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Top 12 Instant Cameras (Polaroid, Fujifilm, and Kodak)

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hese days, we’re more used to getting instant gratification than ever before. We want to buy something – no problem, we just go online. Soon, it’ll be delivered right to our front door. It’s no wonder then that instant cameras are making a comeback.

The instant camera reached stratospheric heights during the 1970s and ’80s. Now, it’s back again for the 21st century and it has even more to offer. If you want speedy snaps to share with friends, you’ll find one of today’s top 12 instant cameras will be ideal.

When you’re excited by the idea of an instant image materializing before your eyes, you’ll love an instant camera. They’re not just a throw-back to a bygone simpler age, they’re actually a cutting-edge photographic tool. In fact, they’re one that could take your shots to a completely different level.

With so much choice out there it can be hard to know which model to choose. You don’t want to waste precious time fiddling around with settings or getting blurry shots. In today’s Instagram generation, you need an instant camera that can tick all the boxes.

With that in mind, we’ve taken all the hard work out of making the right choice. We’ve tested some of the top selling models on the market today, and we have the best of the best. Before we get to those, however, there are some FAQs to get to first.

What are the main things to consider when buying an instant camera?

Although instant gratification is your goal when buying an instant print camera, it’s important to take your time. You don’t want to make mistakes when it comes to your purchasing choice. The wrong instant camera can be a drastic mistake, as you may not be used to using certain kinds.

On top of this, you may not like how one functions.

This is not uncommon, as many people like certain types and prefer them more. Some photographers swear by one brand and never use anything else. We want to make sure you get what you want, but we don’t swear by one brand at Men’s Gear.

In fact, we love all types of brand and will show that below.

However, before we get to this we need to make sure you know a few things. There are some very important factors to consider before you buy. Check them out.

Ease of use:

You don’t want to spend ages fiddling with the film pack wasting time when you could be pointing and shooting. You need to choose a model that makes it quick and easy to set everything up. Most instant cameras are easy to use. It’s pretty much snap and go with them.

However, with the rise of the digital instant camera…they have gotten far more advanced.

Due to this advancement, instant cameras are not like those of the past that we grew up using on vacations. This means you may have trouble using certain types. It’s best to look at each version and see how they operate or look into their operation before you buy.

Affordability:

When you’re buying an instant camera, it’s important to remember the ongoing costs too. It isn’t just about the upfront expense of buying the camera. Some come with refillable film, which means you can take out the old and put in the new. This also means that some need to be developed.

Meanwhile, others are one-time use and that is all you get with them. All of these things are relatively affordable. If a camera nearly breaks the bank in the instant genre, you don’t need it. You could get a major camera for that type of price if we’re all honest here.

The instant camera is beloved due to affordability, so most will be relatively low with all its parts also being reasonably priced.

Creativity:

The best instant camera will give you creative options to choose from. Although simply pointing and shooting is great for beginners, at some point you might want to make adjustments and changes. Finding an instant camera that lets you customize your shots is best.

Obviously, proper cameras will let you set up some amazing shots. Creative options are a bit limited with these cameras honestly. That is more for the expensive type, so don’t assume white balance and all sorts of other things will be in all instant cameras.

However, the creative thing it does bring is the opportunity to be creative.

What we mean is, most instant cameras allow you to make the choice about what you capture. They’re often lightweight and some are even waterproof. This means you can go wild and find awesome shots. The instant camera just gives you the tools to be the creative person you always were.

Battery Life:

You don’t want to have to bring several sets of batteries with you wherever you go. You’ll want the freedom to be able to take a large number of shots before your battery runs out. The best instant cameras will let you take a minimum of 100 images before the battery dies.

Others do not use batteries at all. However, these are mostly disposable cameras. A lot of cheaper options tend to use less to no batteries at all. The more pricey the item, the more likely it is that it needs a recharge. Some come with certain types of batteries you can recharge at home too.

Ultimately, this depends on what you prefer.

Dual Functionality:

Some instant cameras are only suitable for use as an instant printing camera. Others have Bluetooth connectivity or a MicroSD slot, which allows them to be a printer type as well. This makes your purchase an even better value for the money since you can print the shots.

You can do it with ease from your smartphone as well as from the camera itself.

You can also store images on the camera and then peruse them later to choose which ones to print. This is pretty awesome when you think about it.

Battery Type:

While battery life is an important consideration, it’s also important to think about the type of battery each model uses. Some use AA batteries while others have an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Some have a CR2 battery. The type to choose is really up to you.

A rechargeable battery may be the most convenient, although a model that uses AA batteries may be more appropriate. Especially if you plan to use your camera while out and about and have no power outlet available for recharging.

Film Type:

Not every brand of instant camera uses the same type of film, which could have an impact on your decision. Fujifilm cameras, for example, use Fuji Instax films. Whereas Polaroid cameras use 600 or i-Type film. Meanwhile, some other models use 4Pass.

The availability and the cost of the film type your chosen camera uses should be kept in mind. Film types are often overlooked in purchases for some reason. Don’t be that guy who forgets about it!

Portability:

One of the main reasons to choose an instant camera is its portability. Think about this, honestly. It’s a lot of fun to us while out and about with friends at parties or social gatherings. Therefore, you should look for a small, compact, and lightweight model.

This will allow any instant camera to be easily carried around with you. On top of this, it can fit into a bag or pocket on the way out of the door.

What are the main benefits of instant cameras?

Instant cameras offer a host of benefits that a standard camera just can’t offer. While they aren’t the perfect choice for every application, they’re a great way to have fun with friends. Here are just some of the benefits they provide:

  • User Friendliness – instant cameras are usually really simple to use. Many are just point-and-click models that let even a complete beginner take shots with ease.
  • Fun to use – an instant camera gives you a level of fun that you just don’t get from your regular DSLR. The excitement of seeing how your shots are going to turn out adds something to your photography experience.
  • Processing time – most instant cameras have a virtually instant processing time, although you do have to wait for the picture to dry afterward. That could take as long as 40 minutes.
  • Extra features – some Polaroid instant cameras come equipped with extra features. A flash is a common extra, which is quite useful. It’ll allow you to take shots in low lighting conditions. Some also have self-timers letting you join your friends in the shot.
  • Useful for practice shots – if you’re excited to find out how your shot is going to turn out with your regular camera, you can use an instant camera first. This was a common use for Polaroid cameras back in the day and its use in this respect is back on the rise. Also, instant cameras are great for taking instant images when recording unusual natural finds or for archaeological digs.
  • Heat resistant – instant cameras are also known to be more resistant to high temperatures than a regular DSLR camera. This makes them a good choice when on vacation in a hot climate.

What are the main brands of instant cameras?

There are several brands of instant cameras out there. Some are even synonymous with quality manufacturing and image production. There are three that stand out above them all, however. One of the biggest names has to be Fujifilm – they are one of the oldest Japanese brands in the photography industry.

