Abstract: In one aspect, a portable media capture device comprises an image sensor and a support portion configured to receive a mobile device. In use, the support portion supports the image sensor (which is external to the mobile device) in a front-facing configuration relative to the mobile device, in which a user region forward of a display screen of the mobile device falls within a field of view of the image sensor. The portable media capture device additionally comprises a host computer configured to pair with the mobile device, enabling the host computer to receive messages from the mobile device indicating changes in display state at the mobile device, and to thereby synchronize its external video capture function with changes in the display state of the mobile device.