The Right gear For You!
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iphone studio 1.0
Want to go from zero to sixty? This is the leanest, highest quality, and overall best value setup I could put together to quickly boost production value for iPhone-based content creators on a budget. Click “Learn More” to read my thoughts on each item below, and click “View on Amazon” to see the current prices (which aren’t listed because they can change without notice).
Next Level Essentials
I spend hours researching the best gear, both new and time-tested. From that research, I’ve compiled this list of my hand-picked “next-level” upgrades to your iPhone content kit (in addition to the Studio 1.0 package). Click “Learn more” to read my thoughts on each item below, and click “View on Amazon” to see the current prices (which aren’t listed because they can change without notice).
iphone Studio 1.0
Look and sound great recording video for IGTV, TikTok, live streams, Zoom calls, and more!
Tripod + selfie stick
Joby Telepod with GripTight Pro | This is a solid, two-in-one tripod / selfie stick. I haven’t tried a bunch personally, but Joby is known for making quality gear (like the Gorilla Pod) and this unit, while mostly plastic, seems fairly durable. Like many selfie sticks, Its Bluetooth remote connects to your phone to remotely start and stop recording, though I have found that it doesn’t work in TikTok at the time of this review. The cell phone clamp is secure, can be turned horizontally or vertically, and has a “cold shoe” mount to a light or a microphone, both of which you’re going to want if you’re serious about improving your media game..
Pro Tip: If you already have a tripod for your phone, this can be used as a light stand to move your LED light upwards and off-center, creating more attractive light on your subject.
External Microphone
Purple Panda Lav Mic | Many say that audio quality is even more important than video quality for creating professional online video. Put another way, good audio can make bad camera work seem pro (remember Blair Witch Project?)
This mic from Purple Panda is a great value and works for iPhone and Android devices. In fact, it comes with any necessary adapters already included! How convenient!
BUT, If you want to record two voices into one phone, consider this option. The two mics can be connected together and combined into one signal, but keep in mind, you’ll also need the right adapter for TRRS to Lightning or USB-C, and you may want a couple extender cables as well to give you and your video buddy some room to move between you, and away from the camera.
Want to go wireless? Look below for some “next level” options>
Light
Lume Cube Panel Mini | This light is about the size of a credit card, but about 1/2” thick. It comes with a cold shoe mount and standard “1/4 20” threads to mount directly to a tripod. It charges (very quickly) by USB-C with an included cable, and conveniently shows its charge percentage and light time remaining on the screen on the back of the light. This is a “bi-color” light, meaning it can be shifted from a cool light temperature like daylight (5600K), to a warm color temperature like golden hour and tungsten lights (3200K).
Pro Tip: The color temperature (measured in Kelvin, or “K”) can vary on interior household bulbs. Matching the color temperature of the light sources on you (or your subject) to the type of light in your scene can be very helpful for making things look right! In small doses though, color can be a nice addition to the background (see below).
Next Level essentials
Take your game to the next level with more lighting, stabilized shooting on the go, wireless audio for two people, and more!
travel Tripod
Benro 5-section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod | If you’re shooting outdoors, in the wind, or while standing up, you’ll need a real tripod with the ability to get taller and stay stable in variable conditions. This one is light weight, fairly tall at about 60”, and folds up really small for transport.
Gimbal stabilizer
DJI OM 4 | A gimbal is a game changer for recording smooth, dreamy, cinematic video on the go. It removes almost all handheld vibrations while walking, running, skiing, and more. It can even lock on to keep your subject centered so all you have to do is follow along and face the right direction. Bonus: It also doubles as a desktop tripod, so no selfie stick needed!
Wireless Microphone Kit
Saramonic Blink 500 Wireless Mic System | Good audio is a must for online video creation. This line of products features options that plug directly into lightning ports, USB-C ports, and standard 3.5mm headphone ports, so the setup and use is seamless and easy. A wireless kit like this gives you the ability to move around while keeping the mic close, and audio sounding great!
Pro Tip: If you ever want to record audio with two people talking, grab the 2x transmitter variant for your phone type below.
USB-C device (Android)
iPhone with Lightning Port
LED accent Light (RGB color)
Aputure MC RGBWW Light with Bluetooth | If you’re going to create an amazing studio environment, you’ll want to add some color to make things pop! This pocket-sized light can create any color you want, and do so from an app on your phone. If you buy more than one, they can chain together to produce the same color, and a variety of coordinated lighting effects, also controlled by the app. I use these and they’re very useful for creating subtle dynamic and interest in the background of your scene.
Want more than one? Get the 4-pack of lights in a charging case!
Video Recording App
Filmic Pro | The native video app on iPhone leaves a lot to be desired. With Filmic Pro, you gain a lot of control to lock settings, adjust color, white balance, exposure, and other aspects that make the footage easier to edit professionally in post-production. If you’re going to be editing footage to send to me to edit, this app is a MUST!
Phone Clip
Joby GripTight Pro 2 | This is the same one as above, just without the selfie stick / tripod portion. It’s secure, versatile, and compact. If you need an extra, I highly recommend this one, as I own it, use it, and enjoy it.
coming soon: pro creator
This is the gear used by professional content creators at the highest levels of youtube and other online platforms.
Need help with all this?
Gear can be a never ending universe of a million products with unlimited options and confusing specs. If you need a hand making sure you get the right gear for you, get in touch below!