Category: Accessories

I got me a protective case for Xiaomi MiJia Mini, and it looks fine. If you decide to buy, you will find it is also incredibly cheap, especially on e-Bay where I got mine.

Sleek and transparent acryllic encasement is simple, since the camera itself only has one button which can do On-Off and Start-Stop. All else is accessible via its touchscreen…

… that can’t be accessed, once the camera is enclosed in the protective case! So do you have to stick to your recording plan that you set up prior to taking your cam under the surface? If you later wanted to change something, do you have to reach some place where you can dry the casing, open it, and use the touchscreen?

Simplicity is a good thing… Generally true, but not always, I thought.

And then I played around in the menu called “In Housing Mode” just to find out that you can yet use that single command button for other things. Namely, in that setting, long-press will open the list of other options, such as Video, Timelapse, Photo, Photo Timelapse, etc., and you can loop through those options using short-press command.  Of course, any special setting within any of the options mentioned should have been set up before (e.g. timelapse intervals, or photo ISO value, etc.) but then the changes, though limited to certain point, are still possible. The last option in “In Housing Mode” is Off, thus replacing the general function of long-press when the cam is not encased.

This is one of the most comprehensible use of one single-button command I have seen yet. Good thinking, Xiaomi!

As you can see in the above photo, the casing’s command button is too small – on a pin that is too long. It rages out of its leading well, which should actually ensure a wobble-free, straight-down linear movement. So, either the button pin is too long – or the well is too shallow! This is risky, as the pressing upon this button in a not exactly vertical move might upset the o-ring in its seat, enough to squirt water over the camera.

Aside from that, my main beef is about the bewilderingly constant wrong technology that the manufacturers use with the main hatch (“door”) sealing in a watertight case. Mainly it is directly related to the sealing principle, since they apply a wedge gasket, versus an infinitely safer o-ring. But the seal on this case that I got for Xiaomi MiJia Mini is the worst version by far, even compared to some other wedge-type sealings.

Links may show you more about underwater case maintenance and various seal systems.

Let me explain. It may be a lengthy read, but it just could spare you some costly frustration.

All underwater Action Camera casings I have seen use plastic latches & locks on the (usually) upper side of the case, and a simple hinge on the other. The plastic latch is supposed to keep the main hatch closed – so as to keep the sealing gasket around the hatch in its place.

The latch, supported by its oval wire spring, shouldn’t do anything else but keep the hatch in its closed position. The sealing gasket wedged between its groove and the inner rim of the case opening should sit safely in there, keeping the water out solely by its presence – and definitely not by depending upon some spring force.

Not with the case at hand, so to say! This wedge does not enter the casing completely; it rather rides between the hatch groove and the casing rim. Consequently, it uses the latch spring force to stay in this precarious position, in such way that spring force must fight the seal elasticity – that fights back!

Now imagine how the latch is stretched apart by all the described forces acting upon its material! Common plastics respond fine to being compressed, but can be as unpredictable as lottery when stretched.

Many outside influences can change the material resiliency. Changes may imperceptibly occur from wrong cleaning media (containing solvents), from heat, or sun-tan lotions, from gasoline or outboard engine oil that floats on water surfaces, and finally – from aging.

Once the material fatigue of the latch advances, the latch might snap – and quite without warning! If your camera case happens to be underwater and the outward-pressing seal forces the hatch open, your camera will suddenly and ingloriously drown, together with records of unique scenes that you have made. Might make you think certain thoughts about certain manufacturer and certain things… like a responsible design!

Even simpler than that; if the excenter-balanced latch snags on anything, it might inadvertently be opened… with pretty same results! And all because of the – ignored but present – forces in the wrongly conceived sealing system.

That, plus one lightning-fast moment of bad luck…

Unfortunately, I have no way to test the case impermeability right now, as the inclement weather conditions do not warrant a safe dive. But I’ll make sure to test the empty casing under pressure, prior to risking the valuable camera in it. Maybe I can replace the original seal with, say, twin o-rings that would properly fit the hatch groove – if I can find adequately dimensioned ones. I’ll also try to acquire the original casing from the Official source or Distributor, just to point out the differences. Will let you know.

