Ten Tips for Shooting Better Smartphone Videos

Smartphone video is seemingly getting better by the minute. While they may still have a little way to go to match a $50,000 RED Weapon (though it's closer than you think), smartphones can be utilized to create videos of astonishing quality given the obvious limitations (small sensor, fixed focal length lens, noise issues created by limited ISO capability). In his latest video, popular YouTube photography personality Kai Wong discusses various tips to get the most out of your smartphone videography.

From using a cardboard box on a smooth surface as a slider to quick DIY projects like clamping your phone to an egg timer to create panning time-lapses, Wong effectively outlines quick tips that you can easily start to incorporate now. Fair warning, some of his "hacks" do involve spending some money. For example, the importance of audio in a video production cannot be overstated and if you want to take your video to the next level, the internal phone microphone won't cut it. Purchasing a directional mic or lav mic is well worth it.

What do you guys think? Are these smartphone video tips helpful? Have any tips you'd like to share? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Aneesh Kothari's picture

Aneesh Kothari is a Houston-based travel, landscape, and cityscape photographer. He enjoys reading Fstoppers.com, traveling with his family, and making lists of things he enjoys. He yearns to be a Civil War buff but has yet to finish the Ken Burns series.

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2 Comments

Finally... a good use for the fidget spinner. :)

Ha, my thoughts exactly!