As the quality of the video and still images of the best camera phone (opens in a new tab)s gets better with each new model, we’re likely to catch more than ever. This means that we put more demands on our smartphones as content creators. Although the battery life is improving (with the iPhone 14 ProMax (opens in a new tab) offers up to 29 hours of video playback), you may still run out of power during a session, especially if you record in Apple ProRes.
Reviewing high dynamic range clips during a session will burn more energy than viewing standard HD footage. In addition to allowing you to recharge your device while you shoot, the SnapGrip Creator Kit offers a variety of accessories to help you improve the production values of still images and clips generated by your smartphone.
specs
power bank: 3.7V/3200mAh/11.84Wh
Total output power: 5W
Wireless charging output: DC 5V/1A/5W (Qi-compatible)
USB-C input: DC 5V/2A/10W
Dimensions: 113.3mm x 81.74mm x 34.1mm
Weight: 126.82g
key features
ShiftCam’s SnapGrip Creator Kit features three key accessories that will enhance your iPhone photography experience. These predominantly plastic devices (the SnapPod has a metal shaft) can work independently or can be combined (as a team) to help you take better photos and videos. Leading this team is SnapGrip, an all-in-one compact grip, cradle and charger that enables smartphone users to shoot quickly and comfortably.
Imagine you are filming and your smartphone is running out of power. Simply place the SnapGrip on the back of your phone and it attaches to your device using a powerful magnetic ring. If you’re using an older smartphone, the Creator Kit provides a magnetic tag that allows you to attach the SnapGrip to your device.
The next member of the SnapGrip Creator Kit team is the SnapPod. This is a selfie stick that also magnetically attaches to your iPhone. It will also magnetically dock with an already attached SnapGrip so the two devices can work together. The SnapPod’s handle doubles as a mini tripod so you can place the tripod on the ground, tilt the attached iPhone using the SnapPod’s adjustable head, set the camera app’s timer, and then join your friends for a group photo. . It will also allow you to record more stable and hands-free videos, making it a useful accessory for vloggers on the go.
Finally, we have the SnapLight. That is it is a mini LED ring for hands-free illumination. It magnetically attaches to your iPhone (or a connected SnapGrip or SnapPod). You can flip SnapLight to take a selfie with your phone’s front camera, or add light to subjects near your devices’ rear camera.
build and drive
The three devices in the Creator Kit are predominantly made of lightweight plastic, which is reflected in the kit’s relatively cheap price. Its goal is to enhance the casual consumer’s smartphone shooting experience. If you use a high-end smartphone like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you may want to consider buying the more expensive ShiftCam ProGrip.
This is a sturdier version of the SnapGrip from the Creator Kit. Instead of using a magnet, the progrip (opens in a new tab) It attaches to your smartphone in a more secure way so you can fire shots through your Bluetooth shutter while simultaneously charging your device. It also features a cold shoe mount and adapter so you can attach a more powerful light like the WORK Beamo (opens in a new tab). The ProGrip gives you more “street credibility” as a photographer than the seller and SnapGrip more discreet.
Performance
When mounted on an iPhone, the push of a button turns the SnapGrip into a MagSafe charger. Another button pairs the SnapGrip with your smartphone via bluetooth. You can then hold the SnapGrip’s ergonomic grip in one hand and press the SnapGrip’s physical shutter button to capture images through the iPhone’s Camera app just as if you were using a conventional digital camera.
This makes it easier for you to compose and capture your shots, as you no longer have to tap the smartphone camera app’s on-screen shutter button. You’ll also be more like a traditional photographer when you take a photo with SnapGrip. He can easily rotate his magnetically attached smartphone to shoot in a vertical (vertical) orientation instead of horizontal (horizontal).
In portrait orientation, however, only a magnet holds the SnapGrip to your smartphone, making it feel less secure. Back in landscape orientation, it has an additional magnet to keep your precious phone attached to the SnapGrip. The SnapGrip also doubles as a cradle, so after a session you can place your phone hands-free on a table in a coffee shop and flip through your photos (or watch clips) while it charges.
A small hinge on the SnapLight allows you to rotate the light to illuminate your face while taking a selfie with the smartphone’s front camera. There’s also a mirror inside the LED ring, but we think that’s superfluous as you’ll be looking at yourself on the iPhone’s screen instead of the SnapLight’s mirror. The light has a variable brightness of four settings (adjusted by multiple taps of a button) and is most useful in dimly lit places, though it can add a sparkle to the eyes when taking a selfie even on a bright day.
The SnapLight makes a difference if you’re holding the smartphone at arm’s length through the SnapPod, but it won’t cast much light on a more distant subject. The Creator Kit also ships with a sturdy bag that allows you to store the SnapGrip and SnapLight when they are clipped together.
Verdict
The beauty of the Creator Kit is that it is modular thanks to a magnet on each device. So you can power your smartphone with the SnapGrip and then plug in the SnapLight when you need extra lighting. You can then attach the combination phone, SnapGrip, and SnapLight to the SnapPod to extend your reach when taking selfies or filming yourself hands-free using the SnapPod’s mini-tripod legs.
The Bluetooth shutter button on the SnapGrip lets you take a photo as if you were shooting with a dedicated digital camera and you don’t need to worry about running out of power thanks to the SnapGrip’s MagSafe charger. On the downside, we found that when we used it as a stand for a tall iPhone 14 Pro Max in portrait orientation, it risked tipping backwards when we touched the iPhone screen. Smaller smartphones will be more stable in the base configuration.