Fujifilm is one few manufacturers still producing instant cameras today. Ultimately, due to being so well-known for them, it makes sense. Fujifilm’s Instax range is very popular and beloved by even professional photographers. Thanks to their fun colors and small designs, the Fuji instant cameras are ideal for taking out and about.

Another major name in the business is Polaroid. They became so well-known for their cameras that people actually called pictures “Polaroids” for a very long time. The Polaroid instant camera has a strong reputation in the photography industry and is the oldest manufacturer still making instant films and cameras today.

A third big name in instant cameras has to be Kodak. Like Polaroid, Kodak is synonymous with photography. The term “Kodak image” was massively popular for years, in fact. You can depend on a Kodak instant film cameras to produce impressive results.

Well-designed and highly functional, Kodak models cost a bit more than their rivals. However, the functionality and quality of their manufacturing make them well worth the additional expense.

How to take good photos with an instant camera

Since you don’t have a lot of time to spend setting up a shot with an instant camera, it’s important to have some expert tips in mind first. After all, you don’t want to waste your precious film since you usually only get 10 shots in a pack!

When you’re using a smartphone camera or a DSLR, you can take numerous shots and delete them if you don’t like what you see. With an instant camera, you don’t always have that luxury. That means you have to go back to the good old days when you used to have a one-time shot!

Whether you’re taking a portrait or a landscape shot, knowing how to get the most out of your instant camera is an absolute must.

Here are some tips to help you take good photos with your instant camera so you can impress your friends:

Keeping your distance:

Instant cameras usually have a minimum focusing distance of around 30-60cm. That means if you’re too close to the subject of your shot you’ll end up with a blurry shot. Keep the shooting distance in mind before you press the shutter button.

A lot of the cameras will have viewfinders in there to allow you a chance to see your shot. With newer cameras, you’re getting an HD thing today. Back in the day, you did not have to wait as much for a shot. Today, you need to as HD needs time to set up.

Usually, this takes less than 5 seconds, but that is a truly precious 5 seconds.

Distance shots are often the easiest to get in a fast period. Whereas an upfront type may take slightly longer to focus. Weird, we know.

Don’t stand too far away:

Although you shouldn’t stand too close to the subject of your shot you shouldn’t stand too far away either. Most instant camera prints are small in size. This means you won’t be able to see the subject of your picture if it’s too small in its frame.

5 to 6-feet away from your subject is ideal. Of course, you could be longer but this is often the best set-up compared to others.

Don’t obscure the flash:

It can be tricky to avoid getting your fingers in the shot when using an instant camera. You’ll often end up obscuring the flash because of the lack of handgrips and small size of the camera itself. Take care how you hold your camera before you shoot to ensure that you won’t be affecting the quality of your image.

The best way to do this is to consider how you hold the camera from the beginning. If you’re holding it high, you’ll likely feel your finger near the snapper. The bottom of your finger can be felt at this point. This means you’re up too high and of great risk to get your finger in the shot.

You want to make sure you have the knuckle and up in this area. This will allow you to get a better image without a finger jumping in the way.

Use natural light:

Whenever you can, try to shoot in natural light while using an instant camera. You’ll notice that your images can look very washed out when using other light sources. You might find that deactivating your flash will produce a better subject definition and contrast when shooting indoors.

Natural light is often the best thing to have. However, this can be an issue on overcast days or even ones where it’s far too sunny. The flash will be of use in the darker points, but never use the flash when the light is large. If you do, your image may turn out crazy.

Consider different angles:

You don’t want to waste your expensive instant film. That means you need to think carefully about the angle you choose for your shot first. Once you take the image, you’ll thank yourself for doing this. Consider whether you should shoot upwards or downwards towards the subject.

You may also want to consider if you have to move at any point. If so, you’ll need side angle shots or possibly overhead shots. All of this can be done with ease if you plan it out perfectly.

Choose the right subjects:

Not every shot looks great on an instant camera. Close up portraits lend themselves well to this type of photography. However, if you’re looking for detail you’ll need to stick to your DSLR. The subjects you’ll use will tend to be non-moving shots like buildings, statues, etc.

You’ll also take still images of family members on them too.

The ultimate goal really is to find the best possible shot. However, some subjects may not stop moving or you may not be able to get a certain shot. That is okay, as some shots are not for you to get sadly.

Choose the right background:

When using an instant camera, the best backgrounds are typically light-colored, blank, or white. This works especially well if the subject is dark in color. While it may seem a bit wrong, if you put a black man in front of a black building, some instant cameras will wash him out like a man wearing green in front of a green screen.

You can avoid this by simply picking the better building or you can simply have that person move up in the shot. This will allow you to set them apart from their background.

Double exposure experimentation:

Not every instant camera offers the possibility of double exposure. However, the best instant cameras will. You might want to try experimenting to see what kind of effects you can create. This is not really something you “need” in a camera.

Despite this, it’s still cool to have and most people love it.

Candid shots:

When using an instant camera, candid shots are often best. Asking subjects to pose doesn’t always lend itself well to this type of photography. You truly do want great shots that people are not always expecting. It turns out better and very organic.

Although, we’re not telling you to break into the women’s locker room and raid the showers to get images.

This will not only get you punched and/or kicked very hard but likely killed by some women. If not them, their boyfriends or husbands. What we mean is, catch your sister or mom eating at the cool Hardrock Cafe. Try getting a crazy image of your brother when you’re on a cool raft down some insane rapids.

As the first rapid comes up and he hits the sky scared for his life, it’ll be the perfect time to get him. They won’t expect these images to come out of your camera, but that is the point. It is organic and worth it really.

1) Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Camera

If you’re looking for a user-friendly and affordable instant camera that’s perfect for beginners, the Fujifilm Instax Mini is the one for you. Powered using 2 AA batteries, it’s cheap and cheerful. It won’t blow you away with features, yet it’s convenient and low-cost to take for nights out with the guys.

The chunky, plastic construction features large buttons for ease of activation and the bright colors make it especially visually appealing. You get 10 prints per pack of paper and the end result is a credit-card-sized print that measures 54mm x 86mm.

There is an inbuilt flash that allows you to take shots in poor lighting conditions or indoors, meaning you have greater versatility over where you shoot. If you’re worried about your appearance when taking a selfie, you don’t have to be here.

These instant cameras come with a handy mirror at the front so you can see how you look first.

You can select different shooting modes quickly and easily by simply turning the lens ring. They even illuminate when being used so you can see at a glance which mode is in operation. You can take close-ups near to you with ease at just 35cm.

Thanks to the point-and-shoot design, it’s never been easier to take those shots on the fly.

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2) The Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

The Polaroid Snap camera lets you relive the good old days of the classic Polaroid shots of yesteryear. Its compact size lets you easily put it into a pocket to take anywhere. Yet there’s no compromise on the quality and vibrancy of the photographs.

