Digital Camera World Verdict
The Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount is pretty much as compact as it gets. As well as a strong magnet and sturdy hinge, the unit also includes a small kickstand that lets you position your phone in multiple different locations. It's a little expensive, especially considering what you get, but it's well-built and super-portable.
Pros
- +
Strong magnet and hinge
- +
Lightweight and portable
- +
Multi-use, including as a finger hook
Cons
- -
Overpriced
- -
Lacks integrated charging
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The best continuity mounts have risen in popularity in recent years. They are a fantastically easy way to improve the quality of your video calls while also being useful for some types of video capture. Because the best camera that most of us own is our phone camera, it makes sense for us to utilise it more than just for family snaps.
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 products are remarkably simple, which means there are only a few select things we're looking at during testing. We want to see a strong magnet, a reliable hinge, and rubber fittings so scratches are avoided. Some continuity mounts have extended functionality, so we test that out too.
Having tested more continuity mounts than I care to mention, I was eager to get my hands on the Belkin MagSafe offering. It's light, portable, and nicely designed, and I was fairly sure I would love it. Read on to find out if I did.
Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Specifications
Compatibility | iPhone 12 and later |
Connection type | Magnetic |
Dimensions | 0.65 x 6 x 6cm / 0.25 x 2.3 x 2.3 in |
Weight | 35 g / 1.23 oz |
Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Price
This continuity mount from Belkin attracts a price of $29.95/£29.99. This puts it towards the top end of basic mounts which offer standard functionality. By that I mean that there is no integrated charging or more complex tripod features. This is a super simple mount that does the basics well. It is possible to buy alternatives for a fraction of the price, but they're unlikely to feel this premium.
Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Design & Handling
The Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount is one of the simplest and most compact continuity mounts that you can buy. The mount takes the shape of a circle with two hinged elements on the back. The first of these allows you to attach it onto your MacBook display, while the other acts as either a kickstand or a hook for your finger.
Aside from the kickstand, the mount is made almost entirely of rubber, which is perfect for safe installation on any MacBook display. There's no way that this mount will cause any scratches or damage to either your MacBook or iPhone.
The simple design makes it incredibly small, portable, and lightweight. It could be thrown in your bag without needing to return it to its box, and it would be absolutely fine. Just be careful not to lose it if you do - it really is that small.
From my point of view, there are only a couple of areas of improvement required. The first would be that there is no integrated charging. I appreciate that would affect its portability, but at this price it would be nice to have. The second is that there is no tripod thread, which limits its application, unfortunately.
Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Performance
Everything about this mount communicates solid engineering and thought-through design. This is clear to see when we start thinking about the performance of the device.
Most importantly, the magnet is so strong that there were absolutely no issues with my iPhone slipping or dropping off. Given the size of the magnet, I was surprised how strong and 'grippy' it actually was. There's also zero flex in the magnetic panel, which means your iPhone will always sit flush onto the magnet itself.
Moving onto the hinges. These are pretty robust, although they would definitely benefit from being stronger and bulkier. If you want it to last a long time, then I'd make sure you don't push the hinge joints beyond their limits. You could definitely snap them if you tried, but you'd have to work quite hard to do so.
The display hinge is incredibly small, and yet it sits comfortably and confidently on top of the MacBook screen. I would prefer a larger 'lip' on the hinge to really safeguard it from falling off the display, but that could just be me being overcautious.
Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount: Verdict
The Belkin MagSafe Continuity Camera Mount does a fantastic job of performing its primary function - turning your iPhone into a high-quality webcam. Its biggest strength is its strong magnetic hold and lightweight, portable design.
I would love to have seen integrated charging and stronger hinges, but I wouldn't want this lack of features to make it sound like this isn't a quality product. If you like a simple and elegant solution to improving your video calls, then this Belkin offering fulfills that perfectly.
Features ★★★★☆ | A mount that does the basics but lacks integrated charging and a tripod thread. |
Design ★★★★☆ | A modern-looking design that is very well executed. |
Performance ★★★★☆ | A simple design that performs incredibly well. |
Value ★★★★☆ | Far from the cheapest mount on the market, but the extra money does give you a premium-feeling mount. |
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