Empowering Mobile Creativity
The SnapGrip Creator Kit combines the perks of the SnapLight, the stability of the SnapPod handle/tripod, with the robust features of the SnapGrip. Add any of the accessories to a MagSafe-compatible phone, or simply add a 3M magnetic disc to a phone or case to gain access to the features. Add each device independently or combine them to capture that special moment.
- Design
- Ease of Use
- Price
- Charging/Battery
- Accessories
Never fear missing out on that moment. Grip, Snap, Shoot with SHIFTCAM.
It is hard to believe that we are only a few weeks away from Christmas. From Thanksgiving to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, through Cyber Monday/Week, it seems that Christmas insidiously sneaks up on us each year. This year, when I asked my 13-year-old son what he might like for Christmas, he joked about money but then mentioned accessories for his iPhone 11. When I asked for more specifics, he discussed that he would like something to help record/make videos while playing games.
As a trend amongst many of his friends/peers, he envisions a possible future hobby outlet through YouTube. Over the past few years, we have made and uploaded a few unboxing Christmas videos and scavenger hunt videos. We liked the content/themes but disliked the shaky handheld video and poorly lighted amateur production. He wanted something with a bit more light and a tripod/base setup to record. The ShiftCam SnapGrip Creator Kit could not have been a more perfect option for him.
Packaging/Unboxing:
The ShiftCam Snapgrip Creator Kit arrived in a clean 6 inches wide by 8 1/8 inches tall by 2 3/8 inches thick hanging-style retail package. You will find the SHIFTCAM name, “Empowering Mobile Creativity” jingle, and the product name at the top of the pristine white cover panel. I liked the splash of red color within the title “Designed for Mobile” and felt it added a nice break from the black-on-white color scheme. The lower left quadrant showcased two images of a phone plus mobile kit.
The top image showed a camera plus light in landscape mode, while the lower image showed a vertical phone/tripod and mount setup. The lower right corner provided icons depicting the MagSafe compatibility and the universal function of the kit (works with all phones). The main cover focal point was the large central image of the monopod/light connector and phone.
I liked the layout and design of the outer packaging and felt the artistic vibe. The blue-colored spine provided the SHIFTCAM name, while the white-colored opposing side panel listed the package contents, Magnetic Sticker, www.SHIFTCAM.com address, social media icons, and #PoweringCreativity hashtag. The blue-colored top panel provided a black hanging tab, while the lower panel listed copyright information, product manufacturing labels, and an SKU barcode.
Lastly, the rear panel successfully utilized vibrant and colorful imagery to portray its product’s message. I loved the camera focal point, the blurred distant images, and their use of storied collage. The six-image setup showcased a blue monopod in various stages of use, the SnapGrip, SnapPod tripod base, SnapLight photo ring light accessory, and a pink version of the product. The professional photo-quality imagery added to the overall allure of the kit.
When I opened the magnetic inner flap, I was impressed with the attention to description and detail. The flap and inner surface contained a very large white background that was broken into four segments. The top left image showcased an oblique iPhone with an attached SnapLight ring (Adjustable brightness, Flippable Light ring, Mirror function). The ring capitalized on the MagSafe feature and stuck directly to the surface of the case-less phone.
The lower left image displayed the Snap-on SnapPod handle and tripod (Magnetic Quick Release, Tiltable Pod Inclinable, Quick Switch). The image showed the ability to bend the pod for increased viewing/camera angles, and the ability to rotate the magnetic attachment point to further optimize the phone angle. The top right image displayed the ergonomic grip base “Compact Yet Powerful” feature (Magnetic Quick Release, Ergonomic Grip, Wireless Shutter, Wireless charging and Built-in Battery). Lastly, the lower image demonstrated the ability to combine the segments into a single functional tool/experience.
I slid the internal plastic tray from the packaging and reviewed the included SHIFTCAM informational cards. The top cardboard pane showed the SHIFTCAM name, the #ShiftCamSnapGrip hashtag, and provided a crisp, colorful, photo-quality image of the SHIFTCAM light, magnetic grip, and handle. The tan-colored blurred background paired nicely with the blue-colored device and alluded to the idea that the consumer could generate similar levels of photographs. If you flip the card over, you will find a QR link to register the device.
The second panel, the Quick Start Guide, listed the MagSafe compatible phones (iPhone 12/Mini/Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 13/Pro/Pro Max) and showed how to use the included magnetic 3M sticker. Interestingly, there was no mention of the iPhone 14 series within the manual despite the presence of MagSafe technology. Beneath the compatibility segment, you will find instructions for the SnapGrip, the on/off button for wireless charging, and the method to reset the connection (included pin).
