JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle Review

Somewhat Useful iPhone Tool

The JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle is a versatile accessory designed to enhance your smartphone photography and videography experience. Here are some key features:

• One-Hand Phone Grip Design: The ergonomic design provides a comfortable and stable grip, reducing shaking when taking photos or recording videos.
• Strong Magnetic Force: With a magnetic force of up to 5.1lbs/2.3kg, it securely attaches to iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series, Magsafe cases, or other phones with the included metal ring.
• Phone Grip and Stand in One: Easily rotate your phone from landscape to portrait and use the grip as a tabletop stand for TikToks, live streaming, video calls, and watching movies hands-free.
• Magnetic Wireless Remote: The detachable remote pairs instantly with iOS and Android smartphones without needing an extra app. It allows you to take selfies or group photos from up to 32.8 feet away and is rechargeable with the included Type-C cable.
• More DIY Scenarios: The back of the grip allows for mounting accessories like a magnetic LED light or tripod. The 1/4" tripod screw on the bottom expands your creative possibilities.
• What You Get: The package includes a Magnetic Phone Grip, Wireless Remote, Type-C Cable, Lanyard, Safety String, 3M Adhesive Metal Ring, Clear Protective Film, and Wet Cleaning Wipe.

My Views

I recently purchased the JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle for $15.99 during the Prime Days event in October 2024. It currently retails for $19.99, so I believe I got a good deal. Here are five things I learned from using this device:

1. Easy Setup: Syncing the phone trigger to the camera was straightforward. A long press on the trigger connects it via Bluetooth. However, it requires occasional re-syncing, so it's not ideal for instant shots. It's best to set it up before starting your photoshoot.

2. Trigger Functionality: The trigger is a bit tricky. There's no tactile feedback when a photo is successfully taken. You need to press hard, and a picture is taken, but I wish there was a way to confirm the action.

3. Stand Functionality: The stand works well, providing a stable base for various activities like watching movies or live streaming.

4. Portability: My primary intent for purchasing this grip was to use it at Disney World. While it's slightly bulky to carry around all day, it might be perfect for use on an airplane. The stand could be great for watching movies during the flight.

5. Overall Thoughts: This is a cool device, and I will probably pack it for my Disney trip. However, I don't think I'll use it in the parks due to its bulkiness. The included straps are nice, but the grip is still a bit too bulky for all-day carry.

The JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle makes it easy to prop the camera for a great shot.

In conclusion, the JJC Magnetic Phone Camera Grip Handle is a versatile and useful accessory for smartphone photography and videography. While it has some minor drawbacks, like the lack of tactile feedback on the trigger and its bulkiness, it offers great value, especially if you can snag it at a discounted price.

GorillaCamPro

Look Back at a Cool App

GorillaCamPro was a practical camera app designed to simplify the process of creating professional-quality content. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, it's the perfect tool for both beginners and experienced photographers.

GorillaCamPro was quietly discontinued in 2022. At least that is the last copyright date on the document. I don't know exactly when it was discontinued.

Key features of GorillaCam Pro include:

• Time-lapse photography: Capture the passage of time with ease by creating breathtaking time-lapse videos.
• Stop motion animation: Bring your imagination to life by animating objects frame by frame.
• Self-timer and burst mode: Perfect for capturing group photos or action shots.
• Remote control: Control your camera from a second device for added flexibility.
• Advanced settings: Customize your shots with a variety of options, including exposure, focus, and white balance.

Some of the features that I liked, and were I can find these features today.

Camera Setting

Self Timer was a way to set the time for 2-seconds to 120-seconds. Great if you had to place the camera some place and walk/run far away to get to the right spot.

Bust Mode shoot a series of photos one after another as fast as the camera could shoot. Choose from 3 to 60 photos in quick succession.

I haven't found any app that automatically takes burst shots and lets you set a long Self timer mode. ProCam does let you setup 60-seconds delay.

Stop Motion

Stop motion is an animation technique that makes an object appear to move on its own ? such as claymation or animated action figures. The object is moved in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played back as a video.

