External Cameras For Phone: USB Portable Video Cameras For Smartphone And Optional Wireless Bluetooth Cameras, Other Models

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Currently, few people are interested in what kind of external camera is best to choose for the phone, because modern gadgets have their own built-in cameras. But no one is immune from situations when a "native" spare part stops working for one reason or another, becomes too dirty or cracked due to an accidental fall. In such cases, you cannot do without an additional external camera, as well as in those situations when the quality of the images shown by the built-in part is not enough for users.

Description and device

Modern smartphones, which arrive in huge quantities on store shelves, are equipped with built-in cameras. They have different capacities and show different quality of the finished images . But there are often cases when users decide to equip their phones with portable cameras that boast more attractive quality.

Today, external cameras designed for further connection to phones are presented in a wide range . Consumers can choose the perfect model that will meet all their requirements and wishes.

On sale you can find both budget and expensive external cameras from well-known manufacturers.

If we talk about the device of such devices, then there are several basic elements

• The matrix . In external cameras, this detail is made larger than in smartphones themselves.
• Optical stabilizer . An important component of outdoor smartphone cameras. It copes well with its main task, eliminates the unpleasant effect of trembling hands.
• Optical component (lens) . Usually this component is endowed with a zoom (it can range from 3x to 30x). In modern smartphones, such solid functionality is not noticed.
• Governing bodies . As a rule, the list of controls consists of levers responsible for zooming, shutter buttons and a couple of additional keys. Everything here is arranged as simple and understandable as possible - it is not difficult to understand the operation of external cameras for a phone.
• CPU . Another of the most important components, without which an outdoor smartphone camera cannot work normally. It is the camera that processes the information (images) coming from the matrix, and not the smartphone to which it is connected.
• Built-in wireless modules . Due to the action of wireless modules, the device has the ability to seamlessly synchronize with the phone, sending a captured image to it in real time.
• Fastening . Portable external cameras are equipped with reliable and durable mounts that secure them to your smartphone.

What are they?

There are different types of high-quality bypass cameras on sale. They are classified according to several criteria. Let's take a closer look at what mini-cameras are and what characteristics differ.

First of all, all devices of the type under consideration can be divided into the following subspecies

Camera lens that syncs with your smartphone using a standard wired connection. Most often, a USB port or a 3.5 mm jack is used for this, which is intended for installing headphones.

Popular today small varieties of external cameras , which are performed in the form of a kind of endoscopes. They are equipped with a miniature lens and can easily penetrate even hard-to-reach places. The described type of top-end removable cameras is also commonly referred to as wired devices.

Many brands produce external camera lenses that are synchronized with a mobile phone through wireless networks. For this, special mobile applications are used that are designed to work with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or are designed directly for an Internet connection.

Excellent performance was shown by modern external cameras designed for macro photography, or with the popular effect called “fisheye”. Thanks to such devices, users can take amazing shots that look original and unusual . For example, a modern macro camera makes it easy to capture very small objects due to its excellent zoom capability. As a result, users have the opportunity to take photos of small wonders of nature (dew drops, insects) and many other interesting objects.

The fisheye camera allows you to take curved photos that look unusual. Today this effect is fashionable and extremely popular. It is often used not only by amateurs, but also by professional photographers.

High quality images can be demonstrated by a telescopic external camera for smartphones. It is difficult not to notice such an additional accessory, since it is the "telescopes" that have always been distinguished by their impressive dimensions and great length . Often, additional mini tripods made of durable and reliable materials are used to fix these lenses. Outwardly, the device seems very unusual - like a reduced professional camera with a built-in telescopic lens.

In stores with appliances, you can find original varieties of external cameras for phones with a 360-degree viewing angle . For example, such devices are produced by the famous Taiwanese brand Asus. With these devices, it is possible to shoot exciting photo and video footage. Using this lens, many people use it as a camcorder and get beautiful recordings that look vivid and colorful.

Usually, 360 degree cameras are small and very convenient … Most of them are perfectly round in shape, they look stylish and modern.

These devices can be connected via a USB port or 3.5 mm headphone output.

Popular models

The range of small cameras for smartphones is constantly replenished with new models featuring rich functionality and high quality performance. Consider the characteristics of some current specimens.

Camera lens DSC-QX30 . High quality model from the Japanese brand Sony. Equipped with 30x optical zoom. The product has a durable Exmor R CMOS 20, 4 megapixel sensor. Users get great opportunities for creativity using the special mobile application PlayMemores. The footage can be shared on social networks using gadgets with Android and iOS operating systems.

