Apple picker The Optrix waterproof shockproof iPhone case with a wide-angle front lens has been praised to the skies by American websites, so I was wondering what the reality was. Optrix XD5 for iPhone 5 is a redesigned XD4 model for iPhone 4 with increased waterproofness and shock resistance. It turns the iPhone into something similar to GoPro cameras, designed for filming action sports. The case is waterproof up to 10 meters, according to the manufacturer's data, the phone in it can withstand a fall from 9 meters without damage. Videos show the case being run over by a truck, and Optrix has a user letter on its site about how his iPhone fell into a river in the case and was still working when someone else found it at the bottom three months later and pulled it out.
The case is two-part. The inside is a regular case, protecting the back of the phone and the sides, it can also be used separately. It fits snugly into the clear polycarbonate outer case, which has two watertight doors, a detachable three-layer wide-angle lens with a plastic cap, and rails to attach mounting accessories.
On the side under which the phone's display is located, there is a film enabling its operation, on the opposite side of the mounting rail. From the control buttons, the volume control and the sleep button are accessible from the outside. On the speaker side, there's a waterproof lid that, when opened, exposes the headphone jack, power and Lightning connector, and opens the sound path to the built-in microphone, which has a more natural sound when the door is open. Unfortunately, the door cannot be locked in the open position.
Package contents
In the box of the Optrix XD5 you will find a case, a plastic slide-on part for the rails, which can be attached to one of the two supplied plastic forks using an almost too massive and heavy socket head screw and a nut pressed into the plastic handle. Both have double-sided 3M self-adhesive material on the bottom for sticking to a flat or curved surface. In the forks, there are also holes for screwing to the mat and holes for pulling the tensioning straps for the cables. They have a circular knurling around the hole for the screw, which allows arresting at angles of inclination of approximately plus 60 minus 90 degrees. The last part of the accessory is a two-part safety loop made of a thin rigid material with a snap buckle connecting the two parts.
The offer of other accessories is gradually expanding. Currently, it is possible to purchase a chest carrier, a Sucker suction adapter for a smooth surface, for example on a boat, a Dolly for a smooth ride, a Monopod telescopic rod, a three-legged tripod with bendable Gorilla type legs and a Chase Rig stabilization holder, which can be used to shoot an unshaken image when parallel skiing or skateboarding while the cameraman holds the camera with one hand. The range of attachment accessories is completed by the Roll Bar for logs, such as bicycle handlebars. All of these adapters include a photo tripod adapter that can probably be used on its own. Optrix doesn't offer it separately, but it's relatively easy to do yourself.
Application
Specialized applications are available for the Optrix case. Free VideoSport it has the task of locking the focus so that there is no constant refocusing during fast movement. It also promises the option of choosing a resolution from 192 × 144 pixels to 1080p and a frame rate of 15 to 30 frames per second; but these functions do not work for me, only the focus lock. The application saves the recorded videos in its sandbox, where they can be deleted, played or saved in the image database of the camera. You can set the resolution and frequency changes, but when you try to save, the program goes into an infinite loop and you can't just shoot it manually. At a new start, the parameters are back to standard values. The only thing that works is to lock focus and shoot. But even the basic Camera application can do that, so the question is what is the point of using this application. Optrix claims its apps are designed to work better with a wide-angle lens, but the width of the shot taken by VideoSport is the same as that taken by the standard Camera app.
Optrix Video Pro is a paid application for 9 euros. It can add information layers to the video with data on current congestion, speed, circuit map and lap time. It can export the route to Google Earth, and there are features included in the free VideoSport app, but judging by the comments on the App Store, they don't work here either.
Practical experiences
I've shot with the Optrix case indoors and outdoors, handheld, on a pole, and on a helmet. At the same time, various practical insights were gained.
Lens cover
The first thing that surprises a person after unpacking is the unsuitable lens cover. Its edges are thicker than the gap between the shutter lever and the lens, so you can't close or open the case without removing the cover. In addition, the cover on the lens does not hold very well, it falls off when it comes into contact with the surroundings, for example in a pocket, and I also lost it during the first shooting outside. This slip-up, with an otherwise perfectly precise design, can probably only be explained by the fact that the case was designed for a different cover design than the one with which it is now supplied. In any case, with the cover implemented in this way, the case cannot be used outside of filming as a durable protective case, as advertised by the manufacturer, simply because the wide-angle lens is convex and without the cap it would soon get scratched.
