Continuity Camera mounts have been all the rage since it became possible to utilise your iPhone as an alternative to the Mac webcam. For a relatively small financial sum, this technology enables users to quickly and easily improve their camera feed for things like video calls and capturing video content at their desk.
Other than the mount itself, you'll need an iPhone 12 or later, running iOS 16 or later. You’ll also need a Mac running macOS Ventura or later, and both devices need to be signed in with the same Apple ID and on the same Wi-Fi network.
These types of mounts take advantage of magnets and MagSafe technology to position your phone in the vicinity of your existing webcam. They are also designed in such a way that they balance on the top of your display rather than needing any semi-permanent or permanent fixings.
Continuity mounts must have a strong magnet and hinges that remain firmly in place. I think it's also important that they minimise any risks of damage to your iPhone and Mac. I've been using the NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount, and with its affordable price and unique arm design, it could well find itself listed amongst the best continuity mounts.
NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications
Compatibility |
iPhone 12 and later |
Connection type |
Magnetic |
Dimensions |
10.5 x 6 x 2.6 cm / 4.1 x 2.4 x 1 in |
Weight |
157 g / 5.5 oz |
NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Price
At $34.99/£24.99, the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount is one of the most affordable mounts on the market. It's also regularly discounted by a few dollars/pounds, which means it can oftentimes be picked up for less. More expensive alternatives include the Stouchi Continuity Camera Mount ($30/£33.99) and the Belkin iPhone MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount ($53.99/£39.99).
NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling
Let's begin with what is unique about the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount. Unlike most continuity mounts which adopt a basic two-fold design, the SP08 actually has a tri-fold setup. This means it's capable of raising an iPhone up to 185mm (7.3 inches) above a display. This has the benefit of a much more comfortable and customisable eye-level camera position. If the top of your display is already at eye level, then this feature won't apply, but it's nice to have the option.
It also has an Arca-type base, which means it can be quickly and securely attached to a wide range of tripods, monopods, and sliders that use the same standard clamp system. This makes it a highly versatile tool for content creation, allowing you to easily switch from using your phone as a webcam to a full-fledged camera on a tripod.
The camera mount plate includes a slider which allows for precise camera positioning. This mechanism allows you to adjust the phone's front-to-back position by up to 42mm (1.65 inches). This feature, alongside the tripod mounting capabilities, makes this mount capable of so much more than most continuity mounts.
The mount is constructed from black anodised aluminium alloy, which is strong, durable and relatively lightweight. Unfortunately, though, because of the tri-fold mechanism, the overall weight of the unit is actually significantly more than other continuity mounts, such as the one made by Stouchi.
NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Performance
This SPO8 continuity mount performs exactly as you would expect. The magnetic plate ensures that everything stays in place but also connected. I had no problems with the phone slipping off or the mount mechanism losing its grip. The additional weight did put some extra strain upon my display and mean that I had to adjust the angle, but this wasn't too much of a problem.
The hinges are relatively robust, although their operation was far from smooth. There is no doubting that they fix firmly in place, but during use I was left far from confident about their longevity, especially for users who would be moving it between monitors and tripods on a regular basis.
The mount's versatility is one of its greatest strengths but also one of its greatest potential drawbacks. There are significantly more moving parts than a lot of alternatives, which means there is more that could go wrong. This might seem like a minor problem until you consider that you'll be attaching an expensive iPhone to it.
This particular mount is designed to be used in a variety of different contexts, from video calling to video content creation. That means your phone is likely to be mounted for long periods of time. As a result, there's a high chance that you'll be running into battery problems. This mount could definitely be improved by offering integrated charging, but I appreciate that would cause it to be significantly less affordable.
NEEWER SP08 Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict
Despite the SP08 Continuity Camera Mount from NEEWER being almost as budget-friendly as it gets, NEEWER has still managed to produce a pretty robust and durable unit. Maybe only let down (slightly) by the hinges, the aluminium alloy build makes the unit relatively lightweight and pretty strong.
The tri-fold design will be overkill for most people who want a simple continuity mount, but if you're also planning on capturing video with your phone on a tripod, then the SP08 mount kills two birds with one stone. All in all, it's a strong performer that could have a slightly better build quality and some additional features like integrated charging.
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Features ★★★★☆ |
An abundance of features, including a tripod attachment. |
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Design ★★★★☆ |
A unique tri-fold design with a slider mechanism. |
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Performance ★★★★☆ |
A relatively solid performance, although the hinges may not last. |
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Value ★★★★★ |
A super affordable continuity mount. |
