Apple has been taking the crown for smartphone video for many years at this point, so I’m sure it was no surprise that the iPhone 13 is again looking like the best you can get for video in 2021. We have some nice new improvements, such as built-in stabilization on all models, and some upcoming changes, including ProRes recording, that step things up yet again.
Still, smartphones are not exactly the best ergonomically for recording video. If you want to know how you can make your iPhone 13 videos even better with a few key accessories then you should check out this video from Sidney Diongzon.
1-3. PolarPro LiteChaser Pro Kit
The PolarPro LiteChaser Pro case is the core of your setup. It is a simple-looking case for iPhones but it can quickly expand to improve your usability. There is a removable grip which can actually also be used to start and stop recording thanks to a button on top.
Plus, there are some 1/4”-20 threads on top and bottom to add more accessories or to mount it to a tripod or stand. There is also a filter mount that can be used with optional VND, ND, or polarizer filters when you need them.
There aren’t yet options for the iPhone 13 unfortunately, but it is the brand to watch. An alternate would be Moment with their cases and lenses though you don’t get the same exact functionality.
4. SmallRig Smartphone Video Rig
Image Credit: Manfrotto
The SmallRig Standard Universal Mobile Phone Cage is a more traditionally-styled cage for any smartphone. It has a clamp on the back that tightly locks in on your phone. It has a ton of 1/4”-20 threads on the top and bottom and there are a couple of cold shoe mounts for attaching nearly anything you want.
5. Manfrotto RC2 Quick Release Plate
Add on a basic Manfrotto RC2 Quick Release Plate and you are ready to use it like your regular cameras on your tripods and quickly pop your smartphone rig on and off.
6. Joby GorillaPod
Speaking of tripods, the Joby GorillaPod has long been a clear winner for portable rigs. It bends any which way so you can get it set up wherever you need and is nice and small. Just get one already.
7. Apple Lighting to 3.5mm Adapter
For better audio you will need to be hooking up a mic. No more audio port on the iPhone, so you will want to pick up the Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter to connect most standard microphones with ease.
8. Deity D4 DUO Microphone
Image Credit: Deity
The Deity D4 DUO Microphone is a small and effective mic for on-camera use and has the ability to record from both ends if you ever need to get both sides. This is a neat feature, but it is also very nice that the microphone is small enough to be used on the smartphone without overwhelming it.
9-10. Rode Wireless GO II and Lavalier GO
Wireless audio is just as easy these days, especially with the Rode Wireless GO II. It’s tiny and the receiver is easily connected with a 3.5mm cable. The transmitter actually has an on-board microphone, but adding the Rode Lavalier GO is a huge improvement.
11. Aputure MC RGB LED Light
Portable lights have come a long way with LED. Now you can get a tiny full-color tunable LED light that is smaller than your phone. An example of this is the Aputure MC RGB LED Light. It’s small and has a built-in battery pack for minimal cabling while you are out shooting.
12. AndyCine Monitor Mount
Image Credit: ANDYCINE
The ANDYCINE Monitor Mount is a nice way to mount your accessories. There are a lot of brands who make some of these, and the nice part is that the monitor mounts generally have friction movements for tilting and swiveling.
13. Anker Nano
Compact chargers are the future, and the Anker Nano is a good example as to why. The Nano is just as big as Apple’s classic 5W USB chargers but will actually hit 20W. This will charge up your phone much faster than your other chargers and the new iPhones don’t even come with a little brick at all.
14. Anker PowerCore III
One things smartphones are not is great at video for a ton of video shooting. The Anker PowerCore III is a portable battery pack that has a built-in wireless charging pad. There are also USB Type-A and Type-C ports for standard wired charging. You’ll want something like this to stay juiced up all day.
Do you have any of your own go-to iPhone filmmaking accessories?
[source: Sidney Diongzon]
Order Links:
- PolarPro LiteChaser Pro Case for iPhone 11 (B&H)
- PolarPro Hand Grip for iPhone 11 (B&H)
- PolarPro VND Filter for iPhone 11 (B&H)
- PolarPro LiteChaser Filmmaker’s Kit (Amazon)
- SmallRig Standard Universal Mobile Phone Cage (B&H, Amazon)
- Manfrotto 323 RC2 Quick Release System (B&H, Amazon)
- JOBY GorillaPod 3K Flexible Mini Tripod (B&H, Amazon)
- Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter (B&H, Amazon)
- Deity V-Mic D4 DUO Shotgun Microphone (B&H, Amazon)
- Rode Wireless GO II (B&H, Amazon)
- Rode Lavalier GO (B&H, Amazon)
- Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light (B&H, Amazon)
- ANDYCINE Monitor Mount (B&H, Amazon)
- Anker Nano 20W USB Power Adapter (Amazon)
- Anker PowerCore III Battery Pack (Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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