INTRODUCTION

    Getting a steady shot from a camera usually requires a tripod. Trouble is, most tripods are large and aren’t travel-friendly. Another problem with tripods is that they require a flat surface to stay standing. The folks over at Joby have come up with an interesting take on the tripod, called the Gorillapod. The Gorillapod has flexible joints that can wrap around pretty much anything, allowing for a new level of mobility and versatility when it comes to taking pictures. Is the Gorillapod a hit, or should you stick with your traditional tripod? Read on to see!

VIDEO REVIEW

BUGS AND WISHES

   
As mentioned in the video, I’m a bit worried about the longevity of a Gorillapod. I was sent two versions, one which I exposed to torture in the way of bending the joints dozens of times. That caused some of the joints to actually break.

    Another issue is cost. I recently bought an entry level (but perfectly capable) tripod from Amazon.com for about $30, and I’m sure you could find one for $20. The Gorillapod, as you’ll see in the Purchasing section, is a bit pricier than a standard tripod. For me, the extra cost doesn’t justify the few times a year that I’d find the Gorillapod useful, but perhaps for people who go camping or take many spur-of-the-moment photos, the Joby could prove to be a worthwhile purchase.

PURCHASING

   
The Gorillapod original, made for ordinary point and shoot cameras, costs $24.95 and is available in six color choices. The Gorillapod SLR costs $44.95, and the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM is $54.95. All models can be purchased from the Joby store.

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  Works as advertised

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  Available for SLRs also

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  Color choices for original model

CONS

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  Possibly a novelty for some

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  Joints may break over time

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?