Press the shutter button to capture each frame. Move your subject in small increments between each frame you capture. The frame count is displayed at the top left of the screen. When you're finished shooting, hit the Done button and GorillaCam will stitch the photos into a stop motion video.

Advance Setting: Playback Rate: Set the rate at which your photos are played back as a video. The higher the playback rate aka frames per second (fps), the smoother the video. Stop motion animation is typically between 12 and 24 fps. Standard video is 30 fps. The fewer fps, the longer you will see each individual photograph and the more noticeable the movements of your subject will be.

Timelapse

The Capture Time and Playback time is a great way to set the camera and let it do its thing for what ever duration you want. Great when you want to set up the camera and take a timelapse for a particular duration.

Timelapse Mode takes photos at regular intervals to capture change over time, condensing hours of activity into seconds of video. Common examples: sunrise or sunset, clouds moving, flowers blooming or dying, or a day on a busy city street.

Advance Setting:

• Take Photos: Save a series of photos in your photo library instead of a stitching the photos into a video. This is great if you want to edit the photos individually in post production, add or delete or rearrange frames, or experiment with different playback rates on your computer.
• Shots: Set the number of shots you want to capture.
• Interval: Set the amount of time you want between each shot.
• Frames Per Second: Set the rate at which your photos are played back as a video. The higher the frames per second (fps), the smoother the video. Standard video is 30 fps. The fewer fps, the longer you will see each individual photograph.

Moment Pro Camera App has the ability to set the capture time and Playback time.

Mastering Final Cut Camera: A Disney Vacation Test Drive

Exploring Key Features and Tips for Capturing the Magic Before You Hit Main Street USA

This week, I experimented with Final Cut Camera to explore its features and see if it's something I'd use on a future Disney World vacation. Here are some of my notes:

Lock Your Camera Orientation
This feature ensures the camera is always ready to go when you launch the app. No more adjusting the camera to get the perfect horizontal orientation. I love this because I've often taken videos, only to realize later that I didn't tilt the camera properly before shooting.

Smooth Zoom
Final Cut Camera's zoom is smooth - which is great for slow pans. However, once you start recording, you can't change the lens. Be sure to select the right one before shooting.

Focus Peaking
This feature lets you easily see where the focus is while shooting. You can make adjustments on the fly to create some cool effects.

Cinematic Mode
Final Cut Camera doesn't have a built-in cinematic mode, where the background is slightly blurred. However, you can apply this effect during post-production.

Home Screen Access
You can't add Final Cut Camera to the iPhone Home Screen, which is surprising given it's an Apple app. You'd expect it to take full advantage of the iPhone's capabilities.

Multi-Camera Functionality
The main purpose of Final Cut Camera seems to be connecting multiple iPhones for shooting different angles simultaneously. This isn't something I'd likely use on vacation.

Overall, it's a cool app, and I'm excited to master it before strolling down Main Street USA!

Final Cut Camera

A Superior Choice for Video Enthusiasts

As we delve into the realm of mobile videography, Apple's introduction of Final Cut Camera has sparked a revolution, particularly for those looking to elevate their video recording game beyond the capabilities of the standard iPhone Camera app. Here's why Final Cut Camera stands out as a compelling alternative:

1. Professional Controls at Your Fingertips: Final Cut Camera introduces a level of control that was previously reserved for high-end standalone cameras or professional camera apps. Users can manually adjust settings like white balance, ISO, and shutter speed directly from their iPhone or iPad. This level of customization is crucial for achieving the precise look you envision, whether you're shooting in bright daylight or under the dim lighting of an evening event.

2. Integration with Final Cut Pro: For those already invested in Apple's ecosystem, Final Cut Camera's seamless integration with Final Cut Pro for iMac is a game-changer. This app allows for a live multicam setup, where multiple Apple devices can be used simultaneously, switching between feeds live or editing them later with ease. This feature alone transforms your iPhone or iPad into a full-fledged video production studio, making it an invaluable tool for content creators, filmmakers, or anyone looking to produce professional-quality video content.