In the meantime, remember that any and all damage to your camera – any camera – from water ingress is not covered by Warranty, and is routinely regarded as a User’s Fault!

Neat, eh? But then, that’s just one among many ways the new things get sold and bought.

Good Luck!

Disclaimer: The underwater case featured and reviewed in this article is a third-party product. It is not the casing officially produced by Xiaomi. In the upcoming weeks we hope that we will have a chance to review the original casing for the MiJia Mini, its performance and quality.

Recently I have availed myself to an interesting item which helps me mount any camera to nearly any object, and I want to describe it for Pevly readers which might find it useful.

It is advertised as [length]-Inch Articulating Magic Arm Super Clamp, which can support a DSLR, and of course, any smaller camera, LCD monitor, LED or other lighting units, remote flash systems, etc.
On eBay, (for instance, here) it is available in two lengths: 7″ or 11″, and sells for anywhere between $10.- and $17.- per unit (including Free International Shipping).

The Clamp has pliers-type jaws that can be fixed to objects sized between 1 and 5 cm. Such jaws can also be bought separately and equipped with any extension that has either ¼” or 3/8″ standard tripod screw, as it has both said bushing sizes at the back end of the clamp. But the unit I have acquired already has an articulated arm which suits my usage perfectly.

The articulating arm has two segments connected by finely toothed “elbow” which is controlled with one large handscrew. Both segments end in small ballheads, and each ballhead has an ¼” tripod screw. Typically, one arm end connects to the clamp, and the other to your camera. There are some added pieces which allow you to fix either male or female ¼” equipped gear, also any action camera, by adding the pronged swivel base to the arm’s end.

The reason the advertisement uses “magic” as a descriptive is the central handscrew. Namely, the articulating arms have internal ballhead-blocking system which is actuated by the same grippy handscrew. This handscrew locks the whole arm in any wanted position!

To use this camera clamp, you should first affix the jaws to any suitable object where you wish the camera to be. Then relax the handscrew slightly to make the arms and ballheads loosely movable. Add your camera to the business end of the arrangement. Bring the camera to proper position, point it to where you want it to look, and just tighten the handscrew. The arm, elbow and both ballheads, are frozen in position. That’s all.

There is absolutely no play in the whole unit; no wobbling, no creeping, no nodding. Nothing of the sort. Your camera sits there solidly for hours if need be. I use my (7″) clamp mostly with action cams, but sometimes I’ll use it with my Nikon which weighs almost one kilogram. As far as this clamp is concerned, “same difference”.

To challenge things even more, I have sprayed the innards of the whole mechanism with WD-40, so as not to worry about corrosion when using the unit underwater. Still haven’t noticed any creeping! When I use it as a dashcam support, it is usually fixed to the car seat’s headrest. It just sits there, stoically enduring all vibrations while it holds the camera on the other end safely and securely.

One single thing that required a change was the pliers padding. Originally there were just two pieces of corrugated rubber, glued to the inner side of the jaws. These pads detached from the metal jaws pretty early from the friction forces at this particular spot. So I simply replaced those with two short pieces of garden hose pulled over the jaws ends. This proved to be one much more durable solution. It costs nothing, and plastic pieces are easily replaced if  ever these wear out (which I doubt).

So browse the net for this kind of camera support. It is an accessory well worth its price!

It’s well known among enthusiasts that action cameras aren’t known for recording great audio.  In an effort to fix this problem some cameras are equipped to handle an external microphone.  Here I test one, the Movo GM100 lavalier microphone.

A lavalier microphone, usually abbreviated as lav mic, is a small microphone that you clip onto the collar or lapel of your shirt or dress.  Typically this is done by way of a small alligator clip like the Movo’s.  The GM100 is an omnidirectional microphone, meaning it should pick up sounds equally well in all directions.

Action cams like GoPro, the new SJCam SJ6 and the Dazzne P2 Plus I used for this test don’t have the usual 3.5mm port for a microphone mini plug.  Rather the microphone is connected via their mini USB port with a microphone hard wired to a mini USB plug or via a mini USB x 3.5mm adapter plus a microphone with a standard 3.5mm plug.  The latter is the route chosen by Movo for the GM100 lav mic.

