Chris Gohlke
07-16-2007, 03:00 PM
So how many times have you been on a trip and wanted to grab a quick self portrait or small group shot but didn't because you either were not carrying around a tripod, or did not want to ask a stranger to take your picture? I recently realized that my wife and I have very few pictures with both of us in it for that exact reason and was very excited to come across the Quik-Pod as a potential solution.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/cgg-quikpod1-06192007.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: Here is how you use it.</i><br /><br />I'm sure you've tried to take a self portrait by just holding your camera out in front of you and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, unless you have mutantly long arms, at best means a picture that is just a little too close up. Basically, the Quik-Pod works the same way, but gives you an extra 18 inches of reach.<br /><br />After the break, we will see how well it does the job.<br /><!><br />The Quik-Pod extends from 8 to 18 inches and has a standard tripod mount on the end allowing you to attach your camera. Once you are set, simply set the self-timer on your camera and line up your shot using the small reflective surface at the base of the mount. As you can see, it works pretty well.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/cgg-quikpod1-07122007.JPG" /><br /><i>Figure 2: Sample picture taken without Quik-Pod</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/cgg-quikpod2-07122007.JPG" /><br /><i>Figure 3: Sample picture taken with Quik-Pod</i><br /><br />The Quik-Pod comes with a variety of accessories and is available with or without a mini-tripod attachment. The tripod attachment is a good idea, but it really needs rubberized feet to give it a little more stability. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/cgg-quikpod2-06192007.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 4: What you get</i><br /><br />The Quik-Pod is rated for 16 ounces which works out great for most point and shoot cameras, but technically won't work for larger cameras like the Canon S2 IS (mine weighs in at 18 ounces) or full SLRs. It should be noted that I used it with my S2 as well as with a smaller point and shoot and had no problems with the extra weight of the S2. However, a representative of the company told me that they would be coming out with another version specifically for SLR cameras.<br /><br />Overall, I think this is a nifty little gadget. It is available directly from <a href="http://www.quikpod.com/">Quik-Pod</a> for $29.95, or $5 less without the tripod attachment.<br /><br /><i>Chris Gohlke is a Contributing Editor for Digital Media Thoughts. He loves Sci-Fi and loves to get his hands on real-life tech gadgets. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida, USA with his wife and three cats.</i>