Professionals typically use DSLR or mirrorless 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 iPhone filmmaking accessories, can seem pretty discouraging. However, you can always make use of what you already have—your handy iPhone.
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 iPhone filmmaking 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 in 2022
Gear up for your next film project with these essential iPhone filmmaking 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 SmallRig Handheld Video Rig Kit is another sturdy rig case that features and handle 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, and a lens mount for external lens attachments.
This best-selling iPhone filmmaking accessory works with the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro.
Accessory Lenses
Fortunately, Apple has upgraded its latest iPhone models with camera sensors and double lenses for capturing both wide-angle and telephoto shots. Starting with the iPhone 11, Apple took 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 filmmaking lens attachment accessories 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.
The DJI OM 5 Handheld Smartphone Gimbal 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 OM 5 is also lightweight at 2.53 oz (72g), 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, the Moza Mini MX Gimbal for Smartphones is worth a try. This portable gimbal has dedicated buttons that offer straightforward use. The Moza Mini MX features an anti-shake algorithm for super smooth footage capture. It also has instant transition between portrait and landscape orientation options and an all-in-one panel for easy controls.
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
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
Can you shoot professional videos with iPhone?
Nowadays, iPhones can record 4K videos with cinema-quality and incorporate lots of technology and functionalities. Furthermore, iPhones are lightweight, small, and always at hand, so why not use them? If you add the broad range of available iPhone accessories for filming, you reach the potential of a dedicated video camera. iPhone filming accessories includes monopods and tripods, mounts/cases, grips/rigs, microphones, conversion lenses, lights, and many more.
Which iPhone is best for filmmaking?
In the world of the iPhone, each new model is better than the previous one, and the market for iPhone filming accessories grows every year. iPhone 13, for example, has an ultra-wide camera with a powerful autofocus system, able to focus at 2cm and record macro videos. It also has a telephoto camera for shooting classic videos. iPhone filming accessories, such as tripods, LED lights, and vlogging kits, fit all iPhones and improve your experience.
Is an iPhone good for making YouTube videos?
Yes, an iPhone is all you need to start your YouTube channel because it provides good quality videos. You can find plenty of iPhone accessories for filming yourself, recording tutorials, or making short films. Besides the large variety of iPhone filming accessories, you also benefit from a native video editor, Photos. You can do everything using just your phone.
How do I take good videos on my iPhone?
Invest in the best iPhone filmmaking accessories. 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 accessories kit? Check out the recommended products mentioned above, or explore your other videography gear options here on Adorama!
