Number of sections
The number of separate sliding sections provided in the design of the tripod.
The more sections, with the same length, the shorter each individual section will be and the more compact the tripod will be when folded. On the other hand, an increase in the number of individual parts adversely affects the strength and reliability of the structure. When choosing the number of sections, manufacturers proceed from a compromise between these points; so long tripods tend to have more sections to keep them compact when folded.
It is also worth mentioning that in addition to multi-section
sliding selfie sticks,
fixed models are also produced, consisting of only one section. They are intended not so much for selfies, but for general convenience when shooting on a smartphone or action camera.
Action camera mount
Mounting method of the action camera provided in the appropriate tripod (see above).
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Clamp. Installation in a special clip for an action camera. It is worth noting that such a device differs markedly from the traditional lock for smartphones, which uses movable sponges. The clamp of this type has two slots into which special “ears” are inserted, placed on the box or body of the action camera. The "ears" have special holes into which a screw is threaded, fixing them in the slots. Thanks to this design, the mount is very reliable — which is important, given the specifics of the use of action cameras.
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Carving. A lock based on a threaded stud that is screwed into a hole on the camera body. This option is not inferior to the clamp described above in terms of reliability, however, for its use, action cameras must have an appropriate socket for a hairpin; it is not available in all models, and if it is available, it will not hurt to clarify compatibility. On the other hand, most often selfie sticks use a standard 1/4" tripod thread, on which you can install not only action cameras, but also traditional cameras (even SLRs in some models).
— Thread and clamp. Models that combine the two types of fastening described above at once. This combination usually looks like this: either the action camera itself or a platform with a stud for mounting the camera on the thread can be instal
...led in the clamp. This is the most versatile option and is compatible with almost any action camera. On the other hand, such equipment increases the cost of the structure and somewhat reduces its reliability when used with a thread, and a variety of mounts is very rarely required — after all, usually a monopod is bought for a specific camera with a well-defined type of mount. Therefore, this option is less common than one type of attachment.End thread
The presence
of a threaded socket in the design of the tripod.
Such a socket is usually located at the end, on the opposite side from the smartphone / camera mount. It can be used both for mounting various accessories (for example, a folding tripod for transformation into a tripod), and for mounting the rod itself on other structures (for example, a traditional photo tripod). The thread, usually, has a standard size, but this size still needs to be specified separately.
Shutter button
Method of linking the tripod-mounted shutter button to the mount-mounted camera.
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Mini jack 3.5mm. Wired connection via a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack. This option is typical mainly for models compatible with smartphones (see "Intended Use") — almost all such gadgets have a mini-jack and, usually, when using a camera, it works as a control connector. The main advantage of tripods with a 3.5 mm plug is that they do not require a separate power supply; of the shortcomings, one can only note the very presence of a wire, which does not create any particular inconvenience, but not everyone likes it.
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Bluetooth. Bluetooth wireless connection. Bluetooth modules are found in both smartphones and action cameras; and the absence of wires gives the design a neat appearance. In addition, this option allows you to use a tripod as a remote control even when the camera is placed outside the mount — the connection range is about 10 m. The disadvantage of Bluetooth, compared to a wired connection, is a higher cost, as well as the need for power, which limits battery life tripod.
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Remote control. A separate remote control for the camera that comes with the kit is usually wireless, with a Bluetooth connection. Such a remote control is convenient in that it can be held in a convenient place — for example, in a free hand, without being distracted from holding t
...he monopod itself. At the same time, a mount for the remote control can be provided on the bar, and in some models it is duplicated by a built-in button (in case of loss of the remote control or dead batteries). And the most advanced remotes give access to various additional functions and may even have their own display. The disadvantages of this option are a rather high price and the need to monitor the battery status also in the remote control.
