Griffin Clarifi iPhone 3G Case Review

Whenever someone I know buys an iPhone they always ask me what kind of case to buy. I always tell them there are tonnes of cases out there and it’s really up to their personal preference. Do you want a case that has no bulk? Try ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD. If you’re looking for a decent hard plastic case, don’t forget to check out cases by Griffin.

The Griffin Clarifi Brings Macro Mode to the iPhone 3G

With the iPhone 3G, the camera does not have a macro mode, unlike the latest iPhone 3GS. To compensate for this, Griffin came up with the Clarifi hard case. Near the camera is a tiny slider with a lens that will enable you to take close up macro shots, which will let you take your iPhone 3G photography to another level. Here are a few features:

* Close-up lens focuses close for incredible detail; perfect for capturing business cards, document text.
* Lens slides into place for close-ups, then back for normal photography.
* No adapters or small pieces to lose; the lens is built in and slides in and out of place with the touch of a fingertip.

Normally the iPhone 3G camera needs 18 inches to focus clearly. But with the Clarifi, all you need is 4 inches to get that perfect macro shot. The Clarifi case also gives you full access to all the iPhone’s controls, and the bottom third of the case is easily removed to charge your iPhone in a dock.

Clarifi Lens in Action

Concerns with Hard Cases in General

The Griffin Clarifi case has some pretty good highlights, but here are some of my concerns with hard cases. I have found that with hard cases and silicon cases, they protect your iPhone from bumps and drops. They do not however protect your iPhone from scratches. What usually happens is dust and debris creeps into any case and friction ends up scratching your iPhone instead! This is why I love using “skin” protectors like the invisibleSHIELD in conjunction with a dependable leather belt clip case.

The Griffin Clarifi is also on the high end of iPhone cases at $34.99US. The case does exactly as advertised, as it will protect your iPhone 3G and let you take macro shots like an iPhone 3GS! You can probably find it in stock at the Apple Store, Future Shop, or London Drugs.

Anyone out there using the Clarifi? How do you like it?