Our precious camera gear is expensive, so it’s often a target of theft. Thankfully, there are ways to protect it and ensure that your gear finds its way back to you even if someone steals it. In this video, Armando Ferreira shows you four gadgets that will make it easy to track your gear and retrieve it in case you get robbed.
[Related reading: Photographer recovers $7,000 of stolen gear using Apple AirTags]
Three out of four gadgets are made for Apple AirTag, which is not good news for Android users. However, we have an alternative from Chipolo, and I also found a bunch of Bluetooth tags on AliExpress (not sure how good they are, though).
Now that we’ve got this out of the way, here are the gadgets Armando recommends:
SmallRig MD4150 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate for AirTag – this is an Arca-Swiss-type quick release with a hidden compartment for an AirTag. The plate is made from aluminum, but the compartment cover is cleverly made from plastic to avoid interfering with the AirTag’s tracking. It’s also protected with EVA pads to protect the tag and prevent it from rattling.
Nine Volt AirCap – this is a camera body cap that keeps your camera protected from both dust and theft. It also packs a hidden rear compartment for an Apple AirTag. The compartment is secured with four strong neodymium magnets and there’s no way of figuring out that it’s removable.
SmallRig Cage for Apple AirTag with Dual 1/4″-20 Screw Mount – another anti-theft tool from SmallRig. It mounts on two 1/4″-20 threads on your camera cage or plate. Like the quick-release plate, it also has an EVA rubber pad to dampen any noise within the cage, and side holes to keep your AirTag tracking functional.
Tamper Proof Asset Labels – the last solution Armando recommends has nothing to do with Bluetooth tracking. It’s a set of asset labels that can’t easily be removed. So, let’s say someone steals your gear and sells it online. If you put your contact details on the stickers, the buyer will be able to find you and return your gear.
Of course, prevention is better than cure. Take all necessary precautions to keep your gear near you and not lose it from your sight. Sadly, it can still happen that it gets stolen, and in those cases, it’s great to have some of these gadgets as a backup plan.
[You NEED THESE to PROTECT your Camera Gear | Armando Ferreira]