Smartphone News

You’ve no-doubt read about accessories that claim to ”turn your phone into a DSLR,” but let’s face it—nothing can do that. However, we recently tested the well-made ShiftCam ProGrip that does provide a more camera-like experience and offers mobile photographers an array of convenient features for added functionality.

We make a lot of selfie stick-related jokes here at Shutterbug but we’ve never seen anything as hilariously depressing as the Selfie Arm. The invention, which we hope is meant as a satirical joke, is a fake arm that you can attach a smartphone or camera to take a self-portrait.

This morning Adobe announced an update to their popular Lightroom Mobile app that lets your smartphone do things previously possible only with a true digital camera. Key to the update is a new HDR Raw capture mode enabling mobile photographers to achieve dynamic range on their mobile device rivaling that of a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

The World Photography Organisation launched a new award dedicated to mobile photography at the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards.

In 2013, Sony introduced two extraordinary cameras – the QX10 and the QX100. Both were based on compact cameras (WX100 and RX100 II), but didn't have “camera bodies” and LCD screens. Instead, they consisted of a lens, image sensor, image processor and a storage media system and both needed either a smartphone or tablet computer to serve as the “external camera.” The newest in the QX line is the QX1. The main camera concept is similar to the 2013 models, but the QX1 offers a large APS-C sensor with 20MP resolution and an E mount for interchangeable lenses.

Last week Apple introduced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus that boast a robust new camera system, and yesterday Sports Illustrated photographer David E. Klutho shot some impressive images with the iPhone 7 Plus while covering an NFL game for SI between the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings in Nashville.

As photographer Jessica Dyer writes about this incredible slow motion video of a hummingbird: “Wait for it…and turn on the sound.”