We have walked through some of the simplest to more elaborate set-ups to create content on your mobile device in part 1 (the basics) & 2 (the audio)

Now, when you start adding the extras, they take power, and if creating content on your phone, you are gonna be needing some extra juice. But you knew that!

The most boring, essential parts of your mobile kit.

There are 4 options I use and will recommend. Each one has its particular features and depends on your use. I have had these for a while so the latest with newer features are available.
BTW, Amazon has prime day coming up so a great time to get new batteries! Usually, they get discounted.

Please note before starting any creation situation, always start with a full charge!

Below is the Mophie 5kmAh magsafe with a folding stand, the Mophie power station, the iWalk Power Squid dual cable, and the Anker 737 power bank

Starting with the Mophie with the folding stand. Mophie snap+ juice pack mini

If I’m going to be outside, and editing on my phone, this battery gives me enough extra power, and will stand up the phone for a non-handheld advantage. Great when stopping for a coffee and getting some posting done.
MagSafe, so no cables needed. Sure, you can charge up your airpods through the USB-C port, but save your power. In a pinch, fine.
About $50

The Mophie 10K mAh basic block with fast charging, and also dual ports for charging 2 devices at one, and you need cables. Not magsafe. But this comes with me when I need a super fast charge, as I’m starting the day.

A good alt is the iWalk power squid which has the 2 diff connectors built in, and a great feature is a LED window showing you a % of power available, instead of the vague 4 dots on most units. I like the built in cables, and use this when I’m around the neighborhood, and may not be able to locate my charging cables immediately!

9000 mAh
About $60, and currently they have added a mini usb cable onto the unit, so 3 built in cables. I don’t replace my batteries often, just use the best for the situation.
Now there are a few batteries out there now with built in cables. Buy a reputable brand, as a cheap or bad battery can do more damage than good. I’ve had some of the gift bag batteries overheat and had to properly toss.

Then comes the big one: The Anker 737 power bank

When you are out making a ton of vids, and using all the gear, including an iPad or other tablet, the clear winner is the Anker 737 power bank.
24000 mAh, a beautiful info display, 140 W High Speed input and output.
Sure, it weighs about 1.4 lbs., although if you are out creating content all day, need to edit, and post, you’ll appreciate all the power you get.
You can charge it up, while charging the other devices so a win win situation.
And it is approved to carry on a plane.
Charge a laptop, iPad, phone, ear buds OR your mic receiver/transmitter, light.

Anker does seem to be the current leader in this space, being followed by Mophie.

So……..
Are batteries one of those boring things to add to the kit?
You bet.
Are they essential?
You bet.
Chose reputable brands, make sure they are fully charged before adding to your bag, have duplicate cables when required as back-ups.
In the next part will be the items that will enhance your work and become tools you will always want with you!

Living in A Powder Keg and Giving Off Sparks!

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Let’s talk about sound, and keep it simple.
A few ways to go here. And your choice of mic’ing is situational.
All of this is about what you need for the situation. Interview? Selfie presentation?

If you are doing an interview, or letting only the subject  talk, A directional mic like the Rode VideoMicro is a great choice, as there is no need to attach a mic to someone.
Best when you are doing an impromptu street interview.

In the same size realm Deity makes a similar mic that allows you to have a “back” mic. In other words, when in an interview situation, you can record your voice, as well as the subject equally. This is an adjustable switch on the mic to be one way or 2 way. With this mic, you can have a good mic pattern (looks like a heart on the mic) on the subject, and also have your voice clear on the video. That rear mic feature can be turned on and off.

The advantage of either of these kind of mics, as opposed to no mic, is that you have minimized the extraneous sound and concentrate on the subject.

The next option is when you want to put a mic on your subject for higher quality audio.
In this scenario, you have engaged your subject, and can properly attach a mic to them.
It’s a bit of a personal space kinda question, because attaching something to someone, requires bigger interaction.
One thing I have done is ask the subject to clip the mic to their clothing, or when using a lav, clip the lav onto a collar or button row, and put the transmitter in their pocket.