Adapters are also available in a right-angle configuration instead of a short cable.  Either way, the advantage to having a separate mic and adapter is that you can use the mic alone with other devices.  That’s what I did while testing the Movo.  I used both my Dazzne camera and an old RCA mono voice recorder.

So does the Movo make these devices sound better?  It seems like a bit of a mixed bag. The following video was made using the Dazzne P2+ camera without and with the Movo mic.  I left the lens cap on and added the graphic equalizer to show you the improved audio performance.

Both parts of the video were boosted the same amount just to make the first part with the Dazzne’s P2+ internal mic audible.  That meant the second part was much louder owing to the improvement with the Movo mic.  Because it was boosted so much you hear more hiss.  It’s impossible to say if that’s due to the Dazzne or the Movo.  The music was more than comfortably loud in the room where it was recorded.

The following video was made at a river dam.  It’s a nice steady sound that in person has some subtlety you just can’t hear electronically.  Still, give it a listen.

In this case the Movo mic sounds worse than the Dazzne’s internal mic.  It sounds hollowed out and the loudness is actually decreased.  Again both parts were boosted the same amount for a direct comparison.

I also tested an old digital voice recorder without and with the Movo GM100.  In that case the recording sounded somewhat better with the Movo mic.

What about other uses such as an external microphone for smartphones and other mobile devices?  Unfortunately the Movo GM100 can’t be used with them.  One way to describe these types of audio connections is by the abbreviations TS, TRS, TRRS, and TRRRS,  designating tip-ring-sleeve connections.  In the photo below the Movo’s TRS plug is shown on top.  A TRRS plug from an Eaton mic is shown on the bottom.  Notice the two rings versus three rings.  (The number of “R’s” doesn’t correspond to the actual number of rings.)

The GM100 can’t be used with a smartphone because it doesn’t have a TRRS connector.  Similarly, a mic with a TRRS plug can’t be used with the typical mini USB x 3.5mm adapter including the Movo’s.  However, you can buy separate TRS x TRRS adapters and some mics have a switch that allows you to use them as either one.

The Movo GM100 seems well made for it’s price.  There was no wiggle in the connections and the alligator clip was sturdy without being too hard to squeeze open.  The cable’s about 48-inches (122cm) long.  Two minor complaints: The wind protector doesn’t fit very snugly over the bare microphone; and while the Movo is packaged neatly, it doesn’t include a small carrying case or bag.

The GM100 is available from a number of online retailers.  I bought mine from Amazon for US $14.95.  It’s also available on Amazon UK, Germany and Italy but not on Amazon Australia or The Netherlands.  It can also be purchased directly from Movo or on eBay.

I can’t recommend the Movo GM100 because it doesn’t offer unequivocal improvements in audio recording.  Granted, some of the problem might be due to the poor quality of the Dazzne’s audio circuitry but in the music recording the Movo just made things louder, not better.  By contrast it actually decreased the loudness of the water falling over the dam.  Yes, it’s cheap, but there’s no point if it doesn’t improve the sound.  Unfortunately the Movo doesn’t.

Is it strange to see a review of a tripod on an action camera website?  After all, you don’t mount a tripod on your helmet or use one when you’re diving (or do you?!).  But action cameras can be used in all sorts of ways where it’s not the camera that’s moving but everybody and everything around it.  They have many uses at work, home, your children’s school and many social occasions.  In these cases a tripod can be your best friend for a nice, steady video that captures all the fun and action.

The Somita ST-3540 is a wonderful, inexpensive tripod for your action camera and is a really good starter tripod generally for point-and-shoot and other lightweight cameras and accessories up to 6.5lbs (3kg).  It has all the adjustments and features of more expensive tripods but in a lighter, cheaper version.

The three-way pan and tilt head has independent locks for each adjustment.  The quick-release mounting plate can also be tilted 90° to convert instantly to portrait orientation.

The three-section telescoping legs use simple flip locks to secure the sections.  They have sturdy rubber feet with a ball-and-socket design to provide stable footing on all surfaces.  There’s a bullseye level on top of the legs and a second level on the head.

