The vivo X300 Pro already blurs the line between a smartphone and a dedicated point-and-shoot camera. But if you want to push that boundary even further, vivo offers an official Photography Kit (often sold separately or as part of a pre-order bundle).
As someone who switched from a heavy DSLR to the X300 Pro, I immediately bought the camera full kit to see if it could completely replace my old setup.
What is in the Photography Kit?
The official photography kit transforms the ergonomics of the phone. The box includes:
- The Camera Grip Case: A specialized case with a pronounced handgrip on the right side.
- Bluetooth Shutter Button: A physical two-stage shutter button built into the grip. Half-press to focus, full-press to shoot.
- Zoom Dial: A physical dial surrounding the shutter button that allows you to zoom in and out smoothly without touching the screen.
- 67mm Filter Adapter: A magnetic ring that snaps over the camera module, allowing you to attach standard 67mm DSLR filters (like ND filters or circular polarizers).
The Shooting Experience
Using the kit completely changes how you interact with the phone.
- Ergonomics: Holding a thin smartphone securely by the edges while trying to tap the screen can be awkward, especially when shooting from low angles. The leather-textured grip makes the phone feel exactly like a premium compact camera (similar to a Sony RX100).
- The Physical Shutter: The two-stage shutter button is incredibly responsive. Being able to lock focus with a half-press before reframing a shot is a game-changer for street photography.
- Using Filters: The 67mm filter adapter is arguably the best feature for videographers. Throwing a Variable ND filter onto the X300 Pro allows you to shoot 4K 60fps video with a natural 1/120s shutter speed in bright daylight, resulting in cinematic motion blur.
Is the Photography Kit Worth Buying?
If you treat your phone primarily as a camera, absolutely.
The physical controls and the ability to use real camera filters elevate the entire experience. However, there are a few drawbacks:
- Bulk: The grip makes the phone significantly thicker. It is not comfortable to keep in your pocket all day; you will likely only snap the grip on when you are actively going out to shoot.
- Price: When bought separately, the kit usually retails for around $100-$150 USD depending on your region.
If you are just a casual shooter taking photos of your food and pets, a standard protective case is fine. But for enthusiasts, the X300 Pro Photography Kit is a must-have accessory.