Verdict
Pros
- Versatile
- Compact
- Innovative
Cons
- Unsteady as tripod
- Cheap plastic feel
- Difficult to adjust
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £17.99
- Adjustable velcro fasteners
- Standard tripod mount
- Compact storage
- Innovative design
First of all, it’s a desktop tripod. It’s not very adjustable or particularly sturdy, but it does the job. It has a standard screw mount and it fits most portable camcorders or compact cameras.
Although it is fit for purpose, it’s very light at 98 grams and it is not designed to take a digital SLR. We attached one to the mount and it listed wantonly before toppling over.
However, it is good at what it does. It picks up where the Gorillapod leaves off, but it doesn’t feel as well made.
It’s in action mode where the fun starts. Fold the camera flat and it can be secured to an object using the Velcro-backed straps. Then you just fit the camcorder and attach the tripod to your handbars or helmet, and you’re off.
One of the problems with Flip Action Tripod is that although it’s light and compact, it can produce some very shaky images, as seen in our video
We tested the tripod with the Flip’s own Ultra HD camcorder and found it worked best secured to a flat surface.
It’s
also useful for a range of handheld camcorders like the Sanyo Xacti
which, ingenious as they are, can be frustrating in that they lack a
horizontal base, meaning they won’t stand up by themselves.
The
quality of the straps is excellent, with a strong Velcro grip and enough
fabric to go around a large object. This versatility allows you to be
creative enough to unleash your inner John Woo.
The clever design
enables the tripod to fold in on itself and take up very little space,
like the camcorders it’s intended for, so it’s a good addition to your
equipment if you want to capture the moment and space is a premium.
Verdict
Overall,
the Flip Video Action Tripod is a decent piece of kit that’s versatile,
compact and light enough to carry in your pocket, and for £17, it’s a
worthy and highly affordable accessory when you need to travel light but
still be resourceful.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
-
Design 6
-
Features 6
-
Value 8
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