Attachment
The basic supply of mounting accessories includes a handle for sliding the case onto the rails and screwing it into one of the two forks. One fork is for straight and one for curved surface. They can be attached by gluing with the supplied double-sided adhesive 3M, screwed, or attached with tightening tapes. I glued a self-made adapter for a photo tripod to a straight fork. At first I didn't have much luck with the universal helmet stick fork, because of the curvature it doesn't stick to most helmets. However, with a little creativity, the fork can be attached with cable ties to almost anything with holes.
Overheating
Similar to other waterproof cases, activities in the bright sun in the absence of wind, when the phone is not cooled by flowing air or water in the case, which in this case acts as a greenhouse, can cause overheating and spontaneous shutdown. This is further supported by the black color of the inner case. At the same time, if you have your phone out of visual control - on a helmet or a pole on your backpack - you don't even have to think about it and you only later find out that you didn't record anything. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to repeat the shots.
Shooting video
The wide-angle lens with an angle of 175 degrees allows you to shoot blind quite successfully. Even if you can't see the screen, you can hit the filmed object quite well. When filming, you need to pay attention to the safety strap. It's stiff and has a tendency to stick into the frame if you don't snap it, especially if you leave only the still-attached half hanging from the case.
When shooting continuous fast movement, especially if the phone shakes, such as cycling, skiing and the like, it is better to use an application with the ability to lock the focus for shooting, which the built-in camera can do, the free but poor VideoSport, or a well-equipped application can be recommended FILMiC PRO for 5 euros, which can also set the resolution and frame rate and lock the focus, it also has a four-fold zoom and other options. If you're looking to add speed and overload data to your footage, there's no choice but to opt for the €9 Optrix VideoPro.
Shooting video and taking pictures with the phone in the case is limited to good lighting conditions. The backlight LED is covered and only shines a little into the lens. The case cannot be used in the dark.
After several uses, especially after attaching it to a helmet, the originally rigid case became somewhat "loose" and the edge of the wide-angle lens cap began to occasionally appear in the corners of the image. Given the tone of the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on the Optrix website to address this issue, this is not an isolated issue. The first recommendation to use Optrix apps, which supposedly work better with a wide angle lens, makes no sense. The Optrix VideoSport has the same field of view as a standard camera. Therefore, there is only the second recommendation, to crop the recorded video so that the edges of the lens are not visible in the corners. This is possible, for example, in iMovie on a computer.
Sound record
A bit of a problem. If we use the built-in microphone, the disturbing sounds produced by the case and its mounting cannot be avoided. Every touch is clearly audible. If the case is completely closed, the sound is logically like from the box and is very weak except for the mentioned noises. This can be improved somewhat by opening the door for the speakers and power supply, which we can afford if the case is at rest and there is no danger of water. If the case with the phone is in motion, the amount of noise will be increased by the knocking of the open door. A relatively good solution is to use the headphones with microphone and remote control that come with the phone. In that case, the sound is taken from the headphones and the rattling of the case is not heard. Again, this is only possible with the door open. Unfortunately, external headphones with a microphone connected via Bluetooth are not a solution, as experiments have shown, the internal microphone does not turn off during filming and the noises are always interrupted.
If we record with the built-in Camera application or the VideoSport application, we can start and end the recording with the volume up button, which also works with headphones with controls. This is useful when we have a phone with a case that is inaccessible, for example on a pole on a backpack, which is a proven way of filming mountain climbing, or on a helmet. Unfortunately, the FILMiC PRO application does not have this option.
Making phone calls
It works, but it hurts. The voice and possibly the music can be heard from the phone closed in the case, but in order for the caller to hear you, you have to shout a lot and even then it's not very good. The only reasonable option is to open the lid of the microphone or BT earphone.
Will GoPro replace the Hero3?
GoPro Hero is a popular series of several outdoor cameras with different parameters. All models are 1080p/30 FPS, just like Optrix for iPhone. The GoPro Hero3 has a 170° wide-angle lens with a fixed focus, and the iPhone can also choose the image focus point, exposure and focus lock.
