Smartphone Gear Recommendations for 2021

One of the most common questions I get is, “What is the best camera for me to buy?” My response usually is, “What kind of camera do you feel comfortable using?”

Because the reality is, in our busy world today - you need to work with something you feel comfy with, in order to stick to a new video making schedule. So, why not use your smartphone? Seriously! Most of them have amazing picture, and great capabilities. But, there is gear that will help you get the best out of the phone’s capabilities - without breaking the bank. So, here goes - my recommendations for gear!

1. Gorillapod Universal Smartphone Tripod

I’ve had this tripod for YEARS, and ya know what? It it’s not broke, don’t fix it….right? I love it because it’s so easy to use, and if you’re outside you can bend it around a tree branch, signpost, railing, etc…Incredibly handy!

2. Rode Smartlav+ Omnidirectional Microphone

This is such a workhorse of a mic, I love it. Yes, I understand…it’s not wireless, so that can be a hassle. BUT, ya know what’s good about a wired mic? You don’t need BATTERIES for it - so, it’s one less thing to go wrong on your shoot. The cord isn’t all that long, so I do suggest getting a cord extension and if you have an iphone you’ll need a lightning port adapter.

3. Dimmable Ring Light With Various Color Temperatures

I think ring lights sometimes get a bad wrap for being “cheesy”. But, the honest truth is…they work! They are an easy way to flip on a light, and be camera ready in minutes. I like this one because it also has a stand for your phone, and various color temperatures. Tip: It also has an adjustable head, so if you want to use it to light up your entire room, put it on full blast - and point it at the ceiling!

4. DJI Osmo Mobile Gimbal

Do you capture video on the go? This is the tool for you! It will help you keep things smooth and fluid. It may take a little practice at first, so keep that in mind when you’re planning on using it.

5. Lens Kit

This lens kit is such a great way to vary your video and photos. Plus, it has a telephoto lens - which, we’ll all want to use while social distancing!

6. Softbox Light Kit

So, what’s the difference between a softbox light kit, and a ring light? When you have a kit, you have more flexibility because you can light yourself, and something else in the room at the same time. This could be food, or something in the background of your talking head shot, or just giving the room a more even feel. Also, if you have glasses and are getting a lot of glare from your ringlight- try two softboxes! Simply position them on each side of you, instead of directly in front - and that should solve your glare problem.

7. Sand Bags

Safety is SO important when you are using any kind of lighting. So, if you’re buying a ring light, or a softbox set - you REALLY should be getting sandbags. It’s because lighting equipment is incredibly top heavy - so it’s important to balance things out so your lights don’t tip over.

8. Light Reflector

Doing a lot of shooting outside? A light reflector is your friend! Basically, it helps you take the sun…and make it your lighting assistant! Keep in mind, you will need an extra set of hands to hold it - but, it’s a cheap alternative when you need a little light on your product, or someone’s face when you’re shooting a close up.

9. Daylight Bulbs

Are you noticing that the lamps in the background of your shot are a weird orange color? That’s because the camera sees sunlight, and lightbulbs as different color temperatures, basically. One way to make your shot less distracting, is to change the bulbs where you are usually shooting with your phone, to daylight - so they match the light streaming in front the window!

10. Cleaning Cloths

The number one thing you can do to make a difference in your shots…? CLEAN YOUR LENS. Every single time you’re going to use your phone - because that thing gets realllllly nasty, quick. It may seem like a simple thing, but everyone seems to forget when they are in a rush!

I hope this has been helpful! If you or your team needs help getting up and running with video, I’d be happy to help. I teach many different workshops, including one about using your Smartphone for Professional looking video. Also, these are amazon affiliate links - but, I don’t recommend things that I haven’t already used myself (or have my eye on, if the exact model wasn’t available online). Thanks for visiting, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about professional video projects, workshops I offer, or using your smartphone to create badass content! Keep puking rainbows, everyone.

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
6 Time Emmy Award Winning Video Director

Smartphone Video Gear for Less Than $100

It’s that time of year again - everyone is shopping up a storm for friends, family, co-workers, etc…and with video continuing to grow in popularity, it make sense to showcase gear that’s on my radar (full disclosure: some I’ve used, some I haven’t…but, I’m religious about reading reviews, and wanted to pass all of my research on to you)!

All of this gear is for folks using their smartphones to step up their game! And yes, each piece is under $100! Oh, and full disclosure - if the product is sold on amazon, I’ve included an affiliate link at no additional cost to you, if you want to give me the kickback of like, 5 cents or whatever. ha!



Ok, here we go:

1. Handheld Video Grip

The more you make videos, the more you realize…your arms get tired! I’ve heard a LOT of rumblings about this rig, and how it’s great for folks producing a lot of handheld smartphone video. But, remember: keep those elbows in, that will make your picture way more steady! The cool thing about this grip is that it also comes with space to clip on a light, or mic.

Also, another cool thing about this rig is that it’ll be easier to shoot on the fly, because the handles have a bluetooth button for start/stop. Great for events!

