As someone whose primary camera has been the iPhone for several years — despite the constant risk of dropping the thing — I'm excited about the potential for the Pictar Kickstarter project. This gadget aims to combine the iPhone's photographic capabilities with the physical controls and features of a standalone camera.

Designed to work with any iPhone model between 4 and 6s, Pictar not only offers a solid grip to hold the device comfortably while shooting, but also provides 5 external buttons for controlling — by way of their accompanying app, plus clever use of inaudible, high-frequency tones — various functions like zoom, shutter release, exposure, shooting mode, taking selfies, and more.

Additionally, it sports a standard ¼" tripod socket and a cold-shoe mount for attaching an external flash. The "open" end of the iPhone allows you to use a clip-on lens like the Olloclip, if you like.

As of this writing (May 2nd, 2016) they've already surpassed their funding goal and still have 24 days to go. Back the project at the $90 level or higher to receive a Pictar of your own.