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Smartphone or professional camera: has the smartphone replaced professional recording equipment in 2024?

How do you turn your phone into a recording studio?!

nadomestil profesionalno snemalno opremo
Photo: Jan Macarol

In a world where technology is developing at the speed of light, this year the author is deciding on a somewhat unusual experiment - he will not upgrade his portable film studio with top-of-the-line equipment, but will try to create with the single piece of technology he already has - a smartphone. So how can you turn the iPhone 15 Pro into a professional recording tool? Simple. With the right accessories and a touch of creativity!

Price of good equipment: First, a short reality check. Average recording equipment can cost you from 5,000 to 10,000 euros. Yes, you read that right. We are still talking about "semi" professional equipment that needs to be amortized and maintained like a professional video technician. On the other hand, you lose between 300 and 500 euros a year on a smartphone like the iPhone, if of course you replace it with a new model and sell the old one. And look at it, you use your smartphone for everything else – taking pictures of your lunch, checking Instagram, even making phone calls!

Convenience: A smartphone is like your personal assistant – always at hand, ready to capture that unrepeatable moment without having to wonder if the technique will work. For example, you can conveniently trigger the iPhone 15 Pro right from your Apple Watch, so you can shoot yourself in peace without hunting for the right angle and expensive equipment. Using AirDrop, you can transfer videos to your computer in a few seconds or record them directly to a USB-C drive. No more time-consuming shuffling of cards and protocols that we don't even know how to remember. Even secretly recording becomes an art, as passers-by will hardly notice you - that's how discreet your recording studio in your pocket is.

Accessories for iPhone that turn it into “professional equipment”: To make your iPhone truly worthy of the name recording equipment, you'll need a few accessories. A good recording app, a top-notch microphone and some ND filter to control the light - all this will turn your smartphone into a real camera. Sound is half the picture, the saying goes, and there's no room for skimping here. The same applies to pocket LED lights, which solve situations in darker rooms, and SSD disks, on which you can record almost unlimitedly. And don't forget - protection of the primary lenses is necessary, so that your "camera" will not soon record only artistic blurred shots.

Photo: Polarpro

How to turn iPhone 15 Pro into professional recording equipment

1. Start with the basics: A better recording app

Smartphones today allow for many things, but the right app is the one that will give you full control over your footage. My personal favorite? Blackmagic Camera. This free app will turn your iPhone into a real digital film camera that you can use to create cinematic videos. No more complaining about limited settings - with Blackmagic you can edit almost anything a professional could want. Still not enough? Then reach for apps like Filmic Pro or ProCam 8, although you'll have to dig a little deeper into your wallet for them.

2. Sound: In this case, almost more important than the picture

replaced professional recording equipment
Photo: Jan Macarol
Ah, sound – that silent hero that is often neglected, but really puts the finishing touch on any video. In fact, it's so important that you can almost cover up any minor picture flaws with great sound. That's why it's worth investing in quality microphones. Boya BY-V20 USB-C Wireless Microphone is that small but powerful accessory that will cost you about 60 euros, but will save you many a recording. Wireless, lightweight and with clear sound - ideal for creators who don't want to overcomplicate things.

Last Updated 2024-10-25 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

3. ND Filters for iPhone: Picture at a professional level

replaced professional recording equipment
Photo: Jan Macarol
ND filters, or simply put – your secret to perfect exposure. If you're shooting outside and struggling with too much light, you'll soon give up without them. ND filters help maintain depth of field and prevent overexposure without compromising image quality. If you want to really control all aspects of lighting, these little helpers are indispensable.

