Avoid blurry selfies and shaky photos with a Bluetooth remote shutter

By Serenity Caldwell
published

I'm not a fan of selfie sticks for a variety of reasons — chief among them that people tend to leave them on while doing other device-related tasks, like talking on the phone. But I admit that I like the idea of using them to frame a good shot.

Even without a stick or tripod, however, I can use something like Casetify's $35 Bluetooth Remote Shutter (opens in new tab) to snap my picture from afar.

I got a review sample of this little guy over the holidays and have been playing around with it for the last month, and I have to admit — it's a handy little thing to have around. It's also useful for all kinds of photography tricks beyond selfies, including shooting children and pets from far away, avoiding camera shake in low-light, and triggering video recordings without jostling the camera.

The device pretty much does what it says on the tin: it's a lithium-battery-operated Bluetooth remote that lets you easily snap images (or increase the volume) on your iOS or Android devices. All you have to do is pair it up to your phone, turn it on, and go.

iPhone remote shutters are nothing new — I've even used the iPhone headset as a tethered controller before. But this one's won my appreciation for being small, easy to rock on a keychain, and simple as can be to use. Once you've connected your device via Bluetooth, all you have to do is turn the remote on to start shooting, no re-pairing needed. Well... mostly. If you connect the shutter to a different device after pairing it with yours, you may need to unpair and repair it to your primary device to get it to work again.

My main nitpicks revolve around connecting multiple devices (a limitation of the Bluetooth standard) and the hassle of remembering to turn the shutter off after you've finished with it — many devices these days have intelligent auto-off sensors, and it'd be nice to have something similar for a tool like this. But as photography keychain gadgets go, it's hard not to like it.

I consider some kind of remote shutter an essential iPhone photography tool, and the Casetify Bluetooth Remote Shutter is a pretty darn good option.

Serenity Caldwell
Serenity Caldwell

Serenity was formerly the Managing Editor at iMore, and now works for Apple. She's been talking, writing about, and tinkering with Apple products since she was old enough to double-click. In her spare time, she sketches, sings, and in her secret superhero life, plays roller derby. Follow her on Twitter @settern.

13 Comments
  • Or you could get the Free app CamMe
  • Or better yet get a Pebble or Apple Watch and use the app right on your wrist.
  • Curious how that's better than a $35 accessory, especially one that's available now. I don't need or want an Apple Watch, but I do want a remote shutter for doing portraits I want to be a part of...
  • A Bluetooth remote shutter is a small device, a remote that is used to click your images via connecting with the mobile phone. The device is compatible with almost every digital device such as mobile phones, tablets, iPhone, iPad and all that has the Bluetooth connectivity option. It can be connected with the devices without purchasing any external device or software, just requires Bluetooth function activated.
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    http://feyeshoppy.com/bluetooth-remote-shutter
  • Obvious question - Does it work with the built-in camera app?
  • Yup!
  • For free you can just use the volume + button on the earpods that came with your iPhone. Works just like pushing the volume + button on the side of the phone. Not as slick as a wireless remote shutter but works just as effectively. I am much more likely to have a set of headphones in my pocket than I am to remember pocketing my remote shutter button. Sent from the iMore App
  • You could always use the timer feature too.
  • Or you can get it for $4 on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Wireless-Shutter-Smartphone-Compatible/d...
  • You need to check out PopSockets.com, they are perfect for selfies but so much more too. Since I've had mine I haven't dropped my phone once. It really is so useful and has so many functions on top of being a grip and stand. Its currently just a start up but growing fast so check it out before your friends beat you to it!
  • This is the best device for those who loves to capture themselves with every new shot. FEYE Bluetooth Remote shutter is the best solution for them. It is easy to work with connecting the smart device that has the Bluetooth connectivity. With the easy connecting option, one can click the family pic without excluding anyone. It is just a remote that click the pic with easy connecting to your smart phones and other digital device.
    ----------------------
    http://feyeshoppy.com/bluetooth-remote-shutter"
  • A FEYE Bluetooth remote shutter is a small device, a remote that is used to click your images via connecting with the mobile phone. The device is compatible with almost every digital device such as mobile phones, tablets, iPhone, iPad and all that has the Bluetooth connectivity option. It can be connected with the devices without purchasing any external device or software, just requires Bluetooth function activated. The selfie is too portable and handy to keep in the pocket or handbag. It is available in six different shades so that user can choose according to the favorite selection that suits to the lifestyle. It is one of the best gadget for the techno-savvy to impress friends, family and your partner.
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    <a href="http://feyeshoppy.com/bluetooth-remote-shutter"> Bluetooth Remote Shutter </a>
  • A Bluetooth Remote shutter, a new invention in the latest trend of selfie is the most useful gadget in the youth gadget’s collection. This is a very small device that is get connected with your mobile phone to capture the awesome pics. A cool way to get a better selfie shot and make it display pic for any social website and be smart.
    This is the best device for those who loves to capture themselves with every new shot. FEYE Bluetooth Remote shutter is the best solution for them. It is easy to work with connecting the smart device that has the Bluetooth connectivity. With the easy connecting option, one can click the family pic without excluding anyone. It is just a remote that click the pic with easy connecting to your smart phones and other digital device.
    --------------------------
    <a href="http://feyeshoppy.com/bluetooth-remote-shutter"> Bluetooth Remote Shutter </a>