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Professionals typically use DSLR cameras or expensive, bulky camcorders to produce cinematic footage. And if you're hoping to give videography a try, the price tags on these cameras, as well as cinema lenses and other video recording accessories, can seem pretty discouraging. However, you can always make use of what you already have—your handy iPhone.
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Today's iPhones are packed with some of the most advanced imaging technologies and remarkable camera features, on top of being a trusty multi-purpose mobile device. In fact, not only are the latest iPhones capable of capturing great photos, they can now record cinema-quality 4K video as well.
With a couple of high-tech and innovative smartphone accessories, you can turn your very own smartphone into a professional video camera machine and realize your passion and potential in videography.
Essential Gear for iPhone Videography this 2020
Gear up for your next film project with these essential iPhone filming accessories. To help you get started, we've also listed down a few specific products that you may want to check out. Some of these may still seem expensive, but they're a lot more affordable than professional video recording equipment:
- Video Rig Case
- Accessory Lenses
- Gimbal Stabilizer
- Lighting
- Microphone
Video Rig Case
The first thing you'll need to get for your iPhone is a durable case that will protect it while providing ease in video camera operations. Video rig cases generally work with other equipment, like tripods and lenses, so you can start creating your full video camera setup with it.
ULANZI's U-Rig Handheld Metal Video Rig () is an excellent choice for an iPhone video rig case. It has a spring clip and a built-in screw that you can use to lock your iPhone in place while mounting. Plus, the U-Rig features handgrips for the easier framing of shots.
You'll also love this rig case's versatility: it has a variety of built-in mounts where you can attach your accessories. Dual cold shoes, four ¼'-20 threaded mounts, and a front threaded mount for 37mm or 17mm lenses and filters offer endless mounting possibilities.
The VidPro Melamount Professional Multimedia Rig is another sturdy rig case that features two flip-out handles that allow you to firmly grip and hold the camera rig steadily while filming. It also has a socket for your tripod, cold-shoe mounts for your wireless accessories, a bubble level to keep panning shots leveled, and a built-in lens bezel for easy attachment of additional lenses.
This best-selling accessory works with the iPhone 7 (), as well as the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus ().
Accessory Lenses
Fortunately, Apple has upgraded iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X models with camera sensors and double lenses for capturing both wide-angle and telephoto shots. But the iPhone 11 series takes capturing these kinds of shots up a notch. The iPhone 11 Pro is a stand-out with ultra-wide, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses in its triple-camera system. You can also achieve wide and telephoto shots by simply adding clip-on lenses to earlier iPhone models.
Other accessory lenses also offer macro and fisheye views, in case you want variety in your shots. This means no more oversized and bulky lenses just to be able to do more with your smartphone camera.
However, don't just purchase any other lens accessory. For pro-quality videos, you'll need higher quality and more durable lenses that can help you capture crystal-clear video. Moment is one brand that offers pro-level lenses for your iPhone. They utilize a particular technique in optimizing multi-element designs and high-precision manufacturing facilities in producing lens elements. Both of these aspects prove that Moment's lenses are of the highest quality.
The brand currently has five lens options available on the market, which we've listed down below.
- Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens ()
- Moment Wide 18mm Lens ()
- Moment Tele 58mm Lens ()
- Moment Fisheye 14mm Lens ()
- Moment Macro 10x Lens ()
All of these pro-quality iPhone lens attachments feature mounting plates and a simple bayonet design that places them on your phone's camera.
Gimbal Stabilizer
The most difficult feat when it comes to shooting with your smartphone (aside from achieving a variety of shots) is stabilizing your device to shoot amazing videos. After all, smooth and steady shots are what sets professional videos apart from amateur results.
You don't need a huge and expensive tripod to shoot your video. You can make use of your existing tripod with the help of a separate smartphone rig case with a tripod mount underneath it.
But if you want the convenience of being able to move around while keeping your footage stable and blur-free, you can opt for a more high-tech gimbal stabilizer. A gimbal holds the camera and eliminates unwanted shaky and sudden camera movements with its motors and weights, making your final product look more polished, cinematic, and professional.
DJI's Osmo Mobile 3 () is considered to be of the best gimbal stabilizers available today. With its sleek and foldable design, you can take this iPhone gimbal anywhere—from indoor sets to the streets. The Osmo Mobile 3 is also lightweight at 405 g, so putting it in your backpack is pretty easy. Plus, it enables simple one-hand operation with convenient buttons and intuitive functions.
But if you're looking for a more affordable gimbal, FeiyuTech's VLOG Pocket () is worth a try. This portable gimbal has two dedicated buttons that offer straightforward use. A quick toggle button lets you turn the VLOG Pocket on, as well as switch between lock and panning modes. You can even put your iPhone in landscape or portrait mode with this button. Another button on the VLOG Pocket makes capturing stills or videos possible.
You can also set this iPhone gimbal on a flat surface while you're shooting via the included mini tripod. The tripod attaches to the VLOG Pocket's ¼-20' mounting thread.
Lighting
Light is another iPhone video tool that turns your videos or films into stunning masterpieces. As the main element in both photography and videography, light can help you set a particular mood and highlight certain details in your frame, aside from simply brightening your scene.
