Are you an aspiring filmmaker who is always on the go? Look no further, because we have compiled a list of must-have iPhone accessories that will take your mobile filmmaking to the next level. From stabilizers and lenses to microphones and tripods, these accessories will enhance the quality of your videos and help you unleash your creativity like never before. So, whether you are capturing breathtaking landscapes or documenting your everyday adventures, these accessories are the perfect companions to transform your iPhone into a powerful filmmaking tool.
External Microphones
Capturing high-quality audio is essential for creating professional-looking videos. While the iPhone’s built-in microphone is decent, using an external microphone can significantly enhance the audio quality of your videos. Here are four types of external microphones that you should consider for mobile filmmaking:
Shotgun Microphone
A shotgun microphone is a long, cylindrical microphone that is known for its directional pickup pattern. This means that it focuses on capturing sound from the direction it is pointing in while reducing background noise. With a shotgun microphone, you can achieve crisp and clear audio even in noisy environments. This type of microphone is commonly used for interviews, documentaries, and capturing dialogue in various filmmaking scenarios.
Lavalier Microphone
A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel microphone, is a small microphone that you can easily clip onto your clothing. It offers the advantage of hands-free operation, making it perfect for interviews, presentations, and situations where you need to move around while recording. Lavalier microphones are known for their ability to capture clear and natural-sounding audio, making them a popular choice among mobile filmmakers.
Wireless Microphone
Wireless microphones provide the freedom to move around without being restricted by cables. These microphones consist of a transmitter that you can attach to your belt or pocket and a receiver that connects to your iPhone. This setup allows you to have the microphone close to your subject while maintaining a good distance between yourself and the camera. Wireless microphones are great for capturing audio in situations where you need flexibility and mobility.
Directional Microphone
A directional microphone, also known as a cardioid microphone, is designed to primarily capture sound from the front while minimizing sound from the sides and rear. This microphone is ideal for vlogging, interviews, and other situations where you want to capture clear audio from a specific direction. Directional microphones are versatile and can be used for a wide range of filming scenarios, making them a valuable tool for mobile filmmakers.
Portable Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for capturing high-quality videos, and the iPhone’s built-in flash is often not sufficient. Investing in portable lighting solutions can greatly improve the visual impact of your footage. Here are four types of portable lighting options that you should consider for mobile filmmaking:
LED Light Panels
LED light panels are versatile lighting solutions that provide bright and even illumination. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them perfect for on-the-go filmmaking. LED panels typically offer adjustable brightness and color temperature, allowing you to achieve the desired lighting effect. With LED light panels, you can enhance the visual quality of your videos, especially in low-light situations.
Ring Lights
Ring lights are circular-shaped lights that fit around the camera lens. They provide soft, even illumination and create a unique ring-shaped catchlight in the subject’s eyes. Ring lights are commonly used in beauty and portrait photography but can also be beneficial for mobile filmmakers. They create a flattering lighting effect and help eliminate shadows, resulting in a professional-looking video.
Clip-On Lights
Clip-on lights are small and portable lights that you can attach to your iPhone or any other object. They provide additional illumination and can be easily adjusted to achieve the desired lighting angle. Clip-on lights are useful for close-up shots or when you need to highlight a specific subject or object. They are also great for adding a creative touch to your videos by creating interesting light patterns and effects.
Light Diffusers
Light diffusers are materials or attachments that soften and spread out the light from a source. They are used to reduce harsh shadows and create a more natural and flattering lighting effect. Diffusers can be attached to your portable lights or simply held in front of them. They are handy in situations where you need to soften the lighting or achieve a more diffused and even light distribution.
Stabilization
Shaky footage can distract viewers from the content of your videos and make them appear unprofessional. Using stabilization tools can greatly improve the stability and smoothness of your shots. Here are four types of stabilization accessories that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
Gimbal Stabilizer
A gimbal stabilizer is a motorized handheld device that uses gyroscope technology to keep your camera steady while you move. It provides smooth and steady footage by counteracting the shaky movements of your hand. Using a gimbal stabilizer can make a significant difference in the quality of your videos, especially when walking or capturing action shots. It gives your footage a professional, cinematic look without the need for complex post-processing stabilization.
