PICTAR: Camera Control for iPhones

Wherever they are, users want to be able to capture every important moment of their adventures and share their photos with the world. Technology has made it possible for smartphones to perform almost like professional cameras and offer an incredible quality of photos all in a small device. “A small device”, that is the problem. Trying to get a good grip of a smartphone to take the perfect picture can be limiting and not practical. Miggo designed a smart camera grip for iPhone users that will give them the experience of using a DSLR camera and let them make the most of their iPhone camera. At MAKO, we love inventions that give access to professional features to a mainstream product that millions of users carry with them every day.

Camera Grip Case Designed for Great UX

PICTAR fits most existing iPhone models except for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus models. The product design comes with 5 control buttons: an exposure compensation wheel, a shutter release, a smart wheel that controls 7 pre-set modes, and a zoom ring and a selfie switch. It is designed with a hand grip for one-handed use (handy for bike riding). This wireless device doesn’t work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the developers chose a high-frequency sound system to enable communication through an app between the iPhone and the camera grip. Each buttons sends out a different signal that commands the iPhone. This system allows a long-lasting battery life.

The product design was developed to let users take calls and answer text messages while using the device. The body of the device is made of plated chrome nylon and its lightweight design (64gr.) makes it easy to hold. PICTAR is equipped with a cold-shoe mount for the use of an external microphone or a LED light and comes with a flexible tripod for an additional fee for better photoshoots.

There are limits to adding accessories while using PICTAR: the iPhone’s jack is covered by PICTAR’s body and cannot be reached, this means that devices that require a physical connection cannot be used while the phone with PICTAR.

PICTAR’s crowdfunding campaign has already reached its funding goal. The estimated shipping date is set for November 2016. Carrying an iPhone is easier and more practical than carrying an SRL or DRSL camera. Innovative products such as PICTAR made it possible to merge the features of professional camera with the portability of an iPhone for a better user-experience. It would be great to see a similar model compatible with other smartphone devices and operating systems.

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!