A little over a year ago I wrote my review of the first version of the Capture Camera Clip from Peak Design. Since then, Capture has become an integral tool for my location, event, and street photography. When I heard that Peak Design had launched a Kickstarter campaign for two new versions of Capture (Pro and V2), I got excited.
So, what is Capture? Imagine taking the quick-release assembly off your tripod and attaching it to your belt. Or your backpack strap. Or the shoulder strap from your camera bag. Or a climbing harness. Getting the idea? Simply put, the Capture Camera Clip allows you to use virtually any strap of almost any thickness to keep your camera close at hand and ready to go. The images below show Capture attached to the shoulder strap of my Think Tank City Walker 30 bag and my Think Tank Pro Speed Belt.
I've never been a fan of traditional camera straps. Regardless of whether it is around my neck or over my shoulder, the weight eventually becomes a strain-- particularly over the course of a long shoot-- and at least one hand is always on the camera, making sure it's not bumping into anything or anyone. Sling straps are a great solution, but also tend to get in the way when you are carrying a camera bag. The configurations in the photos above are my two favorites-- one for when I need a bag and the other for when I'm at an event or on location. In both scenarios, though, Capture not only keeps my camera securely at my fingertips, but in doing so also frees up my hands.
As good as the original was, however, it was not without a few minor drawbacks (e.g., hard corners and uncomfortable screws). It's always refreshing when companies take the time to not only listen to feedback from their customers, but to implement those suggestions into a newer, better, product. Constructed from die-cast aluminum, the clip is tightened into place with zinc-alloy clamping bolts, which allow the clip to adjust to belts and straps of different thicknesses. The new streamlined design is stronger and lighter, with a more narrow profile and smoother mechanics, while retaining all of the convenience and functionality of the original.
Perhaps the best added features however, are the 1/4" mounting hole on the bottom for monopods and tripods (Pro version only), and the twisting safety lock on the quick release buttons for both Pro and V2. The standard ARCAplate is already compatible with ARCA-style tripod heads, but making the entire clip tripod-mountable adds a new facet of convenience that did not exist in the original. While the original version already had a twist lock for added security, both CapturePRO and Capture V2 have added an additional safety lock to the quick release button, making sure that once latched, your camera isn't going anywhere. This comes in particularly handy for event photographers who have to navigate through large crowds.
The Capture Camera Clip offers a great solution for photographers who don't like traditional straps, but still want a well-made, safe, secure, hands-free way of carrying their camera. One of the best things you can say about Capture-- or any product for that matter-- is that it does what it's supposed to do and it does it well. A nice added bonus is that you can expand Capture's functionality by incorporating the Leash and Cuff, also from Peak Design.
I've said it before and I'll say it again-- Every once in a while someone comes out with a piece of gear that leaves you scratching your head, wondering why you didn't come up with the idea yourself. This is one of them.