ShiftCam SnapSeries roundup: a MagSafe ecosystem

The ShiftCam SnapSeries lineup has evolved to include a more powerful battery pack, a larger studio light, and a much taller tripod — all connected via MagSafe. Here’s how it all fits together.

ShiftCam offers an increasingly varied range of equipment for content creators and photographers that work from iPhone. When I reviewed the original SnapGrip, I was excited by the prospect of an evolving MagSafe accessory ecosystem, and ShiftCam continues to deliver with the latest SnapSeries products.

ShiftCam also offers a lens set for iPhone called LensUltra, which I found to be a strong competitor to other attachable lens options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is compatible with this set via a new case, so I’ll discuss the set alongside SnapSeries here in this roundup.

There’s a lot going on with ShiftCam and it seems the company is paying close attention to how people use their iPhone to create. The company has also introduced MagSafe SSDs that can snap into place alongside any SnapSeries accessory.

Everything snaps together with magnets, but you may not need or want everything, so here’s how each accessory works and fits in with the rest.

SnapGrip Pro

The SnapGrip Pro is a big update to the original model with a 5,000mAh capacity and Qi2. It’s much more efficient and lets you capture photos and record video much longer.

SnapGrip Pro is a MagSafe battery pack and shutter control for iPhone

Connect directly to the USB-C port for 20W PD charging. It’s much faster than Qi2 and handy when recording high-resolution video that’s draining the battery quickly.

The SnapGrip Pro isn’t just a MagSafe battery though, it’s a Bluetooth shutter that can control the iPhone’s camera. The grip is shaped like a traditional camera grip too, so it helps steady shots.

The iPhone 16 lineup has a dedicated button called Camera Control, but it’s not quite the same as using SnapGrip Pro’s shutter button. There are a lot of swiping and pressing gestures with Camera Control, which can be useful in some situations, but there’s nothing better than an easy-to-press shutter.

Get a better grip while shooting photos and capture with less shake with SnapGrip Pro

I really like Camera Control, but I tend to use it while holding the iPhone with two hands. It’s a bit fiddly too, so pressing the shutter can sometimes lead to accidentally zooming.

With SnapGrip Pro, you can easily hold the iPhone steady with one hand and press the shutter. It’s really about what function you need, as I find both can exist and have their separate uses.

Get the SnapGrip Pro for $89 from ShiftCam’s website.

SnapStand Max

The 70-inch SnapStand Max is a great portable tripod that collapses to just 11 inches long and uses MagSafe to attach an iPhone. There is a built-in rechargeable shutter button that can be removed from the handle too.

SnapStand Max folds up to fit in your bag

The MagSafe mount head can swivel 200 degrees for whatever angle you need. It’s sturdy enough to hold your iPhone aloft without worrying about sag.

The stand opens with a button at the base of the handle when it’s closed. It telescopes smoothly upwards and can be left at any length securely.

The mount still feels plenty sturdy even if you load it up with accessories like the SnapStudio Light, SnapGrip Pro, and an iPhone. However, be aware of how much weight there is as you extend the tripod, as an uneven surface could cause the entire device to tilt and fall.

The full 70-inch height can get wobbly, especially with other accessories attached

When extending the SnapStand Max to its tallest setting, it may be best to limit it to the iPhone and SnapLight. It remains its sturdiest to about 48 inches in length — any taller with more accessories attached, perhaps keep a person holding it steady.

I’m happy that the SnapStand Max can extend to such a tall height. It’s handy for capturing a quick photo or video in some situations. However, that extra length comes at a tradeoff to stability and a slight bump can cause everything to fall over.

Even just setting it to 55 inches increased my confidence in its ability to stand without a wobble by a lot. Like any tall stand like this, it’s important to understand its limits.

The collapsible feet don’t do much to prevent tilting

The SnapStand Max isn’t like a traditional tripod that has three legs that extend. Instead, it’s got three feet that stay the same size while a neck is extended, which is automatically not as sturdy by design, but you do get a much smaller product when folded up.

All that said, I wouldn’t ask for the stand to be shorter. Users just need to be careful and use their best judgement when setting up.

Get the SnapStand Max for $71.10 from ShiftCam, currently discounted from $79.

SnapStudio Light

The SnapStudio Light is another battery-powered accessory from ShiftCam. It has 10 steps of brightness adjustment up to 440 lumens while on battery or 600 lumens when connected to a power source.

SnapStudio Light offers great lighting options for photos and video

Users can also control temperature 10 steps between 2,500K and 6,000K. Buttons on the side of the light provide easy access to controls.

The MagSafe mount in the center can be rotated 180 degrees for easy switching between front and back cameras. Attach it to the SnapStand Max for a studio setup, or connect it to the SnapGrip Pro for a portable selfie or vlogging tool.

Like with any ring light, reflections are going to be a problem, especially at a close proximity. You’re going to see the square light in your glasses or even reflected in your eyes unless you’re at a certain distance or angle from the light.

