News
Light & Motion Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Make GoPro Companion Lights
Light & Motion launched its first action camera companion light line, the Sidekick, on Kickstarter last week (Tuesday 13th January). The powerful Sidekick redefines what is possible for the GoPro Hero by delivering a smooth wide 600 lumen beam to enhance the range of great action shots.
“Action cameras are very limited by rapidly changing light conditions, especially low light. The Sidekick is a long overdue extension of the GoPro, and will enable people to take amazing POV video and photos, day or night,” said professional photographer and videographer Kip Evans.
The Sidekick is small, low profile and—at 123 grams—weighs less than the GoPro. Its factory-sealed design and clean simple mount allows Sidekick to seamlessly integrate with any GoPro set-up and go wherever a GoPro goes, including 200 feet underwater. Adjustable spot and flood modes give users the flexibility to control the amount of light to create the perfect POV footage.
Smart design features—including regulated output, external USB recharging, battery status indicator and a spot light function for navigation—make Sidekick a really good companion light.
The Sidekick line will include two models: the Sidekick Duo, with a spot and flood light, and the single beam Sidekick Flood. Light & Motion will also offer a Sidekick Accessory Mount Kit that allows positioning the light over the camera.
Light & Motion hopes to raise $50,000 with this Kickstarter campaign to purchase the tooling equipment necessary to bring the Sidekick into production next month at Light & Motion’s design and production facility in Marina, California. Backers of the campaign will have exclusive access to the first run of the special aluminum hand-machined Sidekicks and product production updates, among other rewards.
“We want to keep manufacturing in the United States, and successful crowd funding campaigns on Kickstarter may be one way that small entrepreneurial businesses like ours can keep on inventing,” said Daniel Emerson, CEO of Light & Motion.
Models
- Sidekick Duo – 23-degree Spot and 90-degree Flood
- Sidekick – 90-degree Flood
- Sidekick accessory mount kit includes flex arm for mounting over the camera.
Key Features
- Regulated output – does not dim during use
- Simple low-profile mount works with all GoPro bases
- Intuitive button user interface
- Factory sealed with external USB charger
- Duo model has dual beam – Spot for navigation and Flood for capturing the action
Materials
- 6061 – T6 Billet Aluminum/Black Anodized
- Highest Efficiency CREE LEDs (XM-L)
Specifications
- Lumen output/Run time
- High: Flood – 600 lumens/60 minutes, Spot – 400 lumens/60 minutes
- Med: Flood – 300 lumens/120 minutes, Spot – 200 lumens/120 minutes
- Low: Flood – 150 Lumens/240 minutes, Spot – 100 lumens/240 minutes
- Recharge Time: 4.5 hours
- Weight: 123 grams
- Colors: Black, Silver
- MSRP:
- Sidekick: $129
- Sidekick Duo: $149
To make a donation to Light & Motion’s Sidekick Kickstarter campaign, click here. For more information about Light & Motion, visit www.lightandmotion.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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