The basic kit you need to shoot L&D video on your smartphone

Yesterday I had the privilege of talking at the Learning Technologies Summer Forum in Olympia, with a presentation on ‘why you should be filming video for L&D on your smart phones’.

Here’s the very basic kit list you need to start shooting your own high quality video content.  Just to be clear, there’s no affiliate shenanigans going on here – just raw linkage!

The two crucial things for great L&D video (based on the assumption that you’ll be filming a lot of interview-based content) is to stabilise the camera so it doesn’t wobble, and crisp and clear audio.

Stabilisation

First off you need a tripod. This might be something you already have, or can borrow for a while. It doesn’t need to be expensive. When you start using video, you’ll probably want to get the camera set up and then hit record and leave it – so no panning and zooming etc. On that basis, you just need a sturdy tripod with good adjustable height.

• Something like this Hama 62 could do the job very well for £16.
• If you want something with a bit more flexibility, then this Konig tripod is solid but affordable, and has a nice smooth panning ability. It is heavy though – so think about how mobile you want your kit to be.

Next you need a way to attach your smartphone to the tripod.

• This is by means of a Glif (about £25). The newer versions are adaptable so will fit most smartphones. Don’t forget, when you mount the camera onto the Glif – do it landscape (on it’s side) not portrait (standing upright!).

Audio

So, now your camera is stable so you just need to take care of the audio.

• The Rode SmartLav (around £35) is a great product that gives you the benefit of a lapel mic that will run from the person on camera and then straight into the smartphone. This kind of mic lets you unobtrusively get the audio right up to the person on camera, whilst reducing the impact of background noise.

For well under £100 (depending on your tripod choices), you’ve got the capability to shoot fantastic video content.

Keep an eye on the blog for more recommendations on great kit, but more importantly, practical advice on how to get the best out of your smartphone for filming video. We’re putting our money where our mouths are too, with video tutorials coming soon covering all aspects of smartphone video production – and all filmed on smartphones – so stay connected!