Looking at your iPad, the first thing that comes to mind would never be “This looks like a great way to shoot some serious video.” Awkward to grip, no way to utilize a tripod and next near impossible to attach accessories to. Nope – not made for video.
But hold on a second, with the Padcaster, that all changes. Designed essentially for the iPad, this combination of an aluminum frame and a urethane insert, transforms that slippery iPad into a mean, video shooting and editing machine.
The urethane pad in the center will firmly grip your iPad, holding it vertically in the frame, just like you need to shoot video. Around the flexible urethane insert is a precision machined aluminum frame with ¼x20 and 3/8x16 threaded holes – just right to accept your accessories.
Add a light – sure. Add a shotgun mike – sure. Even add a larger field monitor to check critical focus. There are enough holes to hold them all.
Your tripod adapter attaches to the bottom and now you’ve got yourself a fully tweaked out shooting rig.
Want to go even more rad? If you’ve got a lens that will work with either a 72mm or 58mm threaded adapter, you can buy the Lenscaster and use it to mount wide angle or telephoto lenses to your iPad. All the mounting hardware is included. Got a different diameter lens thread? By a step-down or step-up ring to accommodate it.
One caution, most camera accessories come with hot shoe adapters and a 1/4"x20 hole so you can mount them on a light stand. The Padcaster also comes with 1/4x20 holes – but you need a way to join them together. You’ll probably need to order some 1/4x20 adapter screws.
Check out the Padcaster online at www.thepadcaster.com.
Doug Bardwell, based in Cleveland, OH, feels that photography greatly enhances the joys of traveling. With the right equipment and technique, those views can be captured and shared with friends for a lifetime. Feel free to drop him a line at travel.dougbardwell@gmail.com with suggestions for future stories. To get his stories delivered to your inbox, click the RSS feed or the "Subscribe" button above or follow him on Twitter @photodb. To read Doug’s disclosure notice, click here. To read more of his stories, enter “Doug Bardwell” in the search box above or click below for his other features:
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This product is one of those featured in my 2012 Gift Guide. For great gift ideas, check it out anytime.
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