All can be instantly shared without any need for a computer connection.

Thanks to the Zink technology, there’s no need for any toner and the results are instant. You’ll be able to print out full-color shots that measure 2” x 3” and are completely smudge-proof. Thanks to the 10MP sensor, you’ll be able to capture quality images.

Compatibility with 32GB microSD cards means that you can also save your shots.

These instant cameras have various modes, also a selfie mirror to make sure you look awesome first. Images can be posted quickly on any surface due to their adhesive backing. You can choose from different filters and tones to get the perfect shot to suit your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic or modern image, you can get the perfect picture.

The camera comes with an inclusive USB cord and wrist strap for extra value. As an extra bonus, this is a particularly affordable option. That makes it a perfect camera for taking on vacation.

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3) Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

This compact instant camera is small enough to easily fit into your pocket and light enough to use anywhere at 10.8oz in weight. Its rounded edges are stylish while its range of colors makes it especially attractive.

With its 60mm fixed-focus lens, you can capture shots from as close up as 2-feet up to infinity. The field of view is a little tighter than you might expect when using your DSLR or smartphone camera. However, you should still be able to get some great quality shots.

Powered by 2 easily replaceable AA batteries, these instant cameras are incredibly convenient. Lining up film is done with ease. Simply line the yellow stripe up with the mark on the compartment and you’re good to shoot away. Just to capture the old-school feel, there’s even an old-fashioned analog counter on the back to tell you how many shots remain.

Activating the camera is a breeze, you just have to get it to the right light exposure. The light settings you can choose from are bright, sunny, cloudy, or indoor conditions. There’s even a Hi-Key mode to intentionally over-expose images to achieve different effects.

The inbuilt flash means that you can easily take photos in poor light and indoors and thanks to the placement of the shutter button. This makes it a perfect camera for portrait shots. It’s also incredibly affordable, so you’ll easily be able to push the limits of what a camera can do with this model.

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4) Kodak Mini Shot Instant Camera

Packed with excellent features, this Kodak instant camera delivers impressive 10MP quality pictures in just seconds with point-and-shoot functionality. One excellent advantage of this model is that it has Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to instantly send your favorite snaps to your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet for viewing and editing.

As an added advantage, you can actually send your images from your phone back to the camera to print. This just makes it doubly useful as a standalone printer as well as a camera. With its portable size, it can easily be carried wherever you want to go without compromising on power or features.

With its white balance and gamma correction, auto exposure and focus and 1.7 inch LCD viewfinder, you can really capture your creative side. It also has a long battery life, allowing you to take up to twenty prints on a single charge.

Meanwhile, its 4Pass printing technology produces stunning prints.

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5) Polaroid Originals 4723 Camera

If you love the old school Polaroid camera, you’ll love the Polaroid Originals 4723. With its original look and its user-friendly operation, this quality camera is an iconic model.

Using the classic 600 film type, these instant cameras couldn’t be easier to use. That’s regardless of you wanting to take black and white or color snaps. There’s nothing complex about this instant camera. You simply point-and-shoot and it does the rest for you.

The built-in flash allows you can take shots anywhere you like, even indoors or in poor lighting conditions. Meanwhile, there are no batteries needed with this model. With this, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of charging up every time you want to take your camera out with you for the day.

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6) Polaroid POP Camera

This Polaroid snap camera is an impressive 20MP model that brings quality to each image. Allowing you to snap pictures that measure 3.5” x 4.25” instantly, they even have the iconic Polaroid border for an old school feel.

There’s no need for any ink, computer, or printer when using this camera. It also has an intuitive 3.97” touchscreen, enabling you to see what you plan to photograph before you press the shutter button.

Suitable for shooting anything from portraits to landscapes, the Zink technology prints and dries without any need to flap or wait and the colors are vibrant and beautiful. There are also many different fun borders, filters, stickers, captions, and emojis to customize your shots.

As an added bonus, the Polaroid POP camera gives you the perks that come with other modern digital cameras. This includes HD video, built-in speaker, as well as a microphone. With a digital zoom and a built-in flash, these are impressive instant cameras despite their diminutive size.

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7) Fujifilm Instax Mini 90

The FujiFilm Instax Mini 90 is capable of automatically detecting the brightness levels of the surroundings. These instant cameras can adjust the shutter speed and flash to make photos the best possible quality. There are also a number of creative modes offered by this camera.

This includes a macro mode, kids mode, bulb mode, and double exposure mode. All allowing you to create the perfect effect for each shot.

The high-performance flash makes it a breeze to take shots indoors or at poorly lit locations. On top of this, its compact size and lightweight design make it very simple to take anywhere you need to go. With its stylish old-school appearance, this is one of the most attractive models on the market today.

Despite this, it doesn’t compromise on functionality.

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8) Polaroid Originals 9010

Designed to emulate the original Polaroid camera, these stylish instant cameras are incredibly easy to use. In fact, they perfectly capture the bygone era of instant photography! With an impressive 60-day long battery life, you’ll have no difficulty capturing all the photos you like.

A powerful flash comes with this camera, allowing you to take photos in dim light or indoors with ease.

The self-timer mode is a great addition to this instant camera, allowing you to get in on the action yourself. Meanwhile, the Bluetooth connected app lets you send images to anyone you like. Other creative features include double exposure mode, light painting mode, and even a noise trigger mode.

You can also choose between 2 different lenses. The portrait lens allows you to take snaps from as close-up as 1-foot while a standard lens is made for distant shots.

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9) Polaroid PIC-300 Instant Camera

From the popular Polaroid brand, this high-quality OneStep+ camera is very user-friendly with point-and-shoot technology built in. Despite its ease of use, it still boasts some fun features and it even has a Bluetooth compatible application that will show those features off even more.

These instant cameras are compatible with both i-Type film and 600 film types in either black and white or color. This camera is easy to carry, allowing you can take around with you wherever you want to go. Thanks to the energy saving mode, you can even save even more battery life.

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10) Fujifilm Instax Wide 300

If you’re looking for an instant camera that has the look and feel of a more solid model, the Fujifilm Instax WIDE is the one for you. Delivering bigger than average sized prints, it produces some seriously impressive images and yet it’s incredibly simple to use.

Although it has a larger size, these instant cameras have a plastic build. Therefore they weigh less than you might imagine, making it easier than you might have thought to take anywhere you want to go. The inbuilt flash is also larger than usual and is automatically operated so you won’t have to even think about it.

There are controls to help you adjust the fill-in option on the flash and the level of brightness. Meanwhile, the quality of the shots is exceptional. The cameras offer excellent prints that are close to the same dimensions as those of a standard photograph.

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11) Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 Instant Camera

If you’re an Instagram fan, this Fuji instant camera is an excellent choice. It offers several different shooting modes including automatic, normal, macro, double exposure, landscape, darken and lighten. These instant cameras also boast an inbuilt flash with suppression mode.

