Zhiyun Smooth-Q2
The Zhiyun Smooth-Q2 gimbal began as a Kickstarter that raised over HK$4 million. Of the 56 projects I've backed, it's the only one to arrive on time. I paid around S$163 and received it in October 2019.
Cameras of all kinds, from webcams and smart security cameras to phone tripod mounts and the occasional shooter.
The Zhiyun Smooth-Q2 gimbal began as a Kickstarter that raised over HK$4 million. Of the 56 projects I've backed, it's the only one to arrive on time. I paid around S$163 and received it in October 2019.
I'd wanted the Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick Tripod but felt its S$28.90 retail price wasn't worth it. During Xiaomi's Christmas promotion, the price dropped to S$19.90, so I finally bought one. It comes in two colours.
The Aztech WIPC309HD launched in Singapore in March 2018 at S$69, marketed as a budget wireless IP camera without pan-tilt-zoom. It records 1080p over a 110-degree field of view, with 12 infrared LEDs for night vision.
B&H discounted the Nest Cam IQ Indoor to US$219, down from US$299, in March 2018. Applying a US$20 voucher from my Google Home Mini purchase, I paid US$199, shipping it to Singapore via freight forwarder HopShopGo.
Few will have heard of Freecam, an unfortunately named consumer security camera brand, a Google search turns up plenty of NSFW results instead. It's made by LSVT, or Leshi Shenzhen Video Technology, a Chinese company. This reviews the C330A.
Glif is a smartphone tripod mount from Studio Neat. The original launched on Kickstarter in 2010, raising US$137,417, though I missed it. The second generation followed in July 2016, raising over US$208,000, and this review covers that version.
The D-Link Omna 180 Cam HD (DSH-C310) launched in Singapore at S$319, sold in stores and the Apple Online Store. Its standout feature is Apple HomeKit integration. There's no cloud recording; instead, video clips save to a microSD card.
Beseye is a Taiwanese company making home cameras and cloud services. Its first product, the Beseye Pro Wi-Fi monitoring camera, won a Red Dot Award in 2015 for its smooth design and magnetic mounting. It retails for S$299.
Blink began as a Kickstarter, raising over US$1 million from 6,879 backers and shipping in May 2015. It's available in Singapore through Aztech, a partnership where Blink designed the software and app while Aztech manufactured the battery-powered hardware.
The ViDi Action Camera came from a Kickstarter that raised US$151,880 from 1,253 backers, with shipping in December 2015. It's now officially available in Singapore for S$179, brought in by TC Acoustic, as a compact alternative to a GoPro.
The Lomography Lomo'Instant grew from a Kickstarter two years ago, raising US$1,118,333 from 8,448 backers. Several designs are available, priced from S$168 to S$258 on Lomography's store. It uses Fuji Instax Mini film, at S$13.90 for a ten-shot pack.
I plan to mount my Nest Cam outside my new house, which needs three accessories. Unfortunately, none ship to Singapore directly from Amazon, so a freight forwarder is required. Dropcessories makes solid Nest Cam outdoor accessories.
I bought the Nest Cam from Amazon for US$183.90, which qualified for free AmazonGlobal Saver shipping. It wasn't the lowest price, dropping to US$168.99 on Black Friday 2015, which I missed. I also grabbed a few accessories.
Canon Online Store (Singapore) launched on 22nd September 2015 as a one-stop e-commerce platform for Canon's full range of consumer products. It accepts both local and foreign credit cards for delivery within Singapore, though, unlike Apple, delivery isn't always free.
I'd wanted the Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro Lens (SEL30M35) ever since buying my Sony NEX-3N for close-up product shots. It retails for S$399 in Singapore, but at just JP¥23,880 (S$267) in Japan, importing it is well worth it.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV arrives in Singapore from 16th July 2015 at S$1,399, succeeding the RX100 III from June 2014. Despite the upgrade, megapixels and zoom stay at 20.1MP and 2.9x, but it debuts the world's first 1.0-inch sensor.
Foldio 2 is a portable lightbox for product shots that folds and assembles via magnets. It was funded on Kickstarter on 17th January 2015, raising US$541,991 from 6,729 backers, and as an early backer I paid US$55.
The GoPro 3-Way retails for S$100 in Singapore, but like the GoPro Jaws and The Handler, I bought it from Amazon for US$69.99. It's only about S$5 cheaper, yet still qualifies for AmazonGlobal Saver free shipping. It's my favourite mount.
The GoPro The Handler (Floating Hand Grip) retails for S$50 in Singapore, but like the GoPro Jaws, I bought it from Amazon for US$25.49 instead, around S$15 cheaper, and it also qualifies for AmazonGlobal Saver free shipping to Singapore.
The GoPro Jaws (Flex Clamp) retails for S$75 in Singapore and includes both the Flex Clamp and the Adjustable Neck, the Gooseneck alone costing S$35. I bought it from Amazon for US$39.99 instead, about S$20 cheaper, with AmazonGlobal Saver shipping.
The GoPro HERO4 Black Edition has no built-in touch display, so you'll want the LCD Touch BacPac for S$120. I bought mine, alongside the GoPro Tripod Mounts, at Click! by Max Photo in Funan. It's great for framing shots.
Unlike the Sony HDR-AS20, GoPro doesn't use a standard tripod mount, so to attach it to a tripod you need the GoPro Tripod Mounts, retailing for S$20. I got mine from Click! by Max Photo at Funan DigitalLife Mall.