What's that up there, on top of that Nikon D90? It's a $39 hotshoe-based smartphone mount for DSLRs called the Flash Dock. While it looks like it's designed to take an iPhone an use it as an adjustable, makeshift speedlight, it's actually just a dock that holds your smartphone — no more, no less. The idea is that it'll make it convenient to use some photographer-friendly apps, like light meters, levels, depth-of-field calculators, and voice recorders while shooting. Still, sticking your phone to the top of your camera is only a bit better than holding the phone in your hand when you need it, and all DSLRs have light meters and (most) have levels, too.
$39 smartphone mount for DSLRs is unique, but has few good uses
The Flash Dock is $39 hotshoe-based smartphone mount for DSLRs. While it looks like it’s designed to take an iPhone an use it as an adjustable, makeshift speedlight, it’s actually just a dock that holds your smartphone — no more, no less.
The Flash Dock is $39 hotshoe-based smartphone mount for DSLRs. While it looks like it’s designed to take an iPhone an use it as an adjustable, makeshift speedlight, it’s actually just a dock that holds your smartphone — no more, no less.
The Flash Dock gets moderately more useful as a GPS unit for your camera — just use an app that records GPX data and sync it to your pictures later using your photo-management software of choice — but that’s still something you should be able to pull off with your phone in your pocket, as is the case with using it to transmit photos over Wi-Fi using an Eye-Fi memory card. If you can think up a particular need for a camera mount for your phone, the Flash Dock does appear to be the best option short of going DIY; you can pick it up now directly from the maker’s website for $39, or get it for a few bucks cheaper at Micro Center.
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