Accessories Tripod mount?

[anthonygobot]

Anyone know if a tripod mount will be available for the DX? I saw a sweet one for the iphone.

 

[ylexot]

I would guess that just about any mount that would work for the iPhone would also work on the X unless it is form-fitting. I believe that there are plenty of generic camera phone mounts out there. Its not like any of them have a 1/4-20 screw hole in them.

 

[Flying_Hellfish]

Might want to check these out, gorillapods are nice and they make universal adapters now.

Joby Gorillamobile -Adaptable iPhone cases, mobile phone stands from Joby

 

[you2]

Why bother? Looking at these images they kind of suck compare to even the least expensive dslr. I suppose there is less bulk and you are more likely to always have your phone with you but if you are going to carry a tripod with you (even a table top tripod) why not go ahead and get a camera ? If you don't want the bulk of a dslr then even a pocket camera will be 10x better than a phone camera. So put those coins towards a tripod mount to a camera; will probably cover 1/2 the cost anyways

 

[anthonygobot]

I usually shoot videos while discgolfing but I just use a canon powershot w/HD video. The dx video samples look comparable so its worth a try. The powershot is choppy to if not on a tripod.

 

[Vihzel]

Might want to check these out, gorillapods are nice and they make universal adapters now.

Joby Gorillamobile -Adaptable iPhone cases, mobile phone stands from Joby

Ahh those are cool! I'm not sure when I would exactly use them though. lol

 

[mrspeedmaster]

Anyone know if a tripod mount will be available for the DX? I saw a sweet one for the iphone.

Why wouldn't this one work. It is like $8

YouTube - iPhone 4 HTC Android Droid smartphone Tripod Mount

 

[Flying_Hellfish]

Ahh those are cool! I'm not sure when I would exactly use them though. lol

they are pretty well known for their DSLR products but I think the mobile just started not long ago.

I agree that for a phone I would never use it, but it is an option.

 

[anthonygobot]

I use a regular gorillapod with the powershot actually. Ill have to look into the universal mount.

 

[Vihzel]

Is having a camera video recording while holding a tripod mount smoother than holding it in your hands? I am going to be doing a lot of video recording with my Sony camera when I'm in Europe.

 

[mrspeedmaster]

Is having a camera video recording while holding a tripod mount smoother than holding it in your hands? I am going to be doing a lot of video recording with my Sony camera when I'm in Europe.

Yes.

 

[ylexot]

Is having a camera video recording while holding a tripod mount smoother than holding it in your hands? I am going to be doing a lot of video recording with my Sony camera when I'm in Europe.

It can be. There are video mounts that basically add a lot of weight (linear and rotational inertia to be technically correct) to help steady the camera and force smooth movements. There is also the "steady stick" which is more like a short monopod where you put the tip of it in a pocket on your belt and use that to help steady the shot.

 

[bladebarrier]

If you want to take pictures that require a tripod, DON'T USE A CELLPHONE.

There is no cellphone out there that takes decent pictures, and it's not likely that there will be in the next 10 years.

Why, you ask? The lens and sensor are what count, and all cell phones have crap for both. Forget about megapixels, forget about a crummy LED flash. This is all hype.

Spend $150 on an inexpensive Canon or Panasonic (or whatever your pleasure is) sub-compact, and it will outperform every cell phone with ease. Oh, and it can fit in your other pocket with just a thin screen protector. Plus the battery life will be amazing in comparison.

I won't sit here and brag about my gear (which is very modest), as I know you're not looking to lug my 20lb naneu-x backpack to take a snapshot, but the inexpensive sub-compact cameras made nowadays will still be better than any cell phone camera made this decade. I won't wall of text why. If you want specifics, feel free to shoot me a PM.

If you really need to take a self or group photo, and need to have the phone rest on something to do it, you probably won't have the gorilla with you anyways at the time, and could just place the phone on something else. Either way, it's not going to take any better pictures.

//Then again, as the saying goes: the best camera is the one you have with you.

--bb

 

[schizrade]

Get a real camera.

 

[ylexot]

//Then again, as the saying goes: the best camera is the one you have with you.

Exactly. My camera gear would shame the vast majority, but I'm not going to begrudge anyone for wanting to get the best out of what they have.

 

[anthonygobot]

I usually shoot with my Powershot G9 but it doesnt have HD video so I resort to the Powershot SD. I know this is just a cellphone trust me and I keep my gorillapod with me all the time. I dont shoot commercials or nothing, just quick video to kick back and watch with friends. Ive noticed with my Powershot SD the video quality is a lot better when it is stationary on a tripod. May not be the same with the DX and I dont expect it to be amazing but its worth a shot. Guess ill giver her a go next week.

 

[bladebarrier]

I usually shoot with my Powershot G9 but it doesnt have HD video so I resort to the Powershot SD. I know this is just a cellphone trust me and I keep my gorillapod with me all the time. I dont shoot commercials or nothing, just quick video to kick back and watch with friends. Ive noticed with my Powershot SD the video quality is a lot better when it is stationary on a tripod. May not be the same with the DX and I dont expect it to be amazing but its worth a shot. Guess ill giver her a go next week.

