Smartphone Filmmaking: Essential Gear for iPhone Videographers

Discover the Gear and Accessories iPhone Pros Use to Capture Jaw-Dropping “Shot on iPhone” Shots

Have you ever spotted those stunning “Shot on iPhone” images on billboards or towering over city streets? Maybe you’ve seen them in TV commercials or online ads. But how much credibility do you give to Apple’s claims in their marketing photography and videos?

Recently, popular YouTube personality Marques Brownlee sparked a frenzy online when he questioned the mysterious “additional equipment and software used” disclaimer that often accompanies Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” footage.

It’s true that iPhones, along with other smartphones, are evolving into powerful tools for photography and videography. While filmmakers are starting to take notice, it’s important to note that achieving the same level of “Shot on iPhone” glamour may require additional equipment and accessories.

Let’s explore three innovative iPhone filmmaking accessories currently available on the market.

Lens Adapters

In his video, Brownlee highlights the first and arguably most crucial accessory: a lens adapter. While the market offers a variety of options, from wide fisheye lenses to extreme close-up macros, he recommends the latest lens adapter from Moment (shown above). You can watch a video shot with the lens adapter here.

Check out their full catalog of lens adapters.

Stabilization

After a lens adapter, one of the most noticeable differences between basic smartphone shooting and cinematic “Shot on iPhone” filming is the use of some form of stabilization device. Brownlee suggests a couple of options, such as the DJI Osmo Mobile and Zhiyun Crane (shown above), but there are plenty more available.

Explore DJI’s smartphone gimbal options.

Discover Zhiyun’s high-end crane option.

Audio Recording

While Brownlee doesn’t delve much into it in the video, recording high-quality audio is another crucial aspect of smartphone filmmaking that iPhones and many other smartphones often lack. However, there are several in-camera apps and external options available to achieve professional-sounding audio for your projects.

Transform your iPhone into a 48kHz audio field recorder with this app.

Check out the Mighty Mic attachable microphone (pictured above).

What are your thoughts on the “Shot on iPhone” shots? Share your opinions in the comments below.