Want to create great videos with your smartphone? You need a tripod, image stabilizer, and more. So, check out other gear for shooting with a smartphone in this guide.
The latest generation of smartphones are so sophisticated that they offer functions comparable to those of professional tools. In particular, it is possible to take photos and videos in high resolution. Of course, to have a satisfactory result, you need to know some tricks or equip yourself with additional accessories.
In fact, there are several materials for filming with a Smartphone that allow you to improve the characteristics of each image, even without spending high prices. Smartphones can be used with a variety of products, such as tripods, external flashes, microphones, image stabilizers and tripods of all kinds. Not to mention that modern operating systems and the increasingly large memory of devices, allow you to install software with advanced functions. The result is that today a phone may have nothing to envy a professional video camera. The market of gadgets for Smartphones is very vast: let's see which are the tools that allow you to shoot great videos.
Tripod for filming with your Smartphone: which one to buy?
Let's start with an essential tool for all budding videographers: the tripod. This tool prevents the annoying flickering of the image, which is quite common when you hold the device in your hand. Having a stable image is certainly essential to give a certain professionalism to your videos. Of course, it is not the only requirement, but it is certainly an important first step. Tripods are also very useful tools for those who want to have their hands free and start their YouTube career. Indeed, they allow you to position your Smartphone at a specific point in space and place yourself in front of the camera to record your videos.
In short, the Smartphone holder is one of the first tools to buy if you want to make quality videos. Among the different alternatives on the market, the 125cm adjustable tripod is one of the users' favorites. It is a height-adjustable tripod equipped with a Bluetooth remote control, which, combined with a great price, makes it perfect even for those who are starting to make videos. It can be used with any equipment such as an iPhone, a projector, a GoPro.
Those looking for an original solution can opt for a compact Smartphone tripod with a spherical ball head, which can also be rolled up to fix photographic equipment on different types of surfaces. Not to mention that it can be folded and transported easily. It is a smart and perfect solution for those who do not have special needs but are always on the move.
Equipment for filming with a Smartphone: Smartphone lamp kit
Lighting is one of the equipment needed to film with a Smartphone. Indeed, good lighting is essential to make quality videos. Once again, the market offers a ton of possibilities. Beginners can choose a kit composed of everything necessary to give the right light to their films.
The kit includes a series of tools: a circular LED light , two diffusers, one white and one orange, an adapter for Smartphones, a Bluetooth remote control for Smartphones, a plug and a portable black bag. In short, it contains everything you need to make videos in the studio or outdoors after sunset without settling for inadequate light. It is a solution very appreciated by YouTubers, because it is easy to transport, is adjustable and allows you to have different lighting effects.
Smartphone Filming Equipment: Image Stabilizer for Mobile Video
The third product that cannot be missing among the materials to film with a Smartphone is an image stabilizer. These are small tripods, very useful when you have to move without too much weight on you. It is useful to buy it if you like to photograph in nature or in other contexts where you can move quickly between shots. In fact, this tool allows you to have a stable image even while walking.
In this case too, manufacturers have indulged in products of all kinds. It has 5 tripod modes, plus a 3600 mAh battery and an adapter for Huawei, Samsung and of course for iPhone Smartphones. It can therefore be used on devices of different sizes and shapes. This product was created to film on the move: while running, skating, skiing or walking. You can download the associated application to create videos with effects, such as timelapse, motionlapse and panoramic videos.
Alternatively, among the best smartphone gimbals is the DJI Osmo, perfect for those who have never used products of this type, are starting out and want a tool to take with them when shooting on the go.
Want to shoot like Hollywood? The stabilizer is the perfect companion for those who want to turn their phone into a powerful storytelling tool. It is flexible (can be used both vertically and horizontally) and is compatible with Android and iPhone devices.
The program to shoot videos with your Smartphone
Now that you have the materials to film with a Smartphone to make your videos, you just have to download your accomplice for postproduction. Yes, you can also edit your films from your Smartphone, you just need the right program. And that's where Adobe Premiere Rush comes in, an application very popular with videographers who like to record with their phone and available on the Google Play Store and the App Store.
It is a very easy-to-use application, in addition to being rich in functions capable of giving effects to videos. You can use it to upload videos directly to your blog, your YouTube channel, but also to your TikTok profile. Although it is very intuitive, the program is comparable to many professional editing solutions.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a free, but also less professional alternative, you can opt for GoPro Quick, an application for Android and iOS that allows you to edit videos and publish them on your online channels.
Why is it worth recording a video?
First of all, putting a video online is worthwhile in any case: it doesn't matter whether it's on YouTube, embedded in your website, or on Facebook. Videos generate a lot of clicks and also rank higher in terms of SEO. In terms of information, a video offers significant added value compared to simple texts or photos. Events that you would have to describe in detail can be brought vividly closer to your readers/website visitors with a short film.
If you decide to record a video with your Smartphone, there are a few things you should consider. Here you will find all the tips and tricks for a successful mobile video.
Tip 1: Preparation is key
In all honesty, cell phone videos in which the protagonist, perhaps you, rambles on endlessly or interrupts himself with "uhhhhhhhhhh" to search for the right words, scare every viewer after a few seconds. Five-minute recordings in which something worth seeing only happens at the last minute are also a classic of "please don't do it". Therefore, think in advance what you want to film or say.
Tip 2: Equipment
With the right equipment, cell phone videos go from shaky little movies to professional shots. With a selfie stick, you can easily zoom in on your photo without having to take your eyes off the camera. This is especially recommended if you are the presenter of your video. A tripod for your cell phone allows you to take a shake-free recording. However, this only works if you want to take a photo in which the image does not move out of the frame section you have selected.
Tip 3: Check the lighting conditions
A video is only as good as what you can see on it. Therefore, before recording, it is essential to check whether the filmed material is clearly recognizable. In many cases, you can help with the camera settings on your mobile phone.
Tip 4: Choose live or not live
Basically, you need to decide whether you want to upload a video right away or publish an edited version later. Going live is especially useful if you are filming a video of a one-off event or incident. Interested people who were unable to be there can follow the events immediately. On many social media platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook, you can record live videos by pressing the dedicated button. But always remember: as soon as the camera turns on, you are "on air", so tip 1 applies: be ready.
Tip 5: Use your video for documentation or advertising purposes
If your video is not limited to a one-off event, or you might even use it as a promotion for your institution or future events, it is worth editing your film after shooting. You don't need a fancy studio for this. Apps like Kinemaster allow you to edit your video directly on your phone. If the smartphone screen is too small for you, videos can also be edited with Windows Media Player.