One complaint I’ve had with action cameras is their inability to perform well in low light and nighttime conditions. To improve this, GoPro recently introduced a lighting accessory called the Zeus Mini. This tiny waterproof LED light is a perfect companion for the new Hero9 Black camera. But it’s not exclusive to the cameras. When paired with GoPro’s magnetic swivel clip, the Zeus Mini becomes a more functional piece of equipment. The magnetic base of the clip mount allows attaching to any ferrous metal. Perfect for impromptu vehicle service where it can attach to the underside of a hood. While the clip provides another attachment option. Clipping the Zeus Mini to a baseball cap provides headlamp style lighting. Or clip it to a back pack strap for upfront task lighting. Lots of options here.
GoPro Zeus Mini Magnetic Swivel Clip Light Video:
This little light can also be attached to any standard GoPro mount. Further expanding mounting options. But it doesn’t stop there. The built-in shoe mount allows attachment to any “hot shoe” receptacle on a camera. It should be noted that the Zeus Mini has a “cold shoe” mount meaning there is no electrical connection between the Zeus and camera. Additionally, the new Media Mod from GoPro, available for the Hero9 camera, features two cold shoe mounts on its frame. Allowing you to place the Zeus directly on top of or along side the camera itself. The Media Mod also features an external microphone. Making the Hero9 a high contender for Vloggers and gear reviewers alike. But I digress…
As I toggle through the three prescribed brightness settings, I double-tap the top button and find a hidden Overdrive Mode. This mode gives the user a little boost of light (200 lumens) for 30 seconds. As you cycle through the lighting modes, the last setting is a strobe function. Ideal for signaling your location, a distress signal, or even mounting to the back of a mountain bike at night. Another value add is the inclusion of a small light diffuser. The diffuser can soften the often harsh 5700k light cast by LED’s making faces look less “ghost like”. The diffuser simply presses onto the Zeus Mini so be warned, it’s not held on mechanically. And I fear losing it in the future as it easily pops off.
GoPro Zeus Mini Features and Specifications:
- Compact, versatile LED illumination for projects, camping, outdoor adventures, safety and more
- Built tough and waterproof to 33ft (10m)
- Clip to a baseball hat, pack strap, work bench or any fixed object
- Internal magnet attaches to metal surfaces for home and automotive applications
- Flexible 360° swivel lets you easily adjust the lighting angle
- 4 levels of brightness—up to 200 lumens—for crisp detail
- Built-in rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of runtime
- Max brightness for up to 30 seconds with Overdrive mode
- Strobe mode for emergency signaling and visibility
- MSRP: $49.99
- Light Specifications:
- Overdrive mode: 200 lumens, 200 lux @1m
- 3: 125 lumens, 120 lux @1m
- 2: 60 lumens
- 1: 20 lumens
- Runtime: 1 hour at Level 3, 2 hours at Level 2, 6 hours at Level 1
- Color temperature without diffuser: 5700K
- CRI: 90+
Final Thoughts:
Owning several GoPro cameras over the years, I have a love/hate relationship with them. Some have been better than others. And I’ve used most of the cameras since their inception but recently took a little hiatus…until now. For about a month, I’ve been using the new Hero9 Black exclusively with pretty solid results, but not without some quirkiness. And nothing is perfect. However, the Zeus Mini has met or exceeded all of my expectations thus far. Mounted a top the Hero9 Black with Media Mod and Zeus Mini, this becomes a formidable travel camera. Its durability, quality, waterproofness and size allow me to deep-six much larger camera gear when traveling. I just need to add a dive case for SCUBA operations. Then I’ll have a small package that covers almost all of my photographic needs.
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