Filip Brož You also know that feeling when you are taking a photo or recording a video with your iPhone and you think it will fall out of your hand at any moment? It makes your hands sweat and shake, and it's clear that if you don't have the latest model of apple iron with optical stabilization, then all the pictures will be worthless? It happened to me personally several times, especially with the iPhone 6 Plus in combination with a silicone cover.
Once I shot multi-minute shots, I always got a cramp in my hand and had to jerk a little or give it some slack. Of course, it was evident in the resulting video. The iPhone 5 model series was no exception. In short, there can always be some inconveniences when shooting handheld video.
For that reason, I really appreciated the Shoulderpod S1 tripod, which I personally place in the professional category of iPhone photography equipment. This at first glance inconspicuous piece of iron hides a lot of potential and does not just serve as an ordinary tripod.
I work as a journalist and therefore I appreciated the functions of the tripod several times a week, especially when I was doing some reporting. Nowadays, newspapers are not only about paper and web form, so I also take various video recordings and accompanying photos from each event.
I regularly find myself in a situation where I have to shoot, take pictures, write notes and ask questions at the same time; so I have a lot to do to make it through. On the one hand, the iPhone 6 Plus is an invaluable helper, but if I were to hold it with its size for, let's say, five minutes in one hand, I have no chance to make a quality recording, let alone sometimes concentrate so that I don't miss something.
The Shoulderpod S1 does a fairly decent job for me, where I can easily operate the iPhone with one hand and the other hand is free for other activities. In the same way, my shots are – despite the presence of optical image stabilization – much smoother as a result and I can play more with different angles while filming.
The entire tripod consists of three parts: jaws that resemble a classic vise, a loop and a nimble metal weight. When we put all three parts together, the Shoulderpod S1 is created. It hides several possibilities of use.
We film and take photos on a smartphone
In the package, you will find rubber jaws hiding the holder for the tripod, weight and loop. Use a screw to attach the jaws to your device, which is perfectly protected by rubber. You don't have to worry that an iPhone or any other phone won't fit in the jaws - the screw moves them within millimeters, so you can hold any large phone in them, even with a cover.
Once you have your iPhone firmly in place, you can slip the strap over your hand and start spinning. The weight that you screw onto the lower part of the jaws will also help to ensure that your images and shots are absolutely perfect. Otherwise, a tripod could come in there. The weight also serves as a holder that fits well in the palm of your hand. At the same time, it is quite heavy, and if you fix your hand correctly, you will achieve great stabilization.
I've been testing the Shoulderpod S1 for several months, practically every day, and I have to say that it has really proven itself. I managed to shoot videos with one hand without any problems, and what's more, if you hold the iPhone correctly in your jaw, you will have the shutter button almost within reach, for example in the Camera application.
The S1 has a standard universal quarter inch thread hidden inside. It therefore follows that you can easily screw your attached iPhone onto most available tripods and tripods and much more.
Shoulderpod can also be used as a regular stand, which you can adjust to your liking. Simply unscrew the bottom weight, remove the strap and place the jaws together with the iPhone in the desired position. You will appreciate this gadget, for example, in bed while watching videos. There are definitely no limits to innovative ideas and use in this case.
Almost a must for a mobile photographer
During testing, I especially appreciated the durability of the Shoulderpod, the quality of the materials used, and the very precise screw that moves the jaws by literally millimeters. Thanks to this, you always achieve a perfect and firm grip on the phone. On the contrary, a smaller disadvantage may be the greater weight for some, but the extra grams are there on purpose. Even so, the Shoulderpod S1 fits easily into a jacket pocket.
iPhone users who regularly record video, but also just take photos, should certainly not miss this tool if they want to have the best possible results. Lenses in iPhones are constantly improving, and the latest iPhone 6 Plus even offers the already mentioned optical stabilization, but handheld photography is a matter that certainly does not disdain a device like the Shoulderpod S1.
You can buy the Shoulderpod S1 for 819 crowns.
We thank the store for lending the product EasyStore.cz.
