“Stuff We Use”  showcases hardware and apps that the MobileMovieMaking team members use in their own productions.

We welcome your recommendations and comments.

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BATTERY CHARGERS

One of the worst things that can befall a video shoot is having your mobile run out of juice. There’s goes that historic shot of a UFO or tsunami. Since often you won’t be able to plug in, the smart move is to carry auxiliary power with you.

Jockery portable battery charger: High-capacity portable phone charger with 3200mAh rechargeable battery power capacity with 1A output. Adds 10 extra hours of talk time or 1 full charge to your iPhones. This portable battery charger (external battery charger) adds 100% extra battery life. $16.95

CAMERA APPS

 Being able to point & shoot is a benefit of mobile cinematography. The device’s automatic tools will usually get you clear, well-exposed images. But  to artfully manage elements such as lighting, focus, color balance, and speed (slow motion, fast motion, time lapse), you need manual controls. While newer devices allow you to manually determine functionality, third party apps often provide a greater measure of control.

FiLMiC Pro offers full manual control, motion FX and the world class image processing that beat the $5000 Sony FS100 and tied the $13,000 Canon C300 in blind audience testing at the Zacuto: Revenge of the Great Camera Shoot Out. FiLMic Pro is available only for Apple devices. $7.95

 

LENSES

Every mobile device comes with a lens. But moviemakers have long understood that different circumstances call for different lens types. For example, to shoot close-ups of insects, flowers, and other tiny things, you want a macro lens. To capture an object at some distance—for example, a baseball player out in center field—a telephoto lens may be your first choice. Various companies are now making clip-on or screw-on lenses for mobile devices, thus bringing a great deal of flexibility to your shooting.

olloclip offers 4-in-one lens kits that are easy to carry and use. While the quality might not be sufficient if you’re planning to exhibit your movies in large theaters, they are more than adequate for exhibition via the web and even when projecting in theaters with modest-size screens. These lenses are only for iPhones and iPads. Range: $50-$100.

olloclip 4-in-one lens kit for the iPhone 6/6+.

Carson HookUpz Binocular Adapter for Most Full Sized Binoculars. Turn almost any pair of binoculars into a high-powered telephone lens. The device works with iPhones, Androids, and Windows smartphones.  Typically, you’ll end up with the equivalent of 8x telephone lens worth hundreds of dollars.  $11.87  In addition to the HookUpz device, you’ll need a BARSKA Binocular Tripod Adaptor. $9.99

 

MICROPHONES

We think of movies as being visual, but experts know that much of a projects value comes from sound, and in many cases that means recording sound as you shoot the visuals. Every mobile device has a built-in microphone. Under ideal conditions, the built-in microphone will work. But rarely are conditions idea. To record sound that’s worth listening to, you need an auxiliary mike–one that can be moved away from the camera.

Rode SmartLav+: This lavaliere microphone, which easily clips to clothing worn by a performer or interviewee, records the talent’s voice close up. This enables you to get clearer sound than from the mobile’s built-in microphone. $79.

Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: Use this is you want to attach an older microphone to a new smartphone.

STABILIZATION Jiggly images are the hallmark of amateur moviemaking. We use three types of resources to achieve smooth video: tripods, add-on handles (steadicam devices), and image-stabilization software

AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag: Weighing only 2.7 pounds, this device is easy to carry but sturdy enough to handle any mobile device. You will need to separately purchase a  TRIPOD MOUNT (see below) to connect your mobile to the tripod.  $23.49

BlackWing-HG3  Cell-Phone Stabilizer Mount: This inexpensive grip will enable you to get far smoother video than shooting bare-handed. The universal cellphone clip works with most phones including iPhone 6, Samsung, LG, and Nokia. $28.30

Cinetics SmartMount and miniSkates Pro Bundle: If you’re shooting on a smooth surface—such as a kitchen floor or pool table— and you want to track (follow) your subject  or move away from it, use this three-wheeled dolly  to take  smooth video. $119.90

ePhoto Camera-Bearing Slider: This devices enables you to create smooth dolly-like shots, moving across the scene or moving in or away from the subject.

Glif – Adjustable Tripod Mount & Stand For Smartphones: This device allows you to connect almost any smartphone (iPhone, Samsung, HTC, etc.) to a standard tripod. $30.00

Ikan FLY-X3-PLUS 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer: This steadycam-like device enables you to create smooth, handheld shots even when you’re tracking the action. It works with all smartphones includingiPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxies. $349.

Joby Gorillapod Flexible Tripod: Attach your mobile to all sorts of things–including chairs, handlebars,  poles, and branches. using the bendable legs. and Rubber Foot Grips Easily Secure to Any surface. $16.95

Jellyfish Jelly Legs Micro Tripo with Micro Ball Head: When it’s not convenient to carry a regular tripod, use this pocket tripod to get steady shots from a table or other flat surface. $12.95

Steadicam SMOOTHEE-GPIP5 Mount for GoPro HD Hero and iPhone 5:  While less sophisticated than a Hollywood steadicam rig ($60,000), the Smoothie will enable you to shoot reasonable shake-free video while walking,, climbing or descending stairs, and otherwise moving the camera. A version for the iPhone 6 is in the works. $119.