In this week’s roundup of new iPhone protection, you’ll find a case that pretends to be a camera, and one that’s quite serious about it.
The Focal (iPhone 5 and 5s; $70) turns your handset into a veritable point-and-shoot camera, complete with shutter and zoom buttons.
The case sports an integrated grip and includes a wrist strap to stabilize your iPhone while taking pictures. A companion app, InCamera, gives you full access to the additional functionality provided by the Focal’s controls.
The Periodic Table (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, and 5s; $27) brings out the scientist (or, perhaps, high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin) in you by allowing you to create a custom look that comes straight out of the period table of the elements.
Made of aluminum combined with plastic, and designed to withstand bumps and scratches, the case can be customized with several details of your choice, and comes with an optional gift box.
The Leather (iPhone 4, 4s, 5, 5c, and 5s; $57) is a pouch made from genuine Napa leather and equipped with an optional credit-card holder.
The case comes in black, pink, tan, or tan/orange stitch.
The Resurgence (iPhone 5 and 5s; $100) incorporates a 2000-mAh battery case that can double your handset’s longevity.
In addition to offering excellent resistance to shock, the case, which comes in black, glacier, teal shimmer, or satin rose, features a special “auto-stop” technology that automatically turns off the external battery when your phone has a full charge.
The Waterproof (iPhone; £19) is waterproof up to 19 feet, and helps keep your handset safe from environmental hazards like dust and sand.
The case, available in black or aqua, sports a transparent front window that allows you to make calls and use your iPhone even while sealed inside.
The Air Jacket NSP (iPhone 5 and 5s; $30) offers protection in a sleek, minimalist package that’s less than 1.2 millimeters thick.
Made of transparent, lightweight plastic, the case protects the front and back your iPhone while maintaining access to all ports and controls. It comes in black, silver, white, or grey.
The inkFusion (iPhone 4, 4s, 5c, 5 and 5s; $35) allows you to decorate your handset with different designs that cover a wide range of motifs, from your favorite NFL team to… Hello Kitty!
The case, which can also be customized using your own photos and designs, features a scratch-proof coating and provides easy access to all your iPhone’s ports, controls and sensors.
The Vintage Camera (iPhone 3g, 3gs, 4, 4s, 5, and 5s; $35) turns your phone into what appears to be a black-and-white, medium-format camera.
This impact-resistant case is made of flexible plastic and snaps easily on your iPhone for a convenient fit.
Author: Marco Tabini
Marco Tabini is based in Toronto, Canada, where he focuses on software development for mobile devices and for the Web.