Last month I was given the opportunity to test out Google Clips, a wireless smart camera. Of course as someone who is always taking running pictures I was intrigued by this opportunity. I didn’t know much about the device before receiving it, but was open to giving it a try. Continue reading to learn more about Google Clips and my experience using it over the last 30 days!
Disclaimer: I was offered a 30 day trial of Google Clips in exchange for this blog post. All opinions are my own.
What is Google Clips?
Google Clips is a small, wireless smart camera that captures pictures automatically. It links to a phone where you can review and save pictures. There is also the option to preview a picture and choose when you want Google Clips to begin capturing a shot.
How does it work?
The device is supposed to recognize movement, or in particular, facial expressions. So this makes it ideal for taking pictures of people, preferably up close. It captures a shot for several seconds (like a video) and then you can choose one or more frames that you like.
Google Clips is hands free, so you can place it down or clip it somewhere to set it up for use. It is supposed to get better at recognizing the same faces over time.
Features of Google Clips
- Live Preview with Remote Capture (you can view the preview on your phone and choose to take a shot without touching the device)
- 130–degree field of view
- Swipe to Save
- Fast Transfer to your phone (No need to be plugged in or connected to WiFi)
- 16 GB storage on Google Clips
- Easily store and share with Google Photos
My Experience
I will admit that at first I was a little confused by the device and struggled a bit. The set up was easy, but it took some time to figure out how to actually get the camera to take my picture. This was probably my own fault because I was trying to take some running action shots which didn’t have my face in them. The camera recognizes faces, and that is what makes it capture a shot.
I started using it more for post-workout photos rather than running shots. Then I learned that I could actually preview a shot on my phone, click capture on my phone to make the device start recording, and then run past the device and it would record for a few seconds.
Pros of Google Clips
One thing I really liked about the device was the size. It’s nice and small and better than carrying your phone. However, I would still carry my phone for safety purposes when running. (Also, it helps to be able to check your phone to make sure you got a good shot).
The device comes with a clip so I was easily able to clip it to my shorts or flip belt. It would also fit into the pocket of my running shorts but may bounce around a bit.
I also found this to be a little more discreet than taking selfies with my phone. You know, when you’re out running and someone catches you running back and forth past your phone? The device is so small I doubt anyone would even see it propped up somewhere.
I also really liked some of the angles that you can get with the device. It reminded me a little of some of those fun shots I see other runners get with a GoPro. It would definitely take some more time to get better at taking advantage of that feature, and while I was using it it was more just about getting lucky with getting a good shot.
Cons of Google Clips
I think the biggest con is that the camera is supposed to decide when to take a picture, so it was frustrating if I thought it got a shot and it didn’t. I think the more I used it, the better I got at activating the camera, and also I think the camera got better at recognizing when it should start capturing a shot.
Also, the lighting of the pictures was a little weird. Sometimes in a good way, but sometimes they were too dark. This was probably based on where I put the device and I would probably get better about it the more I used it.
Finally, at times it felt like “one more thing” to deal with one my run. I had my phone anyway, so why not just take pictures using that?
Final Thoughts
I do think this product has a lot of potential, but there are probably better purposes for it than just running pictures. If you are someone that runs with friends and likes to take group shots, this could be a great way to do that.
I think it’s a product that you need some time to get used to. I suspect that if I used it for another few weeks I would have gotten even more comfortable with it.
Do you think this is a product that you would like?
What is your favorite way to take running photos?
Do you like to take group shots with friends or do you stick to running selfies?
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Thanks for your thoughts on the camera. I hate to carry my phone when I run, so I often find myself wishing I had more pictures. This camera’s small size seems like it would be more convenient to carry, but I agree with you. I would like to be able to decide when to snap a picture. Maybe there will be some improvements to the design.
It is definitely more convenient to carry than a phone! I think if you only used this you could take a bunch and wouldn’t necessarily need to check how they looked until you got home. I definitely got better at taking pictures the more I used it.
As I read your review, I had the same thought that this was just one more thing to deal with on the run. I don’t know if I would find benefit in it since I have the camera on my phone. But I guess I wouldn’t know unless I tried it, right?
Nice review.
That was kind of wha I ended up thinking. If I had my phone anyway, why would I need a camera too? I’m sure it could serve other purposes but when you already have a bunch of stuff to take with you running it probably makes more sense to just use a phone.
Well you know I love to take lots of photos with my group. I wonder how this would work for me? thanks for the review
I think it would be great for your group shots! You could probably even leave it in your car and just use it after your run for some post-run shots.
I agree that it seems like one more thing to deal with on the run. I already have my phone so I can’t see a big reason to carry more. Also, I was curious about how much it costs. Is there a monthly charge?
It’s $250 and no monthly charge. So if you’re gonna use it alot, it might be worth it. However in the days of quality camera phones it might be hard to justify this purchase unless you have a specific need for it.
This sounds like an interesting device! I feel like it would take time to get used to but once you were used to it then it would be a fun gadget to have.
Yes it definitely takes some getting used to! But it is fun and would probably come in really handy in certain situations.
I am not a big selfie person when I run. Heck I don’t even bring my phone w me when I run. So this would not be for me. But I think it would still be cool to just test it out. Now you know!
If you don’t like selfies than no this probably wouldn’t be for you! However, if you don’t always carry your phone and might want a picture, it could be a good option.
I’m not sure if I would even be interested in this…another thing to carry on a run. I would rather use this for more extreme sports like skiing/wakeboarding/etc.
I have no shame when it comes to people seeing me taking selfies with my phone!
I bet it would be cool to use with extreme sports! I only get embarrassed if my neighbors see me taking selfies. I don’t care as much if I don’t know the person!
this is so interesting and probably something I need. I’m the worst with remembering to take pictures altogether, and even worse than ever it seems lately!
I bet it would be a cool device to just keep around or in your purse. It would just be a matter of remembering to use it!
It does sound like a neat little device…but agree with the “one more thing” dilemma. I have gotten much better with the running selfies (LOTS of practice LOL). I have finally figured out that taking a video and them screen-shotting the thumbnails is often my best option and avoids those numerous repeated back & forth shot attempts.
I do the same thing with the video and screen shot! I end up with so many more options that way.
Thanks Lisa for this excellent review….but having a device decide on my behalf is kinda intriguing for me…nonetheless seems like a solid product
Wow, I have never heard of this product but it seems pretty cool! Right now I try to use the camera on my phone when I want to get action shots but it’s always hit or miss. I would definitely try this product.
(Sorry, for some reason this comment posted under someone else’s name)
Wow, I have never heard of this product but it seems pretty cool! Right now I try to use the camera on my phone when I want to get action shots but it’s always hit or miss. I would definitely try this product.
That’s so strange! Yea the camera phones are pretty hit or miss. I use the video and take screen shots but sometimes they come out blurry.
I’ve never heard of this but I would think it would be great for running and action too. Interesting that it decides when to take the photo!
Yes, it’s pretty impressive that it can recognize when to take a shot!
I saw someone with one of these today and remembered your post, which I somehow hadn’t commented on. She seemed to be having issues getting it to work, so I feel it might be too fiddly for me. That siad, love my running photos
Thats too bad that she couldnt get it to work! It definitely took me a little while to get used to it.