For DIY projects, you can use any kind of external light source, from lamps and flashlights to small, mountable smartphone lights. You'll find that some cheaper alternatives work just as well as the more professional and expensive ones, so the one you need depends on your desired output and how much control you want over your lighting.
If you're looking for something more adaptable, one of the best lighting tools for iPhones (and other smartphones) is the iBower Professional LED Video Light (), which is packed with 50 powerful LED lights in its lightweight, 1-centimeter thick rectangular body. It offers eight power levels, so you can light up a variety of scenes throughout the day for as long as 18 hours straight.
The iBower LED video light also comes with an orange warming plate, a blue cooling plate, and a white diffusing plate. It's highly versatile and can be paired with your iPhone, tablets, and other devices, including DSLRs, compact digital cameras, and rig cases via the included cold shoe adapter.
Microphone
Image from Shure
To complete your iPhone videography gear kit, you'll need an external microphone that can record higher quality audio to match your amazing videos—from interviews, vlogs, to realistic films. You have a lot of options to choose from, including lapel mics, on-device mics, and wireless mics.
The Shure MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone () is designed to capture and deliver clear, high-quality sound. Simply plug its Lightning connector into your iPhone and position the pivoting and rotating mic towards the source of the sound. Your iPhone will instantly use it to capture real-life audio once you start recording with your audio or video recording app. Customize your sound with advanced control over EQ, stereo width, modes for speech and music, and more with the free ShurePlus™ MOTIV™ Mobile Recording app.
RØDE's VideoMic Me () is also a great iPhone video microphone. It connects directly to the phone's TRRS mic or headphone jack and suits front camera use with a flexible mounting bracket. This bracket accepts various smartphone models, too. VideoMic Me mics have a rear 3.5mm headphone jack that lets you play audio while you're shooting. Plus, you can view your videos while the mic stays on your phone with the jack.
Frequently Asked Questions about iPhone Video Equipment
Which iPhone is best for filmmaking?
Some iPhones feature superb camera performance for shooting videos or films. But if you want to shoot pro videos, go for any model in the iPhone 11 series. iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max phones have 12-megapixel cameras with 4K video at 60fps. An extended dynamic range is available for Pro and Pro Max users.
How do I take good videos on my iPhone?
First, always use a tripod. Newer iPhones may feature image stabilization, but a tripod is still superior in keeping your footage steady. You should also avoid using your phone's digital zoom and move your phone closer to your subject for close-ups. And remember to use the iPhone's exposure lock for consistent focus and exposure during filming.
What app should I use to edit my videos?
Once you're done filming, you can simply edit and create your videos using a good video editing app. iMovie, Lumafusion, and Premiere Rush CC are some excellent apps that you should check out. You can export your videos and use a pro video editor on your computer to create your first iPhone video masterpiece, too.
Are there any features in my iPhone's camera that I can use in creating unique videos?
Yes. There's the Burst Mode, which lets you shoot ten images per second for a short burst. New iPhones also have grid lines to help your subjects have enough space when you're shooting with two people. And of course, you can use time-lapse, slo-mo, panorama, or even the QuickTake mode on the iPhone 11 series.
I don't have a tripod or gimbal. Can I still capture steady videos with my iPhone?
Yes. iPhone 8 and X models have Dual Optical Image Stabilization, which delivers less motion blur and camera shake while you're filming your scenes. Optical image stabilization is also available on iPhone 11, Pro, and Pro Max models. The iPhone 11's Wide camera and the Wide and Telephoto cameras on Pro variants use this feature.
Ready to build your iPhone filmmaking equipment kit? Check out the recommended products mentioned above, or explore your other videography gear options here on Adorama!
Best Anamorphic Lens for your Phone
There are now hundreds of different lenses which can be added to your smartphone. They're called conversion lenses because they convert (rather than replace) the existing lens. There are fisheye, macro, wide angle and telephoto lenses.
One of the most popular conversion lenses for smartphone filmmakers is the anamorphic lens. This is because it lends a certain cinematic quality to your videos other lenses cannot reach. For example, anamorphic lenses can create those long, thin lens flares from our favourite sci-fi shows and movies.
Below is a clip from one of MoMo's Official Selections: Robot Attack, shot on an iPhone using a Moondog Labs anamorphic lens adapter.
But it's not just about lens flares. The anamorphic lens gives you a true cinematic widescreen look. Of course you can simply crop the frame to create a widescreen look, but you'll lose image resolution.
What is an anamorphic lens?
Anamorphics were first used in photography during World War 1, then later in a cinematic context in 1927.
An anamorphic lens series called CinemaScope was used mostly from the mid 1950s to mid 1960s. This was driven by the desire to create epic-looking, widescreen cinema experiences to put 4:3 ratio TV screens back in their place.
Whereas Cinerama and stereoscopic 3D died almost as soon as they were initiated, 20th Century Fox's cheaper and more convenient CinemaScope used a simple anamorphic lens to create a widescreen effect.
In the image above, notice the curved screen to give the audience a greater feeling of being immersed in the movie.
How does an anamorphic lens work?
