THE pod INDUSTRIES The Pod (green)

Ever thought about how your camera feels when you drop it or put it down a little too hard sometimes? Of course not, cameras don't feel anything -- but your hip pocket will if you happen to snap/scratch/dint or heaven forbid crack the lens! First impressions of this product had eyebrows raised and we weren't exactly sure why a camera would need such an accessory. Upon further inspection it became blatantly clear that its functionality is quite valid and that many camera users will find this useful in day-to-day practice.

The Pod is basically a beanbag for the camera; it has a universal quarter-inch camera screw which fastens the tripod mount on the base camera to the bag itself. For added convenience the Pod comes in several versions where the camera screw is positioned either in the centre or at the far edge of the bag depending on what type of camera is in use. For instance a SLR camera with a large lens is best suited to a Pod with a camera screw on the far edge of the bag, whereas a small point and shoot camera or camcorder requires a pod with a centre screw.

On both sides of the bag are tabs which connect to an adjustable strap which holds the lens in place yet still allows movement of the focus ring. In a way, The Pod is to a camera as a helmet is to a bike rider, a simple precautionary device which significantly reduces the risk of damage.

The Pod is quite the sturdy little invention boasting water resistant nylon materials, industrial grade stitching and a non-marking/non-slip base. Not only acting as a luxurious cushion for the camera it also doubles as a substitute for a tripod.

Of course by saying that it can be an alternative to the tripod we don't want you to throw out your three-legged friend, the Pod is simply easier to carry around and can sit comfortably and steadily on a rock, wedged into a tree branch and various other places that a tripod would pose difficult.

Another bonus of this ingenious innovation is the velcro patch which lies under where the lens of the camera sits. This velcro patch attaches to removable velcro stickers that can be stuck to the lens serving as a temporary lock when there is to be no adjustments made to the focus ring. Last but not least it's also worth mentioning that the contents filling the Pod is customisable to the users discretion, one can add or remove as much filling as desired; however, we suggest you do this over a container to catch any runaway pellets.