It has a telescoping center post with crank and locknut and a weight hook below that.  There’s also a convenient handle on the center tube.

So why is this gem so cheap?  Because it’s . . . well, cheap.  Other than the legs, center tube and handle for tilt the entire tripod is plastic.  Don’t get me wrong: it’s all well made and the plastic doesn’t look or feel cheap.  But plastic is plastic.  For comparison here are photos of my father’s 80-plus-year-old tripod with it’s metal head.

Yes, it’s less versatile than the Somita’s but it’s super smooth to operate.  By comparison the Somita can be a bit sticky if you’re trying to make small adjustments or pan or tilt slowly.  That’s due to the friction of plastic on plastic.  It’s worse with my action cameras but less bad with my point-and-shoot, maybe because of the slight additional weight.

However, the fact is that most of the time it’s not an issue.  Generally when I’m using the Somita things are moving faster than the “sticky speed” of the tripod head or else it’s stationary.  The knobs and handles themselves operate smoothly and the legs extend and retract smoothly as well.

After a year of use and a few clumsy mishaps where I kicked or tripped on the legs it still works beautifully.  It even comes with a nice zippered carrying bag with strap.  One niggle: the strap is too short too sling over your shoulder and it’s really not convenient as a handle.

Somita makes a full range of tripods and the 62-inch (157cm) ST3540 has a sister 68-inch (173cm) ST3560.  I don’t like tripods shorter than 5ft (152cm) and I’m only 5′-8″ (173cm).  If you’re taller you should consider the 3560 instead.  Either way the Somita is a bargain.  I bought mine a year ago on Amazon for $25 – very good for a tripod of that size.  However, as of the date of this review the 62-inch ST3540 is selling on Amazon for an incredible $12.95 – a truly outstanding price.  Even the 68-inch ST3560 is only $15.95.

At the normal $25 price I would recommend the Somita ST3540 to any action cam enthusiast or budding photographer.  At $13 to $16 I recommend you go online and order either size now from Amazon before the prices go up again.  This is a delightful holiday gift that should fit into most people’s budget.  While you’re at it order one for yourself!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Pevly! 🙂

UPDATE: 9 March 2017

I mentioned in the review that the Somita tripod can be a bit “sticky” when panning or tilting due to the friction of plastic on plastic.  The simplest solution to cure this is lubrication, but you must be careful to use only a compatible lubricant.

Petroleum oil can cause deterioration of plastic so I don’t recommend any such product.  It’s best to use mineral oil or silicone lubricant.  Both are compatible with almost any type of plastic.  If you want some technical information but in mostly layman’s terms the newsletter Machine Design has an article about lubricating plastic gears that is nonetheless applicable in our case as well.

I bought some silicone lubricant and tried it on my Somita tripod and it made a big difference.  Now the tripod doesn’t stick at all when panning or tilting.  The tripod head moves completely smoothly even when adjusting in small increments or following slow-moving action.

You’ll need to look closely at the head to see where to apply the lubricant for the panning and tilting adjustments because they’re on different axes but once you find them they’re readily apparent.  I applied a drop of oil at each location where there was an interface between a moving and a non-moving surface and that’s all it took.  Silicone spray lubricant is available too.  Be careful not to stain your clothes or floor and wipe off any excess.

So try a bit of mineral oil or silicone lubricant if you find your Somita tripod is sticky.  I think you’ll be pleased with the results.

If you’re like me the holidays present a bit of a balancing act.  What gifts do you get your friends and loved ones that still fit within your budget?  It usually takes me forever to make these decisions because I weigh the pros and cons back and forth ad infinitum.

This year let me help you by suggesting the gift of a mini tripod for your action camera enthusiast.

Here I present to you three mini tripods.  From left to right, a 7-inch flexible tripod; the Veho DuoPod; and an 11-inch flexible tripod.  These can serve action camera users well in a number of conditions that could otherwise prove quite challenging and each one can easily fit within most budgets.  Let’s start with the Veho DuoPod.

