Podo: The ‘Stick Anywhere And Shoot’ Camera

Updated on

Have you ever wanted a camera that you could stick almost anywhere? How about a camera that pairs with your smartphone and live-streams directly to your handset’s display? Meet Podo, the all-action second-generation device from Podo Labs.

Turn any surface into an impromptu tripod

Last year the company behind this innovative little device, Podo Labs, launched the first iteration. It went on to have a smash-hit Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, and now it is back with the second iteration, which is just named Podo, not Podo 2 or S or anything else. They’ve decided to keep it simple. However, it’s not the same camera; there have been changes made.

Podo the next generation

This next-generation device looks a lot like its older sibling but has the benefit of years of tinkering. As such, it has new features like a 5-megapixel camera with pixels twice as big as before. There’s also a new wide-angle lens and the option to link six Podos together to create simultaneous images and video.

The minds behind the camera

Podo Labs was formed in 2013 by three friends who all attended UC Berkley. Co-founders Eddie Lee, Jae Choi and Sam Pullman wanted to find a way to take pictures that is not a pain in the backside. Based in San Francisco, California, the company has raised more than $2 million in funding and has angels such as Randi Zuckerberg and Highway1 onboard.

podo stick and shoot camera
Image Source: Podo Labs

Camera features

Aimed primarily at those who like to shoot for social media, the Podo has a 5-megapixel camera, which is nothing to write home about these days, but it’s enough to capture the moment. As for video capture, there’s a usable resolution of 720p which records at 30 frames per second.

As with all good portable cameras, this one has a Li-ion rechargeable battery which is topped up via micro-USB. The camera has 8GB of storage, which initially doesn’t seem a lot, but it will get you through the day.

Sticky pad

The Podo has a sticky pad on its rear that will stick to almost anything, including wood, brick walls, concrete and more. With just one press, it will grip a surface and stay firm until you remove it.

The idea behind this was to make a device that replaced the need to use a tripod or selfie stick. So with the Podo, you are free to take a shot wherever and whenever you please, as long as it can stick to a nearby surface. Removing the device from a surface is easy. Just press it in firmly, and it comes away.

Also cleaning the device’s sticky bits under water means that it reactivates and never loses its grip.

Where can you get one?

Last year’s original device was sold for $100. However, this year the device is on sale for a crazy price–half of that at $49. Right now it is only available on the company’s Kickstarter campaign page, so if you’re interested, go take a look. For that price, you will get better sensors, connectivity, and battery, all at half the price.

Have you used either generation of the Podo camera? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.

Leave a Comment