We’ve come a long way... from this
to this!
Hello everyone and welcome to DIY in 5 - the show where we give you life hacks
to make your tech life simpler.
My name is Trisha Hershberger and in the next 2 episodes, we are covering Android video
production, specifically the simple things you need to do
to up your Android mobile video shooting skills.
Whether you are an aspiring cinematographer, vlogging on the go, or livestreaming directly
to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc., there’s no fixing it in post, so let’s make sure
you’ve got everything figured out before you go live.
If these tips help you, please hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss any more sweet,
sweet tech life hacks.
The first thing you’ll want to upgrade is the steadiness of your shot.
When holding a phone camera, there’s a pretty good chance of movement via shaking hands,
natural breathing, arm fatigue, etc.
So let’s take that right out of the equation.
If you want a locked off shot - say for an interview - you can grab a simple lightweight
tripod with a smartphone clip, like these we have here.
This tripod comes with a carrying case and extends as high as 50 inches with the ability
to pan and tilt and it even has a built-in balance.
This smartphone clip extends to fit almost any size phone, but be careful not to catch
any volume or power buttons when you place your smartphone in the clip or your phone
may take on a mind of its own.
Both of these are available on Amazon for around $15 and $5 respectively - not bad!
Now, if you want to move around while you are recording, but still want the look of a steady shot,
some Android phones come with pretty decent image stabilization.
OIS, or optical image stabilization tries to fix movement blur in real time by varying
the optical path to the sensor.
Digital image stabilization adjusts the image from frame to frame
attempting to counteract the motion.
Both of these solutions are hit or miss.
You may see some warping or otherwise unrealistic looking footage and it also cuts down on how
much you can capture in the shot.
Here’s is a shot with image stabilization turned on
and here is a shot with it off.
Now, here’s what it looks like in action!
This is an example of image stabilization on a Samsung Galaxy S9+.
If you don’t want to rely on built-in image stabilization but are hell-bent on getting
professional looking, smooth shots, you are in luck!
There are now motorized stabilizers for digital cameras, but they will run you a pretty penny
and by that I mean a few hundred dollars.
There are less expensive, weighted phone stabilizers out there like a ‘steadycam rigs’ for
your phone, but most of them are incredibly awkward to use and the footage is just okay.
For the smoothest shot possible, I really like the DJI Osmo Mobile - it makes walking
shots super easy plus it has controls on the handle for you to pan and tilt like a pro.
It comes with a stand in case you wan to put it down and do a locked-off shot and it also
has a recording app that will let you follow a subject as well - watch me now -no hands!
Okay, now that you’ve got a smooth, steady shot, you’ll have to determine how much
you want to see in the camera's frame.
At arm’s length, it might be hard to capture everything you want your audience to see.
Or, you may accidentally move yourself out of frame and cut off half your face.
Oops!
An easy way to work around this is to get a wide angle shot.
Some Android phones have a built-in wide angle mode - LGV20 & V30 do this incredibly well
and I wish every phone manufacturer would make this a priority
because it makes filming so much easier.
They even incorporated it on the front facing cam so you can see what you are shooting!
Thank you!
For other manufacturers that don’t see this as a priority, or that do a poor job of it
via software (cough Samsung cough), there are clip on lenses,
wide, macro, etc, available for smartphones.
Now these vary greatly in price and quality so do your research before pulling the trigger.
The Bito set we have here includes multiple lenses, a clip that’s compatible with multiple phones,
a lens carrying case, remote shutter and attachable light - all for about $25.
Speaking of lighting - good lighting is hard to find and can really make your video look
professional - or not - if it’s done wrong.
I’m actually not a fan of small, condensed clip on lights like the one I just mentioned in the kit
because the light comes from one side only and can look very harsh.
If you can use existing lighting, natural or otherwise, and position the light source
behind your phone, that’s the best way to go.
If the available lighting leaves too much to be desired,
then clipping on ring lights might be your best bet.
Ring lights are small and portable for easy on the go filming and some even have different
brightness and temperature settings to really perfect your look.
These accessories also vary quite a bit in price point and design.
For example, this UBeesize kit gives you the widest variety of settings and comes with
a simple mount for your phone, but can be a lot to carry around since it needs to be
plugged in to a USB source.
So you’ll most likely be lugging around a laptop or tethered to an outlet.
Now, this smaller, clip-on ring light is easier to carry, but offers fewer color options and
is powered via rechargeable battery, so make sure you have enough juice to get through your shoot.
Both options cost under $20.
So there we have it!
Super professional-looking footage - all recorded from a smartphone.
But we’re only halfway there!
What about -- perhaps the hardest part of videography with your smartphone:
getting good audio!
Never fear, my vlogging/livestreaming/on-the-go friends, we’ll be back with part 2 of Filming
from Your Android Phone to cover all the latest audio solutions, portable power and more.
I’m Trisha Hershberger and you’ve been watching DIY in 5.
See ya next time!