The best hardware add-ons for iPad editing and iPhone photography
Camera Connection Kit
Works with iPad
This really is the photographer's best friend. The original CCK is a set of dongles that plug into older iPads' 30-pin dock and enables you to plug in either a cameras memory card or a USB cable. For Lightning-equipped iPads, Apple sells new individual USB and SD card adapters. Once connected, you can import your pictures to the iPad for editing, without deleting the originals from the camera.
Most importantly, the CCK makes it possible to edit images shot in raw formats - after a fashion. Normally, the iPad can't do anything with raw pictures, but after importing them using the CCK you get a JPEG copy for apps to work with. If that's enough, great - and the convenience of being able to browse and edit pics right there and then isn't to be sniffed at. If you want more power later, you still have the originals to feed into a desktop tool. It's the best of both worlds.
Photojojo Pocket Spotlight
Works with iPhone, iPod touch
Yes, you'll look ridiculous with this plugged into your iPhone's headphone jack, but a portable, continuous spotlight is an better way to take photos than trusting the iPhone's flash and hoping your subject doesn't blink at the wrong microsecond. There's also a pack of colour gels for it, should you need to create a different atmosphere.
Vtec 12x Telephoto
Works with iPhone
The final essential lens: a telephoto to get up close to any subject. As ever, it looks silly attached to the iPhone camera, and it's no substitute for a DSLR, but being able to shoot from a distance more than justifies the small cash outlay to have it in your pocket as and when you need it.
Joby Gorillapod
Works with iPhone, iPod touch
There are many small tripods out there (all of which need an adaptor like the Glif to connect to the iPhone), but the GorillaPod has a special trick: its legs can be twisted around almost anything, from a tree branch to a door handle to your arm. This gives you scope for setting the iPhone up in a million different ways while out in the field, while still being able to straighten the legs and use it as a regular tripod (though without a spirit level, it will be a little wonkier than most if you do).
Multiple sizes of GorillaPod are available, and there are options for one with magnetic feet and a special mount for iPhones. The original is the right one for smartphones, though the company makes ones that go all the way up to DSLRs with heavy lenses. Just make sure it has a good grip on whatever you've wrapped it around before you start prodding the screen.
This is a guest post by Karim, who loves to write about technology. He is currently writing for a SIM only website http://iphone-sim-only.org.uk/ where you can find the deals from operators like 3 Mobile and Vodafone.
Works with iPad
This really is the photographer's best friend. The original CCK is a set of dongles that plug into older iPads' 30-pin dock and enables you to plug in either a cameras memory card or a USB cable. For Lightning-equipped iPads, Apple sells new individual USB and SD card adapters. Once connected, you can import your pictures to the iPad for editing, without deleting the originals from the camera.
Most importantly, the CCK makes it possible to edit images shot in raw formats - after a fashion. Normally, the iPad can't do anything with raw pictures, but after importing them using the CCK you get a JPEG copy for apps to work with. If that's enough, great - and the convenience of being able to browse and edit pics right there and then isn't to be sniffed at. If you want more power later, you still have the originals to feed into a desktop tool. It's the best of both worlds.
Photojojo Pocket Spotlight
Works with iPhone, iPod touch
Yes, you'll look ridiculous with this plugged into your iPhone's headphone jack, but a portable, continuous spotlight is an better way to take photos than trusting the iPhone's flash and hoping your subject doesn't blink at the wrong microsecond. There's also a pack of colour gels for it, should you need to create a different atmosphere.
Vtec 12x Telephoto
Works with iPhone
The final essential lens: a telephoto to get up close to any subject. As ever, it looks silly attached to the iPhone camera, and it's no substitute for a DSLR, but being able to shoot from a distance more than justifies the small cash outlay to have it in your pocket as and when you need it.
Joby Gorillapod
Works with iPhone, iPod touch
There are many small tripods out there (all of which need an adaptor like the Glif to connect to the iPhone), but the GorillaPod has a special trick: its legs can be twisted around almost anything, from a tree branch to a door handle to your arm. This gives you scope for setting the iPhone up in a million different ways while out in the field, while still being able to straighten the legs and use it as a regular tripod (though without a spirit level, it will be a little wonkier than most if you do).
Multiple sizes of GorillaPod are available, and there are options for one with magnetic feet and a special mount for iPhones. The original is the right one for smartphones, though the company makes ones that go all the way up to DSLRs with heavy lenses. Just make sure it has a good grip on whatever you've wrapped it around before you start prodding the screen.
This is a guest post by Karim, who loves to write about technology. He is currently writing for a SIM only website http://iphone-sim-only.org.uk/ where you can find the deals from operators like 3 Mobile and Vodafone.
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