What is the technical name for the silver bars I see people using to mount a camera on and then to a tripod head? These bars seem to allow you to mount extras and position the camera anywhere along them. This is probably a stupid question but I have no idea what they call these.

"15mm rods" are the silver bars you see, and sometimes the part the camera mounts on is called a "baseplate."

Some of the big manufacturers for smaller cameras are RedRock Micro, Zacuto, Berkey Systems, and JAG35 just to name a few, but the options are virtually endless. Very handy systems used to accesorize cameras with matteboxes, a follow focus, handles, monitors and more.

Hope this helps.

Nate,
Thank you very much for this info. I'm new to this mounting technology and notice it is versatile for mounting extras for your camera. Thanks again!

There is no such thing as a stupid question here... the only "stupid" question is one that has not been asked.

Some people refer to a rod system as rails or camera rails, just so you know.

Chris,
Thanks for your input also. I see photos of rigs but don't know all of the bits and pieces and what they are called.

John