Where is the best place to mount a camera on a car?

Before mounting a camera to the windscreen or rear-view mirror, but sure to double-check with local laws. For instance, in California you cannot mount anything to your windshield under the justification that this blocks some of the driver's view. Another concern that you do not mention, is the main subject of your shot. Are you attempting to capture the driver and passenger as they talk and drive? Are you trying to get a forward view of the upcoming terrain? Are you mimicing the POV of the driver (with dash and car hood in the view) or the POV of the car, with nothing in view but the road. Depending on the choices you have made, the list of places to mount then becomes rather short. For instance for car POV, you can really only mount to the hood or the front bumper of the car and you should choose the mount that works best for your equipment. Note, about debris: many streets are swept. There is little cause for concern that a piece of debris is going to hit your camera unless you are on a dirt road. Windscreens and car paint jobs manage okay; I think your camera can take an little exterior ride without getting ruined. But if you are using a Red or other expensive gear, you can always hire a street sweeper to clean the road before you start working.

Inside the car attached to the rear-view mirror. High quality photo and video cameras are sufficiently light-weight that there is no excuse to use something so heavy you cannot attach it to the rear-view mirror. Outside it will gather  so much dust as to be useless in minutes. When you are driving 99% of your focus should be on driving. If the camera were outside or if you could manipulate it, your focus would not be on driving. Unless you are in Paris, the content will be junk anyway.

Depending on what your objective - The GoPro on the front are really good and compact - For something a little different you can add Flir Vehicle Night Vision + DVR and can record at Night in either color or true black and white - The picture will look like the Movie "The Predator" - It really just depends on what you are trying to accomplish -

You first have to decide on the shots you want? Bonnet, Dashboard, Window, Fender? The camera should be fixed rock solid. Any movement or vibration ruins the shot. We like to use a suction cup. Great hold, fast to setup. http://www.persuader.nl