Handheld Stabilizer
Handheld stabilizers, also known as steadicams, are non-motorized devices that you hold in your hand. They use counterweights and advanced balancing techniques to stabilize your camera as you move. Handheld stabilizers require some practice to master but can provide excellent stabilization results when used correctly. They are great for capturing smooth footage during dynamic movements and can be a cost-effective alternative to motorized gimbals.
Tripods/Joby Gorillapod
Tripods and Joby Gorillapods are traditional stabilization tools that allow you to keep your iPhone steady without holding it. Tripods are stable and reliable, providing a solid base for your camera. They are perfect for static shots, time-lapses, or when you want to keep the camera in a fixed position. Joby Gorillapods, on the other hand, are flexible tripods with adjustable legs that can be wrapped around objects or positioned in various angles. Both tripods and Gorillapods are versatile tools for stabilizing your iPhone during filming.
Shoulder Rig
Shoulder rigs are camera support systems that rest on your shoulder, providing stability and comfort while filming. They consist of a shoulder pad, handles, and mounting platforms for accessories. Shoulder rigs allow for more controlled camera movements and reduce handheld shakiness. They are particularly useful for longer filming sessions or when you need to film from a standing position. Shoulder rigs provide stability for your iPhone and help you achieve professional-looking footage.
Lens Attachments
Expanding your iPhone’s camera capabilities can dramatically enhance the visual quality of your videos. Lens attachments allow you to capture unique perspectives, achieve different focal lengths, and add creative effects to your shots. Here are four types of lens attachments that you should consider for mobile filmmaking:
Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens increases the field of view, allowing you to capture more of the scene in a single frame. It is perfect for landscape shots, vlogs, and situations where you need to fit more subjects or objects into the frame. Wide-angle lenses are also used to create a sense of depth and exaggerate perspectives, adding visual interest to your videos.
Telephoto Lens
A telephoto lens has a narrow field of view and allows you to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. It is ideal for capturing details, wildlife, sports events, or any situation where you need to get closer to the action. Telephoto lenses also compress the perspective, creating a flatter and more cinematic look.
Macro Lens
A macro lens enables you to capture extreme close-up shots of small subjects with incredible detail. It is perfect for capturing the fine textures, details, and intricate features of objects such as flowers, insects, or jewelry. Macro lenses allow you to explore the world of the tiny and add a unique visual element to your videos.
Fisheye Lens
A fisheye lens offers an ultra-wide-angle perspective with a distinctive distorted effect. It creates a hemispherical image, capturing a wide field of view and bending straight lines. Fisheye lenses are commonly used in action sports videos, music videos, and creative filmmaking to add a unique and immersive look to the footage. They create a visually striking effect that can make your videos stand out from the crowd.
External Battery Packs
With the increasing use of smartphones for filmmaking, ensuring a reliable power source is crucial for uninterrupted filming. External battery packs provide additional power to your iPhone, allowing you to film for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery. Here are four types of external battery packs that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
Power Banks
Power banks are compact and portable battery packs that you can carry with you to charge your iPhone on the go. They are available in various capacities and can provide multiple charges for your iPhone, depending on the model. Power banks are lightweight and convenient, making them perfect for outdoor filming or situations where access to a power source is limited.
Battery Cases
Battery cases are protective cases that feature built-in batteries. They not only provide extra power for your iPhone but also offer protection against bumps, drops, and scratches. Battery cases usually have a larger capacity compared to power banks, enabling you to film for longer periods without the need for an external device. They are particularly useful for extended filming sessions or when you want an all-in-one solution for power and protection.
Wireless Charging Pads
Wireless charging pads allow you to charge your iPhone without requiring a physical connection. They utilize electromagnetic induction to transfer power from the pad to the device. Wireless charging pads are convenient and easy to use, as you simply need to place your iPhone on the pad to start charging. They are perfect for situations where you need to charge your iPhone quickly and without any cables.
Car Chargers
Car chargers are a practical solution for charging your iPhone while on the go. They plug into the cigarette lighter or accessory socket in your car and provide power to your iPhone through a USB port. Car chargers are great for long road trips or when you need to charge your iPhone while traveling between filming locations. They ensure that you always have a power source available, even when you’re on the move.
