Hi Anon,
Smartphones actually have pretty good cameras and can make some really legit films with them (even without lenses). Tangerine was a beautiful film and used only an iPhone 5s, a $15 app to control camera settings (Filmic Pro), and a steadicam mount. If you are interested in microbudget gear, check out the following:
- Free Film Apps for iPhone
- Cheap Photography Hacks
- DIY Stabilizers – hook style, three handle style
As for general filming tips for phones:
- Make sure you have lots of light. Smartphones tend to under-perform in low light.
- Stabilize your shots. Use tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks, whatever you can to keep your hands directly off the phone. It will reduce shaking and make your shot look smoother.
- Don’t use the digital zoom. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom doesn’t retain the highest possible quality. Stick to physically moving the camera instead of zooming.
- Use the exposure lock. You can do this by tapping and holding on your subject to lock the settings in place. This prevents the camera from refocusing and readjusting exposure as you move around.
- Get your microphone close to your subject. Make sure you have relatively quiet spaces to film to improve your overall sound quality. If you have an external mic or another type of recording device, use it! Clap before takes so you can sync up sound in post when recording separate from your phone.
All this said, I still hold tight to the belief that it’s not the gear, but the filmmaker that makes a great film. A great story will speak louder than fancy gear.
Good luck,
Jules
