Kit
for cams.
Got
an action camera? Ready to film your first big adventure? Whoa there,
horsie. Sure, your cam might be the bee's knees, but how are you
going to hold it, mount it, and keep it safe? Every good camera needs
some accessories, and we were sent a few awesome bits and bobs from
XSories (get it? X - S - ories). These will do nicely.
XSories
do some great mobile and action photography gadgets, and in fact
we've already reviewed their powerful pocket light, the XShine. This
time 'round we were sent a case of goodies designed for action cams
and other types of cameras in extreme situations. They were...
Bendy
Remember
the GorillaPod we reviewed as part of the Action Base Kit from Joby?
This is basically the same, but slightly smaller and constructed from
tough yet flexible metal wire inside those three legs. The Bendy can
function just a like a normal small tripod, holding your action cam
aloft thanks to the conventional screw mount on top, adjustable ball
head and three strong legs that can be easily straightened out, while
it can also be wrapped around the likes of poles, railings, and
branches to get your cam into interesting positions.
The
Bendy is a lot lighter and slimmer than the aforementioned
GorillaPod, making it ideal for stuffing into your pocket or bag (or
even the small carry case your action cam might have shipped with) to
whip out when you need it. We found the thinner, shorter legs, which
are also covered by a soft rubber padding, to be perfect for wrapping
around bike handlebars and frames; so no scratches left behind once
you've finished filming. Win.
£14.99
U-Float
Taking
that waterproof action cam anywhere near water? Of course you are;
it's waterproof for crying out loud! However, it is also pretty
dense, so the moment you lose your grip in the sea, the river, or the
lake, that expensive cam will sink like a rock. The U-Float can help
there, being a chunky grip with a tripod screw on top, and nice big
bulbous body which will float and keep your cam from visiting Davy
Jones' Locker.
Not
only is the U-Float comfortable to grip, it features an adjustable
stretchy strap to make sure that even if your fingers let go, it will
keep the camera stuck to your hand. And, obviously, should you drop
it while in water, it actually does float very well, with the
attached camera dipping below the surface while the bright orange
grip bobs about above. If you're planning on capturing some boating,
surfing, or even some extreme duck pond action, get this.
£21.99
U-Shot
The
U-Shot is a telescopic camera pole with a tripod screw at on end, and
a soft grip at the other. All packed up the U-Shot is just 18cm in
length, but when the action calls for a higher shot (or indeed a
selfie) is can be pulled out to 50cm.
Unlike
many selfie sticks, the U-Shot is made from tough aluminium and
features an adjustable ball head at the business end. It also ca be
locked closed and open, meaning it won't suddenly spring out in your
bag, nor will it collapse under the weight of your GoPro. Uniquely it
can also lock at each stage of the telescope, meaning it actually has
four different secure lengths from which to film.
Oh,
and it also features a screw port in the base, meaning it can be
combined with the likes of the Bendy to add a few more inches of
reach and grip, and also the U-Float for floatability, of course. It
can also be combined with other accessories like suction cup mounts
or weights. We really like the feel of it in our hand, and that
included carabiner is bloody useful as well.
£21.99
Universal
Capxule
The
above goodies were shipped to us in something that is also very
important for fans of action cams: a decent carry case. The Universal
Capxule is a tough yet flexible case designed to carry everything you
need on action-capturing adventure. Not only can the above gadgets
fit comfortably in there (held securely by the elasticated straps)
but you can also stuff a couple of cams in, as well as the other bits
you'll need. Like your lunch.
The
Universal Capxule features a zip closure, a mesh storage compartment
in the lid, and also a carry handle. The elastic ties used to keep
everything secure and in place can actually be removed in two chunks,
being held down with Velcro. We assume this means you can remove them
altogether should you wish, and maybe also swap them with other types
of impact protection like moulded foam. This is a good case with
loads of room and a good level of protection for your kit.
£29.99
So
some great offerings from XSories for action cam users, all of which
weigh in at very reasonable prices. Check out their full range at
https://xsories.eu/