Mobile Editing Tools
Editing plays a significant role in enhancing the visual and storytelling aspects of your videos. While the iPhone offers basic editing capabilities, using mobile editing tools can provide you with more advanced features and creative options. Here are four mobile editing tools that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
Filmic Pro App
Filmic Pro is a professional video recording and editing app that empowers mobile filmmakers with advanced manual controls and features. It allows you to adjust various settings, such as exposure, focus, frame rate, and resolution, giving you full control over your video capture. Filmic Pro also offers powerful editing tools, including color grading, trimming, audio adjustments, and the ability to export in various formats. It is a must-have app for filmmakers who want to take their mobile video production to the next level.
iMovie
iMovie is Apple’s native video editing app, designed specifically for iPhones and iPads. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of editing features, including timeline editing, transitions, titles, audio adjustments, and more. iMovie allows you to create professional-looking videos quickly and easily, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer a simpler editing workflow.
LumaFusion
LumaFusion is a powerful and professional-grade video editing app that offers advanced editing features and capabilities. It provides multiple video and audio tracks, extensive color grading options, multi-point motion tracking, keyframe animations, and a wide range of effects and transitions. LumaFusion supports editing resolutions up to 4K and allows you to export your videos in various formats. It is a comprehensive editing tool that caters to the needs of experienced mobile filmmakers.
Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush is a cross-platform video editing app that seamlessly syncs your projects across multiple devices. It offers a simplified interface and intuitive workflow, making it accessible for beginners while still providing advanced editing features. Premiere Rush allows you to edit on the go, create professional-looking videos with customized titles and graphics, and easily share your projects on social media platforms. It is an excellent choice for mobile filmmakers who are already familiar with Adobe’s creative suite of products.
Remote Shutter
Having control over when to start and stop recording can greatly enhance your filming experience and ensure that you capture the perfect shot. Remote shutters offer the convenience of remotely triggering your iPhone’s camera without the need to touch the screen. Here are three types of remote shutter accessories that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
Wireless Remote
Wireless remotes use Bluetooth or other wireless technologies to remotely control your iPhone’s camera. They allow you to start and stop recording, take photos, and adjust other camera settings without having to touch your phone. Wireless remotes are small and portable, making them easy to carry with you during filming. They provide additional flexibility and control over your shots, especially in situations where accessing the iPhone’s screen may not be practical.
Bluetooth Remote
Similar to wireless remotes, Bluetooth remotes use Bluetooth connectivity to control your iPhone’s camera remotely. They offer the same functionality as wireless remotes, allowing you to trigger the camera, adjust settings, and capture shots from a distance. Bluetooth remotes are compatible with most smartphones, including iPhones, and provide a convenient way to control your camera when you’re not behind it.
Selfie Stick with Remote
Selfie sticks with built-in remotes offer a dual-purpose solution for mobile filmmaking. They allow you to extend your reach and capture selfie shots while also providing the ability to remotely trigger your iPhone’s camera. Selfie sticks with built-in remotes are versatile and compact, making them perfect for vlogging, travel videos, or any situation where you need extra reach and control over your shots.
External Storage
Filming high-quality videos on your iPhone can quickly fill up its internal storage. External storage solutions allow you to expand your storage capacity and ensure that you never run out of space for your videos. Here are four types of external storage options that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
Lightning Flash Drives
Lightning flash drives are storage devices that feature a lightning connector, making them compatible with iPhones and iPads. They allow you to transfer files between your iPhone and the flash drive, freeing up storage space on your device. Lightning flash drives are compact and easy to carry, making them perfect for backing up or transferring large video files while on the go.
Wireless Hard Drives
Wireless hard drives enable wireless file transfer and storage for your iPhone. They create a Wi-Fi network that you can connect to using your iPhone, allowing you to transfer files wirelessly. Wireless hard drives offer large storage capacities, making them perfect for backing up your footage or storing your video archives. They are also useful for sharing files between multiple devices without the need for a physical connection.
SD Card Readers
SD card readers allow you to directly transfer files from an SD card to your iPhone. They connect to your iPhone’s lightning port and provide a slot to insert your SD card. SD card readers are convenient when you want to transfer footage from a camera or another device directly to your iPhone for editing or backup purposes. They eliminate the need for a computer and streamline your workflow, particularly during location shoots.
