Andrew Lanxon Editor At Large, Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET’s go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
- Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022
Excellent external mic
Rode VideoMicro microphone
Pro-level flash for iPhone
Profoto B10
Magnetic ease of use
Moment MagSafe tripod
The iPhone 15 Pro has one of the most capable camera setups found on any of today’s phones. Not only can it shoot stunning still images that can rival DSLRs in quality, the video skills have been given a huge boost with the addition of ProRes and Log formats. But even if you don’t have the latest model, older iPhones, including the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro, are still capable of taking stunning images. Hell, I’m still impressed with the images I took on a road trip with a supercar and an iPhone 11.
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Anamorphic lenses are normally something you’d find in a professional cinematographer’s kit bag. These lenses provide a wider aspect ratio that you get in a wide angle lens, along with distinctive blue-line lens flares that give footage a much more filmic quality. Moment’s mobile anamorphic lens does exactly that for your iPhone.
Clip it on and it’ll squeeze your footage into the shorter, wide shots format that completely transforms the look of the video you can take from your phone. I’ve absolutely loved the look of my phone footage using the lens and it’s a must-have for any budding film producers wanting to up their game with their phone.
You’ll need to shoot with apps like Filmic Pro that let you "unsqueeze" the footage so it doesn’t look all distorted on most cameras. The lens uses a bayonet mount that attaches to compatible cases, including Moment’s own ones or a variety of third-party options, including the SmallRig cage mentioned above.
” superlative=”Excellent add-on lens for iPhone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"smalls-3","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"c4a66838-6520-4c7a-b94a-9c973cb3caf1","title":"smalls-3","filename":"smalls-3.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/11/16/c4a66838-6520-4c7a-b94a-9c973cb3caf1/smalls-3.jpg","caption":"","size":583642,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-11-16 13:19:38","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:36:28","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"Moment Anamorphic lens","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"c4a66838-6520-4c7a-b94a-9c973cb3caf1","imageAltText":"smalls-3","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"smalls-3.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/11/16","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__b8a69c25-8820-4627-99a1-9e29117636d5″ index=”2″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.7940630797774″>
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iPhone cameras don’t have the greatest lighting, so having a backup light is always a good idea. This USB-C rechargeable video light is packed with LED lights and is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand but puts out a huge amount of light when you’re short of proper lighting.
It’s great for lighting up your subjects, whether that’s for portraits, product photography or macro or to light up yourself if you’re vlogging at night. The power output is easily adjustable, as is the color temperature of the light.
It also has a variety of creative light effects to spice up your production, including simulations of fireworks, lightning, a flickering fireplace or the flashing red and blue of police car lights.
” superlative=”Powerful lighting on a budget” imagegroup=”{"alt":"smalls-4","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"807c814b-3142-46c2-ae30-98b9fdd6a24b","title":"smalls-4","filename":"smalls-4.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/11/16/807c814b-3142-46c2-ae30-98b9fdd6a24b/smalls-4.jpg","caption":"","size":444187,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-11-16 13:21:46","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:36:51","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"Aputure MC LED video light","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"807c814b-3142-46c2-ae30-98b9fdd6a24b","imageAltText":"smalls-4","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"smalls-4.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/11/16","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"01385e9b-ee29-465b-9ae9-81eb4453db53","slug":"aputure-amaran-mc-rgbww-mini-on-camera-video-light-3200k-6500k-cri-tlci-96-plus-hsi-mode-support-magnetic-attraction-and","name":"Aputure Amaran MC RGBWW Mini On Camera Video Light,3200K-6500K,CRI/TLCI 96+,HSI Mode,Support Magnetic Attraction and App with USB-C PD and Wireless Charging","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"EZMONEY","mod":1693994046747,"displayDate":"Wed Sep 06 2023 02:54:06 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__e6227e09-380e-4872-8bfd-bd2da00fd362″ index=”3″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.9042944785276″>
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The iPhone 14’s built-in image stabilization is already superb, but for an even smoother ride, consider using a dedicated gimbal like DJI’s OM 5. It evens out all but the most aggressive movements, allowing you to get smooth tracking footage of you running behind your subject as you film a chase scene.
