Cameras on phones are getting better and better, and while they have still yet to replace a full SLR… they often replace the simpler point and shoot, and can even become something more unique, versatile, and ever evolving with simple add ons both digital and physical! These add ons easily make your cell phone cameras more powerful than ever – from changing what it can physically capture through new lenses, or the ability to edit every aspect of the photos quickly on the phone before sharing – it can do so much more with a few quick additions. As far as apps go, we’ve been diving into the iPhone and Android options, and of the ones that delighted us, there are silly ones that have some remarkable effects and there are some serious ones that you can easily spend hours with. Take a look at some of our favorite digital and physical add ons below, and feel free to share any of your favorites that can’t be missed as well!
I : Physical Add Ons!
1. Magnetic Cell Phone LensesI love these and have used them on everything from my blackberries to androids to iphones… it’s so simple. You stick the metal ring to the phone around the camera lens, then when you need it, any of the lenses (wide angle, macro, etc) can just snap right on magnetically when you’re shooting, and then return it to the ring on your keychain after!
This rainbow of pocket sized colors can transform any photo with ANY camera… whether it’s on your phone or normal camera. You can hold them over the lens to play with color filtering, or you can hold it over the flash.
Kikkerland has quite a few variations of these including Stretch, Kaleidoscope, and Starburst. Much like the magnetic lenses above, these attach to your cell phone camera lens to create the effect, the difference is that instead of a magnet, these attach with the sticky jelly ring that is built in!
These guys make some of the best mounts i’ve found. Incredible modular and versatile, you can mount just about anything anywhere. The X-grip mount can hold any cell phone (it will grip it to size!) and with the suction, this can be both your cell phone holder and tripod!
The DOT is unfortunately iPhone only at the moment, but it’s a fun way to capture full 360 degree browse-able videos!
II : Digital Add Ons!
iPhone - This is a simple app with only a few controls, but it gives you the ability to do long exposure style photos easily and has impressive results. The ability to scan back and forth during the exposure, picking which blend of frames you like is awesome. There are a few apps that make me want to go experiment around town like I just got a new camera, and this is one of them.
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