Digital images from cell phones are bad. But many people take a lot of photos this way, and Griffin’s Clarifi for iPhone 3G aims to improve those photos.

OPTICAL IMPROVEMENT

The Clarifi is a protective case to hold and protect the phone, but adds a built-in macro lens that gives the phone’s camera an optical boost simply by sliding it over the existing lens on the iPhone.

On its own, the iPhone can photograph objects up to about 18 inches away, but this attachment can shorten the distance to 4 to 6 inches. Don’t expect this to be a true macro lens, but it will improve photos somewhat.

PROTECTION

The case acts like any other to protect the unit and gives full access to its features – power switch, headphone jack and touch screen. However, this case, with the lens built in, helps protect the camera lens. Most iPhone cases just have an opening, which exposes the lens to dust and scratches.

Details: www.griffintechnology.com, $34.99

Coronado second baseman Nathan Conner tagged out Sand Creek’s Jeremy Monty on a fourth-inning steal attempt Friday. Photo by KEVIN KRECK, THE GAZETTE