If you’re one for taking lots of photos on your iPhone but would love to have the controls of a DSLR, the Pictar camera grip that’s currently on Kickstarter might just be what you’re looking for.
In terms of form factor, the device essentially looks like a DSLR shaped dock for your iphone; but has almost all the features of a proper camera. Not only does it have two dials that let you control settings between seven pre-set basic modes and three advanced settings.
These include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Snow, Selfie and Video modes, with the advanced settings including Shutter priority, ISO priority and Manual controls. You also get a Zoom ring that also doubles as a selfie button (letting you swap between the front and rear cameras of your phone), a cold shoe mount for an external flash and finally a multi-state shutter release button.
The Shutter release button will focus with a half press and a full press will snap a shot, much like a DSLR. The exposure compensation wheel of course, lets you adjust the brightness before you shoot.There is also an 1/4 inch tripod socket on its rear that would take most standard tripods if you don’t want to get the dedicated one that sells with the Pictar.
The kit starts at $90 for the basic kit which includes a Wrist Strap, Padded Pouch and the Pictar App, with each increasing tier adding more perks and accessories.
The Pictar will work with most models of iPhone, running from the Apple iPhone 4 all the way to the iPhone SE, but bear in mind that the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus won’t be able to run on it because they’re too large. As of the moment, the project has about 36 days left to go and having raised $46,986 of their targeted $100,000 goal.
If the Kickstarter gets funded (which is looking quite likely at this point), we’re expecting to see the Pictar roll out sometime in November. You can check out the project for yourself over here on Kickstarter.
