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The barrier for entry into filmmaking is lower than it’s ever been thanks to your iPhone and a few key accessories. And iPhone cinematography isn’t relegated to indie directors — Steven Soderbergh shot his films “Unsane” and “High Flying Bird” on an iPhone and even told IndieWire in 2018 that he would likely keep doing it.
“I think this is the future,” he said at the time. “Anybody going to see [‘Unsane’] who has no idea of the backstory to the production will have no idea this was shot on the phone. That’s not part of the conceit.” Added Soderbergh, “People forget, this is a 4K capture [device]. I’ve seen it 40 feet tall. It looks like velvet. This is a game-changer to me.”
Want to channel your inner Soderbergh? You’ll of course need an iPhone to get started, and a few other gear choices below that will help make your indie film or documentary or whatever you’re planning to shoot look as polished and professional as possible. For more movie-making essentials, be sure to read our roundup of low-cost sound equipment.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Smartphone Gimbal
Regardless of whether you’re shooting on a smart phone or a traditional camera, it’s always nice to have stable footage. The DJI Osmo Mobile 3 is one of the better reviewed and affordable options on the market. It’s a three-axis gimbal that helps reduce shaky footage for smoother, more stabilized results, and perfect for iPhone filmmaking. Plus, it’s sleek and portable enough to slide into your backpack and take on location.
Rode VideoMicro Camera with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount
The Rode VideoMicro has the necessary features of a smart phone mic: it’s compact (3”), lightweight (1.5 ounce), and designed to enhance audio quality for your device. This mini, directional microphone features the standard, 100hz-20kHZ frequency range and reduces peripheral sounds while isolating the audio in front of the camera. To use with an iPhone, you’ll need a Rode SC7 3.5mm TRS to TRRS Patch Cable to connect to your device.
iPhone Lens Kit
Lenses are essential to iPhone filmmaking. Amazon’s choice for “iPhone lens kit,” comes with a 0.36X & 0.63X wide angle lens, a 20X & 15X macro lens, a telephoto zoom lens, a 198-degree fisheye lens, a CPL filter lens, starburst lens, and a kaleidoscope lens for all of your lens needs. The clip-on design means you don’t need an additional mount, and the carrying case means you can keep them safe and dust-free when not in use.
Moment Anamorphic Lens Attachment
More than 400 users give this Anamorphic lens attachment for phone cameras a 4.5-star rating. Using a Moment case (just $49.99 on Amazon) or an m-series lens mount ($25.49 on Amazon), attach this lens to your iPhone for a wide-screen (1.33x and 2:40:1 aspect ratio) look on your phone camera. It comes with a lifetime warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee along with your lens, lens cap, and microfiber carrying bag.
Solar Charger, 20000mAh Portable Outdoor Waterproof Solar Power Bank
Now that you have your camera sorted, you’re going to need a portable power situation if you want to film for a long duration. Grab yourself a couple of these solar power banks to make sure you’re covered. They’re rain-, dirt-, and shock-resistant, and compatible with all smartphones, tablets, and other USB devices. The attached carabiner makes them eminently portable, and the dual USB means you can easily charge two smartphones simultaneously or a tablet at full speed. (The primary way to charge is via USB, but the solar is a nice backup.)
UBeesize Phone Tripod
Depending on what you’re looking for in terms of stability and camera placement, we have a few different tripod and rig recommendations. This 51″ tripod is a good all-purpose tool, and it comes with a built-in cell phone mount holder and a smartphone Bluetooth remote. It supports smartphones and small cameras up to 2.2 pounds, is easily folded to 16″ for transport, can adjust from 16″ to 50″ in seconds for fast setup, and has separate lock controls for smooth panning, tilting, and movement from horizontal to vertical camera orientation.
ULANZI U Rig Pro Smartphone Video Rig
If you want stability on the go, this rig comes with three standard shoe mounts and two universal 1/4″-20 threads which means you can mount LED lights and mics alongside your smartphone.
DREAMGRIP Evolution 2020 PRO Universal Modular Transformable Rig System
This rig is 100% compatible with all new smartphones and made with professionals in mind — there’s room for external lights, microphones, monitors, and more. It’s a modular system so there are plenty of options for custom setups depending on your task, and is compatible with most other photo/video extensions and supports (including dollies, moving platforms, jibs, pan-stabilizers, grips, and more). It’s got a detachable 37-17mm threaded adapter to provide compatibility with a wide range of eternal lenses (17 and 37mm thread), optical accessories including DoF adapters (37mm thread), filters and hoods (52 and 37mm thread).
UHF Wireless Microphone System
You’ve got the visuals taken care of, now it’s time for the audio. This wireless microphone system has a regular 1/4″ plug that works with mixers, PA speakers, and amplifiers, but can be converted to use with your iPhone using a lightning/type-c adapter cable (not included). The package includes three adapters (two TRS adapters and one TRRS adapter), three mics (a headset mic, a handheld mic, and a cavalier lapel mic), a multi-functional tripod, a windproof fur shield, and a charging cable. These mics can transmit up to 300′ without feedback or distortion as long as there are no obstacles in the way (less if so).
Ampridge MightyMic Pro Clip-On Wireless Microphone
For a seamless experience with your iPhone, these clip-on mics have a 30′ range and pair directly to your phone or tablet. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to nine hours of usage, and can be paired with an external battery pack.
UBeesize Tripod S, Premium Flexible Tripod with Wireless Remote
This flexible option is perfect if you’re on the go — it’s got a high-grade metal ball joint to support even the heaviest phone, and the wireless remote control helps with remote shots. You can use with iPhones and Samsung phones, or, with the help of an adapter, digital cameras and GoPros.
LaCie Rugged USB-C 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
Okay, so you’ve shot your footage — but you’re going to need somewhere to store it. This Rugged drive uses a USB C connection (and comes with a USB 3.0 adapter) for quick file transfer, backups, and image browsing — and it’s drop-, crush-, and rain-resistant. Plus, it comes with a two-year limited warranty, rescue data recovery services, and a complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan.
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