The company STARTRC sent over some of their camera gear for me to try out and feature in a video. While I received these products at no cost, STARTRC had no input on the content of the video or this article and did not see anything before release.
The equipment is primarily focused on action cameras and includes a couple of quick-release mounts, a versatile metal clamp mount, and a compact sling-style bag.
Check out the full overview video on YouTube:
Magnetic Quick Release Adapter (1/4" thread):
Quick Release Adapter (GoPro mount):
Universal Sling Bag for Digital Cameras (fits Pocket series, Action camera):
Heavy-duty clamp:
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Quick Release Mounts
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| The Snap-X1 Quick Release Mount and Snap-1/4 Magnetic Quick Release Mount. |
Let's start with the two different quick-release mounts. Both connect to standard GoPro-style fins. One version features a 1/4-20" tripod connection on the bottom. It also has strong feeling magnets in the base, so it will affix well to ferrous metals. While the other has a set of GoPro-style fins on the bottom.
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| Trying the one quick release with magnets in its base (in addition to that 1/4-20" hole). |
A "GoPro-style fin" mount, often called the "GoPro mounting system," is a widely adopted standard for action cameras. It consists of two or three alternating tabs (fins) that interlock with a corresponding mount. A thumbscrew is then inserted through the aligned holes to securely fasten the camera in place. This design allows for easy pivoting to adjust the camera's angle.* (In the case of these quick releases they have circular nubs that lock into the corresponding fin holes.)
The "1/4-20" tripod connection refers to the standard thread size used for mounting cameras onto most tripods and monopods. The "1/4" indicates a 1/4-inch diameter, and the "20" refers to the 20 threads per inch. This standardization ensures compatibility across a vast range of photography and videography equipment.*
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| A GoPro action camera is shown attached to one of the STARTRC quick-release mounts. |
For the best stability, it's ideal to keep the camera mounted vertically from the QR plates. Based on the weight of a GoPro Hero 9 with the Max Lens Mod, if you shake the mount around, the camera can shift slightly each time, which suggests the clamping force wouldn't be ideal in action situation with a fair amount of vibration. However, they are very securely affixed, and I don't believe the camera would fall off accidently but I didn't do any extreme tests. I tried pulling the camera off one of the quick releases, and it felt well affixed in there, thanks to the locking pin nubs inside the mechanism.
The build quality appears to be a mix of plastics and metal. The release buttons are metal, and inside the mount, the fins that grip the camera have metal pieces with rubber for added friction. The actual locking pins that engage with the GoPro are also metal. To release the camera, you have to press two buttons on opposite sides simultaneously. So pressing just one shouldn't release it. A good amount of force is needed to press the buttons, which makes an accidental release feel unlikely.
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| The quick release clamping system closer up. |
Whether you choose the 1/4-20" magnetic base or the fin base depends on your specific setup. You can even stack the two mounts together to get a little bit of extra extension but it's not especially practical.
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| Stacking STARTRC quick releases. |
One potential advantage of these mounts is that they can make it easier to access the battery and memory card on a GoPro. Depending on the orientation of a screw and base pair, it can sometimes block the access door. Since these quick releases don't have a protruding screw, that's no longer an issue.
A good use case for these could be vlogging. You can attach one of the bases to a small desktop tripod, angle the GoPro towards you, and when you need to set it down, you can open the tripod legs.
Keep in mind that you can't have the camera angled at 90 degrees because their QR system is too short. For my specific use case on a backpack with a strap mount it wouldn't work too well.
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| The maximum angle this GoPro Hero 9 can be positioned at. |
Super Clamp Camera Mount
Next is the clamp mount. This is standard but robust camera rigging equipment, featuring a large clamp that can attach to objects like tables or poles. I have a large gear bar behind computer setup to hold cameras, and this clamp works there. It comes with an extender arm to help position your camera or any other device. Of course, the STARTRC quick-release mounts are compatible with this clamp.
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| The clamp includes an extension arm and GoPro fin mounting base plus a screw. |
The clamp itself has a wide mouth with moving tips that conform to the shape of whatever you're clamping onto, making it work on both flat tables and rounded bars. On the back of the clamp, there is a 3/8-16" connection point and a 1/4-20" connection. Just be sure to use the shorter 1/4-20" screw when attaching the arm to the clamp.
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| The adjustable, moving tips on the mouth of the clamp. |
A "3/8-inch connection point" (specifically 3/8-16) is a larger and more robust threaded connection than the 1/4-20. It's often found on larger professional video equipment, tripods, and tripod heads where a stronger, more stable connection is required to support heavier gear.*
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| A close-up of the knurling on the ball heads of the extension arm. |
I noticed that the ball heads on the extension arm have knurling on them, which should provide a very secure lock once clamped down. The materials for the clamp and arm are all metal. One thing to be aware of is that if you tighten the knob on the extension arm too much, it can be difficult to loosen, but since it's all metal, you could use a tool on the smaller red knob if necessary. This is a very functional clamp for all sorts of videography and photography uses.
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| The clamp mount being used. |
Universal Crossbody Carrying Bag
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| The STARTRC Universal Crossbody Carrying Bag, a sling-style bag. |
Finally, we have the "Universal Crossbody Carrying Bag." It's a sling-style bag with an interesting texture and feels nice quality in its build and materials. The front zipper can be a little challenging to open, but that can be a good thing for security. Inside the front is a decently sized pouch.
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| The front of the bag. |
There are a lot of areas in the main compartment. A thin slot in the back, another section with two pouches, and a removable padded divider. This padded section has small slots perfect for holding microSD cards. With the padding removed, you can fit more in the center area, but even with it in, a GoPro or other small camera fits easily. There is also a zippered mesh area and a small attached clamp for keys.
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| A size comparison of the bag next to a standard CD jewel case. |
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| A look inside the bag. |
One of the most interesting features is the quick-release buckle on the strap. It took me a moment to figure out, but you pull a small string on the top, and it easily breaks away. It's magnetic, so it re-clamps easily. The buckle is designed so it won't break away from a horizontal pull; you have to physically push the two pieces apart vertically to unlock them. The clamp is a mix of plastic and metal with a magnet inside.
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| One half of the strap's quick release. |
I tested it with a few small digicams and a Polaroid Go 2 instant camera. They fit well. I was able to technically fit a Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera, but it was a tight squeeze. It would probably work better with a smaller lens, but I'd say it's not ideal for larger mirrorless cameras due to the weight versus the strap and quick release system type design. The bag can be worn on your front or back. In the right orientation the quick release is still accessible either way. Overall, I really like this bag. I'm looking forward to trying it out in a photography situation. I think the ideal configuration would be something like a Ricoh GR IV camera, GoPro, and accessories. Sadly I don't have that camera, but maybe someday!
I also have a live stream VOD of trying out the equipment on YouTube if you want to see more.
*Any sections labeled with an asterisk are generated by Google Gemini Pro AI, but I did read through them.