What are you using to record short form video content?

Honestly, I find my phone to be best for recording short form video content (I shoot on my iPhone 16 Pro Max), as I shoot it vertically - and that certainly helps when it comes to editing the content. I also use a Hohem iSteady M6 gimbal along with Hollyland LARK M2 microphones. This set up has proven to be the most portable, while also allowing me to capture professional, high quality content. I do also have my Canon T8i, with a Zhiyun Weebill S gimbal, but I rarely ever use that to shoot short form video content. A good phone (I certainly prefer the iPhones) with the right equipment is really all I’ve ever found I’ve needed to shoot short form video. However having the gimbal & the microphones goes a VERY long way in terms of making your video content look professional. 

I have shot short form video content on a Sony a7 mirrorless camera, but I ran into the same issue as when shooting on my Canon - the aspect ratios are different, and editing becomes much more tedious. Hope this helps 😊

Thanks ​@lindsey.weitz! I recently upgraded to the 16 pro max, but have yet to use it for filming. I also have a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 that I use here and there and Canon, but I rarely use it. I’ll have to look into Hollyland mics. 

I mostly use iPhone but depending on the video, I may use a Canon DSLR. I’ve also used Rode mics for audio. I’m also curious about other accessories being used for video. Like gimbals or tripod setups, any interesting lighting equipment?

I am a loyal iPhone user when it comes to filming short form video content. In addition, I find having a wireless mic, tripod, and clip on light to be helpful.

Aside from my phone, a wireless mic and good lighting have proved to be key. Also, if you have trouble tracking down people or lining up schedules to get the content, I can’t say enough about OpenReel.

Mostly my phone, but I have started using my Sony Alpha 7CR II camera. Since it’s more compact, I can easily hold it to make vertical videos and the screen rotates with the camera so It’s very similar to a phone, but with nicer lenses and full control of the features to get the best lighting. We then edit it either in Lightroom Mobile, Adobe Rush, or straight to a laptop in Adobe Premiere. 

Here’s a sample of a video created with the DSLR using wireless mics: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF296h6hw3V/

For planned opportunities and events, we’re using DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (Creator Combo). It’s very easy to use, quality is good for social, which is our primary use. Effortless mic pairing and easy to swap miniSD cards, backup batteries, tripod attachment. We previously used a couple older DJI phone gimbals, and switching was a game changer. Still photo quality is meh, my phone is better. We’ll probably end up with another one so we don’t have to share within our team/student workers! 😁

My personal phone is a Samsung Galaxy Flip 4, and enjoy folding the phone so it stands upright to film candid opportunities - no tripod or accessories needed. Helpful when I want to capture some clips (without handling the Pocket) and still photos on our DSLR at the same time.

The DJI Osmo mic is okay for one person, but also have a pair of Rhode bluetooth mics when we need to have multiple people recorded at one time. 

We have a couple led light panels (lume cube), which are fairly effective and easy to store.

You can’t go wrong with a flagship IOS or Android phone for mobility and versatility. Use a gimbal, an external mic, tripod and LED lighting if clearer audio, movement control and lighting matters for purposes of polish (and brand voice). For mobile video editing software, I recommend either PowerDirector or KineMaster, which are on both iOS and Android.

I use an Insta360 Link camera as my normal day to day webcam. But it can be mounted on a tripod and it rotates into Vertical Mode for mobile friendly videos. Then it just captures my movement. Highly recommend it 👍

Honestly, besides my phone I use my DSLR and then connect the SD card to lightning port adapter straight to my phone. it’s been so easy to edit and capture content that way too.