This is something rare to see in an instant camera.

You can even get into the shot yourself with the self-timer addition. Especially if you don’t have long enough arms to take useful selfies. Two CR2 Lithium Ion batteries are included with some extremely long battery life. In fact, FujiFilm claims it takes up to 300 shots for it drain down. That is saying a lot.

The square format prints of this camera are ideal. Meanwhile, the selfie mode, choice of body colors, and three different color filters can be attached to a flash drive. That means it’s possible to get a wide range of shots to suit your mood.

This is a very simple camera to use, even if you’re a complete beginner. Plus, with its affordable price tag, you can take as many shots as you want. This is also the perfect instant cameras to give as a gift.

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12) Kodak PRINTOMATIC Digital Instant Camera

The iconic Kodak brand has produced the Printomatic instant camera to cash in on the demand for speedy prints. They use today’s Zink technology for excellent quality pictures that see a 2″ x 3″ measure. These instant cameras are capable of shooting in either color or black and white.

The inbuilt flash allows you to take shots in any kind of environment. Meanwhile, the user-friendliness of this model means that even a complete beginner can produce impressive results.

It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, making the camera portable and capable of taking nearly anywhere. Due to the MicroSD slot, you can conveniently store images and print favorite later on with ease. These instant cameras can either be used as a 10MP camera or as a simple standalone printer thanks to that incredible MicroSD slot.

The images are quite small – just under the size of a regular credit card. This allows easy picture storage. Plus the camera is very affordable, making it a perfect gift.

Unlike many of its competitors, this instant camera has an internal battery. Instead of having to constantly stock up on AA batteries, you can just plug in your camera via the USB cable and charge it up between uses. These water-resistant prints aren’t as high-quality as those produced by some.

However, the great functionality and great appearance make up for this.

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Making It Snappy!

You could be looking for a fun camera to capture exciting times with your friends or long to recapture the good old days of the original Polaroid. Regardless, an instant camera is a really cool accessory to add to your photographic equipment.

Keep in mind, instant cameras are not supposed to replace your trusty DSLR or even your smartphone camera. They’re simply a really great way to enhance social events or to break the ice at gatherings.

If you’ve decided to make the investment in an instant camera, you won’t have to spend a fortune. Most models are very affordable, putting them well within easy reach of everyone. Even complete beginners with very little previous photography experience can use them with ease.

Too many people make the mistake of thinking that all instant cameras are the same, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are some major differences between the different brands and different models on the market.

We pointed that out above.

To decide the instant camera that’s right for you, our buying guide presents you with all the considerations that you should keep in mind.

This should allow you to end up making the right decision. It doesn’t matter if you want to replicate the look of old-school Polaroid cameras. Nor does it matter if you want the same functionality of modern cameras with an instant print feature. A lot of them are two-in-one like this, giving you all you want.

By following our guide, you’ll avoid making a costly mistake. All while finding the perfect instant camera to capture the good times in the most fun and appealing way.

December 29, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 12 Instant Cameras (Polaroid, Fujifilm, and Kodak)
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Top 13 DSLR Shoulder Rigs

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icture this – you’ve spent the day taking photographs or filming footage, channeling your inner filmmaker. You sit down ready to check the fruits of your labor, excited about the professional results you’re sure to see. Then, disaster! Instead of beautifully shot images and video, all you have is a collection of wobbly images and shaky footage. Sound familiar? The solution is simple, DSLR shoulder rigs.

DSLR cameras are designed to be light, making them great for use over an extended period of time. However, they’re not the easiest to deal with for handheld shots or footage. Without using any of the brilliant DSLR shoulder rigs available, it’s likely your images will be vulnerable to the effects of the day. Making them turn out shaky or unfocused.

In the old days, cameras were much bigger. This actually played a valuable role in stabilizing hand-held shots. However, even those old-school cameras were often shoulder-mounted to stabilize the shots even further. Shoulder mounts are dynamic pieces of equipment which move along with the operator of the camera.

Unlike a tripod, filmmakers can easily move around and make every movement efficient to the shot. The hand-held approach to filmmaking might work for certain types of footage, but it certainly isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If you want your work to look like The Blair Witch Project, shaky filming might be the answer.

However, if you aren’t going for that, DSLR shoulder rigs will solve the problem admirably.

As you might imagine, not all shoulder rigs are fantastic. We’ve made it easier to decide on the right one for you so that you can avoid making an expensive mistake. Check out our list of the top 13 shoulder rigs on the market today and find the ideal one to suit your next filmmaking project.

What are the main benefits of DSLR shoulder rigs/ mounts?

DSLR shoulder rigs or mounts aren’t needed by every filmmaker. Not all projects have a need for them, to be honest. However, most of the top people in the business will have one or something similar to do the same job.

A shoulder mounted camera is perfect for a number of things, but it often can help deliver a proper narrative viewpoint. This puts the viewer right in the middle of the action. Think war or action movies, where we’re seeing the fight sometimes from a near point of view appearance.

The viewer goes from spectator to part of the actual scene.

DSLR shoulder rigs can ensure the camera’s proper can movement by helping it capture video or images in a controlled way.  Energy is present in the scene, giving an additional frantic element to major, climatic moments.

Shoulder rigs, as we mentioned slightly above, are perfect for action shots. They offer the stability you need for mobile and speedy shots. Tripods and monopods are unneeded here, and you feel closer to the action.

Thanks to their anti-shock, sturdy design they stabilize even the shakiest hands. This offers smoother-looking videos that are completely flicker-free. As an added benefit, they distribute the camera’s weight evenly over the shoulders for longer shooting sessions.

This is due to the ease of making things less difficult on the cameraman, making them less tired.

Carrying even the lightest DSLR camera around for extended periods can be tiring, and a shoulder mount eliminates that problem for a more pleasant shooting experience.

When you invest in a shoulder rig, you won’t have to worry ever again about shaky and wobbly footage making you look like an amateur. You’ll enjoy wonderfully smooth shots that are precise, well-focused, and professional.

What are the different types of shoulder rigs/mounts?

Not every shoulder mount is designed for the same camera or even the same purpose. The two main types are offset shoulder mounts and straight shoulder mounts. Due to what each can do and why they are both important, we felt it would be best to go over them with you.

DSLR shoulder rigs are incredibly useful, but you often need to know your way around the best.

Even the greatest shoulder mount will cause the user some trouble if it’s the wrong thing. It might also not do well for certain people if the type they use is fine for the camera, but not for them. That said, let’s check these different rigs out.

Offset Shoulder Mount:

Offset shoulder mounts are ideal if you’re using a DSLR with an LCD monitor that opens up sideways. This will allow the viewfinder to remain in front of the eyes of the operator instead of beside them. Overall, the viewfinder often makes a huge difference.

The reason this is so important to keep in mind is due to how you’re seeing the action.