Here are the 2 systems I recco. Both of them will yield great results when set up properly.

Both have adjustable sensitivities ( or DB ) , so make sure you have tested and found the right  basic set-up for you. I have my mics always prepped to put on someone, and start recording, as I also cover trade shows, and it’s usually a similar situation as I interview going from booth to booth. Yours may vary.

The AnkerWork mic system M650, comes with a charging case, 2 mics with mags and clips, and changeable covers depending on the clothing you are attaching to.
And as mentioned, you can add your preferred lav with a cable, while putting the transmitter into a hidden place, and wiring the mic to your subject. Or yourself.

With this system, you can plug the received directly into the phone, whether it’s lightning or android! Very helpful. And you do not need to remove or modify your case! Whew!

So with this you can also monitor the recording from the receiver.
An advantage on the Ankerwork is that you can plug the receiver director into your phone, IOS or Android. No additional wires needed. The plug into the phone also lets you keep the case on, as it has the length.
While the Ankerwork you have a magnet system for the mics, so you can either clip the mic to clothing , or us a magnet to clip the mic to clothing.

A very popular system is the Rode Wireless Go family, and you can also have 2 mics and the receiver plugged in. The latest version also has a compact charging case.

The Wireless Go II also has 32 bit float, meaning you have a protected recorded track that allows you to adjust any peaks in the record. This is useful when you are adding the audio when in an edit.
If you are simply recording/editing/ and posting via your mobile device, it is not a feature you need.
This familiar square system uses a spring clip to attach the mic to clothing, and the receiver slides onto a cold shoe with a similar clip. The cables you need are included in the package.

With Rode, to make the mics or receiver magsafe, you need to add a $20 add on for each part. Basically, a metal piece that goes into the clip and a magnet that holds it in place, through fabric or, what I like, is putting the receiver onto the camera back using magsafe.

I have used that magclip add-on and it works on my phone, and you do need to add a cable to the phone.
You can also add your fave lav mic to this set-up as well, by plugging it into the mic transmitter.

I go to Sanken or Tram mic for either system. Please note that you may need a converter for higher end mics. Of course the Rode lav will work.

More info on that here  In the Rode system, you can monitor the recording using a wired headphone on the receiver. BlueTooth can only be used in playback.
Only issue I have with both systems is that they insist on having their brand name on the mic facing camera. Please stop.

Here is what the various configurations look like, using the Snap as a grip:

First is the Ankerwork M650, which is more streamlined.

Here is the setup, with the Rode VideoMicro. Same look with the Deity. Needs proper wiring to phone. SnapShoe gives you the place to add the mic.

And the Rode Wireless Go II. Also needs wiring to the phone.

To be fair, Rode does make a version of the VideoMic called the ME-L. 

Connects direct to the phone but the lightning connector is too short IMHO. You will need to trim our phone case for it to fit securely. I know, seemed like a great solution.You could add an extender without cutting up your phone case, although, I would still be concerned. They suggest not using a case at all, jusy not my preference.

Another option, depending on subject distance, is the Rode NTB mic which will work, although the larger grips like the Beast or the Small Rig, may be better suited to that longer mic. It also can be fed into the phone with an appropriate cable IOS, or Android.

All of these mic solutions will work great with your mirrorless and straight up video systems as well. These featured here are looking at smaller, and lighter footprints.

Yes, it’s Part 1 as there are so many tools available and choices to make.
And it’s all about using your mobile device to make the content.
Luckily, I’ve already gone through a bunch of options and hopefully can lead you to right choices for you.
First of all is the basic capture.
And deciding if you are looking to create interviews or scenario type of videos, or be the presenter, ala selfie.
To start: For interviews
Bring out your phone, choice the orientation, and hit video or cinema on the camera app, and go!
It does work great, and if you are a steady hand, you’ll get usable content. No need to buy anything!
BTW, Apple just released a free video app called Final Cut Camera, which gives you a deeper dive into video options. Just downloaded, and seeing how it compares to others.
Depending on your scenario, you may want to add the Joby Beamo magsafe light, or the ShiftCam SnapLight to fill in the shadows a bit.

