The journalist has a special relationship with a smartphone. It is also a camera and a video recorder, and the relationship can be similar to the one a photographer has with a camera or a camera operator with a video camera.

That makes protection important, especially for the lenses. On the most advanced smartphones, camera systems are sophisticated, exposed and expensive to repair.

A journalist working with a Samsung Galaxy S26, a smartphone whose capabilities are also strengthened by AI, should therefore choose the case carefully. It should provide two practical features.

The first is a physical camera cover. A sliding shutter can protect the lenses from scratches, accidental knocks, dust and fingerprints. This is particularly useful for reporters who carry an expensive smartphone in a backpack alongside batteries, cables, microphones and other equipment.

(AI Generated)

When it is time to take a photograph or record a video, the journalist can open the shutter in seconds and use the cameras without anything covering the lenses. This type of protection can be preferable to small transparent lens protectors, which may affect image quality.

The second useful feature is an integrated magnetic mounting system. This allows the case and smartphone to attach to compatible magnetic accessories, including mounts, stands, chargers and other devices based on a MagSafe-style system. For journalists who regularly shoot video on their phones, this can make setting up equipment quicker and easier.

The Nillkin CamShield Prop Magnetic combines both features: a physical cover for the camera lenses and an integrated magnetic mounting system.

There is one important qualification. A magnetic case is not automatically compatible with every gimbal. Some stabilisers, including models made by DJI, Insta360 and Hohem, use their own clamps or magnetic adapters. It is therefore worth checking the compatibility between the case and the specific gimbal before buying.

(R.F.)