iPhone Video Camera Filmmaking Rig with 37mm Lens Mount for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s

I took the Helium Core and my iPhone 6S on vacation recently and it was fantastic. In think what’s nice about the Helium Core versus other iPhone rigs that I’ve seen is that it’s big enough without being too big. It’s basically an oversized cell phone case, so you can still put it in your pocket, when it doesn’t have anything attached to it. And this probably sounds silly but it’s nice even when it doesn’t have anything attached to it. The added weight and bulk makes the iPhone easier to hold and keep steady. It even looks cool. And if you need a mic or a tripod or whatever, just screw it in and go. Using a monopod and a ball head, I made my own selfie stick clone for it. Pretty fun!I carried a small waist pack for the extra gear, and to have a place to put the rig when it was set up but not being used, like if I was shopping or eating or whatever, doing vacation stuff.Here’s what I use with my Helium Core and iPhone:- FiLMiC Pro video camera app (a must-have if you are going to do iPhone video)- Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount- Rode SC7 3.5mm TRS to TRRS Patch Cable (needed to connect the mic to the iPhone jack)- Smallrig 1/4" Male -3/8" Male Converter Screw for Flash Mount (needed to screw the mic to the Helium Core)- Slik Mini-Pro III Tabletop Travel Tripod (cool mini tripod)- Manfrotto MMC3-01 Compact 5 Section Aluminum Monopod (good travel monopod)- Giottos Professional Mini Ball Head Camera Mount (for the monopod)- Moondog Labs 1.33X Anamorphic Adapter - 37 mm (this is just unbelievably sweet but not so useful for typical family vacation clips)

a product with considerable thoughtful design, beautifully machined, and exactly what I need. I wish that it had rubber inserts that would cushion the phone in the event of an accidental fall or drop.

I was fortunate enough to be the second person to buy the Helium Core on the Kickstarter campaign. As a tour guide (motorcycle, kayak and backpacking) and adventure travel blogger, I had long been looking for a solution for my iPhone. I really needed something that would hold my phone on mounts or tripods. I had tried several “cases”, but nothing had the security that I was wanting. The Helium Core works perfectly. I can quickly throw my iPhone in and close the case with the thumbscrews. With the multiple mounting points, I can attach it to my existing Ram Mounts on helmets, motorcycles and kayaks.The design is simple, yet brilliant. I don’t have many of the fancy gizmos that true videographers have, but I can see how boom mics and lights can be easily added to the iPhone using the Core. This has completely changed my confidence in using a device I always have with me. The price is quite affordable for what it does and I cannot praise this enough. You won’t be disappointed with this device and the quality of the design and build are flawless!

Helium Core perfectly nests my iPhone 6S in a fortress of 1/4-20 threaded holes, allowing me to attach (in any arrangement) whatever gear I want: big lenses, multiple light bars, any pro mic, my favorite grips, and whatever else I can think up. It's compact, and the screen and buttons are unhindered, and weight and balance are good. Production quality thus enabled, I can light and shoot as required, then edit, title, and add music, then review and upload immediately. The rig makes it easy, no problem. Con: I should've bought *two* Helium Cores. and that I have to take my extra battery case off there iPhone first. No biggie. My Helium Core and upgrades now accompany me everywhere.

I got a Helium Core recently and have been finding new ways to use it -- like a Christmas toy that you don't want to put down. First off, it's much lighter than I expected (though plenty sturdy with airplane-grade metal) and packs into a large pocket or shoulder pack really easily. For video components, there are tons of possibilities! And, though I don't shoot a lot of stills for clients, I found that I could get a true 360-degree-panoramic of a landscape with the fisheye lens, which opens up many possibilities. This is a great tool for taking an iphone to another level!

I agree with BrushUserz -- the Helium Core is a fortress! The fit and finish are top-notch. It has plenty of mounting options ( I especially like the 37 mm ring for lens mounting). I am waiting on a few things to attach to it, so I can't post pics of a fully out-fitted rig, but I'll try to remember to see if I can edit my review to include some.The packaging was really nice, and gave me the impression of high quality before I had even opened the box.