The rear surface demonstrated the installation/use mechanics for the SnapPod, as well as instructions for the SnapLight. A single press will activate the light in low mode. Subsequent presses of the button will increase the intensity and then cycle through the stages. You can long press the button to turn off the light and then fold it back into the closed state for portability/storage.
Installation/Utility:
Even though the packaging demonstrated the various features of this kit, I was surprised by the number of items included. The internal tray was divided into three segments. The top panel contained a 16 1/2 inches long USB-A to USB-C cable and a 1 5/8 inches long by 5/8 inches thick metallic reset key. The right chamber contained the 2.7-ounce, 6 1/2 inches tall by 1 1/4 inches diameter tripod with standard 1/4-U20 screw attachment. When closed, each of the textured plastic legs combined into a comfortable monopod-style grip. I loved the grippy surface and the texture of the handle.
When needed, you can grip and open each leg to the maximal position. The device height will drop from 6 1/2 inches tall to 5 3/4 inches tall, while adopting a more robust 5 1/4 inches equilateral triangular base. I liked that they chose to hollow out the inner surfaces of the legs, while still supporting/reinforcing the structure with plastic girders. This helped to reduce the weight without sacrificing safety/support. Additionally, the lighter weight will likely reduce grip/arm fatigue if holding the camera/mount for longer shots.
The final cutout housed the main features of the kit. I removed the 8.6-ounce, 5 1/8 inches long by 4 inches wide by 1 1/2 inches thick navy blue nylon bag from the chamber and was impressed with the construction/design of the camera-style carry bag. In fact, it reminded me of cases that are typically sold with many point-and-click and DSLR cameras. The ribbed outer nylon paired nicely with the hard clamshell design and provided a protective yet attractive case.
I liked the 1 1/2 inches long by 3/8 inches-wide rubberized zipper pull, the black nylon zipper rope, and that one could clip the cord to a carabiner if desired. However, I would have loved a ring loop or metallic attachment point on the spine of the clamshell case for added convenience. To open the form-fitting clamshell-style case, I gripped the rubberized zipper pull and unzipped the ~13 1/2 inches long water-resistant zipper. I was impressed with the black-felt lined inner surface and the attention to detail.
Before disposing of the packaging, make sure to remove the 2 1/4 inches diameter magnetic 3M sticker and the 1.9-ounce upper segment of the SnapPod that were hiding behind the SnapGrip/SnapLight case. The SnapPod measured 2 5/16 inches diameter by 7/16 inches thick and connected to the tripod base via a 2 3/4 inches long by 1/2 inches wide by 1/8 inches thick connector arm.
To attach the top segment to the bottom segment, align the screw segment with the screw and turn the top segment clockwise. You will notice that the screw segment attached to the SnapPod via a ball/socket joint. This accessory feature will allow for improved positioning to hopefully help obtain “that right shot angle.” My only criticism was that there was no included case for the SnapPod accessory.
The 4.9-ounce SnapGrip and 1.6-ounce SnapLight were shipped/packaged together (6.4-ounce) within the carry case. I removed the light from the grip and evaluated the features of the SnapGrip. The main body of the Snap Grip measured 3 3/16 inches tall by 1 1/4 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches thick and had the same grippy surface as the tripod legs/handle. I found that I could easily wrap my middle/ring/pinky finger around the grip and maintained access to the wireless shutter feature with my index finger.
Like the grip/guard on a knife, the SnapGrip had a slightly raised finger positioning ridge just beneath the button segment. I found the device incredibly comfortable and easy to grip. The ribbed surface added a much-needed increase in surface area and appeared to drastically reduce the chances of a dropped phone. The grip was attached to a 3 14 inches long by 2 3/8 inches tall by 1/4 inches thick backing plate, which ended in a 2 5/16 inches diameter metallic ring attachment point.
The ring was slightly raised from the surface of the SnapGrip and easily accommodated the SnapLight device. The rear surface of the grip provided a 3 3/16 inches diameter MagSafe ring (3/16 inches wide) and a 2 1/4 inches long by 7/16 inches wide raised foot pad. Additionally, you will find information regarding the 3.7V/3200mAh/11.84Wh 5W Wireless charging 5V/1A/5W Qi compatible, USB-C input DC 5V/2A/10W battery. The design should protect the back of your iPhone while ensuring a secure MagSafe grip.
The ShiftLight device may have been my favorite feature of the kit. I loved that you could use the device with the SnapGrip, SnapPod, or in combination with the SnapGrip and SnapPod. The 2 1/4 inch diameter by 1/2 inches thick clamshell light had a 3/4 inches wide hinge segment and allowed the light to rotate up to 270 degrees. The light section was divided into a 3/8 inches diameter white diffuser and a centrally located 1 3/8 inches diameter reflective mirror.
