MonsterPod

[googlit]

Anybody seen this little wonder? It's the MonsterPod (http://www.monster-pod.com/).

http://www.photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/monsterpod-mini-tripod/images/DSC_0912_feature.jpg

From everything I've seen of it thus far, it looks absolutely amazing. It's basically a tripod, but instead of legs or suction cups, it uses this polymer that sticks to just about anything.

[read a review or buy it from Photojojo (http://www.photojojo.com/content/buy-this/monsterpod-and-gorillapod-slr-zoom/)]

I don't know how much weight it'll comfortably hold, which is one of the few things holding me back from buying it. I'll have to go peruse the site...

[Nicole]

I saw that too, and had the same reaction as to wondering how much weight it holds. I don't think I'd be real comfortable trying to put my d50 on there ;)

[googlit]

That's my only fear. :)

Ah, here it is... from their site:
"MonsterPod™ was developed to provide a temporary mounting device for compact digital cameras. It is designed to hold a 10 oz or less camera for a period of time long enough to set the automated timer and take a picture. It will not fall off. It will begin to ooze (stretch) from its location after several minutes."

Looks like we have to wait until they come out with a sturdier model. Oh, well. :P

[Floris]

My point and shoot camera (CanonPowershot A610) can hang in there for ages i think,...

great piece of gear!
but will it realy work this well?

[googlit]

from what I've heard about it so far, it really does live up to its claims. Read the review at Photojojo if you haven't already. And there are a bunch of pictures of it in action on both sites. If I had a point-and-shoot that I used all the time, I'd definitely already have one. It's just too cool. :)

[Bail]

I have made something similar for Video cameras. But I made sure it could HOLD!

I've tried it with a Canon XL-1 and it held.

http://www.jeffreybail.com/dps/campod.jpg

It's rather simple to make if you have basic tools.
Drill, Tap, Hack Saw and a ruler.

It's a 12"X12" piece of T6 Aluminum with a couple solid bars, a small angle protected with a thing layer of foam and cups. I purchased the Cups from my local industrial supply store. They are rated for 30LBS each. The whole thing cost me around 20$ to make.

I could make a smaller one for photography. As of matter of fact, I will. Updates will come.

[googlit]

@ bail

that's awesome! I wonder if it could be improved upon by turning it into a steady-cam type thing, such that it absorbs the shocks from the car and smooths out the video capture...

not entirely necessary for still photography, but still...

great idea! and very nice implementation. :)

[Bail]

@ bail

that's awesome! I wonder if it could be improved upon by turning it into a steady-cam type thing, such that it absorbs the shocks from the car and smooths out the video capture...

not entirely necessary for still photography, but still...

great idea! and very nice implementation. :)

I was thinking about springs and small gas shocks. But most video cameras that I've used on it have IS built into it.

Here is a sample video of mine in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxoCXuSTjlo

As for the photography one I am going to make. The suction cups will be much smaller, the metal plate will be triangled shape, The boom will be a little bit thinner.
Another Idea I have is to make box with the front being a glass plate. Mount my 20D inside it, mount it to the hood of my truck, set the lens to infinity, set the camera to bulb, control it with a remote shutter release and take a small drive around the city. If it passes inspection (meaning it doesn't fall off) I will then go on the highway. It will sure beat having my tripod mounted in my truck.

[googlit]

Here is a sample video of mine in action.

I said it before, and I'll say it again... that is one awesome rig. :) and it doesn't have as much shake as I thought it might. May have something to do with the fact that it's mounted so near the rear axle. Regardless, awesome. rock on. :)