I tested Belkin’s auto-tracking camera stand… I’m considering using it for my podcasts now | Technology News
There can’t be a better time to be a creator. It is as if the entire universe is lining up to help you succeed, at least the tech universe certainly is. The latest device that caught my attention as a perfect accessory for creators of all kinds is the Belkin Stage Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit. Though the name is a mouthful, the device itself is as simple as a tech product can be and should be.
The Belkin Stage Pro is like a large phone stand but on a heavy drum-like base. There is a MagSafe holder on top where you secure your phone after tapping it on the base to pair via NFC. With the iPhone 16 Pro Max (review), the device was recognised as soon as I tapped the base. The Belkin Stage showed up on the screen and in a few seconds, the stand woke up and gave a nod of agreement as if to say it was ready. Once this is done, you just need to place the phone on the MagSafe base and you are ready to go.
It’s sturdy and compact. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)
Open the camera app or any video conferencing software you might use and the front camera of the phone will always be tracking you. The Belkin Stage Pro has a large base so that it can house the motors that move the phone smoothly as you record your content. I tried it on one of my podcasts as a backup camera and it was able to manage all my swings and sways as I got engrossed in conversations — the Belkin Stage Pro not just pans the camera, but it tilts up and down too.
Interestingly, the camera tracks your face and you need to be mindful of this. Just ensure that your face is not going out of frame too quickly and the Stage Pro will move smoothly. If you jump out of frame, then it quickly gets you back in the frame, but that movement will look a bit jarry in the video. The Stand Pro does not work with the rear camera, so the video quality will always be only as good as your front camera.
There is a button at the back to switch the tracker off, but you will seldom need to use it unless you are planning to the leave phone on the Stage Pro with the camera on.
The Belkin Stage Pro is perfect for those recording videos of all kinds with their phone. It could be a podcaster like me, or a home DIY specialist or something who is teaching Bharatanatyam to kids online, the Belkin Stage Pro works perfectly at keeping you in frame at all times. This is not a device that would make much sense to carry around, though it can be used for the same thanks to a five-hour inbuilt battery backup. So this can be taken for your next solo trip so that you are not asking for help as you record a piece to camera with the mountain ranges in your backdrop.
At Rs 24,999, the Belkin Stage Pro is a great investment for those who make a living from their creative endeavours in front of the phone camera. This is how a no-nonsense device should be made.
