I created this blog to document the steps I’m taking in making an iPhone DSLR. The honest truth is, I really dont know anything about DSLRs aside from the fact that you press the button and it snaps the picture. So whether the feat is actually possible or not, I’m in to to find out.
I realize that some people will be shocked and appalled that I would even attempt to Frankenstein together a DSL lens on a crumby pocket phone camera. And I realize that this contraption will have no practical value. But for me it’s more of a piece of art than anything else. And I’m hoping to have some fun and learn something in the process.
Without certain components, this will never be a SLR camera. I leave the D off because the concept has been around for a very long time now. I have a 35mm SLR camera that is over 30 years old (still works).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-lens_reflex_camera
At best, it is a camera with interchangeable lenses. That’s not to say your contraption is a lesser device. Using high quality optics is a good way to improve an otherwise crappy camera, though I suspect it won’t improve it much without replacing the existing optics. However, I can see a benefit in being able to use different types of lenses (wide angle, zoom, telephoto, etc) rather than just counting on higher quality imaging.
I’m with the majority of others on this one. I don’t see much practical application for this at all because you’re using a generally very expensive lens (often costing well more than the iphone itself with no contract) on an inherently low quality imaging device.
With that said, cool! I don’t think doing something necessarily needs to have a practical application for it to have value. Do it because you’re enjoying it and because you’ll learn things, or just to pass the time. Who cares if it’s got a practical application beyond you doing it in the first place? Good luck, and have fun playing around with it. Maybe you’ll stumble across something interesting and useful while you’re doing it. There’s certainly no harm in playing.
As mentioned above, the camera isn’t really an SLR (Digital or otherwise) because there is no mechanism inside to shift the incoming light from the viewfinder to the film (or sensor) and back again. It’s a nice bit of kit though, very creative, but at best a lens adaptor / mount.
I’d buy one for kicks if you ever decide to bring them out at a reasonable price.
It’s a great idea. I would bet a fair number current Canon EF/EF-S lens owners also own an iPhone. I also bought an Owle Bubo, so the EF lens adaptor would be a great addition. I think it would be most useful for video. Great idea. Before you get too far along, I agree that calling it a Canon EF/EF-S lens adaptor would create fewer negative comments.
@7note – I realize now that it should have been called a lens adaptor or a lens mount. Sure would have saved me from a lot of criitcism. But alas, hidesight’s 20/20. Anyway, your right about it being most useful for vidoe. After further research, diopters, a DOF adapter, and the geniouses from http://www.vid-atlantic.com here’s some demo footage:
http://iphonedslr.com/blog/archives/109fb
What it is is an afocal adapter for your iPhone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afocal_photography), so you might want to call it Afocal iPhone Adapter or something like that. Sounds cooler too.
Hey guys, this good wook!
I got what you intend, saved to favorites , very decent site.