An apparatus for a video camera facilitates the use of the camera by an operator. A shoulder mount may comprise one or more pads that may be movably attached to a mounting or reinforcing plate and coupled to a mechanism that facilitates the rotation, translation and/or tilting of the pads. One or more releases may be positioned to permit an operator to actuate the mechanisms and to unlock and reposition the pads with respect to the camera body. A tripod configuration may be defined in which all pads are fully confined within the volume of a recess of the camera body, thereby permitting attachment of a tripod or other mechanical mount.