TAKE YOUR VIDEOS TO THE NEXT LEVEL, WITH MINIMAL INVESTMENT

I’M PLEASED to see an uptick in video creation among optometrists. It appears the majority are using their smartphone’s camera and microphone, which is great for quick clips that can be used for regular social media posts. However, for those longer and planned-out video shoots, we can do better. Let’s take it to the next level. Below are the results of my research for the entry-level and cost-conscious smartphone videographer.

1 A MICROPHONE

Next to the quality of the image, the quality of the sound is most important. Some may even argue that how your video sounds is of the utmost importance. Why? Because if people can’t hear or understand you, they will simply quit watching the video. If they can’t clearly see you, well then, your video can become an audio-only podcast.

My personal preference is not to be attached to a wired mic. However, I could not find an out-of-the-box wireless microphone for a smartphone. My solution: a standard wireless mic system that can be adapted for the smartphone. I chose the $15 Pyle-Pro PDWM96 Lavalier Wireless Microphone System and the $13 Peterson Icable Guitar to iPhone Adapter Cable to attach it. I was blown away by how much of an improvement this was vs. the smartphone’s microphone. I was also shocked by how close the sound quality is to the $400 Rode RodeLink FM Wireless Filmmaker Kit I tested.

If you don’t want to go wireless, consider the $20 PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone, which, upon testing, also produces good-quality audio with the iPhone. Shotgun mics, those stationed on your smartphone and not on the individual, are also a popular choice with smartphone videographers, and a highly revered one is the Rode VideoMic Me.

2 A TRIPOD

Quit trying to have your staffer hold still while taking entire video! (Shaky video is hard to watch.) The best solution: a tripod. After researching several, I decided to go with a tripod that could support both my smartphone and my lighting. I chose the $15 Ravelli Light Weight Aluminum Tripod with an included Universal Smartphone Mount.

3 A LIGHT SOURCE

Even the best camera struggles to produce high-quality video in poor lighting. Oftentimes, we record video in the office, which has poor and inconsistent lighting conditions. A light source is needed for balance. Here, I counted on user reviews to illuminate features pertinent to smartphone videography. The Neewer CN-160 LED light came highly reviewed and at a price tag of $30 for the cost-conscious videographer.

To mount both the smartphone and the light on the tripod, you need a dual-mount bracket. I chose the $8 Fancierstudio Dual Mount Light and Sound Bracket. You also need fasteners; I chose the $5 Fotasy Adapter.

TOTAL DAMAGE

For about $85, you can dramatically improve the quality of your videos. For a piece of marketing that will have widespread reach, more than 10,000 views on a single video (see http://bit.ly/2x4lfXt ), that’s quite a return on investment. OM

Editor’s note: When shooting video, keep HIPAA in mind with these tips: http://bit.ly/2xbhrGD .

DR. BAZAN is founder of Park Slope Eye, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He is a member of the AOA, NYSOA and the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control. In 2014, he received financial compensation for services from Allergan, Bausch + Lomb, Vision Service Plan, Luxottica, The Vision Council and Foster Grant.