The G9 is a great camera. I fully enjoyed using mine. It's an excellent lens, and good Canon colors.

If you want a step up, without the $3000+ price tag, I'd suggest one of the newer bridge cameras. Most do decent video, at a price lower than what the G9 cost. All will have stabilization, and easy modification for tele or macro adapters.

The Panny FZ-50 is still the way to go if you want a bridge in the middle, or maybe the fuji f100fs. Both are only found used on ebay, but are still better than the newest bridge cameras (and for less money).

Here's an example of FZ-50 shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalimistuk/.

 

[mrspeedmaster]

If you want to take pictures that require a tripod, DON'T USE A CELLPHONE.

There is no cellphone out there that takes decent pictures, and it's not likely that there will be in the next 10 years.

Why, you ask? The lens and sensor are what count, and all cell phones have crap for both. Forget about megapixels, forget about a crummy LED flash. This is all hype.

Cellphones are getting close. Very close. I have a dozen cameras. I have a serious addiction to gadgets and suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). I am regular on dpreview forums, buying-flipping cameras every few months. I normally carry a LX3 or my Olympus EP-1 micro 4/3 camera with some Leica M-mounted glass on it as my "carry around" fun camera.
I shot exclusively with the EP-1 last year so I do value the size of the sensor.

I have a few Canon dSLRs and some decent glass. Leica M9 is next... Back to phones..

The iPhone 4's sensor has a pixel pitch of 1.75um which is close to the 2.0 pixel pitch on the low-end $200 point-and-shoot Canon SD cameras. They have a 28mm equivalent field of view lens, shoots at ISO 80 and has a fast f-stop of f/2.4. I have a Canon SD980is that is $300 and can't do f/2.4. The 720p video is comparable to the iPhone. You have to remember, all you need is 2 megapixels for HD video.

The sensor is only a little bit smaller than your $200 point-n-shoot. What point-n-shoot shoots at f/2.4 & 28 mm for under $200? And which one of those shoot 720p 30fps video using H/2.64. The files even have full EXIF data on them and noise is acceptable to 800 ISO. Anything higher, you can use noise ninja.

Now, if you start talking about $400 point-n-shoots (SD400is, S90,LX3, DLUX4) that shoot RAW and give you full manual, then yes, I would agree with you. However, cellphones are now encroaching on the under "$200" point-n-shoots.

I can tell you with authority, the iPhone 4 shoots better picts than all my waterproof cameras I just recently bought. Pixel peeping, measuring ISO noise, looking at histograms, it shoots better than my Olympus Tough 6000 or Pentax W80 which are only year old models.

 

[Steven58]

Please post in the appropriate forum.

 

[Vihzel]

Post in the appropriate forum, you must.

Corrected that for you.

 

[anthonygobot]

Cellphones are getting close. Very close. I have a dozen cameras. I have a serious addiction to gadgets and suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). I am regular on dpreview forums, buying-flipping cameras every few months. I normally carry a LX3 or my Olympus EP-1 micro 4/3 camera with some Leica M-mounted glass on it as my "carry around" fun camera.
I shot exclusively with the EP-1 last year so I do value the size of the sensor.

I have a few Canon dSLRs and some decent glass. Leica M9 is next... Back to phones..

The iPhone 4's sensor has a pixel pitch of 1.75um which is close to the 2.0 pixel pitch on the low-end $200 point-and-shoot Canon SD cameras. They have a 28mm equivalent field of view lens, shoots at ISO 80 and has a fast f-stop of f/2.4. I have a Canon SD980is that is $300 and can't do f/2.4. The 720p video is comparable to the iPhone. You have to remember, all you need is 2 megapixels for HD video.

The sensor is only a little bit smaller than your $200 point-n-shoot. What point-n-shoot shoots at f/2.4 & 28 mm for under $200? And which one of those shoot 720p 30fps video using H/2.64. The files even have full EXIF data on them and noise is acceptable to 800 ISO. Anything higher, you can use noise ninja.

Now, if you start talking about $400 point-n-shoots (SD400is, S90,LX3, DLUX4) that shoot RAW and give you full manual, then yes, I would agree with you. However, cellphones are now encroaching on the under "$200" point-n-shoots.

I can tell you with authority, the iPhone 4 shoots better picts than all my waterproof cameras I just recently bought. Pixel peeping, measuring ISO noise, looking at histograms, it shoots better than my Olympus Tough 6000 or Pentax W80 which are only year old models.

My friends laugh at me for having so many cameras (4 Powershots right now) and I would love to see cell phones reach the quality of my Canon Powershot Elph. I honestly think that pressure from consumers will force the tech industry to make that one universal gadget that does it all. My brother has the Dinc (Just got his replacement yesterday) and I am impressed with the "everyday" pics it takes.

