The iPad Air is a beautiful thing. And it’s got a decent camera in it. But it doesn’t feel like a camera: it feels like a slippery piece of expensive technology that could easily get broken. So I used to film on my iPhone, then transfer what I’d shot to the iPad – or to my Mac – for editing. The iOgrapher has changed that.
The iOgrapher is a plastic case. It lets you mount your iPad on a tripod and add accessories like a microphone and lens adapter. There are quite a few of these cases about (I’ve seen some lousy ones) but I think the iOgrapher is the only one with handles. They make a huge difference. You can handhold easily and use the iPad one-handed without worrying about dropping it. It starts to feel like a serious tool that you can use confidently in the field.
I’m impressed with the design. Seven small plastic tabs hold the edge of the iPad’s metal body securely, and everything important seems to be reinforced. It holds the iPad slightly recessed, so the screen should be safe when you put it down on a flat surface.
Three ‘cold shoes’ on top let you fit microphones, audio recorders or lights.
On the front is a 37mm mount for lens adapters, and there’s a tripod socket on the bottom, both with brass inserts.
The adapter mount lets you fit wide angle lenses for easier handholding and working in tight spaces. I already had a Nikon WC-E68. Its thread is bigger than 37mm so I used a cheap ‘step up ring’ to fit it. The extra angle of view makes a big difference. iOgrapher also sell their own wide (and tele) adapters.
Ergonomically it’s great, with the minor exception of the iPad ON button, which is just behind the lens mount (above). I find it tricky to access in a hurry and I don’t have particularly large fingers. Everything else is easy to get at.
Clipping the iPad into the mount is quick. Taking it out is a bit slower but I find the handles so convenient that I usually leave it in, even when I’m not filming with it.
iOgrapher also make cases for iPad mini, older iPads, and iPhone 5. iPhones are pretty easy to handhold anyway, and there are other, cheaper solutions for putting them on tripods. But the iOgrapher would be useful if you want to add microphones or adapter lenses. Their iPhone 6 Plus mount will be shipping soon, and there’s a GoPro version in the pipeline.
Verdict: I’d recommend the iOgrapher to anyone who wants to use an iPad for making films and videos. It’s transformed the way I feel about mine. It’s well-designed, seems robust, and it’s good value at $59.99.
You can order all the cases direct from the iOgrapher online store, which also sells lenses, microphones and other third-party accessories. They’ll ship overseas within 5-10 days. They now have a UK fulfilment centre, though you have to order in dollars. If you sign up for their mailing list you get a 10% discount on your first order.
Ethics: I have an affiliate agreement with iOgrapher, but I bought mine through their online shop and I haven’t been paid to review it.
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