Easy right?
I use this approach a lot especially on the street, if I’m also capturing stills. Fast, not intimidating, decent sound (more on that later!)
The lights will also do you right when doing the selfie type vids. Shoot, post to social, and there you go.

But you knew all of this.

Let’s get into the tools that up the level.
The simplest and effective gear is the ShiftCam SnapGrip creator kit system.

Using MagSafe, it attaches easily, and fast to your camera, and incorporates a BT shutter release, and a battery so you are charging your camera while it’s mounted. Knowing that the phone ischarging while you shoot is a big comfort factor

It’s easy to orient your camera in a vertical or horizontal direction.
To up the set-up you can stack add their magsafe light, which has an additional mirrored surface to allow you or your subject to see what is being videoed.
Not sure that you want your subject to watch themselves, but it does get their eyeline into the proper camera lens. Maybe most useful when doing presenter or selfie, the now current vlog format, while making sure you are in the frame.
The ShiftCam system does incorporate a magsafe extendable arm that connects to a mini tripod to give your arm some distance.
I do wish there was a standard ¼-20 thread to give options for mounting.
Another add-on recommended is the magsafe SnapShoe.

It kind of stacks with the others and lets you add a different light to your rig, or maybe an external mic!
And alternate to this is the Ulanzi magsafe grip. This is also BT, and has a built-in cold shoe, and a ¼-20 thread on the bottom. No built in battery.

Which one is best for you? The Snap is def a more robust build, and the built in battery assured me I wouldn’t go dark when recording. Plus, it has a case to keep it from getting trashed in your camera bag.

Then we get into the camera cages that give you many more possibilities to add on accessories to the rig.
My main is the Beastgrip. With a solid build, and ability to adjust to many diff phone sizes, this is my first choice. A spring loaded holder,not mag safe, and a bunch for ¼-20 threads to add extras.

With plenty of ¼ -20 threads to add cold shoes to mount lights, mics, SSD drives, plus a great handle, when covering trade shows, this rig has the raw capability I need.
Another option is the SmallRig Universal phone Video Rig Kit, which also has the ability to add things, And the form is more of a 2 handed balance with cold shoes in the handles.

It does have a much larger footprint than the Beastgrip, once all things included are added on. I do see it on sale now and again at BH, and have purchased for about $120, same price as the Beastgrip, although it comes with a ton of extras (light, mic,tripod), and a case. The Small Rig full kit does have an extra holder for an external battery to keep you from running out of power. Or an SSD drive
Admittedly I have pillaged the Small Rig accessories to add onto the Beastgrip and Snap.

Neither of the Beastgrip or SmallRig are mag safe as of this writing.
In other words, you need to put your phone in and secure via a spring-loaded grip or screw tighten holder.

Ok, we have now gone from simple and light, to complex and heavier.
Covered some small footprints with the grip options.

Next up in Part 2 is audio!

Well, as we get ready to start the summer season, it’s a good time to have a look at some items that may enhance your giftee’s summer adventures.
Some you’ve seen in earlier gift guides, and a couple of new items. (BTW, there is a great deal this weekend on of of my favorite items, at he end of this post!)

For a good fun time, we all capture moments on the phone and the new set-up from Shift Cam sure does help!
With the Shift Cam SnapGrip camera holder, thanks to magsafe, which is the only way to go these days, you can attach your phone to this handle and shoot your phone like a camera, with a Bluetooth connection, and there is a shutter button on the handle.

