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Category: Tech Trends

August 24, 2025

Best Case Designs to Protect Your iPhone’s Camera Lenses

Am I the only one who worries about scratching my iPhone’s camera lenses? I thought I had found the perfect case with lens protection two years ago, but it didn’t hold up. Here’s the story of my new search, and how I finally found a better case.

Are you frustrated when you search to buy a product, and it doesn’t seem to exist? Welcome to my world. 

A couple years back I decided that I wanted to give extra protection to the three camera lenses on the back of my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The obvious solution was a case with a removable cover for the lenses.

Sure, I know the iPhone’s lenses are coated with a layer of synthetic sapphire. Yes, they’re supposed to be totally scratch resistant. Every Apple genius I’ve talked with has confirmed there’s no need to worry about the lenses. (Just don’t point a diamond-tipped drill bit at them.)

iPhone Cases Should Offer More Lens Protection
As a result of this collective consensus, just about every iPhone case leaves this part of the iPhone entirely unprotected (except for a raised rim).

But this doesn’t feel quite right to me. Other camera lenses (for ‘traditional’ cameras) are offered the protection from a lens cap.

I simply want a similar safeguard for my iPhone.

Case Closed?
First off, I shunned the option to buy those clear, pop-on caps for each iPhone lens. Sure, they may protect the lens, but I think these caps must degrade the resulting quality of the iPhone pictures.The good news is I eventually found an iPhone case with a little ‘door’ over the lenses that I could simply flip open. 

It’s the UBMag XT case made by SUPCASE, and it was exactly what I needed. That is… until the frame recently started to crack and separate. (To be fair, I got almost two years of protection from my SUPCASE. Maybe that’s all anyone should expect.)

So, I began my search for a replacement. I decided to look for a different brand that might offer a more durable case.

Sliding Towards Disappointment
After extensive Googling, here’s what I came up with:

  • Were there any more cases with flippy doors out there?
    No, none that I could find. 
  • What about cases with little plastic sliding doors to protect the lenses?
    Yes, there were a few cases like that on Amazon.

But unfortunately, all those cases with a sliding door received mediocre reviews. It felt like I’d find these cases at the bottom of a Cracker Jacks box. 

I was not inspired.

A New iPhone Case Category Emerges
No flippy-door cases. Cheaply made ‘sliding’-door cases. Now what?

My little research project had revealed that today’s iPhone case market has seemly matured into a mind-numbing number of inexpensive options from unknown brands that are impossible to properly assess. And I’m not even talking about my (unreasonable?) need to cover up my iPhone’s camera lenses.

So, with hundreds of iPhone cases to choose from, there wasn’t one for Barrett? 

Well, not entirely. Across my journey, I accidentally came upon a solution built for a different requirement.

iPhone Cases Designed to Mount External Lenses
I discovered an iPhone case market for add-on lenses that enhance an iPhone’s photographic chops. (You mount these ‘mini’ premium lenses on top of an iPhone’s native lens using a specialized iPhone case or a clip.) 

Now, you may think that’s a freaky concept. Why would anyone want to start bolting a Frankensteinian lens on top of their uber-svelte iPhone?

The answer is the massive 48-megapixel camera sensor that iPhones now use for the main 1X camera. That feature attracts certain photographers and filmmakers. With better glass, an iPhone can be upgraded beyond its original photographic parameters.

You can buy telephoto, anamorphic, fisheye and macro lenses to push your iPhone closer into DSLR/mirrorless camera territory without spending thousands of dollars more.

No, I wasn’t looking to do any of this. (Not exactly.) But when I realized a class of iPhone cases exists designed to house these add-on lenses, I decided to take a closer look. 

The structural design of these cases recesses the iPhone’s native lenses, creating the necessary clearance to attach an external lens.

More importantly, this lens-mount design also creates the solve for my lens protection obsession. Even though the iPhone’s lenses are still exposed, they’re perfectly cocooned within their circular openings.