It also has a built-in extendable selfie stick, which not only makes it great for YouTube vloggers, but also allows for more creative angles by holding it up higher, or even flipping it over and having the camera run close to the ground or through grasses.
” superlative=”Like a Steadicam for your iPhone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"dji-om-5-cnet-product","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"863d05dc-5517-4a2e-8bb0-1b9c8a76fa59","title":"DJI OM 5","filename":"dji-om-5-cnet-product.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/09/08/863d05dc-5517-4a2e-8bb0-1b9c8a76fa59/dji-om-5-cnet-product.jpg","caption":"","size":611575,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-09-08 08:13:04","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:37:41","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"DJI Om 5 gimbal","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"863d05dc-5517-4a2e-8bb0-1b9c8a76fa59","imageAltText":"dji-om-5-cnet-product","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"dji-om-5-cnet-product.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/09/08","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"9185063d-8876-423a-bd60-cd30aea3e8a9","slug":"dji-om-5-motorized-handheld-stabilizer-wireless-bluetooth","name":"DJI OM 5 motorized handheld stabilizer – wireless – Bluetooth","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1693989629944,"displayDate":"Wed Sep 06 2023 01:40:29 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__f44b7c18-1f19-4162-8f9f-e9bd8604be32″ index=”4″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.8723404255319″>
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Recording good audio for your vlogs or your next iPhone-based short film is crucial, and while the iPhone does a decent job of capturing audio, a dedicated microphone will take things to the next level. Rode’s VideoMicro shotgun mic can plug into your phone’s Lightning port (via an adapter) and provides crystal-clear audio when recording with the standard iPhone camera app or any third-party video app, making it one of the best iPhone camera accessories on the market.
I love using it on top of my phone for vlogging and the included wind shield is superb for cutting out wind noise when working on location. Alternatively, get a 3.5mm extension cable and you can try using the mic on the end of a boom pole for recording audio in a conversation you’re filming.
It’s a great investment if you’re looking for a directional microphone.
” superlative=”Excellent external mic” imagegroup=”{"alt":"smalls-2","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"bfc0badc-59a4-4c3b-b2fb-886b46ccac79","title":"smalls-2","filename":"smalls-2.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/11/16/bfc0badc-59a4-4c3b-b2fb-886b46ccac79/smalls-2.jpg","caption":"","size":564703,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-11-16 13:22:42","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:38:13","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"Rode VideoMicro microphone","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"bfc0badc-59a4-4c3b-b2fb-886b46ccac79","imageAltText":"smalls-2","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"smalls-2.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/11/16","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__64959186-1fac-4084-b41d-d078eb2a2c98″ index=”5″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.7380457380457″>
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At $1,695, industry goliath Profoto’s B10 studio flash will be little more than a pipe dream for most. But if you want to get truly professional lighting on location or in a studio using your iPhone, the B10 is second is one of the best iPhone camera accessories. . This pro flash is designed primarily for use with DSLRs but can also be used with iPhones and Android phones via the Profoto app. If you’re ready to take your smartphone photography to the next level, it allows you to get shots with your phone that would simply not be possible to achieve without it.
Sure, most pros probably wouldn’t consider shooting a major project on just their phone, but it’s a potentially great backup in case of camera failure, or simply a lightweight and convenient way to test ideas in the field without hauling bags of gear around.
It also comes with a carrying case that will protect it from other elements. Its rechargeable battery provides a battery life that can provide more than 400 full flashes.
