Elevate Your Video Production: Creating a Professional iPhone Rig
Professional video is possible with you phone, if you have the right setup.
Welcome to the world of professional video production with just your iPhone 15 Max Pro and a few key accessories. In this article, I'll guide you through my personally curated iPhone rig, revealing how you can achieve exceptional results using the Blackmagic Camera app.
The Foundation: SmallRig Cage
It all starts with the cage.
At the core of my setup is the SmallRig cage, providing a robust foundation for the entire rig. The SmallRig cage stands out for its impressive build quality and affordability, offering protection for my iPhone while remaining accessible for filmmakers on a budget. While it has its challenges, like occasional loosening in the connection points, ongoing improvements, such as a two-point connection modification, demonstrate my commitment to refining the setup for an even better filming experience.
Link to SmallRig Smartphone Video Rig on Amazon.
Stability Matters: K&F Concept Tripod
Building from the ground up… the tripod is key.
Ensuring stability is crucial for professional-looking footage, and the K&F Concept carbon fiber tripod excels in this role. Chosen for its affordability, brand familiarity, and practicality, this tripod's lightweight design and compact form factor make it an ideal companion for on-the-go filming. Drawing from positive experiences in my classroom, the K&F Concept tripod has proven to be both practical and versatile, aligning with my philosophy of achieving professional results on a budget.
Link to K&F Concept Tripod on Amazon.
SmallRig Add-Ons: Customization for Efficiency
SmallRig's additional accessories play a crucial role in optimizing practicality and overall functionality. The SmallRig Powerbank holders seamlessly integrate with the SmallRig cage, offering a secure and stable connection. Their deeper design allows for efficient stacking of components, reducing the overall bulkiness of the rig. Practical examples, such as placing the Anker powerbank and Sandisk SSD strategically, showcase the benefits of this space-saving technique.
Link to SmallRig Power Bank Holder on Amazon.
USB-C Hub: Connectivity at Its Core
The Belkin USB-C hub serves as a central and pivotal component, enhancing overall connectivity and workflow during recording. With dedicated data transfer inputs, external recording capabilities, and simultaneous charging for multiple devices, the Belkin hub ensures high-quality audio capture, storage flexibility, and uninterrupted power during extended shooting sessions. The spare USB-C port opens up possibilities for future creative enhancements, providing room for further customization and expansion.
Link to Belkin USB-C 4-Port Hub on Amazon.
USB-C Cables: The Linking Element
Choosing Rixmie USB-C cables was driven by their high-speed data transfer capability and short length for minimal cleanup. The versatility of these cables, working well for both data and power, adds to the reliability of the setup. Despite their short length, the creative solutions found in the setup process showcase adaptability and innovation in achieving a rig configuration that meets expectations.
Brief Mentions:
Anker Power Supply: Ensuring reliable power for extended shooting sessions.
Sandisk 1TB SSD: Facilitating external recording for storage flexibility. (I got this on sale at Costco for $65, so shop around.)
Hollyland Lark Max: Contributing to high-quality audio capture.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: The central device that brings the entire rig together for professional video production. (Not linking because you should already have this.)
Blackmagic Camera App: This FREE camera app for iPhones is incredible. I will do another article/video on this in the near future.
I am so excited about this personally curated iPhone rig. I believe it showcases the potential of achieving professional video production with accessible tools. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or a novice, this setup offers a glimpse into the possibilities of elevating your video recording experience with creativity, resourcefulness, and the right gear.
*We are not affiliate partners with any of the products listed in this article. These are simply here as a resources for you in building out your own camera rig.
Meet the Author, NAME
Josh Dempsey is the video and film teacher at Marietta High School in Marietta, Georgia. Follow his students and their work on YouTube at BlueDevilNews.com and on Instagram at BDN_Marietta.
Adam, your resident IB film teacher, wants to help your students walk the talk. How understanding the Big 4 (mise-en-scene, editing, cinematography, and sound design) can transform student analysis and filmmaking.