As the cameras on smartphones get better and better, the need for a good tripod mount to take better photos on those smartphones keeps growing also.
The New Glif is a redesigned version of the pioneering Glif tripod mount for the iPhone 4 that adds new features and now works with the latest iPhones. The mount’s makers have focused on a quick release mechanism, as well as portrait and landscape support, with the new model.
The popularity of GoPro has led to the development of a growing number of accessories specifically designed for that action camera, including the GoBall handle.
Duo Mount
is a mount for GoPro Hero cameras that enables users of those action cams to mount one or two cameras at the same time, creating the ability to capture two different angles at once. There are vertical and horizontal mounting holes, allowing it to be bolted in any direction, on the left or right, front or back and bottom or top. It works with all generations of GoPro Hero cameras, including the new Hero4 Session, according to its Kickstarter campaign.
With smartphones and cameras allowing us to take more photos than ever, the latest goal seems to be getting a unique angle to capture a selfie or point of view. But the wide range of surfaces in the world make that a challenge, particularly for a portable mount..
Gekkopod is a wraparound flexible camera mount that will work with any camera or smartphone, even a GoPro camera. It’s a more minimalist, flexible take on Joby’s Gorillapod camera tripod but with two extra legs to secure it. The design of the new product was based in a lizard’s hand –-hence the allusion to a gecko in its name. Gekkopod is made of 80 percent food grade silicon and 20 percent metal, so it can be bent easily to any shape and will stay in that form.
The small size of the GoPro camera makes it perfect for shooting extreme sports activity. But its diminutive size also can make it difficult to use for shooting everyday subjects and activity where a steady hand is required.
The CAMpanion is a solution to that issue, offering a new mounting system enabling all GoPro models to be attached to any smartphone or tablet. In addition to making sure that every shot is perfectly framed, the mounting system also makes it more comfortable for the user to shoot. Attaching the GoPro to a smartphone or tablet also adds features including lighting via the mobile device’s flashlight app. The accessory holds promise, offering a simple but handy solution for the surging number of GoPro users.
Users can mount the GoPro in less than a second by just snapping the camera onto the CAMpanion mounting plate. The accessory will ship in May and cost $40. Its makers set a goal of raising $28,000 by March 28 through Kickstarter.
It is often inconvenient when switching tripods or other accessories on an interchangeable lens camera. That’s because the mounting plate is often different. Monkey Latch camera mounts solve that issue because the system uses a one-click design that allows photographers to make quick changeovers from one accessory to another.
The Monkey Latch system is universal, working with all cameras using a ¼-20 mounting point. The system includes four products: a base plate that fits perfectly under a single-lens reflex camera and can be used with many other variations of digital cameras; a tripod mount that works with all tripods having a ¼-20 mounting screw; a pack mount attachment that works with most backpack straps; and a sling mount attachment that works with any sling that has a ¼-20 mounting screw.
Backers who pledge $60 CAD (~$50 USD) will get one base plate with either a sling or tripod mount. Those who pledge $70 CAD (~$59 USD) will get a base plate and a tripod and pack mount. The company is looking to raise $25,000 CAD (~$20,900 USD) on Kickstarter.
The mounting system seems promising–as long as it indeed can be used interchangeably between Canon, Leica, Nikon, Pentax and Sony cameras, as its maker claims.
Wowing friends and family with those daredevil adventures is at least half the fun of adventure photography. Of course, it can bring plenty of laughs, too–especially if it’s the other guy making the blunder.
HanSnap offers a smartphone camera mount that is worn on the hand. It allows a person to film themselves or it can be flipped around and used for those adventurous moments that include the group. The hand mount can also be used in a hands-free fashion by attaching it to a stable object for filming a scene or activity in the area that includes everyone. The product works with iPhone 5 and 6, and Samsung Galaxy s4 and s5.
HanSnap certainly offers an alternative way to hold your camera, making taking photos without dropping the smartphone much easier. Adventurous backers may also want to check out the GoBall, Indiglo and Cinetics campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $90,000. Early bird backers get one HanSnap for $50 with an expected delivery of May 2015.
The popularity of GoPro cameras has been a boon for the makers of camera accessories. The new MicroJib from a Denver, Colorado, inventor adds pan and tilt functionality to the GoPro, expanding the creative possibilities of the action camera.
