If you’re paying up to $550 for a GoPro action camera, you want to make sure you’re letting it deliver the best footage possible. The ActionBox Cine housing is designed to make that happen, with an adjustable lens shade, quick-mount filters, and more.
Invented by Seattle-based videographer Ulysses Glanzrock, the ActionBox is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. It’s compatible with the GoPro Hero 9, 10, 11, and 12. Versions are in the works for the DJI Osmo 3 and 4, as well as the Insta360 Ace Pro.
The device is constructed primarily of nylon polymer with stainless steel hardware. Like the stock Hero housing, it helps protect the camera in the event of drops and other accidents… but it does so much more.
On top of the ActionBox is an adjustable angle lens shade that can be tightened into place with a screw clamp to prevent lens flares. As an added bonus, this shade can be folded completely forward to turn the front of the camera into a protective cover when not in use.
Dragonfly Optix
The housing also includes a circular polarizing filter that sits above the Hero's lens. Users adjust the filter's polarity via a thumb wheel on the side of the ActionBox.
The package includes three square neutral density filters (grades ND8, ND16 and ND32) that can be easily attached and removed from the body thanks to neodymium magnets in their aircraft aluminum frames. Up to two filters can be stacked.
These are made by partner company Camera Butter and feature nano-coated Gorilla Glass with scratch-proof, smudge-proof and anti-glare coatings on both sides. The filters are stored in an included hard case when not needed. And to explain, these are with a polarizing filter is not a replacement for it.
Dragonfly Optix
A cold shoe mount on one side of the ActionBox allows for the attachment of accessories such as shotgun microphones, which can be attached to the camera's USB port using an included audio adapter. It's also possible to remove the lens shade and replace it with a second, included cold shoe for attaching lights or other devices.
On the underside of the body is a quarter-inch threaded tripod hole along with a foldable GoPro-style mount.
Assuming the ActionBox Cine goes into production, a pledge of $119 will get you one — the planned retail price is $165. Its specs are demonstrated in the video below.
Best GoPro Accessory – Action Box Cine – Action Camera Shooting Reimagined
Sources: Kickstarter, Dragonfly Optix