8 Cool Camera Accessories and Apps That Work Best with the New iPhone 12
If you’ve already gotten your hands on the new iPhone 12, you know that it boasts plenty of features in and of itself. It has the ability to utilize 5G speed and boasts the A14 Bionic chip, which Apple calls “the fastest chip in a smartphone.” But it’s the phone’s camera capabilities for both still photography and videography that really shine on the iPhone 12 models like the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
To start, the iPhone 12 models are the first mobile devices ever to have the ability to record in Dolby Vision HDR. This upgrade increases the video quality that they are capable of producing — by a lot.
The iPhone 12 models also come with improved cameras: the main camera on the iPhone 12 has a maximum aperture of f/1.6, while the Ultra-Wide lens is capable of 2x optical zoom. Plus, every camera on the phone has Night Mode (which allows for clearer photos and films in low light) and Deep Fusion (which helps make photo crisp and detailed) capabilities. In short, photographers and filmmakers of all types have a lot to explore with the iPhone 12 series.
That said, there are plenty of cool camera accessories and apps that are ideal for the iPhone 12 that can help users take advantage of the series’ impressive camera options. From stabilizers to editing apps, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites below. Take a look to level up your iPhone 12 photography game.
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Gimbal
Shaky footage can be detrimental to a film’s quality, unless you’re going for The Blair Witch Project-style footage. If you’re not, avoid that look with a good gimbal stabilizer. There are plenty on the market, but we like DJI’s Osmo Mobile 3. Its foldable design and ease of use make it a smart addition to your equipment arsenal.
- Moment Starter Lens Kit
With a range of lens options to choose from, Moment’s starter lens kit has something for novices and pros alike. Whatever your niche or interest, this set has options. Choose from a wide 18mm lens, tele 58mm lens, anamorphic lenses in blue flare or gold flare, fisheye 14mm lens, or macro 10x lens. Plus, the starter kit comes with your choice of case, a drop-in mount for the iPhone 12 model you have, a lens pen, and a rear lens cap. Plus, Moment’s aesthetic is streamlined and sleek; it won’t add a ton of bulk to your setup.
- Joby GripTight PRO 2 GorillaPod
The versatility of the Joby tripod is what we like about it the most. Since it’s small, it can be easily moved and manipulated, and its flexible legs allow it to be comfortably held or to grasp onto other objects. Your phone can also positioned in either landscape or portrait mode with this tripod.
- SANDMARC Pole Film Edition
If iPhone cinematic videography is your thing, the SANDMARC Pole is an ideal tool for you. It has an extension length of 25” so that you can achieve shots from further away. It also makes it easy to keep the pole hidden in the shots, keeping your videos or vlogs looking more professional. Plus, it’s lightweight for comfortable handling during longer shoots.
- SANDMARC Prolight Mini Bi-Color Edition
SANDMARC also offers a cool lighting solution with their Prolight Mini. We like the bi-color edition that provides a range of tones and brightness levels. What makes it especially neat is that it’s tiny — according to the website, it is “less than the size of a credit card.” Whether you’re shooting at night or getting creative with lighting, this small device should provide solid bang for your buck.
- Moment Diffusion Filters
It’s fun to experiment with filters if you want to negate some of the iPhone’s sharpness for a more dream-like effect. Moment’s CineBloom Bundle offers an affordable option that is particularly helpful in that its design allows users to utilize the phone’s built-in microphone while the filter is in use. Plus, the bundle option includes a filter mount that pops right over the top of the iPhone. Choose between a 67mm filter at 10% or 20% diffusion.
- Darkroom
While the iPhone 12 models offer editing options in the phone’s software itself, we like to experiment with the apps that are out there. There are a ton of editing apps available, ranging from free to pricey and from beginner to professional level. One of our picks is the Darkroom app, which has a solid editing setup. What sets it apart is its easy-to-navigate interface and its intuitive design. While you don’t need this to make your photos sing, it’s fun to experiment with the options it presents.
- Filmic Pro
We’d be remiss not to include Filmic Pro in a roundup of the best iPhone 12 apps. With features like lens support, histograms, and more, it can take standard iPhone videography and make it into something that looks professionally produced. There’s a reason why this app is so popular.
While the iPhone 12 series cameras boast the best quality yet for the iPhone, we love playing around with interesting accessories and apps. With all of the gear out there, there’s a near-endless variety of options. Part of the fun is choosing which gear works the best for you and your setup.
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