Using Hot Shoe Mounts & Cold Shoe Mounts

Hot shoe mounts allow you to connect a digital camera to a variety of devices such as flash units, flash modifier accessories, GPS receiver units, electronic viewfinders, and more. They're especially useful for older camera models, as they allow for additional features.

Hot Shoe Mounts vs. Cold Shoe Mounts

Camera hot shoes have electrical connections that allow flash units and other compatible accessories to transfer information to the camera. As a result, you can add more power and performance to your camera. For instance, external flashes that attach to the camera via the hot shoe mount have a higher flash power than built-in flashes. Cold shoe mounts, on the other hand, are professional video lighting mounts and brackets without electrical contacts. You can use them for flash lights and other macro and ringlight accessories. You can also use them on tripods and light stands.

How to Select the Right Camera Shoe Mount

Different cameras require different shoe mounts. Consider the carrying capacity of your camera shoe mount, especially if you're planning to use bulky accessories such as flashes, LED lights, monitors, and microphones. If you're taking still videos, then choose a camera shoe mount with a clamp for proper stability. For handheld camera shooting, consider a shoe mount with a pivoting adjustment that'll keep the flash on the camera, whether you're holding the camera vertically or horizontally. This helps maintain consistently oriented shadows on the subject. Browse for universally designed models so you don't have to shop for new hot shoe accessories when switching from one camera to another.

Check out B&H Photo and Video's wide selection of cold and hot shoe adapters to find the right equipment for your shooting needs.