Mobile Device Filming

We’ve been a little behind on the blog recently, but we’re hoping to remedy that starting today. Up until now, we’ve been focused on the world of design and some vital elements in that realm. However, today we are shifting to more video production-focused topics. With videos being the backbone of social media these days, it’s a topic that would be difficult to ignore. The good news is that you don’t have to own or rent expensive equipment anymore to make a high quality video. Most of our mobile devices are more equipped than you might realize. Sure, we use it all the time for internet access, texting, and social media apps, but they can actually be a huge asset when it comes to filming, which is what we’re going to dive into today on the blog. 

Why Mobile Devices are Useful for Filming? 

Specs

For someone who grew up in the age of flip phones and Sony cybershots, it’s still mind boggling to think that we carry one device in our pockets or purses with all those capabilities and more. The truth is that the cameras on new cell phones have the ability to shoot movie quality video. For example, the new iPhone 14 has an Action mode that enables more stabilization during handheld footage. It also has a cinematic mode and can shoot in 4K at 24 fps, which is the Hollywood standard. When our devices have these features, it only makes sense to utilize them for professional projects and social media videos. 

Cost

We’re not going to pretend that the newest iPhones or Samsungs are cheap. They’re not; however, it’s still going to be a great deal cheaper than standard filming equipment. Also, if you’re going to buy the phone for personal use anyway, why not utilize it for business-related projects? There are apps and plug-in accessories available that you can use to enhance the quality of video projects that also won’t break the bank. 

Ease

Honestly, the other main reason to use your cell phone for filming is because it’s easy. It’s easy to physically record. It’s easy to find apps that can enhance your footage. It’s easy to do basic editing tools like trimming. It’s easy to use accessories like lenses, stabilizers, and portable microphones with it. It’s compact and easily portable, which anyone who works with video equipment on a regular basis can tell you how nice that feature is.  

Tips When Recording With Your Mobile Device: 

While you can just record without any modifications, here are some some tips that we would suggest to improve the quality of your mobile device video: 

-Shoot in landscape mode. Unless you’re shooting a story or reel for Instagram or a video for TikTok, your phone should not be in a vertical position. End of story. No one wants to see those black bars on the side of your video. Plus, this gives you more options when editing in case you need to cut something out of the shot.

-Built-in microphones have limited capabilities. Either film close to the subject in your video, or invest in a portable microphone that can plug into your phone. Rode is not the only company around, but we have been pleased with their travel microphones and would recommend them. An example is to your right.

-Make sure the area is well-lit. Mobile devices are constantly improving their low-light capabilities, but there is still room for improvement. 

-Avoid the sun, bright lights, or windows pointing directly into your shot. While you do want the area well-lit, these elements can dramatically impact your exposure. 

-Utilize tripods and stabilizers when you can. No one enjoys shaky footage, and while footage stabilization in cameras within our phones is always improving, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

-Use the “zoom” feature sparingly. With most videos, it’s a better idea to physically try to move forward or backward for a shot. Too much zoom can make your footage look grainy. 

So, have you been using your mobile device for filming? If so, which model, and how have you found the process? 

We want to know, so feel free to leave us a comment below. Stay tuned to the blog throughout the rest of the year as we tackle more video-oriented topics. Also, if you are in need of video editing for a project, check out how we can help here.