9 essential peripherals for the iPhone 4S photographer
Once upon a time, hanging an SLR around your neck was a status symbol that told others you were serious about photography. But with improved smartphone camera specs and fun photo-sharing apps such as Instagram, we've seen the rise of a new type of photographer: the iPhone documentarian.
The trend isn't surprising. Sporting an 8-megapixel sensor, the iPhone 4S can take stunning photographs and even HDR in one fell swoop. Not to mention, the best camera isn't necessarily the most expensive one; it's the camera you bring everywhere. The iPhone fits the bill.
Like an SLR, you can end up with quite a bit of gear to capture the money shot (never mind the fact that such equipment cancels out the smartphone's portability). For the aspiring iPhoneographer, here's some hardware to add to your arsenal.
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1. iPhone SLR Mount When Photojojo first debuted its nifty iPhone SLR mount last summer, the gadget captivated tech blogs, which subsequently overwhelmed the online store with so much traffic that people couldn't get to the site. Everyone wanted to check out the device that transformed their favorite smartphone into an SLR camera. The biggest difference between your puny iPhone and a behemoth SLR is the lens. But with this mount, you can attach huge telephoto and wide prime lenses with ease. We're talking real optical zoom, manual focus and beautiful depth of field. Price: $249
2. iPro Lens If you don't have a collection of Canon lenses to affix to your iPhone, no need to fret. There are plenty of teeny tiny specialty lenses for the smartphone. At January's Macworld, the annual confab of Apple fans in San Francisco included an iPhone film festival, featuring movies shot entirely on the smartphone. Th films were aided by Schneider Optics' iPro Lens system, which includes a fisheye lens, wide-angle lens and case that doubles as a tripod mount. Schneider, known for its professional lenses and filters used in broadcast television and motion picture, also announced an iPro 2x telephoto lens that will be available in April for about $100. Price: $199
3. iFlash While the iPhone's optics handle decently in low-light situations, the smartphone's performance in no-light situations is less than stellar. For such moments, it might be a good idea to consult an external flash. The iFlash is a low-energy LED attachment that beams brightly and is powered by the phone. However, note that flashes are a two-way street. They're helpful for seeing in the dark, but using them often results in washed-out, dull photos. Covering up the bulb with parchment paper is a simple hack that can diffuse light so that it's well balanced. Price: $13
5. Glif+ If you're a fan of night-time photography, perfectly steady shots are a must. Part iPhone stand, part tripod mount, the Glif+ is a step up from the original Glif; its new design ensures your phone is secure even in the most precarious of situations (e.g. dangling your precious phone over a stream to capture footage of running water). The Glif+ also includes a keyring loop to attach to your keys, so a steady shot is always within reach. Price: $30
7. mCAM The iPhone's compactness makes it great to carry around, but weighing in at less than five ounces, it also makes for shaky handheld video. The mCAM for iPhone is a video rig made of an aluminum unibody frame that weighs about a pound. The mass steadies videos filmed without a tripod, so you can achieve that Battlestar Galactica style of shooting. The accessory also includes a wide angle lens and high-quality boom mic. Time to create another Battlestar prequel? Price: $170
8. Optrix HD The Optrix HD housing unit is a sturdy and durable plastic case that transforms a smartphone into a GoPro-like action sports camera, ideal for shooting footage of adventurous activities such as mountain biking, snowboarding and roller coaster rides, to name a few. The water-resistant case is also tough, capable of withstanding drops from several stories high and being run over by a car. And unlike many sports cameras on the market, you can watch what you've captured without plugging into a computer. Price: $90
9. Kogeto Dot Shooting panoramas typically requires a tripod, specialized stitching software and loads of patience. With this iPhone attachment, though, it's as simple as pushing a button. The Kogeto Dot is an iPhone add-on that captures 360-degree video with its unique lens. Once captured videos are processed, you use the free corresponding Looker app to watch, swiping across the footage to view from different perspectives and angles. This panoramic lens can be useful for capturing road trips, concerts and sporting events. Price: $80
4. CineSkates The GorillaPod slaps on some wheels to create a tripod-dolly system that will give iPhone videos a bit of panache with Hollywood-like motion. The CineSkates System for the iPhone uses a GorillaPod Focus, mini ballhead and Glif mount. The wheels deliver the fluid and dramatic camera movement of a dolly, while the flexible yet sturdy legs help you capture from all possible angles. CineSkates originated as a Kickstarter project in 2011, and within a day, film enthusiasts helped the campaign meet its funding goal. Price: $315
6. LiveAction Camera Remote Handy for family or timed shots, camera remotes allow you to capture images without all that racing around the camera to be in the picture — and doing so again because your little brother wasn't paying attention. Belkin's wireless remote makes group photos effortless on the iPhone. It works up to 30 feet away, and its buttons let you switch between photo and video recording modes. The remote includes a detachable camera stand to prop up your iPhone. Price: $50
