ShiftCam lenses want to turn your iPhone into a cinema camera
Smartphone cameras have come a long way, and with the right accessories, they can rival professional gear. ShiftCam, known for its high-quality mobile photography accessories, has partnered with media production company Tusk to introduce the CINEMA // Series, a cutting-edge mobile lens and filter system designed to give your iPhone a true cinematic look. If you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or just an iPhone enthusiast looking to up your video game, this might be exactly what you need.
What is the CINEMA // Series?
The ShiftCam CINEMA // Series is a collection of seven attachable lenses and eight cinematic filters designed to enhance the video quality of your iPhone. Whether you’re aiming for a wide-angle shot, a dreamy anamorphic look, or a dramatic close-up, this system offers an affordable and compact alternative to traditional cinema gear.
Unlike ShiftCam’s LensUltra Series, which is aimed at general photography and videography, the CINEMA // Series is specifically designed for filmmaking—particularly for the Netflix-approved iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Let’s break down what makes this system so special.
The Lenses: Elevating Mobile Filmmaking
The CINEMA // Series offers a variety of lenses to help you achieve different cinematic looks. Here’s a closer look at each one:
16mm Wide-Angle Lens
Want to capture expansive landscapes or dramatic establishing shots? This lens provides a wider field of view without heavy distortion, making it perfect for sweeping visuals.
8mm 200º Fisheye Lens
This extreme wide-angle lens gives your shots a unique, distorted look—great for creative projects, action sequences, or dynamic perspective shots.
25mm 10x Macro Lens
If you love extreme close-ups, the macro lens allows you to capture fine details that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This is perfect for shots where texture and detail are key.
60mm Telephoto Lens
Need to get closer to your subject without physically moving? The telephoto lens helps compress backgrounds for a professional, cinematic feel.
75mm Telemacro Lens
A hybrid between a telephoto and a macro lens, this one lets you shoot close-up details with a telephoto effect, perfect for product shots or dramatic storytelling.
18mm 1.33x Anamorphic Lens
Anamorphic lenses are a staple in Hollywood, known for their wider aspect ratio and signature cinematic lens flares. The 18mm 1.33x lens gives your footage that classic widescreen look.
15mm 1.55x Anamorphic Lens
Want an even wider anamorphic effect? The 15mm 1.55x lens provides an extra-stretched aspect ratio and beautiful, cinematic flares that make your footage look straight out of a movie.
The Filters: Achieving the Perfect Look
Cinematic video isn’t just about lenses—it’s also about controlling light and color. The CINEMA // Series includes eight high-quality filters:
Circular Polarizer (CPL)
This filter reduces glare and reflections from surfaces like glass and water, enhancing contrast and clarity.
Black Mist 1/2 Filter
Want a softer, more natural look? This filter reduces digital sharpness and highlights, giving your footage a dreamy, filmic aesthetic.
Variable Neutral Density (VND) Filters
These come in two strengths:
- 1-5 stops for fine-tuned light control in bright conditions.
- 6-9 stops for shooting in extreme brightness, like a sunny day.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters
Fixed ND filters are essential for maintaining proper shutter speed in bright conditions:
- ND64 (reduces light by 6 stops)
- ND128 (reduces light by 7 stops)
- ND512 (reduces light by 9 stops)
These filters help you achieve the right motion blur for natural-looking movement, essential for high-quality cinematic video.
Why Choose ShiftCam CINEMA // Series?
Traditional cinema lenses are expensive and bulky, often requiring additional rigs and setups. The CINEMA // Series provides a compact, affordable solution without compromising on quality.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Designed for iPhone Filmmaking: Optimized for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro Max, ensuring seamless compatibility.
- High-Quality Optics: Made with fluorite crystal optics and multi-layer coatings for clarity, color accuracy, and reduced distortion.
- Versatility: With a mix of anamorphic, macro, wide-angle, telephoto, and fisheye lenses, you can create professional-quality content on your phone.
- Affordable Alternative: At $1,949 for the full set, it’s still significantly cheaper than even a single high-end cinema lens.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re serious about smartphone filmmaking, the CINEMA // Series is a game-changer. Whether you’re shooting a short film, a YouTube video, or a travel vlog, these lenses and filters provide the tools needed to achieve professional-quality cinematic footage—all from the device in your pocket.
Of course, $1,949 isn’t cheap. But when compared to the cost of professional cine lenses (which can run into tens of thousands of dollars), this system provides a cost-effective way to level up your filmmaking.
Final Thoughts
ShiftCam has already proven itself in the mobile photography world, and with the CINEMA // Series, they’re setting a new standard for smartphone filmmaking. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or a passionate content creator, this system provides an accessible and powerful way to achieve cinematic results without investing in bulky, expensive gear.
With its Kickstarter campaign underway, it’s worth keeping an eye on. If you’re ready to turn your iPhone into a cinema camera, ShiftCam’s latest innovation might be the perfect investment.
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