Although having an expensive camera/equipment at the start of your vlogging career sounds like a fantastic idea, you may not have enough funds to invest in those overpriced high-end vlogging equipment. Did you know that, contrary to popular belief, you can create high-quality content/videos for your vlogs using your smartphone? Yes, you can, though you may need to use certain accessories in conjunction with your smartphone to improve the quality of your vlogs.
How to Vlog with your iPhone: [9 Quick Recording Hacks]
1- Shoot your videos in Landscape Mode
Recording your videos horizontally prevents black bars from appearing on both sides of the video while also allowing you to capture more of your surroundings. The presence of black bars at the sides of your video can make it less attractive to viewers, since the images may appear smaller than usual.
2- Activate your flight mode settings
Given that your phone is a multitasking device, incoming calls or notifications popping up in the middle of shooting a vlog will not only ruin the entire footage but can equally ruin your entire mood and make you less motivated to get on with it.
3- Record your videos in manual mode
Because the iPhone’s default shooting mode is automatic, the option to switch to manual controls may not be available in its settings. However, there are a variety of apps available for download that will allow you to control such settings, like the Halide Mark II – Pro Camera
4- Enable video stabilization
The benefit of using an iPhone for vlogging is that it has an inbuilt video stabilization feature, though it is not enabled by default. Activating this feature in your settings will help ensure that your video is steady and shake-free, assuming you minimize jerky movements while shooting.
5- Practice continually by making trial recordings
Making a few test recordings will allow you to quickly assess the video’s quality and correct any errors that need to be addressed. This will assist you in creating the ideal final video.
6- Shoot your videos in high resolution:
According to some research, the most recent iPhones are capable of recording at least a 4k video, which is ideal for creating a high-quality vlog. If you want to make high-quality videos, make sure your phone is set to at least 4k resolution before you start filming.
7- Invest in the External Accessories
Investing in external iPhone accessories like a tripod, an external microphone, a good camera lens, as well as other accessories such as a waterproof case, will significantly increase the quality and audio of your vlogs. Having a vlogging setup with all of these essentials will undoubtedly help.
8- Lighting
Lightening is generally of essence when shooting vlogs on your device. You can decide to shoot your videos with natural light or you can get an additional lighting feature as an accessory to accompany your IOS device when vlogging.
9- Find Right Apps For Editing
Finding the right apps on your App store that can edit your vlogs properly is a good way to get started with vlogging on your smartphone. Make sure you can edit your videos smoothly on your device, especially if you don’t have access to a good PC. However, as we progress through this article, we will get to look at the best apps for editing vlogs.
How to Vlog with Android phones: The Ultimate guide
1- Adjust the angle of your camera
When vlogging with your phone, make sure your camera is either at the same height as your face or slightly higher. This is because it is much preferable to take videos while avoiding your camera looking down at you rather than at face height or lower.
2- Look at the camera
When recording a video/vlog on your Android device, make it a habit to look right at the camera and not at the screen while speaking.
3- Clean up you camera lens
Occasionally, dust particles invisible to the naked eye can be found in the lens of your camera. This is why, before recording any content or video, you should clean your camera lens and do it on a regular basis.
4- Use an external microphone
As previously stated, a high-quality microphone is essential for improving the audio quality of your vlogs. For better audio quality, you should consider connecting a microphone to your Android device.
5- Use a universal tripod
Given that some tripod adaptors are only available for use with IOS devices, it’s important to find a universal adaptor that will work with your Android device. Having a universal tripod attached to your Android device will keep your phone stable, preventing shaky footage.
6- Backup Storage
If you want to start vlogging with your phone, making some backup space on your phone is essential because it will provide more space for your videos. You can do this by inserting a memory card into your Android device to expand internal storage space, or by using USB OTG storage.
You can also increase cloud storage by using cloud storage apps like DropBox and Google Drive, which allow users to share files from their phone to the cloud storage and then access them from their computer.
