Gallery: Bragging Rights: Top 10 Tools to Document Your Projects
01diy-documentation-joby-flexible-tripod-wired-design
So, you’ve built an [amazing new robot](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/design/2012/05/wheelchair/)? Or crafted a pop-culture homage with [Perler beads](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/design/2012/04/perler-bead-portraits/)? Awesome. But what good is creating cool stuff if you can’t brag about it on Instructables or raise eyebrows at Reddit? You don’t need a fancy camera, a studio lighting setup, or a sick sound system to capture your work. The gadgets on this list, combined with your iPhone, camera, or laptop, make it easy to turn your projects into web-friendly packages. [Joby GorillaPod](http://joby.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Even a basic smartphone can capture high-definition images, but if the person holding it can't keep still, the shots will be useless. The Joby GorillaPod's unique ball-and-socket design allows it to be securely placed almost anywhere, from the handle bars of a moving bike to the top of a sewing machine. __Cost:__ $49.99 __Photo:__ [Joby](http://joby.com/)
02diy-documentations-camera-scrolling-wired-design
[CineSkates](http://cinetics.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Static shots are boring. In order to make your videos stand out on YouTube or Kickstarter, dynamism is key. CineSkates are wheeled feet that attach to the Joby GorillaPod and turn it into a makeshift dolly rig. Get in touch with your inner cinematographer and add sweeping shots and slick transition to your videos, without breaking the bank. __Cost:__ $285 __Photo:__ [Cinetics](http://store.cinetics.com/cineskates-system-focus/ )
03diy-documentation-lensbaby-creative-lenses-wired-design
[Lensbaby](http://lensbaby.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Lensbaby DSLR lenses are like analog Instagram filters. The lenses look bizarre -- with flexible bellows and squeezable rubber rings -- but create amazing images in the hands of the right photographer. Instead of relying on algorithms and software, shutterbugs can use the magic of optics to create arty blurs and tilt-shift perspectives. __Cost:__ Lenses start at $200. Kits for $500. Thousands of reblogs on Tumblr? Priceless. __Photo:__ [Lensbaby](http://lensbaby.com/)
04diy-documentation-go-pro-kit-wired-design
[GoPro Hero](http://gopro.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Whether you're building a fire-breathing dragon, trying out some advanced flambé techniques, or otherwise crafting in the danger zone, you probably don’t want to subject your iPhone or Nikon to damages. Luckily, GoPro makes a line of ruggedized cameras that were designed for the rough-and-tumble world of extreme athletes. Makers have embedded them in [laser cutters](https://twitter.com/volpinprops/status/214758771954692096/photo/1) and [wood lathes](https://twitter.com/volpinprops/status/215964974030405633/photo/1) . __Cost:__ Prices start at $239.99, but ramp up quickly depending on the crash rating. __Photo:__ [GoPro](http://gopro.com/)
05diy-documentation-blue-yeti-pro-microphone-ipad-app-wired-design
[Blue Microphones](http://www.bluemic.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Great video is useless if your audio was captured on a tinny laptop microphone. Invest in a quality mic, like those made by Blue Microphones. They make them for desktops and now on iOS devices. Blue also makes the only consumer-grade, THX-approved mic. Good enough for George Lucas, good enough for us. __Cost:__ Prices range from $69.99 to $249.99 __Photo:__ [Blue Microphones](http://www.bluemic.com/)
06diy-documentation-photo-light-blox-wired-design
[Photo Studio in a Box](http://www.amazon.com/SP200-Photo-Studio-In-Box/dp/B000PC4A0O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1341323160&sr=8-7&keywords=photobox) __Why it's a must-have:__ Investing hundreds or thousands of dollars in a better camera is pointless without good lighting. For starters, spend $50 on a "Photo Studio in a Box." Specially designed to make capturing small objects easy, this softbox and mini lights are perfect for space-constrained makers. __Cost:__ $42.95 __Photo:__ [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/SP200-Photo-Studio-In-Box/dp/B000PC4A0O/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1341323160&sr=8-7&keywords=photobox)
07diy-documentation-96-light-led-array-wired-design
[LED Lighting](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/784071-REG/Vidpro_Z_96K_Professional_Photo_Video.html) __Why it's a must-have:__ Hardcore makers use a lot of flammable chemicals, create a copious amounts of sawdust, and otherwise are a fire marshal's *bête noir*. Get rid of the hot halogen lamps and high-heat incandescents, and outfit your workspace with bright, cool, and fire-safe LED arrays. They produce plenty of light to capture your projects and pose little risk of spontaneous combustion. __Cost:__ $169, but think of what you can save on insurance premiums. __Photo:__ [B&H Photo Video](http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/784071-REG/Vidpro_Z_96K_Professional_Photo_Video.html)
08diy-documentation-manfrotto-modopod-wired-design
[Manfrotto ModoSteady](http://www.manfrotto.us/) __Why it's a must-have:__ A three-in-one tool that can be a tripod, shoulder support, or steadicam for your camera. Say goodbye to blurred, shaky images. __Cost:__ $100 Photo: [Manfrotto US](http://www.manfrotto.us/modosteady-3in1-shoulder-support-stabilizer-table-tripod )
09diy-documentation-adobe-creative-cloud-wired-design
[Adobe Creative Cloud Subscriptions](http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/cssubscription.html ) __Why it's a must-have:__ No matter how good your photos and videos are, there will always be something you have to fix in 'post'. New [software](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/design/2012/06/iphone-apps-for-creative-types/) and [apps](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/design/2012/06/10-ipad-apps-for-makers/) have a lot of [potential](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/design/2012/06/desktop-apps-for-makers/), but Adobe is still the king of the hill when it comes to photo editing, video effects, and polishing your documentation. __Cost:__ $74.99/month with discounts for long-term subscriptions. __Photo:__ [Adobe](http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/cssubscription.html)
10diy-documentation-pamco-turntable-photography-setup-software-wired-design
[Pamco Turntable](http://www.pamco-imaging.com/) __Why it's a must-have:__ Ready to start selling your handiwork online? According to *Internet Retailer*360-degree rotating images [increase conversions](http://www.internetretailer.com/2011/05/26/rotating-images-generate-higher-conversion-duematernitycom) by 27 percent. This rotating tabletop/software solution makes creating those circular views painless. __Cost:__ $625 __Photo:__ [Pamco Imaging](http://www.pamco-imaging.com/)
