Despite the incredible popularity of the GoPro Hero actioncam, it still lacks one very basic feature – a viewfinder. You can use your smartphone as a remote viewfinder via the camera's Wi-Fi signal, but for users who want to get hand-held shots, that involves holding onto two devices. That's where the GoPhone comes into the picture.
Created by Melbourne, Australia-based Andrew Dorn and Carson Tully, the GoPhone is simply a case for the iPhone 5 or 5s, with a mounting point that the GoPro's included quick-release clip snaps in and out of. The user just holds onto their phone with the Wi-Fi-linked camera hanging underneath, then monitors its shot, replays footage and manages its settings using the GoPro app.
As a side benefit, the phone/case doubles as a camera handle.
The angle of the GoPro relative to the case can be adjusted, although because the camera is mounted upside-down, users will have to enable its shot-flipping feature – or, they can just flip the footage in editing.
Dorn and Tully are currently raising production funds for their device, on Kickstarter. A pledge of AUD$40 (US$36) will get you one, when and if they're ready to go. You could instead just get GoPro's own LCD BacPac module, although the current model is priced at $80, and won't make it any easier for you to hold onto the camera.
The GoPhone can be seen in use in the pitch video below.
Source: Kickstarter