Trying to record something you cannot see can really be troubling. Offsets allow you to see everything like you normally would through a camera. Offsets also are known for being used in a handheld fashion, like on the ground with a camera operator running or walking with them.

These are what you may call the “mobile mount.” Though both are mobile, the offset’s viewfinder ability makes it less complicated to use in this format.

Straight Shoulder Mount:

If you use a straight shoulder rig for the same type of camera you’ll find the viewfinder is offset to the side. This can make it harder on the camera operator, as they’ll have trouble viewing. On the other hand, if you really like this set-up than you can easily use an off-camera monitor for your DSLR.

You’ll also be able to place your monitor into the hot shoe mount of the camera as well. However, the most common way to use one is on a rail support system. This will allow you to get the shot, but you’ll be immobile as you’ll need the rails to push a dolly support-type of thing with you on it.

This can be great for shots, however.

These types of things are cheaper than an entire dolly set-up, so it can be a cheaper option to get the same results for independent filmmakers. However, if you’re using a huge studio, the huge dolly set-up won’t even be a discussion. It’ll be there.

How Their Design Plays A Role:

Shoulder mounts come in several designs. Some have flat metal surfaces that allow the camera to be attached to the top. As we referred to above, some have a rail system. While the right one for you will depend on your own preferences and filming style, the rail system is often considered to be better since it can be adapted to more shooting scenarios.

Also, a rail system can be added to over time. Adding on attachments is much simpler with a rail system and if you’re likely to need accessories like lens support or follow focus, a rail system will suit your needs perfectly.

Not every type of shoulder mount can carry the same amount of weight either. Even a small and apparently light DSLR camera will become heavy over time. Especially once you attach a telephoto lens or other accessories to it. The longer your shooting session, the heavier your camera will start to feel.

If you want to avoid the strain of carrying a rig, camera, lenses, and attachments, you might want to consider a type of mount with chest support or arm. The arm will rest against the chest of the operator, and this helps the camera’s front to be supported.

Many DSLR shoulder rigs are also supplied with a choice of counterweight options. When you add batteries, monitors, lenses, and microphones to your shoulder rig, it will start to be front heavy. You can combat the imbalance in weight by attaching weights onto the rear of the rig to rebalance it.

What are the major mistakes people make when buying shoulder rigs/mounts?

DSLR shoulder rigs won’t just make you look like a professional, it’ll also help to improve your stability during shooting. This is a simple fact of film-life for directors and camera operators alike. You’ll be able to film effortlessly for long periods of time without experiencing any aches or pains in your arms and/r hands.

However, if you buy the wrong shoulder rig, you’ll end up causing more problems than you solve. Let’s take a look at some of the mistakes that filmmakers commonly make when choosing a shoulder mount.

Material:

DSLR shoulder rigs are versatile devices, but if you’re going to get the most out of your purchase you need to consider the material it’s made with. Some are made from steel, which is very durable and long-lasting. On the other hand, it’ll be heavy to handle for extended periods.

An aluminum rig is going to be just as durable but will be much lighter and easier to carry all day on a longer type of shoot. This makes it a much better choice. It’s also worth looking out for a powder coated rig since it will be corrosion and rust-resistant. This makes it ideal for outdoor shoots.

Rail System:

We keep talking about the rail system, but that is simply due to the importance it has. The primary concern it’s for is the stabilization of your DSLR camera. If it has been well designed, it will make your shots stable even if you aren’t as skilled as you thought you were!

Make sure that you select a rig that has a good rail system with a diameter that properly fits your DSLR. You also want it to be made from a durable material like carbon fiber. If you make the mistake of choosing a rig with a poorly designed rail system, you’ll be throwing your money away.

Simply put, the stabilization won’t be good enough to ensure smooth footage. Meaning you need to look out for this big time!

Matte Box:

When buying your rig, look at the placing of the matte box. This is essential for securing your lens filters, something you’ll obviously want to to do. If you’re planning on using these accessories, you need to ensure that your chosen rig’s matte box is in the right spot for you.

The role it plays is pretty crucial to the safety it can provide, of course.

You’ll want to make sure that it can accommodate the type and size of filters you’re planning on using. People often buy stuff like this without considering the stuff they’ll use. Before you do, make sure you have a list of what all you’ll need that should fit into one of these.

Follow Focus:

Follow Focus is a relatively big deal thing to consider, but what is it?

This first needs to be described going over what type of focus people like. Some camera operators like when their camera auto-focuses. Basically, it focuses on the type of shot it will need to do in order to get the complete focused image without blur anywhere.

If it does, it typically gets everything in front of it with blur only happening at distance images.

Meanwhile, other operators like to manual focus. Meaning they do not want an auto-feature affecting the type of image or video they’re working on. They want complete control. They want some blur at times or some far off look. Perhaps they want to focus on closer objects than an entire image or a further one while they’ll unfocus the front objects.

It’s truly up to them. Mounts will be big to consider here because they can be in the way of trying to focus your camera. If you cannot reach in easily to focus the camera during shoots on the fly, it can really be annoying for these types of people.

Auto-focus types won’t care either way.

User-Friendliness:

One of the primary reasons to buy a DSLR shoulder mount is to make shooting videos easier. If you buy a rig that isn’t easy to use, you’ll be wasting money. Choose a lightweight rig is simple to use in whatever environment you’re going to be filming.

Make sure the design is well-balanced and has all the essential features you need to get the most out of your filmmaking. You’ll be golden when you do. If you struggle when attempting to use any DSLR shoulder rigs, then this could be an issue. You want a user-friendly approach.

You’ll be using these things a lot, of course. That means you need the best for you that YOU can operate easily and won’t cause you any grief.

Balance:

What kind of camera will you be using for your filmmaking? If you’re planning on using a larger model you’ll require a shoulder mount that’s able to effectively balance that extra weight. Otherwise, you’ll find it difficult and awkward to handle your equipment, especially on a longer shoot.

Balance can be a huge asset to consider for a ton of reasons on top of this. Think of the word itself, as well as what it means. You’re balancing. Imagine having one side with too much weight on the right or left. It can really do a number on your body but it’ll also look bad when you look back at the footage. It’ll be tilted!

You want even distributed weight for sure.

Add-Ons And Extras:

Planning on adding accessories like battery packs, microphones, and monitors to your set-up? You’ll need to make sure that your chosen rig can accommodate them. Most DSLR shoulder rigs can hold up just fine to a lot of add-ons. However, some can only handle so many.

If you can take away or add on features while you’re out on a shoot, your shooting experience will be better. Overall, you’ll want to have things close by. This makes things easier in every way, so you’ll want a rig that can handle this. However, again, the biggest thing to consider is simply the amount of the extras and even what these add-ons might weigh.

1) Ikan ELE-OFLY Flyweight Offset Shoulder Mount

The Ikan ELE-OFLY is a great choice for both professionals and amateurs on any project they might be working on. Its soft padded shoulder support is comfortable to wear. It’s surprisingly light on your shoulder even for extended periods of filming.

