Smartphones have become quite good cameras, and manufacturers continue to emphasize their resolution, lens quality, and auto exposure features. But we know what these cameras really are about -- taking selfies (see Wikipedia)!
It turns out that lots of people are interested in shooting self-portraits -- in the bathroom mirror, and more typically by holding the camera at arm's length, sometimes even against an interesting background. Smartphones accommodate this natural impulse by including both front- and back-facing cameras, so we can preview the shot on the screen.
But there's only so much you can do in composing a great photo at arm's length, so the next step is to add a remote shutter control like the AudioVox Shutterball for more stable images, with a bigger view for group photographs.
The Shutterball is a small plastic ball (1 1/4 inches) that communicates via Bluetooth to your smartphone -- Just press the button to shoot photos and videos from up to 30 feet away.
It works with the free Shutterball app for iOS or Android (and not your built-in camera app), which provides quick shooting options for photo and video, using the front or back camera.
It comes with an attached loop to carry on your jeans, bag or keychain. And the product includes a mini stand/easel to prop up your smartphone. The Shutterball runs on a pre-installed coin cell battery that lasts up to 5 years.
The AudioVox Shutterball is available for $19.99, in pink, blue, green, or black.
Find the AudioVox Shutterball on Amazon.com