Eureka!

Case Brands to Consider
I discovered these seven companies that manufacture iPhone lenses and their associated lens-mount cases:

  • Freewell
  • Moment
  • Neewer
  • PolarPro
  • Reeflex  
  • SANDMARC 
  • ShiftCam

None of the cases from these companies are designed with a flippy or sliding door for the base iPhone lenses. I finally had to let that dream go.

But this case category has its own advantages. Here are some important differentiators:

Lens Cap from Freewell
Freewell is the only brand to offer an actual pop-off lens cap for its iPhone case. (It’s magnetic.)

Lens Plate from PolorPro
The PolarPro LiteChaser case with a defender plate offers a slide in-and-out lens cover. (It does the same job as a lens cap.)

Protection Vs. Speed
These two options would satisfy my need to cover and protect my iPhone’s camera lenses. But even though I found what I was looking for, I still wasn’t satisfied. Why?

I realized that from a usability perspective, every time I wanted to use my iPhone camera, I would have to first remove the lens cap or defender plate and put it in my pocket. Only then could I turn my attention back towards taking the picture or video.

And that extra step takes a few seconds. Is it such a big deal? Yes, in fact, I think it is.

Often, when I take a photo, it’s very much in the moment… meaning the perfect image is right in front of me. A few seconds later is often too late. The moment is gone.

Spending any time fiddling with a removable lens cover would contribute to me missing that moment. (A flippy door or slide-aside solution is so much faster.)

Plus, there’s the added baggage of forever having to keep track of the little black cover and worrying about losing it.

All my enthusiasm drained away again. Even though I found what I was looking for, I realized it still wasn’t right for me.

So, now what?

Hello, SANDMARC
Yes, I had to compromise on my definition of ‘protection.’ 

Even without a lens cap or removable plate, these ‘pro’ cases still protect the native iPhone lenses with their lens-mount design. And that’s a big step in the right direction for me.

One company’s marketing tuned particularly well into my lens protection concerns. 

It’s SANDMARC. 

This brand from San Diego makes a variety of travel bags and iPhone gear and specifically promotes its iPhone Pro Case as “a case designed to protect your iPhone camera.”

SANDMARC’s website hooked me with this line: “Whether you’re a photographer or not, this is the case to get for the everyday.”

Huh.

The tank-like 17mm lens mount block is aluminum, and the case is designed for MagSafe wireless charging.
(Note – The leather version of this case is not MagSafe.)

Nice.

SANDMARC’s Pro Case costs $45, which is double the cost of most cases out there. That said, it does have a microfiber inner lining and metal buttons.

Plus, if it does the job, I’m fine with that price point.

And after many hours of research, I decided that I had finally reached my destination. Click.

My SANDMARC iPhone Pro Case was shortly on its way with free shipping.

Runner Ups
A few of the other brands did come close to reaching the finish line but ultimately fell short.

  • Moment
    This brand is perhaps the best known in this market. I just didn’t like the half-twist mount solution for the T-series mobile lenses as much. It didn’t seem quite as secure. (Yes, I can’t hide that I was already wanting a Frankenstein lens.)
  • Reeflex
    I originally decided that this was the case for me. But I had a question about shipping costs from Italy. Reeflex’s website promised amazing customer service (though only through email). I tried twice with my question but never heard anything back. This is certainly not a good way to begin a relationship with a company. So, I bailed.
  • ShiftCam
    I just couldn’t get beyond the fabric finish of their case. Maybe that’s cool, and yes, it’s great that it’s machine washable. But I’m not going to do that. 

Lens Protection Achieved!
All that mattered is I finally found the right case for Barrett. I’ve introduced my new SANDMARC iPhone Pro Case to my iPhone, and I’m satisfied with this new union. 

My iPhone’s camera lenses are doing just fine sitting recessed in the case. Mission accomplished.

End of story? Well, not quite.