 

[bladebarrier]

Cellphones are getting close. Very close. I have a dozen cameras. I have a serious addiction to gadgets and suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). I am regular on dpreview forums, buying-flipping cameras every few months. I normally carry a LX3 or my Olympus EP-1 micro 4/3 camera with some Leica M-mounted glass on it as my "carry around" fun camera.

The LX3 is a nice camera because of its high speed, wide angle lens, flash hot shoe, manual controls, RAW, etc., and it's one I've owned (I bought the silver model at release, ended up selling it later on, but enjoyed its capabilities very much). I've also owned the Canon 980, which sadly got stolen, but it was nowhere near the quality of the LX3 as an all around shooter; albeit far more compact and convenient to carry.

Ok, so on to my wall of text as to why a phone won't keep up with a low end compact, and certainly not with a high end compact.

The main advantages you get from a dedicated point and shoot (low end), compared to a cell phone, and until battery technology drastically improves, and/or cell phones start becoming larger rather than smaller are:

1. A MUCH better lens in the compact.

There's simply not enough room in the modern cellphones to accommodate a decent lens, nor does your average cell phone user even understand what aperture settings mean. Hell, a lot of people with DSLR bodies don't either.

2. A substantially better flash system.

As someone that rarely even uses the built in flash on my DSLR (I don't even like using the hot shoe directly, but run a control cord to a bracket mounted flash system), I would take the worst compact camera flash any day, over the very weak LED flashes that camera phones have.

3. Optical or sensor based stabilization.

Ok, in a tripod thread I suppose this is moot, but in the normal usage of a camera phone this would be key. I suppose it would be possible to integrate a sensor based OS into a camera phone however this brings me to major issue number 4.

4. Significantly better battery life.

If you somehow did manage to fit a decent lens into the phone, and were to take advantage of the phone's cpu to handle focusing, processing, OS, improved transfer speeds of data, a flash equivalent to a subcompact camera (and not placed directly next to the lens), etc., how would you keep the device powered? Sure, batteries will improve over time, but simultaneously, the more we have demanded of our smart phones, the worse the battery life has become, and the thinner the models are.

//Don't get get me wrong here. I'm looking forward to having, and using, the Droid X's improved camera; compared to what my iPhone 3GS had (which was so awful, it's not funny). I often don't want to drag out my Nikon D300, as it can weigh a ton, and takes much more time to set up, so I will almost certainly use the camera in the Droid X more times than I expect, but carrying a miniature tripod for a camera that is less than .5" in thickness, just seems silly, when an inexpensive compact will easily outperform it. A slightly larger, and more expensive, LX3, G11, etc., would blow away any camera phone for as long as .5" is the size a phone is intended to be. It's simply a matter of optics.

///Anyways, I've probably side-tracked this thread too much. To the OP, practice in holding the phone camera, triggering the capture without moving much and, when possible, finding creative ways to brace yourself or the camera, will do you more good than a table top tripod will. Think of it like firing a gun, if that helps. Many of the same rules apply.

 

[deftdrummer]

Why wouldn't this one work. It is like $8

YouTube - iPhone 4 HTC Android Droid smartphone Tripod Mount

I currently have one of these coming in the mail for my DX so I'll let you guys know how it works out.

In the comments on YouTube the poster says that he doubts it will fit the DX. The DX measures 65mm in width, while the eBay pics describe a 60mm max vertical arm extension.

I am kind of bummed before I've even gotten it. I was really stoked because it also has 1/4" tripod threads, meaning you could use it with a full size tripod.

As for the Point and Shoot vs Cell Phone camera debate, it comes down to what you want to use it for. I plan to use the phone as a ceiling mounted video camera shooting at 720p for making drum videos.

I also have an 8MP Pentax Optio A10 which shoots GREAT photos in camera mode, but 420p resolution WGA video. Is it a better point a shoot that would greatly benefit from a tripod? Yes. Does the DX shoot better video and weigh less, thus being a better match for my application? Yes.

So in short, the haters on the people who want to use a little creativity with camera equipment that is the norm for photo / video enthusiasts can just chill out. Remember, a tripod is only a tool to capturing your vision of something - there is no limit to creativity.

 

[deftdrummer]

Well guys I got the mount and it works with the DX! There is a bit of flex because of the extra 5mm as seen in the pictures but I guess that means it's extra snug! No cases or even invisible shields will work though. Phone must be naked.

 

[surfpirate]

I realize this is an older thread, but I found it while googling *tripod mount droid X".

Why do I want one? So I can use the Droid X to stream live video using the uStream Broadcast app. I'd like to adapt or buy something that could be used with either a table mount or larger tripod. Has anyone found one that will securely/safely clamp onto a DX, allow full access to the screen and controls, AND utilize a standard tripod screw mount?

If not, I'll make one of my own somehow.

Thanks from this forum noobie and new DX owner.