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Home / Features / How to set up your smartphone to take better videos

How to set up your smartphone to take better videos

Shoot like a pro on the go, without the huge price tags

Smartphone cameras are getting better all the time, with some models such as the LG G4 even capable of shooting in 4K resolution. That’s literally huge in terms of file size, and can’t even be found on most “proper” cameras yet.

However, a phone on its own isn’t the best tool to shoot with. You need to get the right accessories.

To prove this point, our buddies at Stuff Singapore bought an entire setup in one afternoon at the city’s Funan Digital Life Mall, and will be shooting many of their upcoming videos on our office iPhone 6 Plus with it.

Altogether, the items cost slightly above S$300 (which converts to about £140), and as an added bonus, can be mixed and matched with great versatility, and used with actual cameras too. How’s that for value?

Get a grip

The first thing you need is something that makes it easier to hold your phone steadily, and for long periods of time. Keeping a flat piece of metal and plastic steady just with your fingers just isn’t going to cut it, giving way to unnecessary camera shake and the very strong possibility of dropping your precious phone.

Shoulderpod’s S1 Smartphone Rig (£25 from the online Apple Store) solves that problem, with rubberised clamps to hold your phone securely and provide a nicely weighted ergonomic grip. It feels nice and solid, and after using it comfortably for a couple of hours, we’re suitably impressed by how versatile it is too. The S1 also comes with a strap to prevent accidental damage, and a very useful mount that lets it attach to all standard monopods and tripods for fixed shots.

Attached audio

The number one thing that gives footage away as taken by a smartphone is the generally terrible audio quality. That’s why it only makes sense to invest in a proper external microphone.

You could opt for simple options that attach right onto your phone like iRig’s Mic Field (£63.65 from Amazon) or Mic HD (£70.48 from Amazon), but they’re not as precise as what we got.

We went for an Audio-technica ATR6550 Shotgun Microphone (£57.99 from Amazon), which isn’t just a highly-sensitive stereo condenser mic that looks way more professional, but cheaper as well. It’ll allow you to record both targeted sound from a distance or ambient noise, making it quite adaptable too.

The only problem is it’s not compatible right away with smartphones – something that’s easily solved with a cheap adapter (expect to pay about a fiver for one). You can however, use it with a DSLR right out of the box, and can be fixed to a hotshoe mount.

Since you don’t want to be holding such a sensitive microphone by hand – you’ll create noise every time you adjust your grip – a Photography & Cinema Wide Platform Pistol Grip Camera Handle (£20 from PEC) will do nicely. It’ll let you hold the mic comfortably and reliably, and has the added advantage of being compatible with regular cameras too.

A leg to stand on

For instances where added stability in your shots is necessary, a monopod is preferred over a full tripod. You don’t want to be holding your phone up for hours, no matter how good the grip attachment. A monopod is way more mobile since it’s lighter and more compact, making it a better fit for something as on-the-go as smartphone videography.

The Velbon Ultra Stick M40 Monopod (£25 from Amazon) fits nicely with the Shoulderpod S1, letting you set your shooting position with ease. What’s more, you could even attach it to the ATR6550 Shotgun Microphone to make an improvised boom mic, or hold that steady if you wanted.

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