A New Lens Comes Next
This SANDMARC case also offers my iPhone a new superpower if I simply screw in any of those nifty, little add-on lenses. I think you’ve already guessed where this is going.

Next time – Barrett goes microscopic!

My new case is already taking me on a new photographic journey…

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August 10, 2025

Why Did “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” Stumble at the Box Office?

This Marvel movie about a superhero family from an alternate, retro-future Earth had all the right ingredients but was still doomed to underperform. Here’s my review.

My son and I went out to the movies to see “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” shortly after the box office turned against it. (Ticket sales plunged 67% during its second weekend in the theaters.) What looked like a big hit was proving to be just a moderate success. It received great reviews. So, what went wrong?

After the post-credit scene, my son looked at me and asked if I liked the movie. I half-heartedly said, “Yes.” He agreed in a similar tone. Clearly, neither of us were enthusiastic. I think we both wanted to enjoy the movie more than we did. (He eventually admitted he liked “Thunderbolts*” much more.)

Not that I’m an ‘official’ movie reviewer (although if you know me, I’ve been chasing that dream since I was in college), but I think I know what’s going on here.

The Alternate Reality of Earth-828
If you’re a Marvel fan, then you’re hoping for a hit, just like me. (It’s been something of a dry spell.) We all wanted “The Fantastic Four” to succeed.

And there’s a lot to like about it. It’s fresh. It’s different. It’s retro futuristic.

But while the 1960s design choice is visually appealing, it also creates an energetic void that limits the movie.

Our main characters are effectively stuck in a type of “WandaVision” faux reality. The movie is so intent on setting up its alternate universe for this Earth-828, it takes up more screen time than it should. We even get to see fictional Saturday morning “Fantastic Four” cartoons, as if this cements the connection.

We get it. 

Blast Off to Yesterday’s Tomorrow
This movie works hard to remind us of a ‘better,’ more optimistic and wholesome time in our history. And this nostalgic hook does have some payoffs.

For me, one of the best moments comes during the rocket launch sequence. As we get a beautiful Apollo-type liftoff, complete with rousing music (by Michael Giacchino), we can spot “United States” etched in the ship’s frame and perfectly positioned in the shot.

Yes, I felt a little jolt of adrenaline as the cool ship ascended from its hip New York City launch pad.

Many parts of this movie are designed with a bright, optimistic feel. And to a certain extent, it works.

Family Friendly
Directed by Matt Shakman, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” looks fantastic. But it plays too much like an after-school TV special.

The overall theme is about ‘family’ (though it’s actually more about parenting). There’s a layer of connection and warmth that permeates through the entire film. (Even the spectacle of our heroes’ superpowers is more of an afterthought for much of the movie.)

But that also takes the edge off… just about everything. (Sure, the world may end, but gosh darn it, we’re all going to stick together, right?)

I feel the best scenes occur off world where we’re not reminded of the ‘good-old-days’ era of Earth-828. Deep in the cosmos, our characters are finally allowed to react more authentically to the dangers that confront them.

Where’s the Conflict?
Said another way, there’s just not enough tension in this story. Our Fantastic Four family barely argues. Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards just worries a lot. Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is way too nice for his brash character. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s ‘Thing’ is so polite and sweet, you just want to squeeze him. Even the evil Silver Surfer played by Julia Garner (minor spoiler alert) has a soft spot.

Fortunately, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm powers the movie’s major themes. The story orbits her struggles. 

This is really a movie about motherhood and doing anything for your children. And it’s beautiful. The movie’s high points all surround Sue Storm.

But I’m not sure this is enough to be at the center of a Marvel movie.

Too Charming to be Believable
A family of superheroes without disfunction is a different formula, and it’s not one that’s powered Marvel’s biggest hits.

Our favorite Marvel characters are flawed. They’re often funny. Sometimes inappropriate.

