When it comes to functionality, the iPhone has become the one device to rule them all. I find myself using my iPhone for practically everything I do, the only short coming was with the camera. While it takes some really nice photos, there was always the dream of getting a little more width out of my shot, especially when interviewing people. It always felt a bit cramped.
Well, the Ollo Clip has been around for a while now and I finally got a chance to take it out for a test drive. While recently upgrading to an iPhone 5, I had to borrow my wife’s iPhone 4s for a trip to the zoo so I could see what this little baby could do. Is the Ollo Clip the next best thing for the iPhone? Does it rival the rather bulky DSLR cameras?
Design
The Ollo Clip is a neat little device that looks like an extra edge piece for your iPhone. It is essentially three cameras in one device: wide angle, macro, and fish eye lens. The device easily attaches to your iPhone and slides over the existing camera. While it’s easy to switch back and forth between the wide angle and fish eye by simply flipping the device, it’s a bit tougher to get to the macro lens, as you have to unscrew the wide angle to find it. The two major lenses come with a lens cap and the device also comes with a little carrying case that easy holds the Ollo Clip when it’s not in use.
On the Go
I have always attempted to be a mobile person, and I’m a rather big fan of cargo pants (and shorts), but I felt that the Ollo Clip was a bit tough to carry. It’s not heavy by any means, but it was just a little too small. While I carried the Ollo Clip in my cargo shorts pocket with my earbuds, there were a few occasions in which the lens caps got knocked off. They’re also small enough that they can easily be lost. The same goes when using the macro lens, while it’s easy to remove the wide angle lens, the only place where I could put it was back in the small bag. My only other issue was the fact that you can’t use your iPhone case with the lenses. It makes sense why you couldn’t, but I always feel a bit nervous handling a non cased iPhone.
Quality
The Ollo Clip certainly does shine in the quality department. Each of the lenses look very professional, and the exterior is made out of a metal of sorts. They seemed sturdy enough to not worry about them breaking, yet at the same time they seemed light enough to keep mobile in mind. Though quality doesn’t just stop when it comes to the build, the photo quality that you get is something special. After shooting some test footage I noticed with the wide angle lens that I get a foot on either side. The macro lens really opened up a new area in terms of photographs. I was impressed with the fish eye but saw no real uses for my normal day to day.
Overall
A really neat little product that makes the iPhone a powerhouse in terms of Videos and Photos. I’m looking forward to future products as the Ollo Clip prepares to make its device announcement of the iPhone 5. I would say this: the Ollo Clip isn’t for everyone. It’s more geared toward the very passionate or professional photo / video user. It will definitely help take your iPhone photos and videos to the next level.