Meanwhile, the rubber handles are comfortable to hold and ensure the best possible grip during use.

Designed for use with DSLRs, this mount fits perfectly in its frame, offering top quality, reliable performance. These DSLR shoulder rigs truly come with all the features of a professional rig. Best suited to small and mid-sized cameras, it can be adjusted easily to obtain optimal comfort even when shooting from unusual angles and heights.

If you’re a beginner, there’s no need to worry about getting to grips with the ELE-OFLY. It is very intuitive and user-friendly, making it an easy rig to operate. On top of this, it only requires minimal assembly, so you can put it together without much of a challenge.

The 15mm rods also allow for vertical adjustments to keep the camera at the perfect height for you every time.

Solidly constructed from anodized aluminum, this rig is durable and strong while also being light enough for extended use. Overall, this makes it quite useful for all kinds of projects you might need it for.

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2) Movo MFF400 Premium Motorized Shoulder Mount

The Premium motorized Movo MFF400 shoulder mount is compatible with virtually all DSLR cameras. It’s ideal for either professionals or amateurs to use, making them a universal product to have for either. Strong enough in construction to last for the long haul, this well-designed model contains highly durable, premium motors.

Together with zoom memory, it allows for smooth photography and a more precise and accurate focus. You’ll be able to use these DSLR shoulder rigs all day long and still enjoy smoothly operating motors.

Boasting silent operation, this mount gives you full control over every shot. It truly could not be easier to use. This is thanks to the speed settings on the control switches that are placed in a highly accessible location. It comes protected by a one year manufacturer’s warranty and has a very affordable price tag for peace of mind.

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3) Neewer Film Making Kit

From the terrific and high-quality Neewer brand, these DSLR shoulder rigs are the perfect thing to have for any filmmaker. It comes standard with a follow focus, matte box, and shoulder mount itself. Overall, this gives you complete flexibility to shoot indoors or outdoors while maintaining ultimate portability.

Designed to be entirely gear driven, it ensures accurate, slip-free movement. Meanwhile, its adjustable locking system ensures the perfect comfort and functionality every time you pick up your camera. Thanks to its flexible design, it couldn’t be simpler to adjust this rig to different shooting modes.

On top of this, the handgrips and shoulder mount are well padded for comfortable shooting even over long periods of time.

Capable of supporting a maximum lens of up to 77mm, these DSLR shoulder rigs are made from ABS and anodized durable metal for lightweight support. All of this makes it designed to stand the test of time. You can even mount the gear drive on either side to suit your needs whether you are left or right handed.

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4) Neewer FilmMaker Portable System

Back yet again with the Neewer brand, we know they can kill it when it comes to DSLR shoulder rigs by now. They do it again with this product, which came to the shock of no one.

These highly portable DSLR shoulder rigs make filming outdoors a breeze. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to transport wherever you need to go and its maneuverability is outstanding. It can secure the majority of DSLR brands while its sturdy construction stabilizes even the shakiest hands.

Its handles are well padded with foam for extra comfort during long shoots. Meanwhile, the comfortable and broad shoulder pads ensure that you won’t suffer from any pain while filming. There’s also plenty of room on this rig to add on any accessories you need.

Its ¼” universal screw holes are ideal for supporting virtually every camera with plenty of space for add-on lenses and accessories. Made from highly durable and strong aluminum, this is a lightweight product that is still built incredibly.

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5) SunSmart DSLR Rig Set

SunSmart comes into the batter’s box with this stabilizing shoulder mount that ensures you can film completely shake-free. It can be easily adjusted to accommodate your height and can even be mounted with a follow focus to allow for even more accurate focus control.

Constructed to withstand heavy-duty applications, these DSLR shoulder rigs are made from stainless steel and aluminum. Its ¼” universal thread means that it can easily be mounted onto a standard tripod for even greater flexibility.

With its gear-driven design, this shoulder rig ensures accurate, repeatable, and slip-free focus movement. Its adjustable slide-mount mechanism can be adjusted to fit a wide variety of lens in different diameters as well. The gear drive can either be mounted on the right or left to suit your needs whether you’re left or right-handed.

All the while, the padding improves the comfort of use and the swing-away mechanism ensures speedy lens changes.

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6) Morros DSLR Rig Movie Kit

If you have very shaky hands, the Morros DSLR rig movie kit is the ideal solution. With its low price tag, it’s perfect for amateurs who want to take their filmmaking up a notch. Meanwhile, pros on a budget will love it too.

With its versatile and durable design, it even has a focus flow knob for precise control focus and optimal results.

Despite its relatively low price tag, the Morros rig is built to last with an aluminum heavy-duty frame which is robust but lightweight. It is also designed to be corrosion and rust-resistant for outdoor use. Its gear-driven, innovative design means impressive accuracy.

You’ll enjoy repeatable focus movements that improve your footage quality.

The non-slip grip on its three handles and adjustable slide-mounting design makes it even more effective. The ¼” thread also means that these DSLR shoulder rigs can be attached with ease to any tripod for even greater flexibility.

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7) Movo SG100 Shoulder Rig

There’s no need for any of the DSLR shoulder rigs to be heavy or bulky in order to offer optimal stabilization camera. The Movo SG100 mount is easy to maneuver and helps you to save energy during a long day of shooting.

With its well-balanced and lightweight design, these are some incredibly sturdy DSLR shoulder rigs that are suitable for use with virtually every DSLR. Eliminating hand-shake admirably, it boasts a cushioned handle and shoulder pad for even greater comfort during long periods of use.

Thanks to its heavy-duty aluminum construction, this advanced support rig is very durable and capable of supporting weights of up to 5lbs. Making sure there are no worries about breaking or bending. This model also comes complete with an SGW-5 counterweight to add more stability.

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8) Jag35 KSRV2 Full Shoulder Rig

The Jag35 KSRV2 camera rig boasts active stability control for even better results. Paired with a full 2-rod counterweight system, it offers two sturdy yet wide handles. Overall, this combines for the perfect footage!

Thanks to its intuitive design, these DSLR shoulder rigs allow the operator to get to grips with the equipment quickly and easily. Despite its ease of use, it boasts plenty of impressive features. The two-rod back section ensures there’s plenty of space for attaching all kinds of accessories without affecting the balance of the rig.

The front of the rig stays uncluttered so you’ll be able to easily focus on the target of your filming. It also allows for quick lens changes and easier camera operation. With its tall and well-balanced top handle, it’s possible to easily capture low angle shots.

Thanks to its versatile design, it can be easily customized, rearranged, or upgraded to suit your individual filming needs for every project.

It’s easy to smoothly tighten to rails or to remove and add handles as necessary thanks to the array of configurations that this rig makes possible. The surface is incredibly smooth and capable of us with any brand of rods. Since the knobs are also machined for a stronger, tighter grip, you can ensure the most durable and rigid rig.

