New designs take advantage of dual-cameras, flash

Two different companies have spotted the same need and created products to fill it: with the iPhone 4 capable of capturing high-quality photos and video, everyone wants to be in the picture, so owners need a way to have the iPhone stand on its own to capture the action. Joby, who make the Gorillapod line of tripods, and XShot, who make both extenders and tripods, have each put out a custom design for the iPhone 4, each a bit different.

The Gorillapod flexible mini-tripods have proven very popular and compatible with both smartphone and conventional point-and-shoot cameras. The new Gorillamobile for iPhone 4 ($40) has been redesigned for the phone's Retina Display, dual cameras and HD video capability. It combines a bumper-style soft case with the wrappable, bendable mini-tripod, allowing steady recording or viewing in either iPhone orientation. The case features a "rail" type connector to attach the case and iPhone to the tripod portion quickly.

The XShot iPhone 4 case ($25) also features a detachable tripod adapter that integrates with the shell-style case, but uses a standard universal screw-based mounting bracket -- allowing it to work with almost any standard camera-mount tripod or monopod, including the flexible mini-tripod it comes with.

XShot's case acts as a full enclosure to protect the iPhone 4 and also ensure good antenna reception, and can be used to position the iPhone in landscape or portrait orientation. The two-piece case is also compatible with the company's camera extenders, fold-out handheld monopods that allow for self-portraits from a further distance for best framing. XShot is selling both the case and the camera extender for a bundle price of $40. The case is currently on pre-order with expected delivery by the end of this month.

by MacNN Staff