Disclosed are embodiments of an image acquisition apparatus with an extendable arm on which an image sensor is located and is easily manipulated to reach hard-to-reach places and transmit captured images to the user. In one embodiment, the combination of a telescopic sensor mount and an image sensor can be an integral part of or an add-on accessory for cell phones, cameras, iPads, iPods, etc. In another embodiment the apparatus may replace car radio antennas to serve as observation beacons in crowded and congested traffic. In different embodiments the orientation of the image sensor on its mount may be manually or remotely adjustable, while the image data gathered by the image sensor may be transmitted to the user by wire, wirelessly, or optically. In various embodiments a microphone and/or a flash may also be installed on the extendable mount.