Provided herein are devices for enhancing the quality of photo shooting using a camera integrated into a handheld smart device, such as a smartphone. An external lighting device comprises a base plate removably securable to a mount on the smart device, a connecting structure disposed at the edge of the top surface of the base plate and a ring-like turntable rotatably connected on the base plate via the connecting structure and a plurality of LED lights on the top surface of the turntable. When secured on the body of the smart device, the ring-like turntable rotates to a position where the LED lights surround the cameras to provide adjustable lighting. Further provided is a handheld camera system comprising a smart device, the external lighting device as described above and a protective case with a mount to attached to the lighting device.