Rode announce handgrip for iPhone

Fresh from our review of the Padcaster, news of another ingenious gadget to assist you with filming using an i-Device, this time the iPhone 4 and 4S.

The ingenious Aussies at Rode have developed a tiny portable handgrip for the phone which also doubles as a device to mount the phone to a camera if you wish to use it for DSLR sound recording or similar.

In fact, the gadget has four options: in one configuration, the Rodegrip (for that is what it is christened) acts as a handle with which to hold the phone steady when filming; in another it mounts the phone onto a camera via a standard cold shoe; a third option is mounting the camera on a boom stand using the integrated 3/8 inch thread; and the final choice is to use it as a desk stand.

In fact, three mounting points are given for the camera-shoe attachment so you can move the phone to whichever position is best for your setup.

Clever stuff and better yet, it folds away for storage and transport. It’s made of plastic but is claimed to be rugged.

Like the Padcaster, there’s also a lens option (the Rodegrip+) – this comprises three supplied add-on lenses (macro, 180-degree fisheye and 2x zoom) which screw into place over the phone’s existing lens.

Also like the Padcaster, it’s a shame that there’s no cold shoe on the top of the handle so that accessories such as lights or small shotgun mics can’t be added on directly. However, we hope to get a review sample soon – stay tuned.