Panning and tilting enables freedom in camera motions that weren’t previously achievable with other extension poles. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign who pledge amounts starting at $79 will be able to get a MicroJib when it ships in April. Backers who pay $99 will still be getting one at less than the expected $109 retail. Backers who pay $129 can get a limited edition green and black model. The campaign is hoping to raise $24,000.
MicroJib seems like a good bet for GoPro owners. The accessory’s mount is only designed for GoPro cameras, which limits its potential appeal to owners of other cameras. But MicroJib’s maker is planning to offer a mount as an add-on that will let users mount any small camera to the device.
Using video to improve one’s game will do one of two things: it will either make one bitter or better. And better often includes bringing out one’s sense of humor. ProPalz may be able to help those who tend toward the extreme to take themselves less seriously when the stress and pressure to improve is on. The plush critters appear to serve a “duel” purpose in that they function both as a protective camera case and clip-mount. The padded case reduces shock during those extreme activities, and the clip camera mount offers the opportunity to attach the camera (while in the case) to a belt loop, back pack, golf club, guitar neck (or perhaps strap during performance), goal post, Harley handle bars or whatever one desires to make a ProPalz type of visual statement.
Of course, it might also work well for getting the kids to smile in videos, too. Other GoPro camera mounts that backers may want to check out include the Infinity Arm and SpinMount campaigns. This campaign seeks to raise $6,500. For $100 backers get one product with an ambitious expected delivery of January 2015.
While the old adage about practice makes perfect has a certain amount of truth to it, practicing bad technique leads to bad habits, which in turn leads to limited skills and a lot of frustration trying to fix something that could have been avoided. A good teacher can help their student with technique during a lesson, but what to do in between? The Magnet guitar camera mount works with the user’s smartphone to create the perfect angle for capturing where those mistakes are happening so that they can be corrected. It adjusts to fit nearly any smartphone, and the phone can be used either upright or in landscape position.
An adaptor for the magnet allows for users to capture both their left and right hand at the same time, though two separate phones have to be used to accomplish this. Backers strapped for cash may just want to consider looking in a mirror while playing instead. This campaign seeks to raise $55,000. Early bird backers get one Magnet for $30, with an expected delivery of August 2015.
The Premise. With the right equipment and a combination of talent and practice, taking a beautiful photograph can become a true passion. Doing more with a camera however requires access to the kinds of utilities and professional-grade equipment that is uncommon and expensive. Even those who have truly great vision and artistic sensibilities can find it difficult to make their ideas into reality without the right tools.
The Product. Cinetics, makers of the previously Kickstartered CineMoco and CineSkates, has another unique tool for photographers everywhere: The Axis360. Designed to help automate panning, tilting, and sliding for photographers and keep shots steady even over long periods of time, the Axis360 acts almost like a construction set toy for a camera. The base tripod is designed to shoot panoramic scenes with variable speeds, but with more Axis360s and modular components, the same camera/product combo can also tilt vertically or even slide along a 32-inch track over time. These pieces can be combined in nearly any sensible fashion to capture the perfect video or series of photos.
The Pitch. With a series of technical and inspiring shots, Cinetics shows off the kind of product that a camera equipped with the Axis360 can provide. Showing off their experience in successful Kickstarter campaigns, the materials for the Axis360 are comprehensive, visually explaining how the different parts interact, and what illustrating just what each tier provides. A how-to video is also provided that shows how the control is used to set up the product to move in just the right way. Cinetics needs $75,000 to bring the Axis360 to market, complete with all of its specialized components.
The Perks. The basic, panning tripod Axis360 model will launch in May 2014 and is available to those who contribute $395 or more. Being able to use the tilting or sliding functions requires additional modular components, which are gradually offered at higher tiers. The $1,495 tier comes with enough Axis360 modules and all of the available add-ons to allow photographers to make full use of the equipment.
The Potential. Based on Cinetics’s past history with crowdfunding, it’s a safe bet that photographers and videographers will be eager to get their hands on the Axis360. It may be a little much to expect to see it on the average store shelf with standard equipment, but the modular features make it essential for those that are truly passionate about professional quality time-lapse photography or video to order these once they become available.