An anamorphic is a wide lens, but it's different to regular wide lenses. Whereas a wide lens simply increases the field of view all around, the anamorphic only widens the field of view sideways.
This extra view is then squeezed into a 16×9 frame. When using an anamorphic lens therefore, you need to 'de-squeeze' the squeezed image.
An app like FiLMiC Pro will de-squeeze the anamorphic image 'in camera' so you can see what you are getting as you're filming. Otherwise, you will need to de-squeeze using editing software. Either way, it's something that is quite simple to do.
Learn how to De-Squeeze your anamorphic video.
Why should you buy one?
Anamorphic conversion lenses have been used by the top filmmakers shooting with iPhones. It was the invention of the Moondog Labs anamorphic lens which helped Sean Baker to decide to shoot Tangerine on iPhones. Steven Soderbergh used the same lens for his recent iPhone-shot Netflix feature High Flying Bird.
With new phones now coming with a variety of telephoto and ultrawide lenses inbuilt, there is perhaps less need now for many conversion lenses. However, no smartphone makers have yet included an anamorphic lens in one of their phones. And it seems unlikely they ever will, as this is such a speciality lens (but you never know…).
That means shooting with an anamorphic gives you a cinematic look you couldn't otherwise achieve. The lens will set your videos apart from those using only inbuilt lenses. And it's a look you can't get in any other way.
Mounting your lens
When using any conversion lens for a smartphone, mounting the lens to your device is one of the major issues. There are a number of ways to mount a lens:
- clip
- brand case
- grip
The options available depend on your phone and the lens. I bought the 37mm version of the Moondog Labs lens, plus the Zecti grip, plus a 37mm clip. This gave me 2 mounting options. Neither are perfect: the clip covers FiLMiC's exposure controls and the rig is too bulky for my gimbal.
So, you will have to look into mounting options for your phone and see what works best for you and your filming needs.
1. Moondog Labs
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Back in 2014, Moondog Labs ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise money to produce their now near legendary 1.33x Anamorphic Adapter Lens for iPhone 5/5S. While many have tried to match the quality of the Moondog Labs lens since, I still believe it to be the best available.
Their team, including founders Scott Cahall and Julie Gerstenberger, has nearly 200 years of combined experience in optical design and engineering for photography, motion capture, projection, and display. The quality of the lens, to my eyes, is not quite matched by the competitors.
Last year, Moondog Labs added a bayonet mount version of their famous 1.33x anamorphic lens. This can be used with a number of bayonet mount cases, such as those made by Moment.
If you want a sample of what it looks like, you can watch the whole of Brian Vowles Robot Attack here:
Find their Anamorphic lens on Moondog Labs Official Website.
Other anamorphic smartphone lenses you might want to look at:
2. Moment
Moment have become the big hitters of smartphone lenses. Their marketing of their products is 2nd to none. They also make pretty good lenses.
They kicked off with a kickstarter in 2014. The campaign was a huge success, raising almost $0.5m from over 4000 backers. They first produced wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses. But not to be left out, they set up a Kickstarter for a Moment anamorphic in 2018.
The lens turned out to be very good indeed. It has a slightly different look to the Moondog Labs, but essentially does the same thing.
3. Kapkur
When this lens first came out, I was impressed by the clarity the nice looking lens flares. This lens is very well built and very easy to use. This lens is also a bit lighter than the Moment lens. On the downside, the case is a little thin and doesn't offer much protection to your phone.
Here's the lens tested on a Samsung Galaxy S10. You can see some vignetting in some shots due to him using the clip. A dedicated S10 case is not yet available.
4. Beastgrip
Beastgrip's Anamorphic lens is listed at $175. They also make a 37mm mounting plate, which can be used with lenses with a 37mm thread (such as the Moondog Labs Anamorphic).
Read More:Beastgrip Lenses for Smartphone
5. Sandmarc
Sandmarc are well know iPhone conversion lens makers. They recently got in on the act and brought out an anamorphic. And it's a good one!
Snapndrag pro organize and edit screenshot 4 2 4. Their lenses are only for iPhone. However I believe they also come with a clip which allows you to use the lens with other devices (unofficially).
Budget Options
In recent times, a number of cheaper anamorphic conversion lenses have begun to appear on sites such as Amazon and AliExpress.
Ulanzi
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Ulanzi have been making affordable gear for smartphones for a while. Now they have an anamorphic lens and it's pretty good for the price.
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Although I've seen this design before on other low cost lenses, I like the way the clip works. It seems like a simple solution is possible for lens mounting, without the rigs and cases the other brands want to sell you.
Read Next: Moondog Labs, Moment, Ulanzi 1st & 3rd Gen Anamorphic compared.
Inverlee
Another one which was shared in our facebook group is on Amazon and called Inverlee. It looks basically the same as the Ulanzi (same clip). It also has one of the strangest names for a lens I've seen…
This is the description given to the lens on Amazon: 'Help to Make More Perfect Photos and Videos, Better Record Life, Low-Cost Shooting of Miniature Movies (B)'
Is this a lens specifically for making B Movies? Or is there an A version of this title somewhere?
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