I always say that the best camera is the one I have with me. More often than not, that’s my smartphone.
Today’s phones are capable of producing incredible images and video. The challenge usually isn’t image quality … it’s handling. Phones can be awkward to hold, difficult to stabilize and they don’t work particularly well with accessories such as microphones or lights.
That’s where the Yelangu PC01 Smartphone Rig comes in.
If you’ve ever wished your phone felt more like a dedicated camera, this little aluminum cage is one of the easiest ways to make that happen.
More Than Just a Phone Holder
The PC01 is mostly built from aluminum … the handles are plastic to save weight and make them more comfortable to hold. It has a solid, professional feel without adding excessive weight. Unlike many plastic phone clamps, it feels like a piece of camera equipment rather than more junk that ends up sitting in a drawer (or worse).
The adjustable mount accommodates most modern smartphones, including my massive Samsung S22 Ultra, securely holding them in place whether I’m shooting photos, video, livestreaming or creating content for social media.
Once my phone is mounted, the entire shooting experience changes. Instead of gripping a slippery phone with my fingertips, I’m holding a stable platform designed for image-making.
Better Stability Means Better Video
The first thing I notice is how much easier it is to keep my shots steady. The dual-handle design allows me to hold the rig with both hands, dramatically reducing the small movements that often make handheld smartphone footage look shaky. Whether I’m walking through a scene, following action or recording an interview, the extra stability helps me create smoother, more professional-looking results.
One of the handles can also be repositioned or removed, allowing me to customize the rig to fit the way I like to shoot.
Built for Accessories
One of the biggest strengths of the PC01 is its expansion potential.
The cage features multiple 1/4″-20 mounting points as well as cold shoe mounts, allowing me to attach accessories directly to the rig.
I can easily add:
- A shotgun microphone for improved audio.
- A wireless microphone receiver.
- An LED light for low-light situations.
- A monitor or external display.
- Additional mounting arms or accessories.
Instead of trying to balance separate accessories on my phone, everything becomes part of a single organized system.
How I Use It
What really stands out to me about the PC01 is how versatile it is.
One moment I’m filming a YouTube video in landscape orientation and the next I’m creating vertical content for Instagram Reels, TikTok or YouTube Shorts.
The multiple mounting points make it easy for me to reposition the rig without needing additional adapters. This flexibility makes it a useful tool regardless of where my content ultimately ends up. I can thread a quick-release plate onto the bottom and attach it to my favourite Vanguard tripod. I can even mount the cellphone holder directly onto one of the handles for a one-handed “run-and-gun” setup.
Over the years, I’ve used various smartphone cages and rigs for everything from behind-the-scenes content to event coverage and quick social media clips. Once I start building a small ecosystem around my phone, I quickly realize just how capable these devices have become.
For example, I mount a wireless microphone receiver directly to one of the cold shoes when recording interviews or educational content. Good audio often makes a bigger difference than upgrading cameras and having everything attached to the rig keeps the setup compact and easy to manage.
For outdoor shoots or events, I add a small LED light. Sometimes I only need a little bit of fill light to separate a subject from the background, add some sparkle to a face or create a catchlight in their eyes. Having a dedicated mounting point means I’m not trying to juggle a light in one hand and a phone in the other.
I also use smartphone rigs when shooting behind-the-scenes content during workshops and commercial shoots. Instead of carrying a second camera body, a smartphone mounted in a cage becomes an incredibly capable content creation tool. I can quickly capture video clips, record social content, shoot timelapses or document the creative process while keeping my primary camera focused on the main assignment.
The PC01 also works well with a small external battery mounted via an accessory arm. Long shooting days can drain even the best smartphone batteries, especially when recording video. Keeping power, audio and lighting integrated into a single rig creates a much more professional workflow.
Perhaps my favourite use is mounting the rig on a tripod. Whether I’m recording educational videos, livestreaming, participating in video calls or creating product demonstrations, having a stable and secure platform instantly improves production quality.
Who Is It For?
The Yelangu PC01 is ideal for:
- Content creators.
- Social media influencers.
- Mobile filmmakers.
- Educators and trainers.
- Livestreamers.
- Photographers looking for a capable behind-the-scenes camera.
- Anyone who wants to get more from their smartphone.
Final Thoughts
Smartphones continue to get better every year but the accessories we use with them can have just as much impact on the final result.
The Yelangu PC01 doesn’t change the camera inside your phone … it changes how you use it. Better stability, better audio options, better lighting possibilities and a more comfortable shooting experience all contribute to better content.
For anyone interested in creating more polished smartphone photos or video, this is a simple, practical upgrade that can make a surprisingly big difference.
At the current sale price, it’s one of those accessories that’s easy to justify adding to your kit … even if it’s just to have a more stable platform for your next vacation, family event or creative project.
Discussed Item
Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
