5G, an iPhone 11 with three camera lenses, and ever-more processing power packed into devices that fit in our pockets. When it comes to the future of smartphone video production, there’s a lot to get excited about. In fact, we reckon it’s only a matter of time before smartphones start to rival top-tier production cameras like the RED.

But with the cameras getting better and better, and filming now becoming an everyday part of so many lives, how do you take your footage up a notch and stand out from the crowd?

With a few small investments, you can quickly elevate your footage above the rest – giving you even more opportunity to create powerful, authentic videos that resonate with your audience. Three key tools should do the trick.

1. Lighting

Keeping your main subject well-lit is key to almost any shoot. Traditional videographers and photographers with the help of videography tools are adept at finding the light. But sometimes it’s just not there. Bringing your own simple lighting is one way to guarantee the conditions and elevate what you film.

The Lume Cube AIR is described as the “smallest, lightest, most compact professional lighting solution on the market”. It certainly does the job – and it’s something a ton of Cinebody clients use! The iblazr 2 is another great option. It works with the native camera in your iPhone and even has an adjustable color temperature.

Using these lights in staged interviews adds a professional look to your finished video. And while night shooting is getting better across all smartphones, there’s still no substitute for having a powerful light on hand.

2. Audio

Beyond good lighting, there’s one other thing that will keep your audience engaged: great sound.

The microphones in smartphones are improving dramatically, but there are still some situations where an external mic might help. If your subject is far from the camera, or there is lots of background noise such as wind, traffic or other people, then your smartphone will probably struggle.

But pocket mics are now super powerful. For quick interviews, the Sennheiser ME 2 is superb, clipping straight on to your subject’s clothes to get great close-up sound. Alternatively, try the Shure MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. Just rotate it to point towards the source of your sound and you’ll instantly hear the difference in your playbacks.

3. Tripod

In-camera stabilization is another area seeing major advances. But there’s still nothing to match the strength and sturdiness of a tripod. You don’t have to spend big: even a selfie-stick will have a significant impact.

The DJI Osmo Mobile is a renowned gimbal stabilizer (use the DJI Osmo app for stabilizing, but film outside it). Hold it in one hand and its built-in sensors and brushless motor will help you quickly capture cinematic-style footage. The Joby GripTight GorillaPod can also be handheld, but its real strength lies in its bendable legs that can grip around objects of almost any shape.

Lighting. Audio. Tripod. Three small investments… one huge pay-off!