3. Apple ProRes Support: The ability to shoot in Apple ProRes, particularly on iPhone 15 Pro models, offers video quality that's not just good but visually lossless, ensuring maximum dynamic range and editing flexibility. While this feature isn't supported in the form of ProRes LT for smaller file sizes, having ProRes available directly on your phone significantly reduces post-processing time and quality loss, which is crucial for professional workflows.

4. Enhanced Stabilization and Focus: User feedback, particularly from platforms like X, highlights the superior stabilization features in Final Cut Camera, which benefits from Apple's advancements in hardware and software integration. This means smoother footage, even when shooting on the move, without the need for additional stabilization gear.

5. User Experience and Community Feedback: The community on X has been buzzing with positive reactions towards Final Cut Camera's ease of use for both novice and professional videographers. Features like one-handed control adjustments and the intuitive interface make it user-friendly, yet powerful enough for those who demand more from their recording equipment.

6. Future-Proofing Your Footage: By recording in formats like ProRes, Final Cut Camera not only enhances current video quality but also future-proofs your footage. With trends moving towards higher resolution and dynamic range, having videos in a format that's already ahead of the curve ensures longevity in video archives.

Conclusion: Final Cut Camera isn't just an app; it's a statement from Apple about where mobile videography is heading. By offering tools that were once the domain of professional setups, Apple has democratized video production. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or a seasoned pro looking for on-the-go solutions, Final Cut Camera provides an alternative that not only matches but often surpasses what was possible with the standard Camera app. Its integration with professional editing software, advanced recording formats, and user-centric design make it a must-have for anyone serious about video recording on Apple devices. Embrace the future of mobile videography with Final Cut Camera, and witness your videos transform from good to extraordinary.

More Next Week!

Next Week we'll take a deep dive and talk about the five tips that I learned using the Final Cut Camera. These will be helpful to know before going on a vacation.

Camera App in iOS 18

Exploring the New Features

Apple's iOS 18 brings a suite of new features to the Camera App, enhancing user experience and functionality in ways that cater to both casual photographers and content creators. Here's a detailed look at what's new:

1. Music Playback During Recording: One of the most user-requested features has finally arrived. With iOS 18, music playback doesn't stop when you open the Camera app to record video. This means you can have background music for your videos without the interruption of restarting your music app. This feature is particularly handy for creators who like to add live music or background tracks to their video content directly from their iPhone.

2. Pause While Recording: Video recording has become more flexible with the ability to pause and resume your video without stopping and starting a new clip. This feature is perfect for editing out mistakes or unwanted parts in real-time, making post-production smoother.

3. Control Pad UI for Tone and Color: A new control pad interface allows for simultaneous adjustment of tone and color based on touch input. This innovative feature, while not directly mentioned in official updates, has been highlighted in community discussions and tech previews, suggesting a more intuitive way to tweak your photos on-the-fly.

4. Enhanced Photos App Integration: Although not directly a Camera App feature, the significant overhaul of the Photos app in iOS 18 impacts how users interact with their camera-captured content. The Photos app now features a more streamlined interface, making it easier to find and edit your photos, which indirectly enhances the workflow from camera to post-processing.

5. Customizable Control Center: While this isn't specifically for the Camera App, the redesign of the Control Center with iOS 18 allows for more customization, including potentially quick access to camera settings or modes, enhancing the overall user experience with the camera.

6. Spatial Photo/Video Mode: Mentioned in beta updates, this feature hints at Apple's push towards more immersive content capture, potentially integrating with AR or VR technologies for a richer viewing experience, though specifics on how this interacts with the Camera App are still emerging.

Conclusion

iOS 18's updates to the Camera App and related functionalities signify Apple's commitment to enhancing user creativity and ease of use. From the practicalities of music playback during video recording to the innovative control pad for photo editing, these features cater to a wide range of user needs. Whether you're capturing everyday moments or producing professional content, iOS 18's Camera App enhancements offer tools that make your iPhone an even more versatile device for photography and videography. As users continue to explore these new features, we can expect a surge in creative content, leveraging these tools to tell stories in more engaging ways.

