Cameras & creator gear

An affordable rig for mounting mics and lights and holding the phone steadier.

A tall ring light and tripod kit with Bluetooth remote that gives fairly professional selfie results after some assembly.

The DOF adapter is the centrepiece of the rig, giving phone footage a depth of field that he mistook for DSLR footage, though it costs some…

Gave stable footage on straight runs and walking shots, but could not cope with the fast car's turns beyond its rated speed.

A tiny light that puts out up to 640 lux and carried the rig in near pitch-black conditions.

A slim, powerful LED lamp that plugs into the phone and went straight into his everyday carry bag.

360-degree camera that plugs into the phone, with 4K video and 24MP photos.

Slightly fiddly but worth it for better-exposed photos in low light.

Gives more even, cinematic lighting for selfies.

A compact metal gadget that slowly pans a phone on a tripod for cinematic time-lapses.

Thinks it is the smartphone lens done right, with an elastic strap and staggering close-up ability.

A wide angle, macro and LED clip-on kit he actually used recently, with the wide angle solving a common phone limitation.

The camera he has used for a couple of months and has now figured out how to colour grade.

A well-presented DJI Phantom rival that doesn't feel like a big downgrade, with footage only slightly less crisp.

The pricier benchmark drone, with slightly crisper footage than the Xiaomi.

An inexpensive, effective way to improve selfies, though it can block part of the screen.

Impressed by the accessory bundle and waterproof case for a $50 4K action camera, but he has not tested it yet.

The best portable drone DJI has made, with longer flight time and quieter running, though not cheap.

Surprisingly complete 4K camera for $25, though 4K frame rate is choppy and battery life is modest.

A huge and pricey cinema camera that he likes as a clear upgrade from the GH5.

A 4K streaming webcam with selectable field of view and a flexible hinge, shown in an unboxing only.