge of the vehicle door. A horizontal beam comprising upper and lower horizontal supports connects the vacuum mounts. A vertical beam is mounted on the horizontal beam for horizontal adjustable movement and for vertical adjustable movement. A pair of clips stick into the window opening and connect to turnbuckles pulling the vertical beam toward the vehicle door. A pair of pads carried by the vertical beam abut the door and resist movement of the camera mount. A camera platform is carried by the vertical beam. The camera mount is sufficiently sturdy to hold a camera so steady that the only unintended movement of the camera is due to shaking or rocking of the vehicle. After being set up once to fit a particular vehicle, the camera mount can be taken off the door or installed on the door in less than two minutes.

Abstract: A mount for use in an automobile to support a camera for recording images during operation of the automobile. The camera mount comprises an elongate member extending between and rigidly connected to the headrest supports in the seat of the car. A camera mounts to a pivotable support connected to the member with bolts extending through an elongate slot, whereby the camera is selectively positioned along the member. The elongate member connects to the headrest supports with j-bolts that are received through a pair of second slots in the elongate member. The j-bolts extend around the headrest supports and a nut threaded on the j-bolt secures the member to the headrest supports. An alternate embodiment is disclosed for vehicles which do not have separate headrest supports. A method of mounting a camera in an automobile is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable base for a motion picture camera, particularly suited to low level positioning of the camera. The base includes a camera mount, legs supporting the camera mount, and feet which rest on the floor or other supporting surface. The legs can be interchanged and adjusted for height and can be pivoted relative to the mount about a vertical axis, thus enabling the user to control the camera level and to position the feet at suitable positions on the floor or other supporting surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a computer-controlled miniature pan/tilt tracking mount for the precise control of position, velocity, and acceleration of small payloads (e.g., a video camera). The invention consists of a motorized rotational tilt axis mounted atop a motorized rotational pan axis. For both axes, a worm gear mounted upon the motor shaft bidirectionally rotates a worm wheel mounted upon the orthogonal load axis shaft. A large ratio of motor size to armature weight provides high relative torque, speed, and accuracy. The worm gears provide compact reduction with minimal backlash and they can hold position without energized motors to conserve power for battery-operated uses. The invention includes integrated motor drive power electronics and microcontroller execution of host computer commands to effect precise control of pan/tilt mount speed, acceleration, position, configuration, and motor and electronics power consumption.

Abstract: A three axis gimbal for use in a motion picture camera support system including a support apparatus and a combined sled and camera having a postphotography. By using the three axis gimbal an operator can adequately control angular deviations of the combined sled and camera along the axes of pan, roll and tilt during hand-held motion picture photography.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a surveillance camera includes a base plate, a swivel assembly and an elongated housing interconnecting the two. The base plate and housing include wire openings formed therein that cooperate to define a wire pathway through the housing. The swivel assembly includes a ball and socket arrangement by which the position of the camera may be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A shoulder carrier for a camera, such as a video camera, is provided which positions the camera with its viewfinder adjacent the viewer's eye without the necessity for additional support. The shoulder carrier includes a shoulder harness including a pair of spaced-apart shoulder supports and at least one securement bar interconnecting the supports, a camera mount including a platform and a camera release, and a coupler interconnecting the platform with the shoulder harness for adjustably orienting the camera mount, and thus a camera carried thereon, relative to the shoulder harness. A belt is provided which connects front and back regions of the shoulder supports and connects across the chest area of the wearer. The belt aids in inhibiting the shoulder support from inadvertently disengaging and falling from the wearer, which would result in damage to the camera, thereby freeing the wearer's hands from holding the camera during use.

Abstract: A camera crane arm has a frame pivotally supporting a central beam section. Outer beam sections are attached to and spaced apart from the central beam section. A leveling system is externally attached to the frame and pivotally linked to a camera platform, to maintain the platform in a level orientation, as the crane arm is pivoted up and down, to adjust camera lens height. The crane arm is formed of sections having vertically offset ends, to reduce sagging. The sections have a high moment of inertia but low weight, and can be assembled without force.

Abstract: A camera positioning assembly including a backing board, a base member connected to said backing board about an axis, a gear adapted for rotational movement, an arm connected to said gear and said base member for moving said base member about said axis in order that rotational movement of said gear is translated into rotational movement of said base member and a servo-controller that controls the rotational movement of said gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera which comprises a camera unit including a housing with a front face and a bottom. A lens assembly is located within the housing and extends to the front face of the housing. A shutter is located within the housing. The camera further comprises a mirror member covering substantially the entire front face of the housing and being discontinued where the lens extends to the front face. The mirror member is marked with at least two lines that would intersect at the center of the lens. A remote shutter release mechanism is provided connected with the camera unit. At least one supporting arm is mounted to the housing and extending therefrom to a remote end for the user to hold. The supporting arm preferably has a length greater than two feet. Therefore, the user(s) can hold the camera away from himself (themselves), locate himself (themselves) in the mirror and use the remote shutter release mechanism to take portrait type pictures.