Home > Consumer Reviews > The POD Camera Platform (Bean Bag) - Red / Black , 5" Diameter, 2" Thick

The Pod had a nice write-up in PC World magazine but, once I tried it, I knew it was going to be practically useless. It had the potential to be somewhat useful, had they taken more time with design and materials. The bag is too narrow, stiff, and unstable.

Once you tilt your camera past a certain angle, and I'm talking maybe 15 to 20 degrees here, the camera's center of gravity hangs over the edge of the bag and the whole assembly tips over. I should also mention that I have a squat, lightweight, point-and-shoot camera. The problem would be much worse with a heavier or taller camera.

When you try to tilt the camera, the beans within the bag shift OK, but the rigid material that comprises the bag itself slowly moves the camera back to another, more upright position. You'll have to wait 10 or 20 seconds for it to settle, then check to make sure it hasn't pushed your frame too far off the mark.

They also chose some sort of filling that isn't stable. Just the pressure needed to push the shutter button is going to cause the beans to shift and the camera to move. You have to use a timer or remote control to make it work properly.

Another not-so-minor point, and I should have thought of this way before I clicked the purchase button, is that you always have to have some kind of stable, eye-level surface or ledge to sit this thing on -- that is unless you prefer your pictures from a bug's perspective. If you are photographing a group of people with "The Pod" resting on a low coffee table, I'm sure you'll get plenty of crisp images of nose hair. Even if there is a high surface around, make sure you don't angle the camera too much or it might topple. From that height, you better hope "The Pod" lands first, while Murphy places his bet with the camera.

So, this is a really useful product if you have plenty of eye-level tables around, you are very practiced with setting your remote timer, you don't mind waiting while the stiff material decides where to point your shots, and you want to tilt your camera no more than 20 degrees.

First, let me say that I did not buy this as a replacement or substitute for my tripod or monopod. I bought it for certain situations. I keep one hand on it or at least keep the strap for my camera around my neck while shooting.

I have taken pictures from my car window. As you can see from the picture I posted above (the bird shot), I could not have gotten the necessary sharpness without it.

I have also used it to photograph horses and bison. Usually, there is a post or a fence to balance it on.

I have not taken pictures of a group using a table, but I have seen some great shots posted by a photographer who sat it on a table in Vegas and got some great wide angle shots and long exposures of the lights and action.

The Pod is inexpensive enough to only use it for under certain circumstances. I carry it with me in my bag because it is small and may come in handy if I see something while driving along.

For me, it is exactly what I wanted and performs as advertised.

I liked the idea of a camera support that meant I didn't have to mess about adjusting the legs of an unstable pocket tripod. This 'bean bag' should mean you can simply point your camera where you want.
But it just doesn't work.
The casing, while durable, is far too stiif, so it springs back when you move your camera. All the advantage of the 'beans' is lost because of this.
The range of angles, even if you can get it to stay in one place, is very limited.
For an SLR, even with a small zoom lens, it just tips forwards. There's a version with the mount nearer the edge that might be better in this respect.
Plus, it's so fiddly to get your camera onto the screw because it's big and squashy and you can't get your fingers near the screw mount.
And it's so big, you'll never carry it around. A mini tripod is much more convenient.
All in all, a total failure. The Gorrillapod wipes it out.

Having waited so long for the arrival of this item from Amazon, I was truly disappointed to discover that the item simply doesn't perform as promised. Even with my D80 and the kit lens (18-135mm), it cannot hold and dips forward. I've tried all sorts of position, just to make it work, but it just won't. Coming from Singapore, it'd be ridiculous to get a refund all the way back from the States, thus I've demoted it from my bag and passed it along to my wife who's happy to use it with her Point-And-Shoot. Once again, disappointed!

I was going to give this unique device 4 stars for one reason. The covering on the bottom could easily have been made from a softer material -- such as the rubber mesh used to keep dishes from slipping in boats at sea. I have some shelf liner that is sturdy, cheap and really grips any surface. Why did I change my mind? One simple reason: I have been using it constantly since I opened the box. I love simple solutions for ongoing irritations. I no longer find my self looking all over for a safe place to set the camera and then fidgeting with it to get it pointed properly. Using the camera timer I can often disable the flash and routinely get excellent results. Obviously not all picture taking situations require the benefits provided by the easy use of the Pod, but I find many do. The value of this gadget was apparent the first time I scrolled through a batch of new pictures. I caught my self actually leaving the bag attached when I put the camera away. And yes, I have a nice tripod.