The Apple Beat: Accessories that make iPhone photography better

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The iPhone has been the most popular point-and-shoot camera for a number of years, which is remarkable for something that is a feature in a smartphone and not a standalone camera. The iPhone's strengths are speed, great photo AI that takes the best possible shots in most conditions and easy to use camera and editing software. Here are some great tools that make taking photos and video on an iPhone even better.

Olloclip Studio Case and Olloclip lenses

Olloclip has long elevated the iPhone's game with a variety of macro, fisheye and wide-angle lenses that cleverly clip on the iPhone and expand its already formidable range of shots.  Olloclip has expanded their product line to more specific models such as macro and telephoto lenses and now the Olloclip Studio case.

As a standalone iPhone case, the hard rubber Olloclip studio case, is one of the best protective cases for the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. I've not removed mine from my iPhone since I put it in weeks ago and already it has saved my precious phone from heartbreaking damage in a number of accidental drops. While a snug case that protects the entirety of the iPhone 6, the Studio Case also offers easy access to buttons and ports. It is just a well-designed and relatively low-profile case that doesn't add much girth or weight to the iPhone's slender profile.

Where the Studio Case really stands out is how it can make the iPhone more of a camera, with various mounts and connections. The most basic is a Finger Grip for increased stability for video or apps like Periscope or Snapchat. It also has two 1/4-20 Clips to attach a tripod, grip or handles. It includes mounts for both landscape and portrait orientation.

For users who what to add lights or microphones, they can use the Cold Shoe adapters which help offset the centre of gravity resulting in better balance and a kickstand accessory for watching a movie or reading. The Olloclip Studio case system is really one of the best options for anyone wanting to get better, clearer and more stable photos and videos on their iPhone.

Hitcase Pro and Hitcase Snap for iPhone 6S

The Hitcase Pro makes your iPhone as tough and shock resistant as a GoPro camera. Aside from providing protection and resistance the Hitcase Pro makes it possible for the iPhone 6S to be strapped and mounted on various places it would never be able to shoot pics or video from. 

Hitcase is more than a case with add on lenses, it is an entire system for mounting and placing the iPhone in various action and extreme conditions that its sleek and fragile enclosure would not otherwise withstand. Best thing about Hitcase is that it ships with the TureLUX Wide Angle lens which is already one of the best options for getting in more information from photos and videos.

The Hitcase Snap is a less hardcore and extreme solution. It is a shock resistant case that isn't waterproof but has the same mounting convenience and versatility of the beefier Hitcase Pro. It is a good everyday solution for people who constantly use their iPhone as a camera and who might be a little careless. Aside from the the TrueLUX Wide Lens, the HitCase Snap also comes with its own ShootR Extension Pole (Selfie Stick) as well as an attachment for use in a tripod.

These solutions give the iPhone 6S, which is a thin and often slippery device out of the box, the versatility to be mounted in various ways as well as shoot stabilized photos and HD or 4K video which will make them look and sound more professional and more like something that's come from a standalone camera.