Ready to pimp your phone? We’ve found some of the best accessories available for your smart device. Everything from an amazing NFC connected Carl Zeiss lens to a case that lets you mount full sized Canon & Nikon lenses straight to your phone. But be warned – some of these come at a price.
Story by Nicole Boyd
iPHONE
Rhode IXY
RØDE IXY IXY MICROPHONE
A stereo microphone that mounts directly into your smartphone or tablet. Portable, small and easy to use, the IXY allows you to capture clear, quality sounds with your smartphone. Very cool.
The current accompanying app is iOS only, however, the microphone can be used with any smartphone/tablet.
Olloclip
OLLOCLIP 4-IN-1
Four lenses in the one handy little clip pack. You get a Wide-Angle lens, a Fish-Eye lens, a 10X Macro and a 15X Macro. Made from aircraft grade aluminum and precision-ground, coated glass.
Available for IPhones and iPods 4/s & 5/s
http://www.olloclip.com/4-in-1-iphone-lens/
Steadicam Smoothee
STEADICAM SMOOTHEE
A lightweight and easy to use stabiliser system & flycam; made from a durable, mono-frame metal structure. The Smoothee helps reduce camera shake allowing you to shoot beautiful, smooth footage.
Ships with inter-changeable mounts for iPhone 3GS, 4/s & 5/s, iPods 4th & 5th Generation and GoPro Hero 3 & 4.
http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_smoothee_homepage1.html
iPhone SLR Mount
IPHONE SLR MOUNT
A case-adapter combo that allows you to mount Canon EOS and Nikon SLR glass straight onto your iPhone. The case is made of aluminum and slides easily onto your phone. It features two tripod mounts and strap holders so you can wear your iPhone around you neck like a tourist.
For iPhones 4/s and 5/s only.
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/iphone-slr-mount/
GALILEO
A remote-controlled gimbal for iOS devices. Able to be controlled from anywhere in the world, this piece of kit effectively turns your iPhone into a 360º camera. Great for capturing time-lapse or circular tracking shots. Motrr (the company behind the Galileo) are working with developers for more apps to utilize the accessory; currently there are 12 apps that support use of the gimbal with many more in development.
Currently there are only iOS apps available for use.
Manfrotto Klyp
MANFROTTO KLYP
This specially designed case has connection points for LED flash and tripod mount. Accessories include lenses, lights and the Pixie tripod.
Only for iPhone 4/s and 5/s.
http://www.manfrotto.com/collection/8374.1073043.1073034.0.0/for_iPhone#174;_5/5S
PADCASTER
PADCASTER
An iPad case, which transforms your tablet into a mobile production studio. The case is made of an aluminum frame with a removable urethane insert, a lens bracket and cold-shoe adapter. The frame has lots of 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 threaded holes drilled into it for easy attachment of lights, microphones, or to easily mount (in almost any position) on a tripod/steadicam.
For iPad only. There is a current Kickstarter campaign to release a case for the iPad Mini.
http://thepadcaster.com/product/
ANDROID
Bubblescope
BUBBLESCOPE 360º
A lens attachment that captures 360º stills & video on your phone; no more stitching or walking in circles. The lens is made out of precision glass optics and has a retractable design. The finished images/video allow you to click and drag to explore the ‘bubble’.
Includes case and carry bag. For Android, Blackberry and iOS devices.
SPA-MK20M
SMARTPHONE TRIPOD SPA-MK20M
This small, practical tripod; can be used by most smartphone devices. Designed to cradle the phone and provide a secure, stable mount for smartphone photography. The holder can be removed and attached to a full sized tripod or mount.
For most Android, iOS and Windows based phones.
http://www.sonymobile.com/au/products/accessories/smartphone-tripod-spa-mk20m/
MXL MM-VE001
MXL Microphones have recently released a line of mobile solutions including this Videographer’s Kit. The kit includes the MXL FR-310 shotgun microphone and an impedance-matching cable with 3.5mm plug and a fully adjustable bracket mount. It has two cold shoe mounts, one for the microphone and the other for additional accessories.
For most Android, iOS and Windows based devices. Additionally, can be used with DSLRs.
http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/mobilemedia/MM-VE001/
iRig Pre
iRIG PRE
A microphone preamp with an XLR input to 3.5 audio jack out; with 48V phantom power. This allows you to plug your professional microphones directly into your smartphone.
For Android and iOS devices.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpre/
LIFE-PHORM
All-in-one mounting system that allows you to grip your device onto virtually any surface. It has six multi-adjustable reinforced legs, with rubber padding (for stability) and rubberized hook ends. All joints are tension adjustable along with the clamping system.
For all smartphones and tablet devices, GoPro and DSLRs.
http://www.lethalprotection.com/
Pico Flex Dolly
PICO FLEX DOLLY
A dolly kit with detachable 11” arm, high-quality bearings & wheels, rotatable wheels (for circular/curved tracking), tripod mount and shark clip. Lightweight, sturdy and completely portable.
For any smartphone device.
http://www.pec.co.uk/pecvnew/pico-flex-dolly-kit.html
SONY QX100 SMARTLENS
Turns your smartphone into a 35mm full frame camera. With 20.9MP, 10X optical zoom, a 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T optics, a BIONZ Image Processing Engine, SLR-style control ring and internal NFC & WiFi (for wireless mounting). This is the crème-de-la-crème of smartphone photography/videography accessories.
For Android and iOS devices.
http://www.sony.com.au/product/dsc-qx100
