If you want to make the most out of your
iPhone’s camera, why not slap on a few accessories and give it the boost it
needs?
There are billions of camera phone images
shared online across the numerous social networking sites that have worked
their way into our lives. Another way of saying that would be: there are
billions of really bad camera phone images shared online across the numerous
social networking sites that have worked their way into our lives. The
convenience of being able to click and instantly share photos is
counterbalanced by the fact that most of them are terrible. But does it always
have to be that way?
Turn
your iPhone into a DSLR
The answer is, of course, no. it is
possible to create great images on your camera phone – all you need is a good
eye, a steady hand and the odd handy accessory. And there’s no phone that
generates more accessories than the iPhone. Apple creates a veritable trailing
universe of designers, manufacturers and suppliers every time they release a
new product, and with the iPhone that’s especially prevalent. A macrocosm of
manufacturers work on skins, cases, docks, chargers, headphones and just about
everything else they can hang off that rectangular block of telephonic
technology – it’s a mini economic bubble and business seems to be good.
It’s fair to say that while the iPhone has
pushed the boundaries of what we can do with a phone, some of the accessory
makers are trying to do the same, and none more so than those who focus on the
device’s camera. And who can blame them? The iPhone camera has evolved from a
2-megapixel snapper with no flash, optical zoom or autofocus (original),
through to an 8-megapixel beast (4S) with an f2.4 aperture lens and hybrid
infrared filter. Add to that the LED flash, A5 chip with an image signal
processor (which, Apple claims, is as good as there found in DSLRs, and gives
speedy focus and exposure control along with zero shutter lag), built-in
gyroscope for better stabilization, and the iOS 5 operating system – which
allows for better colour accuracy and white balance – and you’ve got a decent
camera, with the capacity to be made better.
Your iPhone is never going to be a full-on
DSLR, but with this guide to some of the best accessories and apps out there,
you can maximize the camera’s capabilities, making sure you’re taking the best
shots possible and giving your shared photos the best chance to stand out from
the billions of others out there.
Turtleback TurteJacket
$249 from Photojojo.com
One of the best ways to get DSLR quality
photos on your iPhone is by attaching your SLR lenses to it. To do this you’re
going to need a mount, so look no further than the Turtleback TurtleJacket.
Acting as both a robust aluminium build
case and an adaptor, the TurtleJacket allows you to mount Canon EOS and Nikon
SLR lenses to your iPhone 4 and 4S. the Nikon version is an F mount adapter,
while the Canon one is an EF mount adapter – but be warned, it’s not compatible
with EF-S or FD lenses.
Canon
EOS and Nikon SLR lenses to your iPhone 4 and 4S
This may look strange at first, with the
whole thing appearing completely off-balance when you first attach a lens, but
it’s worth it simply for the fact that you can use existing gear with it and
reap the benefits that come with that such as manual focusing, telephoto and
wide angle capabilities, plus excellent depth-of-field. If you’re partial to a
bit lomography, then you can attach a Diana lens to the mount.
One thing you will notice when taking snaps
is that the images will come in upside down due to the lack of a mirror in the
iPhone’s camera. Turtleback have created an accompanying app (TurtleHead) to
correct this, and it’s free over on iTunes.
Olloclip
$69 from Olloclip.com
There are plenty of lens options out there
for iPhone, but one really stands out. If you want to improve your picture
options but don’t want to carry a bunch of SLR lenses around to fit to the
TurtleJacket, then it might be a good idea to turn to the Olloclip. Compatible
with the iPhone 4 and 4S, the Olloclip is a three-in-one lens solution that
offers wide-angle, macro and fisheye shots. It’s tiny (35mm tall and 31mm
across), and slides directly onto the camera – so there’s no need for a case or
mount attachment.
This
is the olloclip with quick connect lens solution for iPhone 4
For such a small piece of kit, it’s well
engineered and takes surprisingly good photos: the macro lens is roughly a 10x
multiplier, while the wide-angle lens almost doubles the iPhone camera’s field
of view. Switching between lenses is fast (simply turn around the clip) and the
kit comes with lens caps and its own bag.
Thumbs Up Eye Scope
$45 from Firebox.com
If you want to add a lens to your iPhone –
something that’s more affordable than the TurtleJacket and won’t make your
device look so lop-sided – then Thumbs Up’s Eye Scope is a good option. It’s a
zoom lens and tripod kit, that’s compatible with the iPhone 4, which will give
you 8x magnification.
Thumbs
up eye scope
The whole thing is easy to transport (the
case, lens and tripod will all fit into your pocket) and simple to assemble –
just attach the case and screw in the lens. The lens isn’t adjustable – you
can’t zoom in or out – but it’s good for outdoor shots, where there’s plenty of
space. The lens feels a bit plasticky, but the tripod is surprisingly solid,
which is a bonus especially given the price point of the package as a whole.
Glif
$20 from Photojojo.com
Once you’ve got your lenses and your mounts
sorted, the next step is to find a bit of stabilization. If you haven’t got a
bespoke tripod, like the one provided with Thumbs Up’s Eye Scope, then the Glif
is an excellent option. Like the TurtleJacket, the Glif allows you to use the
photography gear you already have – in this case, your tripod/monopod. This
simple but smartly designed piece of kit allows you to attach your iPhone to
any tripod. It’s got a universal ¼-inch thread, so there’s no need for an added
case – just clip your phone into the glif and attach. It’s compatible with the
iPhone 4 and 4S.
Attach
your iPhone to any tripod using the Glif
Gary Fong Flip Cage
$2.95 from Garyfongestore.com
While the Glif is a portable piece of kit,
you still need to carry around a tripod to get the best out of it. If you want
the best of both worlds – portability and the option to use a tripod – then the
flip Cage is a good bet. It’s compatible with the iPhone 4 and 4S (you can also
get a 3GS model) and it comes with a whole range of functionality. You can use
it as a table stand for indoor shots (it can be used for landscape photos or
flipped on its side for portraits – the latter position is also good for
setting up macro snaps) and you can also attach it to a tripod.
Gary
Fong Flip Cage
Thumbs Up iFlash
$25 from Iwantoneofthose.com
So, you’ve got your lenses, your mounts and
your stabilizers sorted out – now you might want to throw a bit more light on
your shots by adding an external flash. The iFlash – compatible with the iPhone
4, 3GS and 3G – is powerful little tool that will add that extra blast of light
you need in dark conditions. It plugs into the bottom of the phone and doesn’t
need batteries. It also doubles up as a flashlight, which is handy if you
happen to lose either of those tiny Olloclip lens caps.
Thumbs
Up iFlash
