The Gooseneck column is extremely manoeuvrable by positioning the camera head over, around and across the subject being viewed. Once the column is in place it will maintain its position. The column attaches to the camera head and to the base accommodating any cables. This type of column is particularly useful for displaying subjects through microscopes as the camera head can be positioned strategically over the eye piece.

Rigid columns are fixed arms which attach the camera head to the base with appropriate cables running through the column. They come in either fixed lengths or telescopic variants.
Rigid columns are fixed at the base usually with a hinge assembly, which allows the camera to be folded down for portability or to be brought down for better viewing of the subject on the base stage.
Rigid column units commonly have their cameras in a housing attached to an assembly, which provides movement in the vertical axis up to a maximum angle of approximately 90° either side of the down looking position. This allows the camera to look away from the stage both forward and rearward