” superlative=”Pro-level flash for iPhone” imagegroup=”{"alt":"profoto-iphone","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"e988e788-3e30-40dc-9a0d-615e51ec6de7","title":"profoto-iphone","filename":"profoto-iphone.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2020/07/09/e988e788-3e30-40dc-9a0d-615e51ec6de7/profoto-iphone.jpg","caption":"","size":2143946,"width":3328,"height":2252,"dateCreated":{"date":"2020-07-09 20:42:14","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:38:36","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"Profoto B10","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"e988e788-3e30-40dc-9a0d-615e51ec6de7","imageAltText":"profoto-iphone","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"profoto-iphone.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2020/07/09","imageWidth":3328,"imageHeight":2252,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” techobjectinfo=”{"uuid":"e7076f4f-de6c-4565-b848-c01f354f88ef","slug":"profoto-b10-airttl-off-camera-flash-and-continuous-light","name":"Profoto B10 AirTTL, Off Camera Flash and Continuous Light","productType":"PRODUCT","updateType":"AUTOPID","mod":1693990359260,"displayDate":"Wed Sep 06 2023 01:52:39 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)"}” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__19922bd1-e8f9-4e4b-a5ed-8e6e7a61edac” index=”6″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.9285714285714″>
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Rather than use screw clamps to secure your phone in place, Moment’s tripod mount uses Apple’s MagSafe system, which makes it incredibly quick to pop your phone in place and start shooting. When you’re done, just rip your phone away from the magnetic disk and pop it back in your pocket. Easy!
The minimalist approach to the mount’s design makes it extremely compact so it’s no hassle to always carry it with you for when inspiration strikes. The magnets are strong, too, so you don’t need to worry about your phone popping loose while you’re walking along. It’s available as a mount by itself, or with the cold-shoe bracket (pictured) to attach a microphone when vlogging.
” superlative=”Magnetic ease of use” imagegroup=”{"alt":"smalls-5","caption":"","credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageData":{"id":"7389f3ea-55f7-42e2-be9c-af948dfbaf08","title":"smalls-5","filename":"smalls-5.jpg","path":"https://www.cnet.com/a/img/hub/2021/11/16/7389f3ea-55f7-42e2-be9c-af948dfbaf08/smalls-5.jpg","caption":"","size":447723,"width":2000,"height":1333,"dateCreated":{"date":"2021-11-16 15:00:37","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"dateUpdated":{"date":"2022-05-23 14:39:41","timezone":"UTC","timezone_type":3},"needsModeration":false,"mimeType":"image/jpeg","deleted":false,"credits":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","alt":"Moment MagSafe tripod","restricted":false,"startDate":null,"endDate":null,"preferred":false,"watermark":false,"doNotCrop":false,"doNotResize":false,"primaryCollection":null,"vanityUrl":null,"notes":null,"crop":null,"cropGravity":0,"preservedRegion":null,"isNew":false,"keywords":[],"primeColor":null,"hasWarning":false,"typeName":"content_image"},"uuid":"7389f3ea-55f7-42e2-be9c-af948dfbaf08","imageAltText":"smalls-5","imageCaption":"","imageCredit":"Andrew Hoyle/CNET","imageDoNotCrop":false,"imageDoNotResize":false,"imageWatermark":false,"imageFilename":"smalls-5.jpg","imageDateCreated":"2021/11/16","imageWidth":2000,"imageHeight":1333,"imageParallax":"","imageCrop":"","imageEnlarge":false}” overridecaption=”” overridecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” usepricing=”true” data-key=”cnetlisticle__43465b1d-46c6-447a-a069-7ffc975d00b4″ index=”7″ imagecredit=”Andrew Hoyle/CNET” tagslugs=”hv28,apple” contenttype=”Best List – Precap” isbestlistredesign=”true” filtershortcodetypes totalfilteritems=”0″ pagelayout=”Default – Article Page” showdetails=”true” tocheadlineitem=”[object Object]” class=”c-bestListProductListing” readability=”5.7265625″>
We test phones in real-world scenarios, looking at the performance of the processor, battery and cameras, and judge how each model compares to its competition. We take value into account, as well as extra features like storage, connectivity, software additions and anything else that will make a real difference to your life with the product.
Accessories like the ones seen in this list are treated in exactly the same way; they’re put to real-world use both indoors and outside, evaluating how well they perform and whether they’re worth the money. Everything that’s featured here has been tested by our own fair hands and if it didn’t impress, it didn’t make the list.
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