Move Over Selfie Sticks: The Podo Stick-On Camera Takes the Shot

Prepare yourselves, ladies! I’m about to introduce you to something you didn’t know you needed.

It’s the Podo stick-on camera, and at the time of writing this post, I’ve owned it for over 6 weeks, giving me sufficient time to explore the usefulness of such a tiny, hand-held device. Especially in the way it takes the place of that thing we know and love – the selfie stick.

I’ve never been a fan of selfie sticks, but I’ve understood their place in the solo traveler‘s life.

For a complete introvert like myself, finding a random person to take an awkward picture of me can be a chore. It’s so much easier to just say, “Maybe next time!” and go about my merry way.

Plus, who likes to give their camera or smartphone over to a complete stranger?!

So the selfie stick has prevailed and made it onto the photography gear packing lists of solo travelers around the world. While it doesn’t necessarily take up much room in your luggage, it’s no Podo.

What is a Podo?

The Podo is a little camera (yes, fits in the palm of your hand little) that has both a sticky and magnetic backside. You can stick it on walls, street signs, cars, or wherever to take 8 MP photos using an app on your smartphone.

It’s an amazing way to take photos of yourself without the need for an extra camera operator, or a look-at-me-now selfie stick!

The camera connects with your phone via bluetooth, and it even has a timer so you can have time to put the phone down while in the shot. There’s an 8 LED flash for dimly lit photos, too.

In addition to photos, the Podo has the ability to record both video and timelapse shots!

How Does Podo Work?

1. 1. Lift the back flap to expose the Podo’s micro adhesive backside.

1. 1. Flip around and stick to desired surface.

1. 1. Double-tap the side of Podo to wake it up.

1. 1. Open the Podo app on your phone and wait for the two devices to connect.

1. 1. View your shot in your phone.

1. Press the shutter button (or select the timer option) to take the photo.

Done!

At this point, Podo will start sending the photo via Bluetooth to your phone. Once it shows up on the screen, you can choose to delete the image or save it to your phone. If you cancel the send, don’t worry! The image will still be on the Podo and can be transferred over when connecting to a computer.

It’s really that easy.

Podo Timelapse Video Examples

For timelapse images, you simply choose the option in the Podo app and select the time interval and total number of shots you’d like taken. Podo will hibernate between shots. At this time, Podo only produces the still images, and then you need to put the images into another app to produce a video, like the ones below.

Something satisfying about watching this timelapse of packing a bag, am I right? #packing #hplworld #timelapse #takenwithpodo

A video posted by Her Packing List (@herpackinglist) on Sep 18, 2016 at 11:09pm PDT

Timelapse of Sherlock eating breakfast, repeated.

A video posted by Sherlock Bunz (@sherlockbunz) on Sep 18, 2016 at 6:53am PDT

Why I LOVE the Podo

Podo is officially my new favorite toy. I show it to everyone, and I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve used it so far while not traveling. Taking photos of myself for Instagram and reviews has always been a chore because I had to wait until the weekend when my boyfriend was also home to be the cameraman. Or, I would run back and forth to a camera on a tripod- most of the time, those shots would end up out of focus!

The Compact Size: This is a major bonus for a light packer like myself! It fits in the palm of my hand and weighs a mere 1.8 ounces (51g).

The Convenience: If you have short arms like myself, taking selfies doesn’t always work. The Podo allows big group photos without outside assistance.

The Compatibility: Works with both iOS and Android.

The Ease: It’s pretty simple to use!

Things I Would Improve with Podo

Funny… just as I was about to start writing about things I might improve about Podo, I hit their website and realized they have recently launched a Kickstarter for a new and improved Podo V2!

My review will continue to talk about the V1 Podo.

The Lack of Carry Bag: I wish they had included a carry bag or case to protect the Podo while it’s in your purse or luggage. I found an old jewelry pouch and have been using that.

The Sensitivity to Light: The Podo works best in natural light, but I find it way too sensitive to bright light, washing the highlighted areas out completely. I know they are making changes to the new Podo, so I wonder how that will be affected.

The Sticky: The sticky pad works pretty well (especially on metal thanks to it’s additional magnet), but it can attract a lot of the dirt, grit, and whatever else might be on the surface you’re attaching it to. In time, that clogs up the sticky. You rinse the micro adhesive pad to re-stick-ify the surface, but caked-on grit can be more difficult. I’ve had luck with a tiny bit of dish soap and warmer water for the tough ones.

Also, there is always the risk that the sticky will give out and the camera will fall.

The Video: At this time, video is decent, but the audio is not. The Podo does not actually record audio itself; this is done on your phone via the app. If you want video with sound, you have to manually line up the audio and the video for it to work. Hopefully this will be an easy fix with future app updates.

Would I Recommend the Podo?

YES. Definitely. It’s by far one of my favorite things ever.

*My Podo was provided free of charge for this review. That said, I thoroughly enjoy my Podo and just backed the Kickstarter for the upcoming V2! This post does contain affiliate links. If you make a Podo purchase, we might receive free Podos for our HPL Team and future giveaways on HPL!