7- Use a power bank
A portable power bank allows you to charge your electronic devices while on the go. Having a good power bank at your disposal will extend your battery life, and avoid any unnecessary interruptions during long vlogging sessions.
4 Best iPhone Apps To Edit Vlogs:
With so many video editing programs on the market, it’s difficult to know which ones are worth your money and time. To make things easier, let’s look at some of the top iPhone applications for editing vlogs.
1- Luma Fusion:
The Luma Fusion software contains a number of useful features that can assist you in effectively editing your videos. From making videos in Final Cut Pro, which is possible with this app, to being able to export your videos directly to YouTube or Vimeo, this app has it all. Adding or modifying color on this software is also straightforward, thanks to the wide variety of presets available.
2- iMovie:
Apple’s iMovie program, which is exclusively available on IOS, can be used to properly edit your vlogs. This program allows you to change and improve video color settings and is very user-friendly. It has a terrific function that allows you to stabilize shaky videos, as well as add effects, themes, and import your images and videos into projects, and lots more.
3- Quik (Available on IOS and Android):
Quick is another excellent app for editing your vlogs. You can quickly and effortlessly import your favorite photographs and videos from Instagram, Facebook, and other social media networks using this software. Also, this program now offers unlimited cloud backup, which is particularly beneficial to vloggers.
When it comes to video editing, this program is fantastic and one of the most popular. Its adaptability allows you to create a wide range of videos with minimal effort. This app goes above and beyond the basic app in that it allows you to edit videos in layers.
Click here Download Videoleap Editor by Lightricks from Apple App Store
4 Best Android Apps To Edit Vlogs Professionally:
1- Vlogit:
Vlogit is a 100% free Android app that allows you to record voiceovers, as well as add music and sound effects to your videos, which are useful tools for YouTubers and Vloggers.
2- Viva Video:
Viva video, just like vlogit, is equally a free Android video editing app with a plethora of attractive features. With this app, you can easily make videos from songs and photos, combine multiple video clips into a single video, and export videos in any resolution you want.
3- Filmora Go:
This app is widely regarded as one of the best video editing apps for Android devices. You won’t have to worry about putting a time limit on your clip with this app. It can reverse, trim, rotate, and add text layers to videos, as well as provide multiple fast and slow motions in the same video.
4- Adobe Premiere Rush:
This app is widely regarded as one of the best video editing apps for Android devices. You won’t have to worry about putting a time limit on your clip with this app. It can reverse, trim, rotate, and add text layers to videos, as well as provide multiple fast and slow motions in the same video.
The Adobe Premiere App is a free editing app that allows you to generate videos automatically using your images and videos if you don’t want to do it yourself, plus, you can add your own music.
Click here Download Adobe Premiere Rush from Google Play Store
10 Tips to Shooting Cinematic SMARTPHONE Videos
iPhone External Microphones For Better Vlogging:
1- Shure MV88 Portable IOS Microphone
The Shure MV88 Microphone has certainly made a name for itself in the market. It can capture sounds from all directions thanks to its omnidirectional feature, making it ideal not only for vloggers but also for recording events. It also has several pre-programmed modes, including Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic, Instrument, and Loud.
Pros:
- Contains a variety of preset modes.
- Quite sturdy and flexible.
Cons:
- Expensive.
2- Zoom iQ7 Stereo Mid-Side Microphone
The Zoom iQ7 is well-known for its excellent independent field recording units. This microphone not only has an extended lightning connector, but it also comes with a free Handy Recorder App that allows you to edit and add effects to sound files. It’s perfect for Vloggers and YouTubers.
Pros:
- Light-weighted and compact.
- Can easily fit into your pocket.
Cons:
- Not ideal for a live broadcast.
3- Rode VideoMic ME-L
The Rode Video Mic ME-L is a good option if you’re on a tight budget and just need something that will do the job. This microphone is simple to use and connects to your iPhone via a lightning connector. You can use the 3.5mm headphone port on this microphone to monitor your sounds while you record.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Light-weighted
Cons:
- Non-compatible with Non-IOS devices.
