If you have ever tried to record a video using your phone’s main camera while also seeing what is in the shot, you know the struggle. The screen is on the back, which means you are basically guessing.
Insta360 thinks it has a clever fix. The company just announced the Insta360 Snap, a magnetic accessory that gives you a proper viewfinder without needing a whole second phone.
The Snap is a 3.5-inch touchscreen that sticks to the back of your phone using magnets. It works like a tiny external monitor. You can see exactly what your rear cameras see, which is great for vloggers or anyone shooting high quality video. It also mirrors your phone’s screen, so you can still tap through apps and menus while using it.
The connection is all through USB-C. The Snap plugs directly into your phone and runs on your phone’s battery. Insta360 says this keeps the delay, or lag, as low as 30 milliseconds. That is much faster than Bluetooth viewfinders, which often feel sluggish.
The magnetic ring comes in the box. It attaches to the Snap and then clicks onto your phone if it supports MagSafe or Qi2 wireless charging standards.
Now for the fine print on compatibility. Insta360 says the Snap works with the iPhone 15 and any newer iPhone models. For Android users, you need a phone with a USB-C port and support for DisplayPort Alt Mode. That is a feature that lets video signals travel over the charging port. Not every Android phone has it, so check your specs before buying.
There are two versions. The standard Insta360 Snap model costs $80 (~Php4,800). The second one costs $90 (~Php5,400) and adds a small adjustable LED light for darker scenes.