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max

Reflecting on the iPhone 16 Pro Announcement

This week, Apple unveiled its latest lineup of iPhones, and I paid particular attention to the iPhone 16 Pro. Currently using an iPhone 14 Pro Max, I'm in a position where an upgrade is possible.

On October 5, 2022, when I acquired the iPhone 14 Pro Max, my enthusiasm was fueled by the prospect of its advanced camera capabilities. It perfectly met my needs, particularly for filming at church, where it proved to be an essential tool for producing high-quality video content.

However, my usage has shifted since then. I'm not capturing as much video or as many photos as before, which means my requirements for a smartphone camera have evolved.

Apple's Side-By-Side Comparison.

Key Differences Between iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: A Closer Look

The new iPhone 16 Pro features a display that's 0.2 inches larger than its predecessor. It retains the Super Retina XDR display with the Always-On feature. A significant improvement in design is that the iPhone 16 Pro is nearly half a pound lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.

Camera Enhancements

One of the standout features of the iPhone 16 Pro is its new Camera Control system, which promises to enhance the quality of photographs significantly. This feature might inspire other camera apps to expand their offerings with similar advanced controls.

Video Capabilities

For videographers, the iPhone 16 Pro now supports video capture in 4K at 120 fps with Dolby Vision. While not everyone might need such high frame rate video, it's an impressive feature for those who do.

Camera Specifications

The Ultra Wide camera has seen the most significant upgrade, jumping from 12MP in the iPhone 14 Pro Max to 48MP in the iPhone 16 Pro. This change aside, the camera setup remains largely similar between the two models.

Battery Life

Battery performance has also been improved. The iPhone 16 Pro lasts up to 4 hours longer during video playback, which is particularly beneficial for long days out, like at Disney World. If your current iPhone's battery health is waning, like mine at 81% maximum capacity, the upgrade could make a noticeable difference in all-day usage scenarios.

This screenshot from Apple's website suggests how they envision users interacting with the new Camera Control system.

Final Thoughts

As of now, there's no pressing need for me to upgrade to a new iPhone. My iPhone 14 Pro Max has just been paid off, and the additional cost of nearly $50 per month for 24 months doesn't seem justified by the enhancements, especially in the camera department, which hasn't seen changes significant enough for my current needs.

Therefore, I won't be rushing to preorder the latest model this week. Instead, I plan to visit a local Apple Store next week to conduct a hands-on, side-by-side comparison with my current phone.

Camera+: Macro Photos

Mastering Macro Photography

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a powerful tool for photography, and when it comes to macro photography, it truly shines. Combined with the advanced features of the Camera+ app, you can capture stunning close-up shots that reveal the intricate details of your subjects. Whether you're photographing flowers, insects, or everyday objects, this guide will help you make the most of your iPhone 14 Pro Max and Camera+ for macro photography.

Why Choose Camera+ for Macro Photography?

While the iPhone's native camera app is excellent, Camera+ offers additional features that can elevate your macro photography experience. With manual controls, focus peaking, and the ability to shoot in RAW, Camera+ gives you the precision and flexibility needed for capturing those tiny details with clarity and sharpness.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your iPhone 14 Pro Max

1. Install Camera+: First, download the Camera+ app from the App Store if you haven't already. It's a small investment for a big leap in your photography skills.

2. Enable Macro Mode: On your iPhone 14 Pro Max, the macro mode automatically kicks in when you bring the lens close to your subject. However, in Camera+, you can take control by adjusting the manual focus and enabling focus peaking to highlight the areas in sharpest focus.

3. Activate Pro Mode in Camera+:

   • Open Camera+ and switch to 'Pro Mode.'
   • Tap on the focus icon and slide the focus dial until your subject is sharp.
   • Use focus peaking (highlighted edges) to ensure your subject is in focus.