Professional iPhone Lens Attachments for Vlogging:
A good camera lens attached to your iPhone will give your videos a captivating and unique look while also capturing the surrounding environment. These lenses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including wide-angle, Fisheye, and Macro lenses. Check the best lens attachments you can use with your iPhone when vlogging.
1- Xenvo Pro Lens
The Xenvo Pro Lens contains 2 lenses which include the Macro and Wide range. It works with a variety of devices, including all iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy Note, and even Google Pixel, and has a LED light. Furthermore, when taking images with this camera lens, you have a range of alternatives, and this adds to your creativity.
Pros:
- Very clear glass
- Compatible with multiple devices
Cons:
- Limited number of lenses (only 2).
2- Moment Wide Lens
The Moment Wide Lens provides excellent image quality and has a rating of 4.8 on Amazon. It takes gorgeous photos and videos on your smartphone, ensuring that they are straight and free of fisheye distortion.
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Compatible with a variety of devices
Cons:
- Needs a case to go with the lens.
Best iPhone Tripods For Better Stability in your Vlogs:
A tripod will keep your iPhone steady while shooting or recording videos, which will come in handy if you need to record for longer periods of time. This prevents footage from shaking, resulting in high-quality videos at the end of the day. Check out the best tripods you can use when vlogging.
1- Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod Kit with Smartphone Clamp
The Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod Kit lets you trip your phone font and background and can fold up into a smaller package, making it ideal for travel vloggers.
Pros:
- Provides great stability due to its wide base
Cons:
- Has the ability to hold phones only in landscape mode.
2- Joby Grip Tight Pro Tele Pod
The Joby Grip Pro Tele Pod has the flexibility to fold down into a small package, which is ideal for Youtubers and travel vloggers. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote, which makes capturing selfies a breeze.
Pros:
- Has a potable mount
- Comes with a Bluetooth remote
Cons:
- Very pricey.
Best Android External Microphones For Vlogging:
1- Dayton Audio iMM-6
The Dayton Audio iMM-6 is a light-weighted microphone that can fit easily into your pocket. By isolating relatively strong noise, this microphone can produce clear audio. You also won’t have to bother about setting it up. Plus, it has a headphone jack that may be used to support the microphone as a stand.
Pros:
- Relatively easy to connect to your phone
- Light-weighted
Cons:
- Can catch sound from one direction only
2- BOYA M1 Lavalier
The BOYA M1 Lavalier microphone is a low-cost option for Android phones. Because this microphone has an omnidirectional polar pattern, it can pick up sounds from all directions. You can also wear this microphone anywhere on your clothes.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Compatible with most smartphones
Cons:
- Requires you to purchase a converter if your smartphone does not have an audio jack.
Top Andriod Lens Attachments for Vlogging:
1- KINGSMAN 3 in 1 Universal Lens Kit
The KINGSMAN 3 in 1 Lens attachment contains 3 lenses which include the macro, fisheye, and wide-angle lens. It works with a wide range of smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy, as well as tablets. It is very easy to install and remove and comes with a convenient sturdy case for portability.
Pros:
- Compatible with may devices including smartphones and tablets
- Easy to use
Cons:
- It May not work on phones whose camera lenses are above 13mm diameter.
2- Shuttermoon Upgraded Phone Camera Lens Kit:
Shuttermoon offers a complete kit with fisheye, macro, and wide-angle lenses. The universal clip makes it compatible with most devices and it can fit with a variety of devices even with a phone case.
Pros:
- The clip contains a soft pad in its interior and this prevents any possible phone scratches.
- Flexible clip meaning it can fit into most phones.
Cons:
- Difficult to change the lens.
Conclusion:
In summary, vlogging is not as complicated as it may appear. All you need is a little inspiration and the right equipment to go along with your smartphone, and you’re set to go. Many vloggers today are able to generate quality and entertaining content but I can assure you it wasn’t all dandy for them in the beginning. Thanks to technology, creating and editing videos have become easier unlike in the 90s when phones were not considered the standard device.
