The next-generation iblazr smartphone flash, iblazr 2, is a bi-colour LED that synchronises with Android and iOS’s native camera apps via Bluetooth.
Kiev-based company Concepter has announced the new LED flash after the success of the first iblazr, which raised $150,000 two years ago and is now widely available at retailers including the Apple Store.
The previous edition synchronised via a phone or tablet’s audio jack, but the iblazr 2 communicates with your camera via Bluetooth, so it is completely wireless. By tapping the back of the iblazr 2 the light will flash and simultaneously trigger the shutter of your mobile device: effectively a “flash trigger” in reverse. As it behaves just like a Bluetooth shutter release, it works with the native camera apps for iOS and Android.
For more creative control, the Shotlight companion app supports controlling and syncing with up to 10 flashes. As well as brightness adjustment, the iblazr 2 has colour temperature control from 3200-5600K, which can be used to balance with ambient lighting or for creative effects.
Even when not paired with any smart device, the iblazr 2 also works in continuous lighting mode. A touch panel on the back of the LED lets you make adjustments directly. Thus you can also use it with DSLRs and system cameras as a video or photo lamp.
The iblazr 2 is charged via microUSB and comes with a coldshoe mount, a smartphone mounting clip and a silicone diffuser panel. It will be available in white, black and grey variants.
Pre-orders on Kickstarter start at $45, with an expected final retail price of $70. Concepter hopes to raise $70,000 though Kickstarter by 17 July 2015, with delivery expected in September. At the time of writing, the project has only just launched and has already raised over $24,000.
For more information, visit the Kickstarter campaign page.