Action cameras are dynamic and feature laden on their own, but the accessories that work with them play key roles in enhancing their capture angles, views and vantage points. Having the right gear on hand can increase the options for capturing footage that preserves memorable moments.
Choices do range within distinct categories, most of which deal with mounting an action cam in one way or another, while others can impact composition or durability. The nature of the action cam market is that much of what’s available is proprietary to a specific brand, with GoPro enjoying the most third-party support. Keeping that in mind, there are still some eclectic items available.
GoPro 3-Way Mount
Ideal for GoPro users who need a versatile mount to use in various ways, the 3-Way can work as a camera grip, extension arm or tripod. With all pieces intact, it extends up to 20 inches like a selfie stick for POV or follow-along footage. Attaching the tripod at the bottom of the handle while the arm is extended can make the camera useful for stationary positions. The device collapses down to 7.5 inches.
The tripod can be stored in the handle or kept separate. Removing the folding arm turns the handle into a camera grip. All pieces are waterproof and fully operational underwater. The mount works with all GoPro Hero action cameras. $69.99. gopro.com
PolarPro StrapMount
Designed as an alternative to a helmet or chest mount, the StrapMount is made to latch onto any article of clothing that has a strap, like a backpack, lifejacket, scuba gear or something similar. With a simple strapping mechanism, a GoPro can easily be attached or removed on the fly. This setup would allow the wearer to capture POV footage without needing to wear something else specifically to mount the camera.
The mount is compatible with all GoPro cameras and is rigidly constructed with bombproof glass-filled nylon to withstand serious punishment. PolarPro recommends using it during various activities, including wakeboarding and go-karting. $29.99. polarprofilters.com
Joby Action Base Kit
With this kit aimed to cover a number of bases—and angles—Joby has thrown three mounts into a Lowepro case that also has room for the camera itself. The three mounts include a GPod Mini Magnetic, a mini tripod with magnetic feet, an Action Grip handle that floats and a GorillaPod Action tripod with a full tilt and quick-release plate for easy attachment. In typical Joby fashion, the latter two have adjustable legs for wrapping around objects or changing angles.
Along with the GoPro mount, there’s also a ¼-inch screw for broader compatibility with other POV action cams, such as Sony or Contour cams. The case is padded with dividers to keep everything neat inside. $99.99. joby.com
PolarPro Underwater Filter 3-Pack
Shooting underwater with good lighting and composition can be challenging, which is what this trio of filters is supposed to remedy. The professional-grade filters come with their own housing to fit the GoPro Hero3+ and Hero4 form factors. The red filter is for tropical water color correction, the magenta filter for green water color correction, and the snorkel filter for shallower waters between 2–15 feet deep.
The filters correct lighting that fools the GoPro’s white balance function, bringing out a realistic color gamut instead of a monochromatic tone that tends to happen without a filter. One thing that is optional is either the standard 40M housing or 60M dive housing. $49.99. polarprofilters.com
Hitcase ChestR Mount
While not designed specifically for the GoPro or any other POV cam, the mounting system is GoPro-compatible. Its primary purpose is to mount the Hitcase—a case that turns an iPhone into an action cam—at chest level, but it can serve a dual purpose in doing the same with a GoPro. The lightweight chest strap is easy to manage and secure. It affords the wearer some flexibility in getting shots from different angles, when shooting from a helmet would be too high an angle or when holding a selfie stick on the move would be too shaky.
A small pouch on the inside leaves enough room to store an ID or phone, plus there’s a headphone loop to snake through wires to listen to music or audio. It also comes with its own neoprene carry bag. $49.99. hitcase.com
Light & Motion Sidekick Duo
Without any built-in lighting of its own, the GoPro camera can sometimes be stifled in darker conditions, which is where the Sidekick Duo comes in. It attaches directly onto the camera as a floodlight, producing 600 lumens with its LED array. When attached to the side of the camera, it becomes a 90º floodlight, whereas the included handle enables 23º spot beam angles in the air.
Fully waterproof, both pieces can go down to 66 feet deep, coming in handy for divers who need more light to shoot marine life. It’s also useful when shooting at dusk and for nighttime footage for illuminating subjects. Sidekick rates its battery life at between one to four hours per charge. $149.99. lightandmotion.com
Lowepro ViewPoint BP 250 AW
Action cam accessories can mount up (no pun intended). Keeping them organized is meant to be easier with a backpack like Lowepro’s ViewPoint. Compartments, pockets, dividers and straps reduce clutter, offering plenty of room for just about anything that can work with or attach to a POV camera—including a laptop or tablet, cables, mounts and tripods.
A removable gearbox adds extra protection during transit, or easy access when in the field during setup. A built-in, all-weather (AW) cover is folded at the bottom and can be taken out to cover the backpack to protect it from the elements. There are no wheels for convenient transport, but it has been designed to be easy to handle or wear. $129.95. lowepro.com
GoPole Reach
A standard monopod selfie stick, the Reach is much like it implies. It has a four-stage telescoping body that makes it compact and portable. At its shortest, it measures 14 inches. At its longest, it extends out to 40 inches. A remote clip above the handle attaches a GoPro smart remote or Wi-Fi remote. A wrist strap attachment can go at the bottom, or the standard screw can be used on any tripod or mount.
At the other end is a standard GoPro mount that is compatible with a variety of models. Rugged, sturdy and fairly lightweight, the stick isn’t rated for shooting in water but is otherwise designed to be versatile for the range and angles it’s capable of providing. $54.99. gopole.com