Asus 360 . An interesting camera model for modern smartphones. Shoots high quality panoramic photo and video files. Works fast, can shoot in 2K or 4K quality. A lightweight device is made of practical polycarbonate. Supports VR mode.

Kodak PixPro SL25 . Convenient wireless portable lens for smartphones. Connects to the phone using a Wi-Fi network. The technique can instantly "wake up", coming out of sleep mode. Attaches to your smartphone with secure metal clips. There is excellent optical stabilization, which allows you to achieve high quality images, just like on a professional DSLR.

Altek Cubic . A compact model of a detachable camera, it has a cute and pleasant design. You can connect it to phones or tablets. The camera is compatible with most modern mobile devices. The product has a special CMOS matrix. Can shoot footage in Full HD quality. There is a slot for installing a memory card.

Sony QX100 . Another popular external camera model for smartphones. It has an attractive design, a matrix of 20, 2 Mpix. The product provides a truly advanced sensor. This device does not have its own display - instead, it uses a smartphone to which it connects. The equipment is equipped with a stabilization system, but the possibilities of image enlargement are weak - the magnification is only 3.6x.

Vivitar IU680 . One of the top models of cameras for modern smartphones. The model is equipped with a 10-30 mm lens, a 3x optical type magnification is provided. All necessary data can be transferred using a Wi-Fi wireless network, which turns out to be a very convenient solution. The product has a removable high-quality flash.

Sony QX10 . A popular external camera model from a Japanese manufacturer. Its characteristics repeat the parameters of another well-known device - the Sony WX150 camera. Provides a high-quality 18-pixel sensor, built-in optics Sony Lens G f / 3.5-5.9. The model has a good rechargeable battery, which is very convenient to recharge from USB, if necessary. There is a slot for installing micro SD memory cards.

Olympus Air . Small and lightweight camera in traditional black color. You need to attach it to the back of your smartphone. It is also possible to operate the device, holding it in hand, selecting new ideal angles, or fixing it on a special tripod. The product has a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, as well as a processor responsible for processing the captured images - TruePic VII. The model can do burst shooting at 10 frames per second.

Features of operation

The current market pleases buyers with a huge number of high-quality and functional cameras designed specifically for installation on smartphones. This removable, remote technology is very easy to use. Let's analyze the main features of its use.

First, let's look at how a separate camera lens should be connected to a smartphone. There is nothing complicated in this process - everyone can figure it out.

• The purchased device will need to be carefully connected to the smartphone via USB or a 3.5 mm connector (if the model is wired). It is desirable that the phone itself be operated on the basis of the Android or iOS operating system.
• After that, you should launch a special application on your smartphone. If it is not yet on your device, you will need to find it and then download it. It is best to download such applications from Google Play or AppStore.
• Next, aim the technician at the object you want to shoot and press the shutter button.

At this point, the stage of connecting one device to another can be considered complete.

Let's consider other nuances of operation

• To prevent fire or damage to equipment, you should protect the small camera (and the smartphone itself) from moisture and moisture. Be sure to watch this if you do not want to seriously harm the device. It is not recommended to take such a camera with you if it is raining heavily.
• In no case should you independently disassemble the unit of a separate camera, even if you want to find the cause of the breakdown there or you are just interested in its internal structure.
• Try to make sure that the product, like its battery, is not exposed to mechanical damage, shock, or falls on the floor or ground.
• To avoid short circuits, be careful not to let metal objects come into contact with the contacts on the battery pack.
• Damaged or leaking lithium-ion batteries must not be used.
• Keep the battery pack of the small camera out of the reach of children or pets. The storage place must be absolutely dry and safe.
• Replacement is only allowed with the same battery pack that was in the device before.
• When using the AC adapter, you will need to use a nearby outlet. If the equipment suddenly stops working properly, it must be immediately disconnected from the mains.
• If you notice that the camera for the phone has stopped working correctly or there are obvious flaws in its functioning, you should not look for the cause of the breakdown on your own. It is recommended to immediately contact the authorized service center. This is especially true when the equipment is still under warranty. If you open it yourself and aggravate the situation, you will lose warranty service.
• Do not leave the small smartphone camera near heaters and heaters. The devices can be seriously damaged under such conditions.
• Insert the flash card into the camera correctly. Do this carefully, do not bend the memory card. Doing so can damage both the media itself and the compartment in which you install it.
• Try not to shake the external smartphone camera. Do not hit it, treat it carefully and carefully. Otherwise, the product may be seriously damaged.

Before you start using such devices, read the instruction manual in order to avoid serious mistakes and not spoil the equipment. An overview of the Sony QX10 in the video below.