Freewell True Color Variable ND VND1-5 Stop Filter Nur...
Freewell True Color Variable ND VND1-5 Stop Filter Nur...
Compatible Camera: 1 x Wide, 3 x Telephoto; Wahre Farbe: VND-Filter; Farbverfahren; care for...
99,99 EUR Amazon Prime
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 - VND 3/5 Filter - Neue...
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 - VND 3/5 Filter - Neue...
Compatible with the housing of the LiteChaser Pro | iPhone 15 Series.; 3-5 Blenden Lichtreduzierung.
99,99 EUR Amazon Prime

Last Updated 2024-10-25 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Tripod or smartphone gimbal

Even in "cinematic" mode, the iPhone 15 Pro boasts exceptional image stabilization, but if you shoot while moving or want shots at the level of professional productions, then a gimbal is your next investment. It gives you smooth, stable shots even in the most impossible conditions. Not only will your video look professional, a gimbal also lets you experiment with different shooting angles and movement – which means more creative freedom.

Reduced by 40,00 EUR
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal-Stabilisator für iPhone...
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone...
169,00 EUR −40,00 EUR 129,00 EUR Amazon Prime

Last Updated 2024-10-25 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Additional light sources: The key to quality shots in low light conditions

Shooting indoors? It will be difficult without additional lighting. LED lights, ring lights or softboxes will illuminate your shot and remove ugly shadows. For perfect portrait shots, the ring light is indispensable - your face will shine in the best possible light, without disturbing shadows.

Last Updated 2024-10-25 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

How much will the accessories cost you?!

After consideration, our editorial team has prepared a list of basic accessories that will turn your iPhone 15 Pro into a real recording tool for just 334 euros. From Black Magic app, ND filters, Boya microphone, to Insta360 gimbal - everything you need to start your career as a video maker.

TOTAL around = 350 euros

Shopping list of mentioned products!

So why waste money on expensive equipment this year?, if you can with some extras from your own iPhone make a miracle of technology? It seems that we live in a time when "less is truly more" - less equipment, less complications, more room for your creativity.

Whether you're a professional video maker or just an amateur videographer looking to make the next viral video, your smartphone can be the perfect tool.

Shopping list of mentioned products: How to turn your smartphone into a professional camera

Reduced by 24,01 EUR
DJI Mic 2, lavalier mikrofon wireless,...
DJI Mic 2, lavalier microphone wireless,...
349,00 EUR −24,01 EUR 324,99 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 101,00 EUR
RØDE Wireless GO II Ultrakompaktes Kabelloses...
RØDE Wireless GO II Ultrakompaktes Kabelloses...
Ultra-compact, einfachste Bedienung; 2x Anklemmsender TX with integrated microphone;...
329,00 EUR −101,00 EUR 228,00 EUR Amazon Prime
Freewell True Color Variable ND VND1-5 Stop Filter Nur...
Freewell True Color Variable ND VND1-5 Stop Filter Nur...
Compatible Camera: 1 x Wide, 3 x Telephoto; Wahre Farbe: VND-Filter; Farbverfahren; care for...
99,99 EUR Amazon Prime
FREEWELL Sherpa Series Tasche für iPhone 15 Pro Max...
FREEWELL Sherpa Series Tasche für iPhone 15 Pro Max...
-Compatibel mit allen MagSafe-Ladegeräten und Zubehör.; -Lens-Shlitz: Befestigungssystem für...
29,99 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 40,00 EUR
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal-Stabilisator für iPhone...
DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer for iPhone...
169,00 EUR −40,00 EUR 129,00 EUR Amazon Prime
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 Pro Max Tasche inkl....
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 Pro Max Tasche incl....
Drei brandneue Filterbefestigungsoptionen; New, stronger MagSafe-Array for comprehensive charging and...
99,99 EUR Amazon Prime
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 - VND 3/5 Filter - Neue...
PolarPro - LiteChaser iPhone 15 - VND 3/5 Filter - Neue...
Compatible with the housing of the LiteChaser Pro | iPhone 15 Series.; 3-5 Blenden Lichtreduzierung.
99,99 EUR Amazon Prime
PolarPro - LiteChaser - iPhone 14 & 15 Pro MAX - Grip -...
PolarPro - LiteChaser - iPhone 14 & 15 Pro MAX - Grip -...
Passt perfekt in die meisten Handgrößen.; Das Schienensystem ermöglicht ein schnelles Umschalten...
54,95 EUR Amazon Prime
Reduced by 74,91 EUR

Last Updated 2024-10-25 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API

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