Photography

GekkoPod flexes its camera and smartphone-holding muscles

GekkoPod flexes its camera and smartphone-holding muscles
The GekkoPod is a flexible five-legged mount for your smartphone or camera
The GekkoPod is a flexible five-legged mount for your smartphone or camera
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The GekkoPod can attach to most cameras with a standard tripod screw
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The GekkoPod can attach to most cameras with a standard tripod screw
The GekkoPod is made from metal and silicone
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The GekkoPod is made from metal and silicone
The flexible legs of the GekkoPod mean it can be deployed in a number of different ways
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The flexible legs of the GekkoPod mean it can be deployed in a number of different ways
Claws at the end of its legs mean the GekkoPod can hold devices which are not mounted via a screw hole
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Claws at the end of its legs mean the GekkoPod can hold devices which are not mounted via a screw hole
The GekkoPod is small and lightweight enough to be carried around with you
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The GekkoPod is small and lightweight enough to be carried around with you
The legs of the GekkoPod mean it can wrap around everyday objects for extra stability
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The legs of the GekkoPod mean it can wrap around everyday objects for extra stability
The GekkoPod can be used with compact cameras, action-cams, or smartphones
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The GekkoPod can be used with compact cameras, action-cams, or smartphones
The GekkoPod can come with a standard tripod screw for attaching most cameras, an adaptable mount which will fit most smartphones, and a GoPro mount
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The GekkoPod can come with a standard tripod screw for attaching most cameras, an adaptable mount which will fit most smartphones, and a GoPro mount
Claws at the end of its legs mean the GekkoPod can hold devices which are not mounted via a screw hole
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Claws at the end of its legs mean the GekkoPod can hold devices which are not mounted via a screw hole
The GekkoPod is a flexible five-legged mount for your smartphone or camera
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The GekkoPod is a flexible five-legged mount for your smartphone or camera
View gallery - 10 images

GekkoPod is a flexible mount for compact cameras, action-cams, or smartphones, which can give them the support they need by clinging onto, gripping and wrapping around everyday objects. The five-legged mount, which was inspired by the feet of a gecko, is currently on Kickstarter where it's exceeded its funding target within a couple of days.

While most photographers are aware of importance of keeping their camera steady when shooting in low light or recording videos, it's not always practical or easy to deploy a traditional tripod, hence the popularity of flexible offerings like the Joby Gorillapod. The crowd-funded GekkoPod hopes to offer even more flexibility with its bendy and durable gecko-inspired legs.

Like the Gorillapods before it, the flexibility of the GekkoPod doesn't only mean it can be easily used on uneven surfaces, but also to hold onto other objects to achieve shots from different angles. Its legs are made from metal and silicone and can be contorted into various positions and grips. Non-slip dots on the legs add to the stability it can offer.

Cameras and other devices can be attached to either the center of the GekkoPod, or one of the legs, depending on the lift needed and how the mount is being used. If using the center mount it offers 7.6 cm (3 in) of lift, or 12.7 cm (5 in) if using the leg. The GekkoPod itself weighs a very portable 45 g (1.6 oz) and unfurled it measures 17.8 x 17.8 cm (7 x 7 in), it can support devices up to 625 g (1.4 lbs).

The GekkoPod can come with a standard tripod screw for attaching most cameras, an adaptable mount which will fit most smartphones, and a GoPro mount
The GekkoPod can come with a standard tripod screw for attaching most cameras, an adaptable mount which will fit most smartphones, and a GoPro mount

In terms of available mounts, the GekkoPod will come with a standard tripod screw for attaching most cameras, along with an adaptable mount which will fit smartphones 5.3 to 9.9 cm wide (2.1 to 3.9 in), or a GoPro mount. There's also the option of getting the GekkoPod bundled with both, and a ballhead that has a 360 degree panorama rotation and a 90 degree tilt knob.

While the most obvious use of the GekkoPod is when shooting photographs or video, makers say it's equally able to hold a device in other situations such as attaching your smartphone to your bike, or holding it at the right angle while you have a video chat. Claws at the end of legs mean it can hold devices which are not mounted via a screw hole.

A Kickstarter pledge of US$16 is currently enough to get you a GekkoPod with a standard screw and either the adaptable mount or a GoPro mount. For $20 you get both mounts and $25 will also also get you the ballhead. The campaign will run to July 2nd, and, if all goes according to plan, shipping is expected in October.

You can check out the Kickstarter video for the GekkoPod below.

Source: GekkoPod, Kickstarter

View gallery - 10 images
2 comments
2 comments
Bob Flint
This is not new, gorilla grip type sold @ the dollar store.
JayRodriguez
Count me in. Seems like it would have a much better grip than the Joby, certainty more than it's $5 knock-offs.