IK Multimedia, the same Italian company that creates devices like the iLoud powered speaker, three different digital microphones, and preamps/A-to-D (Analog-to-Digital) converters I have reviewed here in ProVideo Coalition magazine, just announced its iKlip Grip package. It is impossible to find a single word to encompass all of its —at least— five functions/elements. Ahead you’ll see details, including a video from the manufacturer.
IK Multimedia, the same Italian company that creates devices like the iLoud powered speaker, three different digital microphones, and preamps/A-to-D (Analog-to-Digital) converters I have reviewed here in ProVideo Coalition magazine, just announced its iKlip Grip package. It is impossible to find a single word to encompass all of its —at least— five functions/elements. Ahead you’ll see details, including a video from the manufacturer.
For those readers who are unfamiliar with the term standup in a TV news context
A standup is the part in a TV journalist’s story in which she or he “stands up” in front of the camera and says some portion of the story. The standup can be at the beginning (as an introduction), in the middle (as a bridge), at the end (as a closing), or any combination thereof. Traditionally, a standup is done with a news videographer operating the camera. However, iKlip Grip puts enough distance between the journalist and the camera to allow for a handheld self-standup practically anywhere, without the need of an independent camera operator or even a tripod. You’ll see a perfect example of a self-standup in the photo above, where the reporter uses her iPhone as a camcorder, iKlip Grip, and digital iRig Mic HD microphone which I reviewed here.
Video supplied by IK Multimedia
The video only counts 4 elements/functions, but it is actually 4+1 if we count the Bluetooth remote control, which is only shipped with the iKlip Grip packages in North America and Europe. (Perhaps there is some regulatory issue preventing the Bluetooth remote control from being sold in Australia, Africa, Asia, Central America, Oceania, and South America.)
Why I call it the iKlip Grip package
I call it a package since it includes so many elements/functions, of which many are related to the physical mount, extension, and gripping in your hand, and the other is the independent Bluetooth shutter control.
The four physical functions include the desktop tripod, grip handler, monopod and tripod adapter. The appropriate combination can securely hold any smartphone with —or without— a case with screen sizes from 3.5“ to 6”, and features also a standard mounting system for connecting small mobile video cameras like GoPro, compact digital cameras and stand-mount audio field recorders.
IK Multimedia says that the secret to the iKlip Grip lies in its ingenious expandable and secure holding bracket that allows precisely positioning any smartphone at any angle for capturing photos, video and audio. iKlip Grip features an expandable spring-loaded soft-touch rubber bracket that provides secure holding power. IK Multimedia says that repositioniong a smartphone is as simple as expanding the brackets to release the phone, then re-securing it. After my brief experience with it so far, I agree! The iKlip Grip’s holding bracket features standard 1/4″–20 tripod screw threads so it can be mounted to any standard tripod as a mobile device adapter.
More about the Bluetooth remote control
The Bluetooth remote control (which comes included in North America and Europe) remotely activates the shutter —or record— button in video and photo apps. IK Multimedia says that it is universally compatible with iOS and Android and can be operated up to 10 meters away from the device.
iKlip Grip package contents
- iKlip Grip bracket / tripod adapter
- iKlip Grip handler / tripod
- iKlip Grip extender
- Remote Bluetooth shutter (only in North America and Europe)
- Lanyard
iKlip Grip dimensions
- Holding bracket width: 54mm (minimum) – 91mm (maximum) / 2.13“ (minimum) – 3.58” (maximum)
- Extendable pole length: 45cm / 17.5″ (maximum)
- Tripod/handler + bracket weight: 100 grams / 3.52 ounces
- Extendable pole weight: 60 grams / 2.11 ounces
Conclusions
I am blown away by the US$59.99 iKlip Grip’s versatility and comfort of use. I have seen other devices do some of its functions, but this is the first time I see all of these in a single package. The iKlip Grip package should be available starting today.
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My latest book (paperback + ebook)
My most recent book is available in two languages, and in paperback as well as an ebook. The ebook format is Kindle, but even if you don’t have a Kindle device, you can read Kindle books on many other devices using a free Kindle app. That includes iPad, Android tablets, Mac computers, and Windows computers. Although generally speaking, Kindle books are readable on smartphones like Androids and iPhones, I don’t recommend it for this particular book since it contains both color photos and color comparison charts. The ebook is also DRM-free.
In English:
In English, click here and you will be automatically sent to the closest Amazon book page to you based upon your IP address.
Or request ISBN–10: 1456310232 or ISBN–13: 978–1456310233 in your favorite local bookstore.
En castellano:
En castellano, haz clic aquí para llegar al instante a la página del libro correspondiente a tu zona y moneda en Amazon, según tu dirección IP.
o solicítalo en tu librería preferida con los ISBN–10: 1492783390 ó el ISBN–13: 978–1492783398.
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