The Tools and Software You’ll Need to Make High-Quality Video on Your Phone
Making Videos Can be Easy with the Right Tools
If you’re like most of us today, you’re stuck in the house or alone in the office and looking for a new way to connect with potential and existing clients. Many of us are turning to video to make those connections.
You could go out (or rather order online) an extremely expensive camera setup with lights, audio systems, a powerful camera, etc. and spend thousands of dollars. Or, you could pull out your smartphone and just start.
Recording Software
If you’re using a phone from the last few years, then you have a decent camera and recording software in the phone itself. You can use that and your videos will be fine. If you’re looking to up your game, then there are several Apps in both the App Store and the Google Play Store that can help, however, there’s really only one that we recommend
Moment Pro Camera 4.0
Moment Pro Camera is an amazing video creating app that works on both iOS and Android. Not only can you adjust your ISO setting, manually focus, and take really great timelapses, the quality of the video output is better than anything else we’ve looked at and tried.
For just a few dollars, you turn your iPhone from a decent video camera into near-DSLR quality photos and videos. Check it out.
Editing Software
Your phone also comes with some basic video editing software. For example, with the iPhone, you can easily clip off the head or tail of a video and save over the your current file or as a new clip. If you’re looking for more than those and similar basics then you’ll need a stronger app to use to get the results you want. Here are a few of our favorites:
iMovie
A classic for iPhone users, iMovie allows you to upload multiple videos, stitch together multiple clips, and edit out flubs. You can also set transitions between the clips to move from one scene to another in a way that visually appealing.
You have the option to add music to your videos, and depending on what you’re looking for, that’s great. Just make sure you’re not using copyrighted music if you’re uploading to YouTube, Facebook or the like. They’ll mute your sound at best, and suspend your account if you do it too often.
FILMMAKER PRO
This is a full feature movie-making app that allows for adds some top-quality filters and illustrations to the mix. The real stand-apart here is the color-coded timeline view that makes editing easier to manage.
VLLO*
VLLO is one of the best on-phone editors we’ve looked at. The ability to adjust cropping, add overlayed images, video, text, etc. in a multi-level color-coded timeline is second-to-none. The onboard voiceover option and importing abilities as well as motion stickers and quality filters, mosaic options, and manual adjustments are just great.
* Our top choice
Hardware
Now that you have the software down, you’ll need a little hardware to get the best results. First things first you’ll need some good lighting. You can spend a bunch of money and time on Apurture Lights that will do an amazing job, we really love their Pocket Size Lights , or you can save some money and get a Ring Light.
Ring Lights
Hugely popular among vloggers, YouTubers, and other video creators. The provide a great source of light in front of your face, and help you stand out from your background.
Microphones
A good microphone will help up your sound quality and filter out any background noise.
The Rode smartLav+ is a corded lavalier microphone that clips on to your lapel. Rode is a phenomenal company with a history of making top-quality products. The reinforced cable and jack keeps it from breaking when the inevitable snag happens. Don’t forget the lightning adapter if your on an iPhone.
If you’re looking for a cordless option, check out the SabineTek SmartMike+ (why to they always add a plus?) This clip-on mic works through Bluetooth and supports up-to a 15 meter range. The noise-cancelling is great and the windcover even helps if you’re working outside.
Just Make Them
It doesn’t matter if you’re using the best equipment, or none at all. The important thing is that you need to be making videos. Whether you are filming on a RED camera or your cellphone, making and posting something is better than worrying about how it’s going to look.
Remember, “perfect is the enemy of good” which wasn’t Voltaire, but is still very true. So record your thoughts and get them out there. Keep doing it, and you’ll keep getting better. Your quality will improve and all the while you’ll be creating content your clients will love.
