Camera Gear

The Dipstick

a tentacle camera for exploring the natural world

$620

pledged of $20,000 goal

8 backers

16 days to go

7 reward tiers

Back on Kickstarter ↗

About This Project

The Dipstick is an open-source underwater camera system designed to let users film wildlife in shallow, hard-to-reach water without spooking animals. The creator has spent a year building and refining about 200 prototypes across freezing to burning temperatures. Users can build their own from the free open-source plans or purchase a kit. Two models are offered: the Total (720p, plugs directly into phone) and the Grade-A (1080p, WiFi with built-in battery), each available in 2' or 8' lengths. The project aims to encourage natural-world literacy, especially in children, by making nature exploration tools accessible and DIY.

Key Highlights

▸ Open-source hardware with free build instructions and community support

▸ Two camera grades: 720p direct-connect or 1080p WiFi with battery

 ▸ Available in 2' portable or 8' extendable lengths for different environments 

Technical Specs

Spec	Details
Camera Resolution (Total)	720p @ 30fps
Camera Resolution (Grade-A)	1080p @ 30fps
Connection (Total)	Direct phone plug-in
Connection (Grade-A)	WiFi with built-in battery
Lengths Available	2' or 8' (breaks into 4x2' sections)
Material	PETG, PVC pipe, stainless steel, UHMWPE cord
Type	DIY kit (assemble yourself)
Autofocus	Yes

Reward Tiers

backers

Early Bird Special: 2' Total Dipstick

USD100

~$100 USD

Kit with everything to assemble a 2' Dipstick plus cardboard carry case. Limited to 25.

backers

2' Total Dipstick

USD125

~$125 USD

Kit with everything to assemble a 2' Dipstick plus cardboard carry case.

1 backers

Early Bird Special: 2' Grade-A Dipstick

USD175

~$175 USD

Grade-A 2' kit with WiFi connection and built-in battery. Limited to 25.

backers

2' Grade-A Dipstick

USD200

~$200 USD

Grade-A 2' kit with WiFi connection and built-in battery.

backers

8' Total Dipstick

USD200

~$200 USD

Kit with everything to assemble an 8' Dipstick plus snap-together carry handle.

backers

8' Grade-A Dipstick

USD225

~$225 USD

Kit with everything to assemble an 8' Dipstick plus snap-in carry handle.

backers

Support

USD

Make a pledge without a reward. Support the project because you believe in it.

Risks & Challenges

The flexible spine is the weakest part and most easily broken; the creator is testing more durable plastics. Production relies on 3D printing (12.5 hours per unit), requiring a printer farm that may need expansion. Tariffs and shipping delays are a shifting concern. Estimated delivery is April 2027.