To top it off, since it is a single knob system, disassembling and assembling your equipment is speedy and efficient.

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9) Ikan ELE-CINEFLY DSLR Shoulder Mount

If you’re looking for convenient DSLR shoulder rigs capable of being customized to meet your individual shooting requirements, the Ikan Cinefly is ideal for you. Its non-slipping metal rosette system ensures that the handles are very simple and quick to adjust.

This allows you to bring your arms closer into your body so you can guard against fatigue during long periods of use.

This rig comes complete with the Ikan BlackMagic cinema camera baseplate that features well-placed exhaust holes to ensure optimal airflow. This can guard against potential overheating that could cause damage to your equipment. It can also be used with the Ikan DSLR baseplate for even greater versatility and convenience.

It’s surprisingly lightweight, despite the sturdy construction. It’s designed with cinematographers and filmmakers in mind, as they need quality products yet affordable pricing. This rig guarantees a solid construction together with impressive reliability for outstanding performance.

Designed for speed and ease of assembly and disassembly, this rig works perfectly with any brand of DSLR or any other small cameras. Its small baseplate features tension knobs which are fully adjustable for high-quality, stable shots every time.

Its heavy-duty grips paired with the 18” rod system means that adding all the accessories you need will be simple.

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10) FilmCity DSLR Shoulder Support

Durable with outstanding build quality, the FilmCity DSLR shoulder rigs will give you all the professionalism you need at a price that even an amateur can afford. With its stylish and sleek appearance, it boasts a number of handy features that will take your filmmaking to the next level.

Its quick release plate is a convenient addition, taking it a mere few minutes to set up and disassemble your equipment. Its shoulder support pad is very comfortable, allowing you to film for extended periods without suffering from any strain or pain.

Meanwhile, the inbuilt counterweight ensures that you’ll be well balanced and stable.

This is the perfect piece of equipment for a run and gun shoot and offers outstanding value for money. Even though it is very lightweight to carry, it is surprisingly durable. Its adjustable brackets can be moved from 6” up to 9” to suit your requirements.

The inclusive matte box is also capable of accommodating lenses of several sizes, up to a maximum of 95mm to suit a range of needs. It also has adjustable top and side doors as well as 4×4 filter holders and a front-located height adjuster for even greater convenience.

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11) Neewer DSLR Shoulder Mount

Stop us before if we’ve mentioned the impressive Neewer DSLR shoulder rigs. Chances are, you won’t be disappointed by this product. With its durable and versatile design, this mount improves the quality of your video for even more professional filmmaking.

Designed for use both indoors and outside, this DSLR shoulder support rig has a sturdy construction that retains its shape perfectly. This is regardless of which brand of camera you use. Suitable for both camcorders and DSLRs, it’s very versatile and flexible.

Lightweight enough to take anywhere, this maneuverable rig is comfortable and won’t strain your wrists or hands while you shoot video footage. Both hands have been equipped with a rubberized non-slip grip for extra comfort and support.

Meanwhile, the angles and position of the rig can easily be adjusted to improve your video quality.

Very customizable, these DSLR shoulder rigs feature a C-shape holder that supports the vast majority of add-ons and accessories like lenses. That means you’ll get even more use from your rig. Its aluminum construction is robust and long-lasting yet surprisingly light, and it won’t break or bed over time.

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12) Ikan TT-03-TL Shoulder Mount

The Tilta TT-03-TL DSLR shoulder rigs come complete with a follow focus and counterweights making it a great option if you’re looking for value for money. Built with the needs of professional cinematographers and videographers in mind, this rig offers quality at a surprisingly low price.

Extremely reliable, it has been designed to be solidly constructed and it boasts every essential feature to guarantee a professional level of performance. It comes with a baseplate designed for use with DSLR cameras as well as a follow focus that has adjustable hard stops.

Compatible with virtually every DSLR camera, this rig’s baseplate can snap quickly onto its 15mm support rods for a removable registration pin. This keeps the camera firmly in place and stable during filming.

The inclusive follow focus simply snaps onto the rig, while its adjustable tension controls and adjustable hard stops ensure completer precision focusing that works perfectly with a photo-type lens. It also features two counterweights with a 15mm rod adapter to mount onto the rear of the rig allowing the weight to be evenly distributed.

This ensures perfect comfort even during a long day of filming. To guarantee this further, the rods have mounted handgrips that can be adjusted through three different points and feature texture for a sturdy and solid grip.

You’ll also benefit from a carrying case that comes free of charge with this rig. This makes it a breeze to transport or store between uses.

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13) Neewer Film Movie Video Making Kit

Coming from the Neewer brand, these robust DSLR shoulder rigs come with everything you need to get started with filmmaking. It comes complete with the shoulder mount, matte box, follow focus, top handle, and C-shape bracket.

Designed for use with mid-sized and small cameras, they’re perfectly compatible with your DSLR.  Plus, this model boasts with features that can help lead to high-quality shots. The extremely affordable price tag makes this a great cost-effective option for beginners who are making their first jump to filmmaking.

The inclusive C-shaped bracket features a top handle grip that can transform the rig into a hand-held, which allows for filmmaking on the go. It comes with an inclusive counterweight, which distributes the rig’s weight to better the stabilization and balance.

You can adjust the height of the matte box by up to 45mm to suit your camera’s lens size and it can also work with a standard 15mm rail for extra flexibility. The inclusive follow focus allows for more precise shooting and focusing as well, making shot options endless.

The soft shoulder pad ensures complete comfort of use, even for extended periods. Meanwhile, the dual-hand handgrip is comfortable to use all day long. Quick to assemble and disassemble, this user-friendly rig is ideal for people at any stage.

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Focusing On Shoulder Rigs

If you’ve decided you need a shoulder rig, congratulations! To us, it’s the perfect way to get the best footage and shots possible. We feel one of these DSLR shoulder rigs we highlighted above will do the trick.

Designed to take all of the hard work out of shooting, a shoulder mount will take the weight for you and eliminate all the problems associated with hand-shake.

Never again will you need to worry about the jitters after that super-strong espresso before filming!

Whether you’re a filmmaking pro or you’re just an amateur starting out on your shooting adventure, it doesn’t matter. One of these high-quality DSLR shoulder rigs may turn you into the next Steven Spielberg! You’ll love the convenience these rigs provide, especially due to their ability to work both indoors and outdoors.

On a low budget or capable of spending a little more on your filming equipment, you’re sure to find a shoulder mount among our top 13 selection to suit your individual needs. We’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve brought you all the key information you need to make a well-informed purchasing decision and avoid making an expensive mistake.

Whatever suggestion we threw out that best suits your needs, you can be convinced that you’ll be benefiting from great quality and excellent value for money. It’s time to make a snap decision!

