This is the first true prototype of the camera grip. The incorporated magnet holds very well. Next step is figuring out the best way to install the shutter button so that it can be removed for battery replacement.
Looks neat! What’s driving the concept? I don’t know that I’ve ever found my phone hard to handle and without an EVF or longer (heavier) lens I don’t know that I would want the grip over bringing my dedicated camera along for the ride.
Is the battery inside the grip? Have you considered powering it via the phone? You could also add a door to the other end of the grip.
I want to securely operate the camera app with just one hand plus I want to see how people react to something that is a bit more professional camera like instead of just a random person with a phone. For the shutter button I have a cheap Bluetooth one that I’ve deconstructed. I’ll have to experiment with incorporating it into the top of the handle.
Does the grip extend beyond the edge of the frame? I admit to not having much experience with the iPhone photo app, but in Android land phones don’t usually know what to do if a portion of your hand is resting on the screen. When I use my cameras, my fingers are on the grip and my palm is on the back of the camera.
Re: people reacting differently, I carry around a dedicated camera fairly often when we’re doing family things. If I’m using a smaller lens no one pays me much attention. I’m projecting here, but the most frequent reaction is people trying to figure out what gear I’m using. I know I do that whenever I see anything I’m interested in. Humans are curious. I suspect they’ll be even more curious about what you’re working on since they’ll recognize the phone sticking out.
The exception is youth sports. I’ve become the official unofficial team photographer a few times now, meaning I share photos with the team. When team parents see me lining up a shot they’ll get out of the way. Amusingly, they’re often not actually in the way lol.
Yes, the edge goes a bit beyond the edge of the phone. It was one of the issues that prompted me to make my own. I purchased a grip that sat flush with the edge of the phone and my palm was always touching the screen and changing settings. The other grips I researched at the solved this problem were way too expensive.
Hopefully I’ll have a working beta version in a few days that I can put through some real-life test and see how people react.
Very cool, post a follow up!
