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Provides: enhanced self portraits
Developer: XShot
Minimum Requirements: iPhone 3G(S)
Price: $44.95 (bundle)
Availability: Now

The best camera might just be the one that’s always with you; likely the iPhone’s built in camera. It’s great for impromptu pictures, but not so great for taking pictures of yourself. Actually, most cameras don’t excel at self portraits. The XShot tries to solve this problem with their XShot 2.0 telescoping monopod and iPhone case. It’s a small package that can rid you of those horrible arm-in/myspace-mirror pictures you’re used to taking.

You know the routine.

You: “Could you please take a picture of us?”
Them: “Um, sure, I guess.”
You: “Thank you so much, here’s my camera.”
Them: “Okay. How does this work?” (as if camera’s haven’t always had a shutter button on the top right corner)
You: “Oh, all you have to do is hit the button.” (idiot)
Them: “Which one.” (still dumbfounded)

...

[No one in the resulting picture is happy]

Okay, let’s stop this.  We’re all sick of these strangers who somehow still have no idea how to operate a semi-automatic camera, so let’s replace them with the best we have. You. That’s right, the XShot 2.0 and iPhone case replaces those dumb strangers with you. Kind of.

You can probably guess from the pictures above how this all works. It’s simple. The XShot is basically a telescoping monopod with a special camera mount on the end that allows it to tilt in on one axis. This allows you to aim a camera towards you, and get yourself in the frame without an obvious arm to the side of an image. And it works, too.

The case is very simple. It’s just a plastic iPhone case that doesn’t cover the camera, with a tripod mount on one side. It’s a bit painful to pay almost $25 for such a simple product, but you can probably see that it’s worth it in this instance. Thankfully, you can buy this as a bundle and save around $15, so we’ll just say it’s like getting the case for $10 okay?

The XShot 2.0 is technically a separate product, though you’ll likely want to buy it in the bundle.  It’s what allows you to take a picture of yourself without looking like a tool.  You might know it’s not the only product that does this.  QuikPod does the same thing in a slightly bigger, but sturdier package.  It also doubles as a monopod.  There’s even a DSLR targeted version that’s still better.  You’ll still need the XShot case though, as it’s the only tripod mountable iPhone case of which I’m currently aware.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of these soon.

But back to the XShot.  It’s much smaller than the QuikPod, but feels flimsier.  At full extension, it feels a shakier than you’d like it to be with your camera on one end. Thankfully, the iPhone 3G(S) is very light, so this isn’t much of a problem.  Also, you’ll likely never need, or want, to extend the XShot 2.0 more than half way out.  Half way is more than enough distance for good 1-2 person portraits.  The added length is most often used for larger groups.

Other than the slight wobbliness of the XShot 2.0 at longer extensions, I have almost no issues with it.  It’s a fairly well made product that does what it’s supposed to do.  Though, there is one problem, and you’ve likely been thinking about it for a few paragraphs.  The iPhone can’t take timed pictures.  Actually, it can, just not with the built in Camera app.  You’ll need to search the App Store, but thankfully, there are a few free apps that will allow you to take pics on a timer.  Joby’s Gorillacam app is one of the best.  It has more features than just a timer, but that’s all we care about right now.

It will take a little time to get used to using the XShot, but it’s very worth it and not that difficult.  Just insert your iPhone into the XShot case.  Screw this into the XShot 2.0.  Extend the monopod to a good length (start with half way) and activate the timer app to take a picture.  Hold the handle in a way that won’t be obvious in the image (usually against your abdomen for minimal shakeage), smile and wait.  After a few tries you’ll have a better feel for how to frame your pictures without seeing the screen.  This would all be much easier if the iPhone (or other camera) had a front facing camera or back facing screen, but this is the best we have to work with right now.  Still, you’ll get some pretty good results with minimal effort.

Overall, I really like the XShot 2.0 and iPhone case.  It might not be the sturdiest monopod you’ve ever touched, but it’s very small and useful.  I found it easy to use and it makes pictures better.  If your iPhone is your only camera and you like pictures of yourself (I know I do), then you’ll be very happy with an XShot and iPhone case.

For added fun, get your XShot all set up with your iPhone and then hop on your fiancée’s back!  That’s what I did.  Lovely picture, isn’t it?