Action cameras have come a long way since GoPro’s release of its original Hero camera back in 2004. I mean, they’re no longer film-based (something I actually didn’t know until researching this story). They have turned into not just cameras for bikers, surfers, or other extreme sports; they are now full-featured cameras that can be used professionally or as the main camera for an everyday person.
Here are a few cool accessories for Insta360, GoPro, and DJI cameras that you may not know existed.
Insta360 Ace 2 Pro Camera Grip
You’re going to notice that Insta360 may just be the king of action camera accessories. Just doing a quick scroll through their store can show you that they really do think their Ace 2 Pro action camera is and should be a camera for everyone.
While GoPro and DJI focus on providing as many mounting accessories as possible, Insta360 matches some of those but really dives into expanding what its Ace 2 Pro can do. First on this list is the Ace 2 Pro’s Camera Grip. Formally named the Xplorer Grip Pro Kit, it’s more than just a dummy cage around the camera for more grip; it actually turns the Ace 2 Pro into a proper camera.
The grip features a shutter button for snapping photos or starting and stopping video, support for zooming with a rocker under the shutter, and a dial for mode changes and exposure control. Lastly, the grip is also a battery for the Ace Pro 2, with Insta360 stating it supports up to five hours and 40 minutes of non-stop shooting.
These features do come at a cost, the grip is $100.
Insta360 Ace 2 Pro / X5 Preview Remote
Another cool and unique accessory that is both for the Ace 2 Pro and the company’s flagship 360 camera, the X5, is their Preview Remote. It’s not just a remote shutter but also a small screen to help you perfectly frame your shot, a wireless mic to capture audio, and a GPS tracker to gather location, elevation, and speed data.
You can wear it as a watch, clip it onto your clothes, or simply handhold it. The screen allows you to change settings, start and stop recordings, and of course, view what your camera sees.
This is obviously designed for bike and car content creators. It allows you to gather the route data you may want for your videos while also ensuring everything looks good. You can grab one of these for $160.
DJI Osmo Action 3.5 mm audio adapter
Even though every company nowadays has their own Bluetooth mics for connecting to their action cameras, sometimes you just can’t beat the quality of a hardwired mic. DJI has a solution for you: an expanded USB-C adapter that allows for a 3.5 mm mic to be plugged into it. It also keeps the functionality of having a USB-C port for charging.
There are a few drawbacks: It only supports audio in, so you can’t listen back to your recordings using a pair of wired earbuds. Also, the charging only works while the mic is plugged in. But if you’re not someone blocked by those limitations, then this may be a great tool for your content.
You can purchase the adapter for $59.
Insta360 Ace 2 Pro Photo Printer
One of my favorite accessories, a reason why I started this story, was the recently released Ace Pro 2 Pocket Printer. Basically, it’s a way to turn your action camera into a Polaroid camera. Pair this with the grip from earlier, and you have a pretty fun-looking camera that you can take to events or parties for instant print-out image fun!
It can be physically attached to the bottom of the Ace Pro 2’s camera grip but connects to the camera over Bluetooth. I’ve honestly never been more tempted to drop whatever money it takes to purchase both the Ace Pro 2 and this printer. It just looks fun!
You can purchase the Pocket Printer for $100.
GoPro Wired Power Connector
Last but not least, something I would have never expected someone would need but its usability checks out, is GOPro’s wired power adapter for its HERO cameras. While you can also just use the USB-C port to charge your camera, that means you’re exposing the sensitive ports to the elements, which may not work for everyone.
GoPro’s solution is called the Contacto. It’s a replacement door for the side of your camera that features a magnetic wireless charging port on the side. This can then be connected by the provided cord to charge your device and keep it all waterproof. Pretty awesome and niche, but if that’s a requirement for you, at least GoPro has you covered.
The GoPro Contacto is available for $100.
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