2. Ring Light (stand included)

Ohhhh la la, does this look great. Lighting can be terrifying when you’re just starting out - but this piece is going to make you shine. I know it’s $99, so, right on the top edge of the price point for this post - but, it looks worth it. What stands out to me, is that the bulbs have two different color temps. Which, is huge - because most other cheaper ring lights require that you manually put on a separate filter, no fun. It’s also dimmable, AND has a tripod FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE. Talk about all in one! Boom.

Keep in mind, this is going to be awesome for desktop video blogging! Nice even light on the face. Good stuff.

Hi, it's Erica :)

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3. Rode Smartlav+ mic

If you’ve read my blog in the past, you know this is a repeat from last year…and for good reason. Mine is still going strong, and I beat that thing up! It’s reliable, and literally plug in and use, easy as that. Also, recently - the mic on my iphone has been sounding like crapola, but if I plug this little baby in, it’s alllll crystal clear.

Keep in mind…if you have an iphone with a lighting port instead of a headphone jack, you’re going to need a little adapter like this:

The only downfall with this, is that it IS pretty short…so, you might want to get one of these extension cords with it as well!

4. Pico Dolly

A dolly will add really smooth movement to your video, as long as you’re on a smooth surface. This is great to show different angles for product videography, or - to give your audience a different perspective at an event, conference, around the office, etc…

So, what does it look like to use a dolly? Here is a video I shot with Ellen - you see how the cam is going back and forth? That’s a dolly track :) It’s basically the hefty version of the little guy I’m recommending.

And there you have it - a few pieces of gear to help you UP your smartphone video game, in a quick and easy way. What other fun tools have you been using? I’d love to hear more in the comments.

If you want more tips like this (I’m not gonna spam you, gross), feel free to sign up for my newsletter.

And, if you haven’t already registered - I’m giving a Mobile Video for 2019 Workshop on December 6th!

Thanks again for reading, stay awesome - and keep puking rainbows!

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows Creative
Speaker, Director, Producer
MInneapolis, Minnesota

December Smartphone Video Bootcamp

Since we had such a blast this spring  in Minnesota with our smartphone video bootcamp - we're bringing it back, just in time to wrap up 2017!

By the end of this year, online video will account for 74% of web traffic! But, how do you get started...without breaking the bank for your organization? Smartphones have come a long way since the Zach Morris days, and they hold the answers for many businesses on a budget. Jumping in feet first can be daunting, so this bootcamp is designed to keep things simple for beginners. 

Topics will include:

- How to shoot and frame video
- Easy lighting tips and tricks on the go
- Simple ways to get better audio
- Tips on how to make the most of out of a shoot day
- Questions to ask when you are interviewing someone to get the most moving response
- How to prioritize the steps in your video strategy plan (where the heck do we start, right?)
- Editing basics, and programs/apps to help you
- Maximizing your video once it's done: tips for uploading
- The differences in shooting for videos meant to be viewed on mobile vs desktop

Early bird tickets are on sale now, and the discounted price is available until November 17th - spots are limited, so buying a ticket sooner rather than later is recommended. I can't wait to see all of you there! Celarity is our host/sponsor, and they will be providing a light breakfast, coffee, and snacks. 

4 Mistakes to Avoid While Shooting Smartphone Video

College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University participate in a Puke Rainbows DIY smartphone video workshop

More and more content teams and small businesses are using smartphones to capture video content. And, why wouldn't you? It's inexpensive, and is great for certain platforms. While you're not going to become Martin Scorsese overnight, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to get the most of your top tier smartphone video skills. 

1. Shooting without a plan. 
   Video is so accessible to us on our phones, and in some ways that can make us lazy or frantic in our efforts. Instead of going to an event with a plan, we may simply shoot as MUCH footage as possible. But, this also means way more time sifting through it in post production (editing). Have a plan. Know what you need the video for, first. 
    
2. Shooting vertically with your phone. 
   Chances are, you’ve never watched your TV vertically, right? When you shoot your video vertically, instead of shooting in landscape or horizontal mode, it makes it tougher to use across all platforms. Sure, spots like instagram crop it into a square, anyway - but, think about the fact that if the video is as good as you want it to be, you very well could be using it in an upcoming meeting, at a conference, or in a presentation - on an HD screen, and shooting in landscape mode will safe you from editing hassles of putting it on a background, etc...
    
3. Forgetting about speed effects. 
   Hanging out at an event? Set up your smartphone and shoot a timelapse to show how many people are flowing in and out. Looking to show emotion? Get in close, and use the slow motion feature - smiles, laughs, tears in slow motion allow viewers to live in that beautiful moment, even longer.

     4. The “to catch a predator” interview technique.
         If you sit someone in FRONT of a window, and try to film them as they are backlit...chances are, they        will look like a silhouette. Instead, have them look AT the window. The light will be even on their face. 

Not sure if you should try the DIY route with a smartphone, or hire a video crew? Here is a handy post that may help you make that decision: DIY Video vs. Hiring a Professional

Best of luck with all of your video content missions, and as always - feel free to message me if you have any questions. I'm also offering internal Smartphone Video Workshops if you'd like to bring your team together for some fun training and Q & A to save time while you're learning this fun new world. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to read the tips - stay in touch! 

Erica Hanna
Emmy Winning Video Producer/Director/Speaker