Apple begins stocking Nova iOS-connected Bluetooth camera flash in retail stores

Posted:
in iPhone edited November 2014
Apple has expanded the selection of mobile photography accessories in its retail outlets with the Nova, a wireless, off-camera flash that can be used to enhance low-light shooting and synchronizes with iOS devices using Bluetooth technology.




Nova --?which began life on Kickstarter --?is a wallet-sized flash unit with an array of 40 LED units behind a diffuser. Users can customize the color of the flash, from "cool to warm and soft to bright natural light," or choose from one of four presets.

The flash can be triggered up to 20 feet away from its connected iOS device, and its built-in battery can be recharged using USB. Nova's manufacturer says that the device is designed to be thin enough to fit comfortably into most wallets.




The companion NovaCamera app serves as the control point for the flash and functions as a full-featured camera app. Users also gain control over the focus and exposure of each shot, along with a "full editing suite."

The Nova Bluetooth Flash for iPhone is available from Apple's online store for $59.95 and will make its way into select North American brick-and-mortar outlets later this month.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    How interesting. Hopefully they'll get lots of competition in this space. Such a product would be a nice accessory at $20-$30. Also, I'd like to see dozens of iterations on this idea, especially something like Joby Gorillapod functionality so the flash could be placed or attached anywhere.
  • Reply 2 of 9

    If it really makes night pictures so awesome, such LED array should be just built into a back panel as a standard feature.

  • Reply 3 of 9
    ajmasajmas Posts: 601member
    @jason98:
    Flash strength is only part of the problem. Flash position is the other. Flash works best when it is offset from the subject, rather than being directed directly on the subject. Having the flash as a separate unit allows for it be directed as needed. Also, the battery requirements for a flash unit are generally a consideration.
  • Reply 4 of 9
    jd_in_sbjd_in_sb Posts: 1,600member
    It's funny how they make the standard iPhone photo look like crap if you are not using their product.
  • Reply 5 of 9
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jd_in_sb View Post



    It's funny how they make the standard iPhone photo look like crap if you are not using their product.

    That's because the iphone flash DOES look terrible. In fact, so does this flash. LED based "flash" is still so far behind Xenon flash.

  • Reply 6 of 9
    ecatsecats Posts: 272member
    When they say "Standard iPhone Flash", did they like turn on the flashlight feature and snap a photo with another camera? Because it not only looks like ass, but is so far removed from even the worst night time photos taken on any of the iPhone models.
  • Reply 7 of 9
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by staticx57 View Post

     

    That's because the iphone flash DOES look terrible. In fact, so does this flash. LED based "flash" is still so far behind Xenon flash.




    All front flashes on phones and cameras look pretty bad. It's like shining a flashlight directly at a criminal.

  • Reply 8 of 9
    foggyhillfoggyhill Posts: 4,767member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ECats View Post



    When they say "Standard iPhone Flash", did they like turn on the flashlight feature and snap a photo with another camera? Because it not only looks like ass, but is so far removed from even the worst night time photos taken on any of the iPhone models.

     

    They're all bad. ALL OF THEM. The only thing the Iphone one has on others is that it is at least the right color.

  • Reply 9 of 9
    bluefire1bluefire1 Posts: 1,302member
    The iPhone 6 Plus is a fabulous phone and this accessory can make it even better. I'm ordering one.
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