Cold shoe
Also known as: accessory shoe, shoe mount
A simple slot mount without electrical contacts, found on camera cages and frames, used to attach microphones, lights and small monitors.
Updated
What it means
A cold shoe is a standard rectangular slot that accepts accessories with a matching foot. Unlike a hot shoe on photo cameras, it carries no electrical connection, so it only holds things in place. Microphones, wireless receivers, small LED lights and monitors all use it.
For action cameras, cold shoes appear on accessory frames like the Media Mod, on cages and on some grips. They turn a tiny camera into a small vlogging or interview rig with sound and light attached.
Adapters convert a cold shoe to a 1/4-inch thread or to mounting fingers, so accessories from different systems work together.
How it works in practice
Mount a shotgun microphone or a wireless receiver for a lavalier in one shoe and a small light in another for a compact talking-head setup. Angle the light slightly off-axis to avoid flat lighting.
Use cold shoes with locking screws or quick-release locks when walking, so accessories do not slide out. A cold shoe extension or a small bracket lifts the mic away from the camera to reduce handling noise.
Keep the rig light. Each accessory adds weight and changes how comfortable it is to hold for long sessions, especially on a selfie stick or when walking all day.
What to watch out for
Cold shoes are not designed for strong forces. A heavy accessory on a cold shoe can snap the plastic or slide out in a fall. Do not use them on helmets or bikes.
Accessories in the shoe may appear in the edge of a wide-angle frame. Check the preview after mounting, especially with SuperView or HyperView lenses.
Water and cold shoes do not mix, since most microphones and lights are not waterproof. Remove them before water sports, and keep them dry in a bag between uses. Sand in the shoe slot also makes accessories stick or wobble, so give it a quick clean after beach days.
How RawClip handles it
Clips recorded with a mic and light on the cold shoe upload to RawClip like any other footage. Combine talking shots with action clips, and the AI builds one highlight from the best moments.