The rear surface of the light tapered into a 1 5/8 inches segment that allowed it to retract into the 5/16 inches thick metallic ring base (3/16 inches wide). To activate the light long-press the small blue button atop the light. Single press the light to cycle through the four intensity modes. When finished long press the button again to turn off the light. Attach the light directly to the phone to brighten your movie/FaceTime, or attach the light to the SnapPod for a nice source of ambient lightning. Lastly, combine the SnapGrip, the Snap Pod, and then the SnapLight for a full Voltron Force experience.
The SnapGrip device affixed securely to the back of my wife’s iPhone 12 and once activated, served as a source of extra power. You can rotate the grip into vertical and landscape modes and enjoy the camera grip/shutter action. We loved how securely the magnet attached to her naked iPhone but noted the setup did not work as well through a bumper case.
When we affixed the metallic ring to the back of my son’s bumper-style case, we lost the ability to wirelessly charge the phone but still maintained the option to enjoy the grip/wireless shutter. Thus, even though the setup worked markedly better with a naked MagSafe compatible iPhone, you can still utilize much of the potential of the kit through the included magnetic ring.
To test the power output, I activated the wireless charging button and placed it onto her phone. Starting at 10:25 PM at 46% power, her iPhone 12 increased to 47% by 1030, 48% by 1033, 51% by 10:41, and continued to increase by approximately 1% every 2.5-3 minutes while not in use. While in use, we found that the wireless charge essentially held her power at the current status and added to the battery time.
Assuming ~80% efficiency, you can expect ~2560 mAh from the 3200 mAh battery. You can gain nearly a full charge on the 2815 mAh iPhone 12 or approximately half of the 4323 mAh iPhone 14 Pro Max battery. When you press the small power button, the bank of six LED will illuminate on the back of the grip. I charged the device with the included USB-A to USB-C cable and found it was fully charged in about seventy minutes.
I navigated to Settings, To Bluetooth, pressed the 1/2 inches diameter shutter button, and selected SHIFTCAM SnapGrip from the Bluetooth list. I liked the placement of the shutter button and the reactivity of the setup. I liked the plastic grip of the SnapGrip but would have loved a more rubberized feel. The secure magnet will hold strongly against a naked phone and against the magnetic ring when attached. If using a MagSafe case or Magnetic baseplate, you will notice the strength of the attachment between the phone/grips. Honestly, the only downside to the MagSafe features presented when utilizing a case.
My iPhone 14 Pro Max and my wife’s iPhone 12 typically reside within thin bumper-style cases. Although the cases do not limit the ability to wirelessly charge on our nightstands, they do limit the magnetic strength of attachments. Thus, I would not rely upon the case/attachment without the included 3M ring. I have previously used several magnetic plates to expand magnetic attachments/accessories. I loved that the company included the disc with this setup and would have loved for a few more.
You can attach the plate to any non-MagSafe phone or attach the plate to the back of a non-MagSafe case and experience the features without the fear of a naked phone. As noted above, you may lose the ability to wirelessly charge, but you will enhance the magnetic grip and safety of the kit. When finished, attach the SnapLight to SnapGrip, replace the duo within the carry case, zip the bag closed, fold up the tripod, unscrew the top segment and then store for later use. As noted above, I wish that the case had a slide-in pouch for the charging cable and SnapPod.
Summary:
The SHIFTCAM SnapGrip Creator Kit provided a significant upgrade to basic phone videography and photography. The SnapGrip added an ergonomic grip, an easy-to-access wireless shutter, a slightly harder-to-reach on/off wireless charging button, and wireless Qi charging via a 3200 mAh battery. You can enjoy a firm magnetic attachment to MagSafe-compatible phones or place a 3M ring onto any case or phone to gain many of the SnapGrip features.
The SnapLight can attach directly to the MagSafe phone surface/case or magnetic ring. Fold open the light, activate the four brightness features, and enhance the color/depth and quality of video (only white light). If desired, you can add the SnapPod for secure/stable monopod videos/pictures or attach the SnapPod, expand the base and use the SnapGrip Bluetooth Shutter feature from a distance. Pair the SnapLight/SnapPod or combine all three into a useful mobile studio. Lastly, you can rotate the SnapGrip into an accessory phone base/stand.
My son loved this gift and was very pleased with the lighting and tripod features. He loved the grip, the wireless shutter, and the ability to pair the setup with his slightly antiquated iPhone 11. He was a bit bummed that his iPhone was not MagSafe compatible, but felt the added features far outweighed the limitation. He gave the product a 10/10 and started video calls with friends, recorded a few Terraria commentary videos, and even took a few pictures for Christmas cards.
For more information, visit shiftcam.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.