Camera+ Options

Tips for Capturing Stunning Macro Shots

1. Get Close, But Not Too Close: The iPhone 14 Pro Max allows you to get as close as 2 centimeters from your subject. However, keep some distance to avoid casting shadows or losing focus.

2. Use Manual Focus: In Camera+, manual focus is your best friend. Fine-tune the focus until you get the sharpest possible image. This is especially important in macro photography, where even the slightest shift can throw off the focus.

3. Stabilize Your Shot: Macro photography is sensitive to movement. Use a tripod or stabilize your hands against a solid surface to prevent blur. Camera+ has an image stabilization feature, but physical stabilization will always yield better results.

4. Adjust Exposure and White Balance: Macro shots often require precise exposure and white balance adjustments. In Camera+, you can manually adjust these settings to get the perfect lighting and color balance.

5. Shoot in RAW: For maximum detail and flexibility in post-processing, shoot in RAW. Camera+ allows you to capture RAW images, which retain more detail and dynamic range than JPEGs.

6. Use Natural Light: Lighting is crucial in macro photography. Whenever possible, use natural light to illuminate your subject. If you're shooting indoors, consider using a soft light source or a ring light to avoid harsh shadows.

7. Experiment with Angles: Don't just shoot from above; explore different angles to find the most interesting perspective of your subject. Side lighting or backlighting can add depth and drama to your macro shots.

Post-Processing Your Macro Photos

Once you've captured your macro shots, Camera+ also offers robust editing tools to enhance your images. Adjust the sharpness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos pop. Since you shot in RAW, you'll have plenty of data to work with, allowing for significant adjustments without compromising quality.

Conclusion

With the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Camera+, you have everything you need to explore the fascinating world of macro photography. By taking control of the manual settings and utilizing the powerful features of Camera+, you can capture stunning images that showcase the intricate beauty of the tiny world around us. So grab your iPhone, fire up Camera+, and start shooting those mesmerizing macro shots today!

Voice Memos

Useful Tips and Tricks

Voice Memos is a versatile app on iOS devices that allows users to record audio quickly and easily. It???s a great tool for capturing notes, interviews, lectures, or just personal reminders. While the app is straightforward to use, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of it. In this blog post, we???ll explore some of the most useful tips and tricks for using Voice Memos on your iOS device.

Use Siri Shortcuts to start recording quickly

If you frequently use Voice Memos to record audio, you might find it useful to create a Siri Shortcut that allows you to start recording with just a voice command. To do this, open the Voice Memos app, tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner of the screen, and select ???Siri & Shortcuts.??? From there, you can create a custom Siri Shortcut that will allow you to start recording with a simple voice command.

Label and organize your recordings

If you use Voice Memos frequently, you???ll likely end up with a lot of recordings. To keep them organized, you can add labels to your recordings. To do this, swipe left on a recording and tap on ???Edit Recording.??? From there, you can add a label to the recording. You can also use the search bar at the top of the Voice Memos screen to find specific recordings quickly.

Trim your recordings

If you???ve recorded a long audio clip but only need to keep a portion of it, you can use the trimming feature in Voice Memos to cut out the unwanted sections. To trim a recording, tap on the waveform of the recording, and then drag the yellow handles to select the section you want to keep. Tap on ???Trim??? when you???re finished to save the trimmed recording.

Share your recordings

Voice Memos makes it easy to share your recordings with others. To do this, select a recording, tap on the three dots in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then tap on ???Share.??? You can then choose to share the recording via AirDrop, Messages, Mail, or any other compatible app.

Use iCloud to sync your recordings across devices

If you use multiple iOS devices, you can use iCloud to sync your Voice Memos recordings across all of them. To do this, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and turn on ???Voice Memos.??? This will ensure that all of your recordings are synced across all of your devices.

Use the built-in microphone or an external microphone

While the built-in microphone on your iOS device is usually sufficient for recording, you can also use an external microphone for better audio quality. To use an external microphone, connect it to your device via the headphone jack or Lightning port. Voice Memos will automatically recognize the external microphone and use it for recording.

