Overview : Feel the Difference™ and capture better photos with more control and less fatigue. The ProDot's textured surface and raised button-padding allows for a more ergonomic feel and an instant improvement to the most critical engagement point of the camera, its shutter button.
The Custom SLR ProDot is available in low-profile black, high-visibility red, and clear color face. Applies easily to any clean flat surface with a residue-free adhesive.
Features :
- Improves shooting comfort and reduces finger fatigue
- Vibration-free material
- Tactile traction pads for better grip
- Compatible with most cameras and media devices
Quality/Usability : I was lucky enough to have a sneak peek at Custom SLR's ProDot at PhotoPlus Expo back in October 2012 before the KickStarter campaign started. With the short amount of time that I had with the ProDot, it left an impression and left me wanting to know more about it.
The packaging for the ProDot is simple. Plastic zip-lock packaging and two ProDot's. The ProDot comes in three colors: low-profile black, high-visibility red, and clear color. The ProDot even has the Custom SLR logo designed into it! Creative. The ProDot adds a soft raised rubber textured surface which instantly makes the shutter more responsive and helps reduce camera shake when capturing photos. It adheres to most surfaces with a special 3M adhesive that is easy to apply. You can apply/re-apply the ProDot multiple times before it looses its stickiness. Before applying to any surfaces, definitely make sure the area is clean preferably with rubbing alcohol. This will ensure that the ProDot will adhere to a clean surface. What's even better is that it won't leave any sticky residue if and when it is removed.
I installed the ProDot onto my Canon EOS 5D Mark III. I'm one of those photographers who causes the camera to shake while adding a bit too much force while pressing the shutter button. But how does it prevent camera shake? The ProDot adds a bit of cushion between your finger and shutter button. When your finger is on the shutter button, its closer to the camera body. So when you press down, you're also touching the camera body. With the ProDot, it doesn't require as much "force" to press the shutter button and makes it a little more sensitive or responsive while your finger is further away from the camera.
Any push-button experience can find heightened control with the addition of this remarkably-simple and convenient accessory. The ProDot’s no-slip grip and finger cushioning will enhance the user experience for consumer electronic devices and video game enthusiasts, as well as users of computer mice, who will find Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) relief with less forceful clicks.
The ProDot isn't a new thing since old film allowed raised shutter button attachments (also known as soft release or softies) and the Fuji X100/X-Pro1 also allowed you to screw in a soft release to the shutter button.
So what does the ProDot work with? The ProDot fits most digital and film cameras that have a round shutter button. On my Canon PowerShot SD1000, the ProDot fit perfectly on the shutter button. However, on my Canon PowerShot S100, the ProDot was slightly bigger than the shutter button itself and the ProDot slightly overlapped on to the zoom switch. I'm still able to zoom in and out without a problem but the focusing was now a little more sensitive and didn't require a half press to focus. This is good because with a slight press, I can focus but sometimes instead of focusing, it would just take the shot.
It also works well on computer mouses, videogame controllers and other push-button devices that have a smooth surface such as Apple iPad, iPhones and iPods. I don't own an iPhone/iPad (I own a Samsung Galaxy S3) and my iPod Touch is still at my parents so I borrowed a friends iPhone who just so happened to be visiting. After placing it on their phone, they loved the feel of it.
The ProDot can also comes in handy during the winter when you have your gloves on. With the raised shutter button, this will make it easier to feel and press down.
The video shows the finger about ½ an inch away from the shutter button and I'm sure no one shoots like that but I think the video was just showing a demo. I leave my finger on the shutter button at all times and press down when I need to take the shot but I still have a tendency to shake the camera when taking a picture. Maybe I'm just use to putting pressure on the shutter button when I need to take a picture. I'm sure I'm not the only one either.
Conclusion : Overall, the Custom SLR ProDot Shutter Button Upgrade is definitely an upgrade. Not only does it feel comfortable on the finger tip but it also helped reduce camera shakes when I pressed on the shutter button. As I mentioned in the review, the shutter button now required less "force" to press the shutter button. At $9.95 for two ProDot's, it's very affordable.
Although you can use the ProDot for many electronics, I'm sure that the ProDot can also help the elderly who have a hard time seeing but able to feel and touch whether it be on a stove, phone or remote.
I'm sure some people are concerned about accidental shutter presses because the ProDot now makes the shutter button stick up more. I have my camera on a camera sling strap (located on my right side) and rarely does my camera spin around. If you have your camera on your left, I can see where there might be a problem. I also turn my camera off when I'm not using it. Yes, I know some will say that you'll miss important shots but it all depends on what you're doing. If you're a professional photographer that does events, weddings, etc., you'll want your camera on at all times. If you're a hobbyist like myself, you would only need the camera on when you are using it.