Chris Evans’ Captain America was the obvious exception. But his character was always a fish out of water, and that was the storytelling strategy. And it worked.

These Fantastic Four are pretty-darned perfect and live on an easy-breezy Earth-828 with analog tech from the 1960s that can somehow power a spaceship faster than the speed of light.

It’s simply fantastic (and skews dangerously close to fantasy).

It’s just not realistic. I know this is science fiction, but good storytelling needs to be grounded in a reality you can believe in and relate to.

Moms, Assemble!
I think parents (especially mothers) will connect most to this movie. And those old enough to remember the good vibes of the ‘60s.

And that’s simply not Marvel’s core target audience. For my 15-year-old’s generation, this movie must be culturally confusing. It doesn’t really feel like a Marvel movie. 

To be a blockbuster, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” needs to connect with just about everyone.

First Steps was Bound to Stumble
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is not a bad movie. It’s good. Just not fantastic.

And in an era of declining box office returns and growing fatigue with mediocre Marvel films, it’s no surprise “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” underperformed.

Silver Lining
Here’s the good news: If you’re generally not a big Marvel movie fan, because there’s too much violence, or you’ve lost track of the extended storyline that links all the films together, then this is the perfect Marvel flick for you.

It’s a standalone story in its own corner of the multiverse and doesn’t even deserve its PG-13 rating (maybe it’s a bit intense here and there).

“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a solid summer movie for someone who doesn’t like the typical sci-fi blockbuster.

The 1960s Never Looked So Good
The movie’s earnest energy and gee-wiz sense of wonder may not totally wow everyone, but Earth-828 in the MCU is still swell and groovy.

Still, I prefer our much messier Earth-616.

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July 20, 2025

How to Magically Turn your Photo into a Video Using Generative AI

Is this a real photo I took or one generated by AI? It’s both and neither. And then I miraculously converted it into a short video clip. Welcome to bending the rules of reality with just a couple of clicks.

The creative realm is no longer inhabited exclusively by human minds. Generative AI tools have revolutionized how you and I can develop our own creativity. Yes, AI may still require our inspiration, but then it magically does most of the work.

One way to quickly immerse yourself in this new creative workflow is through a simple shortcut. Just start with a real photograph/image that you’ve already created as a reference point. Then, it’s much easier for an AI app to develop it further as opposed to having to start the process from scratch through extensive prompts.

For me, that’s been the key to easily unlock AI’s visual powers.

AI Follows the Creative Direction from your Photography
After uploading your own photo, you can create an AI-generated clone in one click that looks remarkably similar. The AI takes certain creative liberties, but it nails the framing and essential visual elements.

And then, with just a few more prompts and a click, you can generate short video clips that bring your photos to life.

So yes, we can now create videos out of thin air based on our photography. 

Here are a few examples I generated after feeding my photos through Google’s Whisk and Veo generative AI models. (Other companies offer similar fast-developing technologies.)

Maine Sunrise
I snapped this sunrise photo during our Maine vacation:

Here’s the Google Whisk version:

And here’s the Google Veo video:


Alaska Sunrise
Here’s my sunrise shot from Homer, Alaska during our 2023 trip.

Whisk photo:

Veo video:


Baltimore Sunrise
Here’s my photo of people walking by the water in Baltimore, Maryland.

Whisk photo:

Veo video:


Two Paddleboarders on the Ocean
I photographed these two paddleboarders in Maine last year.

Whisk photo:

Veo video:


A Man and his Dog
During our vacation in Alaska, I took a photo of a man with his beautiful golden retriever. I processed it through Google Whisk and Veo and generated this:

Whisk photo:

Veo video:


Generative AI Provides the Paint and Canvas
I find these examples remarkable and clearly disruptive. I’m still adjusting to the massive implications to all this. 

Generative AI tools have quickly become our new paint and canvas to bring our creative ideas to life. And the results will only get better.

So, it’s time for all of us to relearn how to paint, even as photographers.

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