December 28, 2018 / Comments Off on Top 13 DSLR Shoulder Rigs
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Wunder360 S1 Camera

The Wunder360 S1 is a multifunctional camera that not only captures your precious moments in still and video. It also renders them into 3D. It’s capable of taking 4k resolution photos and 3k resolution 30fps videos/1080P 60fps videos.

This device also offers real-time in-camera 360° stitching with its built-in CEVA-XM4 imaging and vision DSP technology. This means there’s no need for post-production editing. It’s just a click away if you want to stitch two fisheye images together.

Likewise, the Wunder360 S1 gives you clear and precise shots every time because of its AI-powered smart tracking system. The system recognizes the important subject in the video using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) deep learning framework. Just touch the subject on the screen so the AI can track that object of focus in every frame.

Meanwhile, Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) ensures you get sharp, stable, and focus images every time no matter how much the camera jerks. As for its 3D feature, Wunder360 S1 is capable of taking 3D scans of your surroundings which you can export to create a virtual image compatible with an AR headset. A companion cloud service lets you check the virtual tour online and download it as a 3D model file.

Moreover, the Wunder360 S1 also functions as a wireless security camera. Using the companion app, you get a clear and panoramic view of your house.

For a device that weighs 98 grams, you get a compact and portable 360 camera that packs features not available in any of its kind. It includes a phantom clipper for multiplicity videos and an IP68 waterproof case for underwater shots of up to 100 feet.

Buy Yours Here

Photos Courtesy of Wunder360

November 15, 2018 / Comments Off on Wunder360 S1 Camera
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Roader: A Vlogger’s Dream

No longer will you ever suffer from missing out on the perfect video opportunity if you get a Roader. Roader is the anti-FOMO of cameras and perfect for road trips and general recording needs. The camera works by pre-recording 10 seconds of footage before you hit the shoot button so scrambling for your camera to get some unique live footage is easier than ever. If you’re in the right place at near enough the right time, your video may even make global news. It will even keep recording 10 seconds after you hit the end record button, so you don’t miss out by thinking the action is over when it’s not.

How does it work? Well, when your Roader is switched on, it buffers a 10-second video in its memory and continuously refreshes the 10 second clip as time passes. When you hit the record button the previous 10 seconds from the RAM memory is added to the clip.

The camera has a battery life of 7 hours and can help you broadcast to the likes of Facebook and Youtube without reaching for your smartphone. It will also send your video to your phone automatically via Bluetooth and the accompanying Roader App lets you share your vlog onto your social media or keep it for later in your phones’ memory. You don’t always have to rely on your phone and the Roader itself will also keep your unique shots.

If you want one you better get snappy about it as they are likely to sell fast.

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September 7, 2018 / Comments Off on Roader: A Vlogger’s Dream
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Guardbot Surveillance Robot

Although still in development, Guardbot offers a glimpse into what the near future of mobile surveillance may look like. This ground-breaking, rugged Surveillance Robot can be your eyes and ears on any imaginable terrain, from rough mountains to water and everything in between.

Available in a variety of sizes, ranging from as small as 5 inches to a hefty 7ft in diameter, the ball-shaped device packs a motorized pendulum that propels the unit forward & backward while allowing it to make 360-degree turns. Guardbot can be controlled via satellites as well as remotely. It can run non-stop for up to 25 hours/charge and reach speeds of up to 9 mph on land and 3 mph in water.

Fitted with two cameras, various microphones, and GPS, this clever robot represents a major advancement in the remote surveillance field. No wonder it is currently being tested by the military for future deployments.

Learn More From Guardbot

Photo Courtesy of Guardbot

July 5, 2018 / Comments Off on Guardbot Surveillance Robot
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Fujifilm X100F Camera Brown Leather Edition

The ultimate rig for travel and street photography will soon be available in a vintage-inspired colorway that compliments its old-school body. Fujifilm’s X100F Camera Brown Leather Edition will sport an irresistible brown and silver combo that is sure to make classic camera enthusiasts drool over it.

Exterior looks aside, the new model packs the same features that made the original so cherished by photographers. These feats include a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter, X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine, Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, Focus Lever for quick selection of focus areas, “ACROS“ film simulation, digital teleconverter, 3.0-inch LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, ISO sensitivity up to 51200, and other goodies crammed inside a compact and ultra-versatile camera.

Buy the black version from Amazon $1,200

May 30, 2018 / Comments Off on Fujifilm X100F Camera Brown Leather Edition
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Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Camera

Fujifilm has recently introduced their first square format analog Instax camera. The SQ6 uses the brand’s 1:1 square format instant film, letting you capture and print precious moments as they arise.

The affordable camera ditches the digital features for a traditional analog experience. It features automatic exposure control–ideal for brightening photos shot in dark conditions, a selfie mode & selfie mirror, macro mode for capturing close-up subjects, and landscape mode for subjects in the distance. You can also use the double exposure mode to capture an artistic shot with two images in the same print, and the lighten & darken modes to control the brightness and add a low-key or high-key effect.

The Instax SQ6 Camera includes three color filters (orange, purple, and green) that can be attached to the flash, and comes in stylish rose gold, gray, and white.

Buy From Instax $129

May 21, 2018 / Comments Off on Fujifilm Instax SQ6 Camera
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Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Blackmagic have just updated their popular Pocket Cinema Camera with 4K capabilities. The new rig features high-end imaging and advanced features into a portable and inexpensive package.

Within its durable & lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite body, the camera boasts a full size 4/3 HDR sensor with native 4,096 x 2,160 resolution, 13 stops of dynamic range, and up to 25,600 ISO, offering digital film quality and excellent performance in low light conditions. 4K images (ProRes or RAW) can be shot at up to 60 frames/second and windowed HD at up to 120 frames/second.

Other details include an MFT lens mount, large 5-inch touchscreen monitor, 10-bit ProRes and 12-bit RAW recording, 4 built-in microphones, mini XLR audio input with phantom power, Bluetooth wireless camera control, HDMI on-set monitoring output, and the ability to record directly onto the same external USB-C media drives used for editing.

Learn More From Blackmagic $1,295

April 10, 2018 / Comments Off on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
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Fotopro Mogo Photography Monopod

The Fotopro Mogo is a photography monopod made specifically for mobile devices. It can attach to different cameras, tablets & mobiles, or GoPros, and it features a patented flexible arm that can be wrapped, bent, tied, coiled or stood around or on anything, allowing photographers to take photos and videos from various angles.

The lightweight portable device has a load limit of 800 grams for both of its ends. It’s constructed of high elastic plastic, with malleable steel wires at the core and a rubber outer skin, for reliable durability and waterproofness.

The Mogo has a universal screw-head, removable mount, and a GoPro Screw, allowing you to attach any camera to it and expand on its utility with the additional gear included in each kit.

Preorder From Indiegogo $39

March 20, 2018 / Comments Off on Fotopro Mogo Photography Monopod
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