The GoPro has audio issues similar to the Optrix. GoPro has a larger ecosystem and selection of accessories, it is somewhat lighter than the iPhone/Optrix combination. You probably won't put together a stereoscopic combination of two iPhones on one head.
Without additional accessories, it is not possible to see what the GoPro is currently recording, or to play back the recorded material. You have to have a separate monitor for this for 100 euros, for remote control via WiFi you pay another 100 euros, but you can replace both of these devices with a free iPhone application.
iPhone/Optrix shows the captured action on the display. You don't carry any extra weight with you, you carry the phone anyway and the case doesn't weigh much. The iPhone also has Wi-Fi, plus Bluetooth.
In terms of battery life, the iPhone and GoPro are similar, about two hours of filming. However, with a GoPro, unlike an iPhone, you can replace the battery with a charged one and keep going. For the iPhone, it is necessary to connect an external battery and charge it. This is not always possible during filming.
The iPhone is a phone-calling computer and of course it has all the extras including GPS and editing applications iMovie, Pinnacle and others, which the GoPro doesn't have because it's "just" a camera. Comparing the image from both solutions, the GoPro has a better presentation in the corners of the image. The iPhone is also more versatile photographically. You can take it out of the case and shoot or take pictures without the wide-angle attachment. The price comparison is based on the fact that you pay around 2 CZK for the Optrix case in basic accessories. That's not much, but GoPro costs from 800 to 6 CZK depending on the model, so if you already have an iPhone, the Optrix case can be considered, especially if filming is not your profession.
As far as I know, the Optrix XD5 is not yet imported to the Czech Republic. In Europe, the basic case can be bought for 119 euros on Amazon.de, or in the e-shop xeniahd.com for 90 pounds, where they also carry a selection of existing accessories and you can buy cheaper sets of cases with accessories. Buying directly from Optrix in the US is not worth it due to customs complications, but some accessories can only be bought there.
[one_half last="no"]
advantages:
[Checklist]
- Excellent mechanical protection
- Waterproof
- 175 degree wide shot
- Can be used as a case
- Quick insertion and removal of the phone
- The inner case can be used separately.[/checklist][/one_half]
[one_half last="yes"]
Disadvantages:
[bad list]
- Non-retaining lens cap
- The edge of the lens sometimes creeps into the frame
- The controls are a bit stiff
- Risk of overheating
[/badlist][/one_half]
Samples:
Optrix XD5/iPhone 5 underwater and on a helmet:
[youtube id=”iwLpnw2jYpA” width=”620″ height=”350″]
Optrix XD5/iPhone 5 in hand and on a monopod:
[youtube id=”24gpl7N7-j4″ width=”620″ height=”350″]
It's a shame that the cock is in the grip, she's not there occasionally, but constantly. Otherwise, quite a great accessory and quite adequate replacement for GoPro (in any case, GoPro has better image quality in my opinion). Maybe if the iPhone could be fixed more so that it doesn't move at that time, it wouldn't be so annoying.
iPhone as an adequate replacement for GoPro 3? :D Really?
I think the article provides enough information for anyone to decide if they want Optrix or not. It is not written anywhere if it is or is not a replacement and if it is adequate. Everyone has to answer that for themselves according to what they expect from it.
The comparison with GoPro 3 is completely wrong. I have a GoPro 3 Black Edition – first of all, it can record 1080/60p and not 30 as in the article. Other usable modes include 2,7K/30p and, last but not least, still usable 720p at 120 fps, which is ideal for slow motion. The optics and the work of automatic focus and aperture are on a completely different level in GoPro. I don't want to condemn the photo in the iPhone 5, which is quite decent and the video is also, but we are talking about diametrically different things and no case will turn the iPhone 5 into a sports camera. Just like GoPro, it will never replace a camera just because it can take 12MP photos, or a film camera, because it can also take 4K video.
and what about Lifeproof?
According to Optrix, the Lifeproof is 3 feet (approx. 1 meter) waterproof, the Optrix XD5 33 feet (approx. 10 meters)
Thanks for the link. Lifeproof carefully avoids mentioning any number on its website, it does not specify what exactly the water test is. It's not worth comparing Optrix and Lifeproof anyway, because Lifeproof is just a case, Optrix a case with a lens and has a wider use.
UPDATE: A new version of the Optrix Videosport application was released today, which now works properly, so you can delete all the complaints about the application made in the article.