Filming with your smartphone: the 5 best tips
You can get more out of your smartphone camera than you think. We show you the 5 best tips for filming with your smartphone.
1. Hold your smartphone still while filming
One of the most important points when filming with a smartphone is stability. That said, it is especially important that the smartphone is held steady to get good shots.
- In general, a calm posture applies to video recording: Stand as straight as possible to have a secure hold. Place your elbows close to your body, as this means you wobble your arms less.
- For long video recordings, you should look for a stable surface on which you can rest your wrists. This makes you more relaxed while filming and your video shakes significantly less.
- Alternatively, you can also use a tripod for your smartphone. You can get cheap models from around 10 euros. Or you can simply make your own tripod.
2. Film faster thanks to the shortcut
Often one misses funny or impressive scenes because it takes too long to start a video recording with the smartphone.
- It's faster with the free Android app Camcorder Shortcut, with which you can put a shortcut on your home screen. So you can start the video recording directly if necessary and do not miss the "snapshot" moment.
3. Video post-processing on the smartphone
Thanks to practical apps, you can easily cut and edit your videos.
- With the free Android app VideoShow: Video Editor & Maker you can add different effects to your video recordings afterwards and even add subtitles. You can also use it to cut your videos and remove unsuitable or unwanted scenes.
- The free iOS video editor app for free gives you basic functions for cutting and trimming videos. With the premium version you can even add crossfades and music.
4. Still image during video recording
Since Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 it is possible to take a still picture while filming. This gives you video and photo of your moments at the same time.
- A small camera icon will appear in the right corner while you are recording a video.
- If you click on it, a photo of the current moment will be taken at the same time.
5. Reduce background noise
Problems with background noise often occur when filming with a smartphone. You can avoid these with the following tips.
- Keep your smartphone as steady as possible and it is best not to use a zoom with the volume buttons. Because this creates noises that the microphone naturally perceives and records. This may result in unsightly Knartz noises.
- In strong winds or at high volume, such as at concerts, you should put your finger on the microphone. This slightly dampens the sound recording and reduces noise or too loud music.