In the center of the light, there is a magsafe fill light with 4 diff intensities,
plus a mirrored surface  so you can see your framing on selfies, OR your subject can see themselves. It is removable (another magsafe feature)

In the full set it comes with a case, a mini tripod and a mag “wand” to let you hold the phone away from you.

And you can charge your phone at the same time as there is a battery built into the grip.

Along with this set-up they also have introduced a new mobile camera bag, which is  built around mobile, and it’s perfect.

Screenshot

Yes, all photogs love camera bags, and this one will be a great addition to the lineup. There is a smart zipper in the middle of the top flap for easy access to your goods. I carry a Fuji 100VI and the phone, plus extras in this case.

You can even get a mag clip to attach your camera to get a body cam video, and it can clip to the body of the bag or the strap.

Screenshot

Honestly, when I first saw this set-up, I was super concerned about having my phone attached by mag only.

Don’t worry, they include a special phone leash to secure your phone and make sure nothing detaches when it’s not supposed to.

One issue I did have was on the “workstation ” feature. When it was all extended for easy access I wish there was material to to give me more working area on the sides.

Now If you want another choice for adding light to fill in those nasty shadows, without a grip, the Joby rechargeable Beamo Ring Light, thin light, also with varying intensities is the way to go. Magsafe, very thin, and it comes with a pouch for when you aren’t using it.

Of course everyone needs a Joby GorillaPod!

I have a full compliment of sizes, with ball heads, and at the top range they can hold a full size video camera. The ability to be infinitely adjustable with the special legs is genius. I have wrapped the legs around a round railing, with a big vid camera and it was secure.

Disclaimer: If you do that you should confirm that all is secure.

Another solution is the Playtpod Extreme tripod base. With a solid flat base and with enough holes to add on any numbers of accessories, you can do some great closeup photography.

They added a versatile handle to the lineup this year, which can be customized for hight, and has a ton of 1/4-20 holes to add, lights, flexible arms, and of course a ball head.

A super compact tripod system that is so versatile, every photographer should have this set-up. For the setup below I added in 2 Lume Cube lights, a Manfrotto ball head,  Joby BT remote, Ankerworks mic system, and a phone holder.

Different choices, but each one of these are great tools/gifts.

Then for the traveler:
Mag safe is the order of the day.

Here are the 2 latest to consider:

Anker has come out with a compact cube that transforms into a phone/watch/ air pod charger. Tiny footprint.

When I first saw this, thought it was a little heavy, but that was just for balance. It’s so small you need some weight, so it doesn’t fall over!

In the same category and even smaller, is the Twelve South butterfly.

This small folding circle can be configured in a few diff ways.

Charge both the phone and a watch, or just a phone. With the new iPhone app, you can set it, so you see the screen, and it’s your alarm clock!

Yes, can be done with a watch for an even smaller footprint.

It’s a beautiful design, and super small and efficient.

On the air pod pro, your case can use some protection.
The Catalyst case is waterproof up to 330 ft, and you can charge up though the case wirelessly.

On the plane:

First of all, I will not use ear pods on a plane.
Nope.
After having one fall out of my ear on a plane, and crawling around down 8 rows looking for it, I will only use over the ear headphones, and a Twelve South AirFly Pro.

Everyone you gift this, will thank you profusely after just one flight!

And of course, stash all of these item in a Peak Design Tech Pouch. Plus cables, laptop dock, Samsung SSD drive, and more.

Last gifting item on the list is  the best. Wrist . strap. Ever!!
The Spider Pro HandStrap V2

I have tried em all! These live on my camera body’s 24/7.
By attaching to the side, and then screwing into the tripod hole on the bottom, you can either use the included ¼-20 lug , OR I use the ring from a Black rapid strap.
This strap is adjustable, comfortable and honestly helps make the camera an extension of my hand, while being able to easily get put back into my peak design bag when done shooting.
Keep an eye out as they do have discounts time and again. As matter of fact, there is a Memorial Day special of 25% off!

There you have it! A mid-year guide that will give you, or your giftee a smile from each product.