On this page

Eyemore S1 – a Better Camera Option for Your iPhone?

June 6^th, 20189

Eyemore S1 – a Better Camera Option for Your iPhone?

by Olaf von VossJune 6^th, 2018

Are you an iPhone shooter? Are you happy with the quality of the built-in camera module? If not, you might want to check out the Eyemore S1 crowdfunding campaign over at indiegogo.com. This device acts as an outboard camera system for your iPhone.

The Eyemore S1 is a camera. Well, half of a camera to be exact here. It contains a 4/3″ CMOS sensor with a claimed dynamic range of 14 stops, a MFT (micro four thirds) lens mount, a built-in battery and several connectors on the back. Furthermore, the whole image processing pipeline is included in the device. In order to monitor, control and record the eyemore S1 you’ll need an iPhone or iPad an an accompanying app. Sorry android users, this is an iOS gadget only.

Eyemore S1 Camera System

The campaign over at indiegogo.com claims that this device will elevate your iPhone’s camera capabilities to the level of pro DSLRs. Whether this is true or not remains to be seen, we will soon have a test device at hand to check it thoroughly. Have a look at the campaign video:

The iPhone is hooked up via a USB-Lightning cable and a dedicated app needs to be loaded in order to control the Eyemore S1. You have to stick to this app, no other app will function with the Eyemore, unfortunately.

The claimed dynamic range of 14 stops is impressive and so is the maximum ISO of 400,000. If these specs can hold up to their promise I don’t know, of course. But just because of the size alone the 4/3″ CMOS sensor surely outperforms the tiny built-in sensor unit inside of the iPhone.

Specifications

The Eyemore S1 camera system sports some interesting features, such as the aforementoned high ISO and its impressive dynamic range.

There’s no 4k recording, though. And the Eymore S1 is limited to 1080p video. Incoming video is being recorded to the phone directly so you can edit and share your video right from your phone. The whole device is clearly aimed at novice shooters who have an urge for better quality video without spending too much money on dedicated gear.

Several accessories are available such as different handles. That way you can conveniently mount your phone and still have both hands free for operating the Eyemore S1.

Pricing and Availability

The Indiegogo campain is in full swing as we speak so you can help funding this device by “pre-ordering” one on their site. Remember that this is (just like Kickstarter) a crowdfunding platform, not a shop. The early bird price for one Eyemore S1 is $699, the regular campaign price is $799 and the regular retail price will be $1,299. The campaingn ends on June 16th.

The (regular) price of $1,299 is not cheap and I wonder if a 4/3″ CMOS sensor plus image processing but without recording, controling and monitoring capabilities is worth this amount of cash. $699 is a differnt pricepoint for sure but I’d rather test this camera prior to purchasing it. What about you?