Cloud Storage Apps
Cloud storage apps enable you to store your files on remote servers and access them from any device with an internet connection. You can upload your videos to the cloud and free up storage space on your iPhone. Cloud storage apps provide off-site backup, file synchronization, and easy sharing capabilities. They are particularly useful for collaborative projects, as multiple users can access and edit the same files simultaneously.
Gimbal Accessories
When using a gimbal stabilizer for mobile filmmaking, certain accessories can enhance your filming experience and provide additional creative options. Here are four essential gimbal accessories for mobile filmmaking:
Counterweight
Counterweights are used to balance the weight distribution on your gimbal stabilizer. They attach to the opposite side of the camera to counterbalance heavy lenses or other accessories. Properly balancing your gimbal is essential for smooth and stable footage. Counterweights ensure that your gimbal operates optimally and helps you capture professional-looking videos.
Extension Pole
An extension pole allows you to increase the reach of your gimbal stabilizer. It enables you to capture high-angle shots, unique perspectives, or get closer to the action without having to physically approach your subject. Extension poles are handy for vlogging, landscape shots, or any situation where you need extra reach or flexibility while filming.
Wireless Follow Focus
A wireless follow focus system allows you to remotely control the focus of your lens while using a gimbal stabilizer. It consists of a focus motor that attaches to your lens and a remote control unit. Wireless follow focus systems are useful when you need to maintain a consistent focus on moving subjects or create smooth focus transitions in your shots. They give you precise control over your footage and help achieve professional-level focus effects.
Phone Holder/Adapter
A phone holder or adapter is an essential accessory if you want to attach your iPhone to a gimbal stabilizer. It ensures that your iPhone is securely and safely mounted on the gimbal, allowing you to capture stable and smooth footage. Phone holders and adapters come in various designs and configurations, so it’s important to choose one that is compatible with your specific gimbal model.
iPhone Camera Apps
While the iPhone’s native camera app offers basic filming and photography features, using third-party camera apps can unlock additional capabilities and creative options. Here are four iPhone camera apps that are essential for mobile filmmaking:
ProCam
ProCam is a comprehensive camera app that provides advanced manual controls for photography and videography. It offers features such as adjustable exposure, focus, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and more. ProCam also includes a variety of shooting modes, filters, and a live histogram for precise exposure control. With ProCam, you can take full control of your iPhone’s camera and capture professional-quality videos.
Camera+2
Camera+2 is a feature-packed camera app that provides a multitude of shooting modes, manual controls, and editing features. It offers advanced exposure settings, image stabilization, burst mode, and a variety of shooting presets. Camera+2 also includes powerful editing tools, allowing you to enhance your videos directly within the app. It is a versatile and user-friendly camera app that is perfect for mobile filmmakers of all levels.
Hydra
Hydra is a unique camera app that specializes in capturing high-quality HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos and videos. It utilizes advanced algorithms to combine multiple exposures into a single image or video, resulting in enhanced dynamic range and better overall image quality. Hydra offers various shooting modes, including HDR video, low-light mode, and zooming capabilities. If you want to capture stunning visuals with improved details and colors, Hydra is the perfect camera app for you.
ProCamera
ProCamera is a professional-grade camera app that excels in both photography and videography. It offers advanced manual controls, adjustable exposure presets, focus peaking, and various shooting modes. ProCamera also includes real-time histograms, RAW capture support, and a comprehensive editing suite. With ProCamera, you can capture and edit videos with precision and achieve exceptional results.
In conclusion, these must-have iPhone accessories are essential for mobile filmmakers who want to take their videos to the next level. Investing in external microphones, portable lighting, stabilization tools, lens attachments, external battery packs, mobile editing tools, remote shutters, external storage, gimbal accessories, and iPhone camera apps will greatly enhance the audio quality, visual impact, stability, creative possibilities, power efficiency, editing capabilities, control, storage capacity, and shooting potential of your iPhone videos. By equipping yourself with these accessories, you can create professional-looking videos that captivate your audience and elevate your mobile filmmaking to new heights.