We’ve covered the basics, now let’s look at some extras, including one small but essential item in every camera bag.
In Part 1, we discussed the various ways to hold your phone. Now, let’s consider the options for tracking, enabling you to move around freely or track your subject while keeping them perfectly framed.

For a stationary position, like on a tripod or tabletop, allowing for subject movement, the Pivo has been leading the pack. Once your phone is secured into the base and connected via Bluetooth, it can track a subject in 360º, moving in a circular path. Their latest version also tilts up and down, offering even more flexibility for creators.

Gimbals are another fantastic option, and there are many choices out there. When using a gimbal while walking, adjust your walking style to achieve the smoothest footage, minimizing any up-and-down motion. While gimbals can significantly smooth your footage, they do have their limits.

I recently dusted off my trusty DJI OSMO 3 (now up to version 6) and it still works like a charm. It connects quickly, folds up neatly, and performs as expected. However, adding a mic or light can be tricky, requiring an attachment with cold shoes. Without this attachment ring, the add-ons can throw off the balance if mounted directly on the phone, defeating the gimbal’s purpose.

I find having a coiled cable gives the best flexibility for switching from vertical or horizontal format, plus makes it a little cleaner rig.

Here’s another solution: the Insta360 Flow Pro gimbal with Apple Dockit.

With the Insta360 app, tracking is excellent, and the DJI MIMO app for the OSMO 3 also offers a similar active tracking feature. The Insta Flow Pro might be more automatic, whereas the DJI setup requires you to draw a rectangle on the screen to select your subject for tracking.

Lightweight and compact, the Flow Pro pairs easily and features built-in tripod legs for stability. However, adding a mic and light still presents challenges. The distance from the phone to the handle requires a longer connecting cable, potentially affecting tracking and balance.

Ultimately, the gear you choose depends on the content you want to create. With a cage or Shiftcam, you can attach lights and mics, leaving smooth footage up to the operator. If you’re stationary, a gimbal isn’t necessary, but it can provide smoother footage, albeit with some limitations regarding additional accessories.

And don’t let your phone’s storage space limit you. You can use a lightning drive or USB-C for a micro SD card to save your videos. The Blackmagic camera app (free) has a media tab for viewing media cards. When I got my Lexar set years ago, it included a USB-A card reader for easy connection to a computer or use an SD to micro SD holder for media loading.

Here are possible solutions where you can connect your micro SD card directly into your phone. Shoot and transfer onto the card and delete off of the phone saving space. Available for USB-C and Lightening.
Yes, there are solutions that will allow you to record right to an external SSD, but this is a nice compact solution to space saving.

One item always in my bag is the Apple SD card reader. It’s invaluable for quickly transferring photos from my mirrorless camera to my phone for fast social media posting.

While there are manufacturer apps for this, I prefer direct connections for reliability. When you plug in the reader, your Photo App will prompt you to import files from the media card, allowing for quick editing and posting.

Here is a real world recent example: At Tribeca there was a screening of a Steve Van Zandt doc. After working the step & repeat, I took my seat in the theater. Before the film started, I connected an SD card t the phone, selected jpgs, did some minor post work and uploaded to social, before the movie started.

Yes, there are other off-brand SD card readers, but I stick with Apple for reliability.

New parts coming soon! The introduction of new mobile creation tools is exploding! Like this Lexar SSD on Kickstarter.