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Padcaster Verse turns any smartphone into a mobile video production studio (hands-on)

The company that pioneered the iPad case for start-to-finish video production breaks from its Apple-only designs with an option for any smartphone (or small tablet) videographer -- regardless of device.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
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Joshua Goldman
2 min read

There are several iPad and iPhone cases for mobile videographers, but they all have pretty much the same problem: They only work with a specific device.

For example, Padcaster made one of the first, if not the first, case for giving you a steadier grip of an iPad for handheld shooting, but also acts as a tripod mount and has lots of spots for attaching a mic or lights as well as add-on lenses. But it was only for iPads and the company had to update it whenever Apple made a new model.

The Padcaster Verse puts an end to that by using an adjustable mount that works with any small tablet -- regardless of make, model or OS -- up to the size of an iPad Mini as well as any smartphone. This means it's basically the one video mount you'll need now or in the future for you or your friends, family, students or coworkers.

padcaster-verse-01.jpg

The Verse mobile-media case's universal mounting bracket holds any smartphone or small tablet making it easier to stabilize, shoot and share video.

 Sarah Tew/CNET

The company's other models use a strong aluminum frame, but the Verse is made from a sturdy lightweight polycarbonate. It looks pretty much like a converted license plate holder, providing a grip on either side for steadying your device. Embedded in all four sides are metal 1/4-inch tripod mounts and there are three accessory shoes on top and two on the bottom. If you're using an iPad mini, there are threaded lens mounts on front to use with Padcaster lenses.

At its center is an expandable mount that adjusts by loosening a knob on front and tightening again once your device is in. It requires a bit more effort than it should though, which is something Padcaster Founder and CEO Josh Apter says they're working on for the final version.

The Verse is currently on Kickstarter for $70 (about AU$95 or £50) and has more than doubled its pledge goal of $25,000. It is scheduled to ship to backers in July. Once it's available in retail it will sell for $99.