The accessory that will improve the “selfie”: The mobile photography market continues to evolve, and now comes another attempt to improve one of the most prominent weak points of smartphones - high-quality self-portrait photography. Insta360, a company primarily associated with action cameras and 360-degree cameras, has launched a new product called Snap: A small screen that attaches to the back of the phone and allows the use of the rear camera for higher-resolution self-photography.
The new product is based on a relatively simple idea, but one that has not yet become standard. Instead of relying on the front-facing camera, which usually offers lower quality, Snap adds a 3.5-inch touchscreen that connects directly via USB-C and displays in real time what the rear camera captures. This allows users to see the frame, adjust zoom and focus, and capture photos or video more accurately.
According to the company, the physical USB-C connection provides an advantage over existing wireless solutions. While other external displays rely on wireless communication and may suffer from latency or disconnections, Snap delivers a more stable and faster display - an aspect that may be critical for content creators, especially when filming video.
The device itself is extremely thin, measuring just 6.8 mm thick, and attaches to the back of the device using a magnetic mechanism compatible with MagSafe on iPhones. For other devices, a dedicated magnetic ring is included. At the same time, Snap also supports Android devices that include DisplayPort Alt Mode, which enables screen mirroring via a wired connection.
One of the more interesting aspects of the launch is a collaboration with the beauty brand AMIRO, as part of which an advanced version was introduced that includes built-in LED lighting. The lighting offers several color temperatures and brightness levels, allowing adjustment to different shooting conditions, whether indoor photography in low light or outdoor shooting in the evening.
The price of the basic product stands at $79.99, while the version with lighting is priced at $89.99. This is not a low price range, but it is also not unusual in the photography accessories market, especially for a target audience of content creators, bloggers, and users looking to improve their image quality.
Despite the relative innovation, it is important to note that the category itself is not entirely new. A quick online search reveals a variety of similar solutions, mainly wireless displays. However, Insta360 is attempting to differentiate the product through its direct connection and integration with photography apps and social media platforms.