Veho DuoPod

Among the three tripods, the Veho DuoPod is both the least flexible and most flexible, i.e., it’s not bendable like the others but it’s easily the most versatile.  For one thing it’s more than just a tripod as the name suggests.  It can also be used as a selfie stick and a hand grip for your action camera, smartphone or lightweight point-and-shoot digital camera.  That’s because the extendable portion can be used with the tripod or removed and used separately.

It has two integral pull-out extensions that allow you to vary the length from about 6-inches to 14-inches (15cm to 35cm) plus a bit more with the ball head.  When collapsed it makes an excellent hand grip and while extended it makes a good (if slightly short) selfie stick.  It’s also good for getting your camera up above the crowd for concerts, parades and the like.

The tripod is also quite nice.  The legs are extendable like the straight portion with two integral pull-out extensions so you can choose one, two or three sections for the legs.  They can be set wide apart for the most stable base or closer together to give maximum height.  When the legs are set for maximum height and the straight portion is attached and fully extended, you can get a total height of about 26-inches (66cm).

But be careful: when fully extended the whole assembly can be a bit wobbly with anything heaver than an action cam or smartphone.  Even a point-and-shoot camera is almost too much.  Another issue is that the ball head can slip if you don’t tighten it very firmly.

The entire product is well made and the straight portion has a durable foam grip for comfort.  I bought my Veho DuoPod a year ago from B&H Photo, a bricks-and-clicks retailer in the US, for $22 with free shipping and no sales tax.

They don’t sell it anymore but it is available from Adorama, another US bricks-and-clicks retailer, for $25 plus $5 shipping.  It’s also available on Amazon (but still through Adorama) though the shipping is more.  I also checked Amazon UK and Germany – it’s available on both.  It’s not available on Amazon Italy or Australia.

Flexible Tripods

An alternative to a standard tripod is the flexible tripod.  I have two – one is 7-inches long and the other is 11-inches long (about 18cm and 28cm).  Both have flexible foam-covered legs and include a ball head.  The 11-inch version is quite beefy with legs that are just the right combination of stiff yet flexible.  It offers a firm base when used as a tripod.

The foam covering provides good grip when mounting it on slippery railings or posts.  It has a detachable plate for mounting your camera then reattaching it to the ball head – a nice feature commonly found on standard tripods.

The ball head can’t be tilted to 90 degrees but it is surprisingly firm if you tighten it sufficiently.  I’ve used it with my point-and-shoot camera.

The 7-inch flexible tripod is just too short and insubstantial.  You can mount your bare action camera on it if the camera has a simple clip but even the added weight of the waterproof enclosure causes the ball head to slip.

It was a comical scene when I tried it with my smartphone and a clip: it slowly tilted down as if it was nodding off to sleep!  At least the legs seem well made.  Like the larger one they’re the right combination of stiff yet flexible and the foam covering seems durable.  Unfortunately they’re just not long enough.  As you can see they barely grip a 2 x 4.

I’ve seen flexible tripods in a range of heights from 6-inches to 14-inches (15cm to 36cm).  The price range is quite large.  I saw a 7-inch tripod on Geek Buying for $2.29 and a 14-inch Joby GorillaPod at an online photo shop for $56.

I suggest staying away from anything smaller than about 9-inches.  Some people swear by GorillaPod but I’ve been quite happy with my 11-inch, $12 off-brand alternative.

Unfortunately it’s impossible to predict the quality of off-brand items and people’s customer service experiences with various retailers, especially the Chinese sellers, seems to be all over the place.  Often you’ll find flexible tripods bundled with a smartphone clip or sometimes an adapter for GoPro-style mounting accessories.  They can also be found as part of a larger accessories kit.

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Summary

I can definitely recommend the Veho DuoPod.  I frequently turn to it because it’s easy to use, flexible, convenient and well made.  If its $30 cost is more than you’d like to spend then consider a flexible tripod for your action cam enthusiast.  At $10 to $15 they’re pretty cheap.  They’re versatile enough to mount pretty much anywhere that has an available post, railing or tree limb and kids love playing with the bendy legs when it’s not in use!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Pevly. 🙂