enhancing the smartphone experience
It is rare that I do any sort of gear reviews, but in line with a changing mobile camera mindset I have been drawn to an accessory that helps create a more camera-like feel to your phone. The accessory reviewed is the Camoric Snapgrip Pro, an attachment that promises to enhance the mobile photo shooting experience.
This is similar to other products on the market, essentially adding a grip and trigger release to your mobile device.
Product Overview
The Camoric Snapgrip Pro is designed to transform your smartphone into a camera with more traditional handling, offering several features:
Magnetic Attachment: Offers a secure attachment to the phone, switching easily between landscape and portrait modes.
Contoured Grip with Shutter Release: Offers a DSLR-like feel and convenient shooting with a built-in shutter button.
Built-in Power Bank/Wireless Charging: Supplements the phone charge whilst in use.
Docking Station: Useful on the desktop, whether for charging or as a stand during video calls etc.
Initial Reservations and Experiences
A number of lingering concerns raised questions that delayed purchase of this device, concerns that may cause similar hesitancy in others. Here I address those concerns, offering my personal experiences.
Security of Connection: One of my primary concerns was the security of the magnetic connection, especially with my iPhone 15 Pro. Thankfully, the grip attaches firmly, and I've experienced no issues with stability, even in dynamic situations. Note: I use a MagSafe compatible case, which may influence this positive outcome.
Camera Experience: Switching to viewing my iPhone as a viable camera has been a journey. The Snapgrip Pro enhances this perspective by shifting the user experience from casual 'snapshooter' to something more thoughtful and engaged.
Shutter Release: Previous experiences with Bluetooth shutter releases were hit-or-miss, often plagued by inconsistent connections. However, the Snapgrip Pro has proven reliable. Even so at distances up to 20 feet, allowing it to double as a remote trigger—a bonus feature indeed.
Wireless Charging: After facing power challenges in the past whilst traveling I was keen to check on the ability of this device to provide a supplemental backup. This far this has worked consistently, and while the charger output is relatively low (between 5W and 7.5W), the ability to trickle charge the phone while shooting is invaluable, especially during long days of shooting.
Phone Dock: Despite initial doubts about the stability of the small footprint, the Snapgrip holds up well. It supports both portrait and landscape orientations without tipping (using iPhone 15 Pro), enhancing its utility for media consumption and video calls.
Conclusion
I purchased the Snapgrip Pro at a sale price of $49.99, and am happy that all major concerns proved to be unfounded.
I feel the device does actually enrich the mobile photography experience, with the grip offering much improved handling of the phone. It fits nicely in the palm, enabling single handed phone captures with confidence. Although the shots I have taken so far with this device has been limited, I do feel that all have been captured with greater forethought and a feeling of intent.
Offering mobility and instant readiness, the grip effortlessly fits into a trouser pocket, even with the phone attached.
I would recommend this to anyone using a similar setup who wishes to enhance their picture-taking experience. Those with larger or non-MagSafe compatible phone may wish to investigate further before purchasing.