The SnapStudio Light has a center MagSafe mount that can be rotated

The nice thing about the ShiftCam ecosystem is all of the options for mounting devices. There’s a screw mount on each side that can attach to the included stand or any standard tripod mount.

The internal battery can last about 40 minutes at max brightness. Connect the SnapGrip Pro and wire it to the light to extend its time and available brightness.

Get the SnapStudio Light for $89 from ShiftCam.

ProMic Shotgun and Cold Shoe Mount

If you’re looking to add a little more versatility and universal compatibility, ShiftCam has a cold shoe mount called the SnapShoe. It’s only $29.99 from ShiftCam.

The ProMic Shotgun attaches to the MagSafe SnapShoe mount

If you buy the ShiftCam ProMic Shotgun, it can be set into the SnapShoe. Buy them as a bundle for $109.98 or get the mic alone for $79.99.

The SnapShoe is a great addition because it attaches via MagSafe but allows other accessories outside of the ShiftCam ecosystem to be attached. It’s just a standard cold shoe mount, so bring whatever light or mic you’d like.

The ProMic Shotgun does a great job picking up your voice, and it’s going to be better than your iPhone mic in some situations. That’s especially true since you have the options for different wind filters.

It’s a Super-cardioid mic with a 20Hz to 18kHz frequency response. It works over a standard audio jack and has a second port for connecting headphones.

ProMic Shotgun relies on audio jacks for interfacing

You’re going to need a USB-C to headphone jack adapter to use this mic, so it’s probably not the best choice for modern iPhones. Though, if that’s not an issue, then it’s a good mic.

Perhaps ShiftCam can work on releasing a new version with USB-C connectivity.

SnapMount Camera Case

ShiftCam let me try out its SnapMount Camera Case in addition to its SnapSeries accessories. It’s part of a complete photography or media production package, so I had to put it all together with the LensUltra set.

SnapMount Camera Case with adapters bring LensUltra to iPhone 16 Pro Max

The new case is made from a really nice textured fabric that’s actually machine washable. It has a cutout for Camera Control and tactile covers for the other buttons.

The lens mounting system changed to something ShiftCam calls an S-mount. It was previously a 12mm thread, so this change is a bit odd considering the LensUltra system still uses that older thread style.

I assume it’s due to a shift in how they want to make lenses in the future. The 12mm mount requires a couple of turns to secure the lens completely, while the S-mount is just a simple twist mechanism that feels secure with a half turn.

The SnapMount Camera Case comes with two S-Mount adapters

The SnapMount Camera Case ships with two of the S-mount adapters, so that should be enough for users to get by. However, for someone like me that owns the full lens set, I wish I could order more S-mount adapters separately just so I didn’t have to swap the mount between lenses.

The case supports MagSafe charging and works with all the SnapSeries accessories without issue. I like that the case has a nice design and isn’t too bulky, so it can be used as a case regularly without feeling like I need to take it off when not using the lenses.

Get the SnapMount Camera Case for $49.99 from ShiftCam. Be sure to choose your iPhone model from the list.

Using SnapSeries

If you get the SnapSeries Professional Kit and the other accessories mentioned above, they can fit together in interesting ways to accomplish different tasks. Of course, you can snap them all together into a kind of monster MagSafe tower, but it’s likely not very practical.

ShiftCam SnapSeries can be used together for a modular setup

Set up to record a video with the stand, light, and microphone, and since you’re likely stationary, use an external power source instead of attaching the MagSafe battery to the already wobbly stack. Use the battery pack when you’re looking to go handheld rather than relying on the stand.

That isn’t to say you can’t connect everything together, but it’s just a little unwieldy. As I’ve said previously, use your best judgement.

I do think it’s really cool that you can pick and choose accessories to snap together for whatever you need at that moment. However, there may be some trial and error in figuring out exactly which order the pieces should go in.

The only way the SnapGrip Pro charges the iPhone is if it is directly attached, but there are situations where you’d want it anyway. For example, place the iPhone in the SnapStudio Light then attach the SnapGrip Pro so you have a grip with a shutter button for taking well-lit selfies.

Take better selfies with SnapGrip Pro and SnapStudio Light

Take that setup even further by using a USB-C cable to provide power and increase the SnapStudio Light brightness, or charge the iPhone over cable at 20W.

There are lots of ways to use the SnapSeries magnetic accessories. The kits are the best way to get everything you need, but be warned, you’ll likely keep coming back for more from ShiftCam to improve the versatility of the setup.

Get the SnapSeries Professional Kit with the SnapStudio Light, SnapStand Max, and SnapGrip Pro for $231.30 from ShiftCam, a 10% discount available at publication. The SnapSeries Professional Kit Pro includes everything plus the ProMic Shotgun and SnapShoe for $311.93, also discounted by 10%.