Smart ways to shoot sharper video
Add affordable accessories and apps to your phone for next-level results, writes Blayne Slabbert.
Being able to shoot good videos with your phone will help you better capture life’s memorable moments. Photos are quick and easy while recording video takes more thought, patience and organisation. However, the pay-off with video is greater as it can record memories that you rewatch over and over.
If you own a smartphone, you’re ready to go but a few affordable accessories can really improve the quality of your work.
Your phone
First, check your phone’s video settings. If it can take 1080p (high definition) video then use this to get the best quality. If your phone has 4K you can use that, but beware that it takes up a lot of storage space.
If you do take a lot of videos then you’ll need to be prepared to download it to a computer or harddrive. Your phone’s camera app is good enough, though if you’re keen to look around then check out Filmic Pro (free for Android and iPhones), ProMovie Recorder (free for iPhones) or Cinema FV-5 (free for Android).
Technique
Once your phone is ready, then it’s time to work on your technique.
Essentially, you want to mimic what you see in the movies: steady shots, lots of variety, and sharp images. Keeping your footage steady is a simple way to set your videos apart. Hold your phone in two hands, and if possible tuck your elbows into your chest.
Also, resist the urge to pan (moving the camera sideways). It’s better to take a series of shots and then edit them together than have moving footage. If you must pan, then do it as slow as you can.
Another tip to get a steady shot is to use something solid that’s nearby. Rest your phone on a wall, tree or table to keep it stable. If you’re a passenger recording in a car, rest your phone on the dash or door.
Essentially, you want to mimic what you see in the movies – steady shots, lots of variety, and sharp images.
Try and keep your phone horizontal. Vertical video is only good for quick clips.
Also, keep your clips short. Who wants to see a 30-second shot of a mountain range or beach? Aim for about five seconds for each shot unless there’s a lot of action taking place.
Tell a story
No one wants to see a bunch of random clips, which is why it’s best to tell a story. This can be really simple but it does involve a bit of thinking.
For example, if you’re on a trip, take close up shots of everyone there (including yourself) and use them at the start of your video as an introduction. Also, think about a beginning, middle and end to give a video some structure.
Take a mix of wide shots and close-ups so you when you do an edit all the clips don’t look the same. Try and get some b-roll – videos not of the main event or people. This could be the sign of the beach you’re going to, a closeup of a menu, or someone’s backpack.
Having this mix will ensure your video has some variety and offers plenty of options when you get to the editing stage.
Tripods
You can really improve your video with a tripod and compatible smartphone grip, such as the GorillaPod tripod with GripTight ($47.95 from rubbermonkey.co.nz).
The GripTight is an attachment that holds any smartphone and can screw on to any tripod. The GorillaPod is lightweight and can be used as a normal tripod or you can wrap its flexible legs around a pole or branch to get a steady base.
If you really want to go next level, then you can get a stabiliser such as the DJI Osmo Mobile ($229 from Noel Leeming). A stabiliser, also known as a gimbal, is a handheld device that keeps your smartphone level by pivoting around it. It’ll allow you to get smooth footage while walking around.