In conclusion, Voice Memos is a powerful tool for recording audio on your iOS device. By using these tips and tricks, you can make the most out of the app and ensure that your recordings are organized, trimmed, and shared efficiently.

Privacy with Airdrop

Lock Down your Phone in Public

AirDrop is a convenient feature that allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to quickly and easily share photos, documents, and other files with nearby devices. While AirDrop can be incredibly useful, it also poses some privacy risks that users should be aware of.

The main danger of AirDrop is that it allows strangers to send you files without your consent. By default, AirDrop is set to ???Everyone,??? which means that anyone within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range can send you files. This includes complete strangers in public places like coffee shops or on public transportation. This can lead to unwanted and potentially harmful content being sent to your device.

Additionally, AirDrop does not verify the identity of the sender. This means that someone could send you a file with a misleading name or thumbnail, tricking you into accepting a file that you might not have wanted. This could be used as a tactic for phishing or for sending malicious files.

To mitigate these risks, it???s recommended that users change their AirDrop settings to ???Contacts Only??? or ???Receiving Off.??? By selecting ???Contacts Only,??? you limit AirDrop to only accepting files from people in your Contacts list. If you select ???Receiving Off,??? no one can send you files at all.

It???s also important to note that AirDrop does not use encryption when transferring files, which means that anyone with the right tools and knowledge could potentially intercept the files being sent. This is a concern for sensitive files like financial documents or medical records.

To further protect your privacy while using AirDrop, it???s recommended that you turn off your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use, and to avoid using AirDrop in public places where there are likely to be strangers in close proximity.

In conclusion, while AirDrop is a convenient tool for sharing files, it also poses some privacy risks that should not be ignored. It???s important for users to be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them, such as changing their AirDrop settings and being cautious about who they accept files from. By taking these precautions, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of AirDrop without compromising their privacy.

JailBreak an iPhone

Why You Shouldn't Jailbreak an iPhone 14 Pro Max

Jailbreaking an iPhone has been a popular trend among iOS users for quite some time. It allows users to customize their device in ways that are not possible on non-jailbroken devices. However, despite its appeal, it is not recommended to jailbreak an iPhone 14 Pro Max. In this blog post, we will discuss why jailbreaking an iPhone 14 Pro Max is not a good idea.

Security Risks

One of the main reasons why you shouldn't jailbreak an iPhone 14 Pro Max is because it exposes your device to security risks. Jailbreaking your device can leave it vulnerable to malware and viruses that can steal your personal information, damage your device or compromise your privacy. Apple's iOS operating system is designed with security in mind and is regularly updated to protect against threats. By jailbreaking your device, you are essentially bypassing these security measures. For instance, a jailbroken iPhone 14 Pro Max can be used to access unauthorized app stores, which can be sources of malicious software.

Voided Warranty

Another downside to jailbreaking your iPhone 14 Pro Max is that it will void your warranty. Apple's warranty does not cover any damages caused by jailbreaking, and if you need to get your device repaired, you will have to pay for it out of pocket. This can be a costly mistake, especially if you have an expensive device like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. For example, if your jailbroken iPhone gets a virus and needs to be repaired, it may cost you hundreds of dollars if you don't have an insurance plan.

Compatibility Issues

Jailbreaking your iPhone 14 Pro Max can also cause compatibility issues with certain apps and services. Some apps may not work properly on a jailbroken device, and you may experience crashes, freezes, or other issues. Additionally, some of the apps and features that you gain access to by jailbreaking your device may not be fully compatible with your device, which can cause further problems. For instance, if you jailbreak your device and download a third-party app that is not designed for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you may have trouble with the app's performance or features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while jailbreaking an iPhone 14 Pro Max may seem like a good idea to gain more control and customization options, it is not recommended. The security risks, voided warranty, and compatibility issues that come with jailbreaking your device far outweigh any potential benefits. It is always better to stick with the official iOS operating system and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your device is secure and fully supported.