How far can one take smartphone imaging? Each of the many accessories that are available to improve the standard output of their integrated cameras compromises their portability either with more stuff to manage or by making for an awkward group of phone appendages that must often be treated gingerly.
olloclip is familiar with this scenario. The company that created a Kickstarter stir in 2013 with a series of smartphone lenses. It has since come out with a new version for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus that includes a small holster to encourage taking the accessories along. Paving the way for much more than lens add-ons, though, the olloclip Studio “mobile photography system” begins with the rare protective case that can accommodate the olloclip lenses and a grip for steading the iPhone.
Grooves on its side and back, however, allow the mounting of a number of accessories including mini-tripods, tripod mounts, video lights and a relatively beefy Rode microphone. The collection of add-ons makes for a rich variety of reward tiers that start at $35 for the case and kickstand and $60 with a baseline accessory kit and scale up to a limited $225 offering that includes the kitchen sink plus olloclip’s latest lenses. Olloclip seeks $100,000 by August 1st although, with the company now well established, it seems the Studio will see the light of day regardless of that goal’s completion.
The olloclip Studio solves the problem of how to attach a range of accessories to an iPhone. However, while its hand grip may stabilize the whole rig, it’s still a handful with all manner of appendages. The key for the user would be taking advantage of its flexibility when the situation calls for a bit of extra light or better audio and showing the restraint of not loading it up to the point the rig not only looks ridiculous, but where one would be better served by a standalone camera and camcorder.