All power banks are the same right? They are (mostly) regularly shaped – rectangular, and there is a fight on to see who is thinner, but physics dictates a certain size for batteries. Then Belkin came along with the Stage PowerGrip and thought outside the box, pun intended.
Belkin Stage PowerGrip: Design and First Impressions
It is a Magnetic Charging Camera Grip with a 9.3K mAh Power Bank built in.
It functions as a remote shutter over Bluetooth.
Capable for charging up to three devices concurrently:
- wireless
- built-in retractable USB-C cable
- USB-C port
But wait, there’s more! It also can be used as a phone stand.
I have the Charcoal colourway, which is in line with most DSLRs. It is also available in Sand and Ice Blue if you want it to match your aesthetics or stand out.
The PowerGrip really mimics a DSLR grip, I looked at it and immediately thought of my Canon 5D Mark 3.
Belkin has even included a “lens” at the front to complete the look.
A little LED next to the “lens” tells you how much charge is left. It is a bit reminiscent of the status screen on a DSLR
Next to the USB-C port is a power button. And on the grip part where your fore finger naturally rests, is the shutter button.
Performance: Using the PowerGrip for Photography and Charging
As a power bank, this one is simple.
If your phone is Qi2 or Magsafe compatible, you just stick your phone on wirelessly.
If your phone is NOT magnetic charging capable, then this is not the power bank you are looking for *Obi-wan waves hand vaguely* , because you are missing out on the core feature. It will still charge your devices with either the retractable cable on the bottom of the unit, or if you BYO cable, into the USB-C port.
On my Pixel 8 Pro, the PowerGrip sticks out a little from the end of the phone. The press shots shows a similar result with iPhones. This gives me a pretty comfortable place to rest your thumb and the meaty part below it (the thenar eminence) for stability without touching the phone screen.
To pair the PowerGrip with your phone, you hold down the shutter button until the indicator blinks. Then you just add it via your device interface like any other Bluetooth device.
For my phone the shutter works just fine for photos and videos, and in any orientation.
Whilst it is not a gyro stabilised grip – those are a lot more involved – it does make it easier and more comfortable to generate content with your smartphone.
More Than a Grip: Remote Shutter and Tripod Compatibility
What is more useful though, is that you could use it as a remote trigger if necessary. Group portrait? Prop the phone up somewhere and use the PowerGrip shutter to take the photo when everyone is ready.
Another bonus feature is the 1/4″ standard Arca Swiss compatible tripod screw mount. This allows you to mount the PowerGrip on any standard tripod.
And of course, how can I not mention the phone stand function?
You can rest the PowerGrip on the “thick end”, and have your phone positioned in either landscape or portrait orientation on your desk.
The angle is fixed but it does comes in handy if you are wanting to view something on the screen when out and about. Perhaps you are having a coffee break. You can recharge your phone and still be able to review your footage at the same time.
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Final Verdict: A Versatile Tool for Content Creators
I have to give Belkin props for the outside the box thinking. The Stage PowerGrip is a useful value add if you are a content creator looking for a way to help with getting footage. It doesn’t compare with a gyro stabilised grip, but it is definitely more convenient to carry.
The Belkin Stage PowerGrip is part of the Belkin Content Creation collection, and has a RRP A$99.95 and is available from Belkin directly.
DRN would like to thank Belkin for providing the review unit.
