Our Favorite Video Accessories (For Smartphones and Cameras)
Videographers would be lost without the camera accessories that support their films. From the bags used to carry their equipment and the tripods that keep shots steady, they always have a handful of accessories that they couldn’t be without. Here are some of John’s, our videographer and photographer, favorite camera accessories he recommends to anyone interested in creating professional quality videos. Some of the accessories listed would be great investments for a business looking to start some small filming projects. All the links provided are to products we enjoy, or thought would be good items for a business to invest in (We are not affiliated with the retailers).
A Tripod: the shaky videographer’s best friend. There are tripods or tripod attachments designed for smartphones, which is great for a business wanting to create a quick video without a professional camera.
Magnus VT-300 Video Tripod with Fluid Head
Lighting: You always want to be in control of your lighting. This is an LED video light and is a great light for someone filming with a smartphone.
B & H Photo Video Basic Photo/Video Kits for Smartphones
Bower Smartphone LED Video Light
Variable Neutral Density Filter : When you are shooting video out in a sunny day, filming can be difficult to avoid an over exposed image. That is where a neutral density (ND) filter comes in. It helps darken the image. With ND filters, you will not want to skimp and purchase a cheaper one because the glass will potentially have defects and produce weird color shifting in your shot. I like these Tiffens in the link because they are in the middle of the road where they perform well, and they aren’t terribly expensive.
Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter
Tiffen 37mm Neutral Density 0.9 Filter Smartphone Kit
Microphone
Sometimes your microphone mounted on your camera is too far away and you don’t want a boom mic holder in your shot. The next best thing is a wireless LAV system where you can clip a tiny microphone directly to a person. This system from RODE provides incredibly clear audio and up to 300 ft away from the receiver, which is camera mountable.
Rode VideoMic Me Directional Mic for Smartphones
Gimbal: A gimbal is great for the videographer who wants smooth, stable footage. With gimbals, you can achieve that cinematic movement in your shots.
DJI Ronin-S Nanuk 923 Hard Case Kit
Zhiyun-Tech Smooth-Q Smartphone Gimbal
Secret Weapons:
Cleaning Kit: Your cameras will get dirty being out in the elements and it is always good to keep them clean. It is never good to have footage that is speckled with dust from the lens or the sensor.
Photographic Solutions Sensor Swab
ToolSet: Having a tool like this can be a lifesaver in a lot of situations. Most manufacturers of camera equipment don’t give you the tools to go along with their gear. This device adds an arsenal of helpful screwdriver heads that fit most of the common connectors on your equipment.
Being a small business owner and investing in a few accessories can truly help increase the quality of the video you produce. We linked to our favorites to give you a direction to start exploring some video accessories. Remember to explore other models, retailers, and brands before making a purchase and always remember to make sure your accessory is compatible with your device.
Even with the right gear and time getting professional quality videos can be a challenge. Or if you don’t have the resources to invest in the equipment, hiring a professional is always a good option. If you are interested in having a video produced, contact Pinnacle Marketing group today.
