Filmmaking with Your Phone: Our List of Must-Have Accessories

Written by Adorama
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Published on August 16, 2024
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In the world of filmmaking, the best camera is one that is easy to have on hand. Well, for most of us, that’s a smartphone. But even if your phone’s camera is great on its own, a few accessories can turn your phone into a bona fide Oscar winner. Today, we will share with you the list of the essential accessories for filmmaking with your phone. Are you ready to compete with Hollywood?

Protect Your Camera, Your Best Asset

Filmmaking with your phone is risky as smartphones are more prone to being dropped and damaged. To prevent those instances, protect your best asset with a phone cage. Here’s some we recommend:

Rode Magnetic Phone Cage

Picture of a clapperboard used while filmmaking with a phone
Photo by Leuchtturm Entertainment on Unsplash

The new Rode Magnetic Phone Cage turns any smartphone into a professional filmmaking rig. This mobile filmmaking device boasts a powerful magnetic mounting system tailored for MagSafe iPhones and other MagSafe-compatible smartphones. This compatibility ensures that devices are securely attached for stable shooting.

With its 33 mounting threads and five cold shoe slots, plus compatibility with the ARRI locking-pin standard, this Phone Cage allows for extensive customization.

Tilta Khronos Series for iPhone 15 Pro and Max

The Khronos Mobile Filmmaking Lightweight Kit for the iPhone 15 Pro, available in Space Gray, is a leap forward for mobile content creators. This kit promises firm protection and an array of mounting options for various accessories, transforming the iPhone into a mini cinematic powerhouse. The kit includes an array of features, such as an innovative locking clamp and electronic contact points for pass-through power — allowing creators to affix anything from handles to cooling modules onto their mobile devices. 

The Khronos Mobile Filmmaking Ultimate Kit for iPhone 15 Pro Max expands on this concept, offering a complete ecosystem that supports even more professional features. Additionally, with this kit, users get the same versatile mounting options and protective design, along with additional components such as a cooling system to prevent overheating during extended use, a daylight mini LED panel for enhanced lighting, and a quick-release handle that doubles as a power bank. 

Photo of mobile filmmaking by Luliia on Adobe

Filters and Lenses to Get that Pro Look

Everyone vies for that professional look. To guarantee that you’ll get it, get some filters and lenses. Here’s a few of our faves:

SmallRig 67mm Smartphone Filter Ring Adapter

If you’re tired of your phone’s built-in camera limits, SmallRig 67mm Filter Ring Adapter lets you easily attach high-quality filters to your device. Designed to fit snugly onto your phone’s case, it ensures your fancy filters stay securely in place. Focus on capturing that perfect shot without any fuss.

What’s even better? The quick-release feature means you can swap out filters in a flash, making it super convenient for photographers on the move. And don’t worry—this adapter is cleverly designed to work with your phone’s multiple lenses. It won’t be getting in the way of any of the cool features like Ultra Wide or Telephoto.

Tiffen 58mm CPL Filter + Mount 

The Tiffen 58mm Smartphone Filter Mount further simplifies content creation. Designed for the iPhone 14/15 Pro Max, it brings Tiffen’s entire array of award-winning 58mm filters to the palm of your hand. 

Its ease of use is unparalleled: snap it on with MagSafe, twist on a filter, and capture your world in ways previously only accessible to professional cinematographers. From the dramatic softness of a Black Pro-Mist to the color control of a Variable ND, this mount unlocks a universe of visual possibilities with no bulky gear needed. 

Moment 58mm Telephoto Lens

If you’ve ever wished you could get those crisp, zoomed-in shots without losing quality, the Moment Tele 58mm Lens is what you’re missing. Designed for smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro and Google Pixel 4, this lens is all about making your photos pop. No more dependence on digital zoom that turns your pictures into a pixelated mess.

What’s cool about the Moment Tele 58mm Lens is how it lets you zoom in without sacrificing clarity. And if your phone has a dual-lens setup, this bad boy gives you even more zoom power. Yup, get in real close without losing that professional touch.

SmallRig 75mm Telephoto Macro Lens

Maybe you’re the type of filmmaker who wants those shots of tiny details. Your vision includes the delicate veins on a leaf or the texture of a bug’s wings. This SmallRig 75mm Telephoto Macro Lens is designed to capture those incredible close-ups with amazing clarity and color! It’ll make your photos look like they were taken with a top-notch camera.

Photo by rawpixel.com on Adobe

It records every little detail without any fuzziness or distortion. It’s perfect for when you want to get up close and personal with your subjects or things in nature. Plus, with its built-in 67mm thread, you can easily add filters or adapters to experiment with different photography styles.

Smartphone Microphones

Not every smartphone is blessed with a high-quality microphone. Thankfully, there’s a cure to that curse! Check out these wireless smartphone microphones that’ll be great for filming:

Rode VideoMic ME-L Cardioid Directional Microphone

The VideoMic Me-L is a top-notch microphone designed specifically for iPhone and iPad users. This gadget plugs right into your device’s lightning port and instantly ups the ante on your video sound quality. Focus on what’s in front of you while cutting out all that annoying background noise. Yup, say goodbye to wind or chatty bystanders messing up your perfect shot.

This mic zeroes in on the important stuff—your voice or music—while keeping the rest in check. Finally, with a handy headphone jack, you can listen immediately to make sure everything sounds just right.

Godox Geniusmic

The Godox Geniusmic is a pocket-sized mic for anyone tired of their phone’s so-so sound quality. A filmmaker is someone who wants their scenes to sound as good as they look, so this little mic is for you. Just plug it into your smartphone, and you’re ready to roll — no batteries, no fuss. Its sturdy metal build means it can handle the rough and tumble of on-the-go filming. Bonus: it’s small enough to stay out of your way. Plus, it’s designed to focus on the sounds you actually want, like your voice, while tuning out the background noise.

The mic comes with a foam windscreen and a furry windshield (think of it as a mini soundproof coat) to keep your audio crisp and clear. And since it plugs directly into your phone, it’s all about convenience. Point, shoot, and let the Geniusmic handle the sound.

Photo by Aleksei on Adobe

DJI Mic Dual-Transmitter Wireless Microphone System

Straight out of the case, the DJI Mic System is ready to roll — no fiddling required. Everything you need is neatly packed and fully charged. Focus on capturing those perfect moments without worrying about cables or dead batteries. No matter what scene it is, the DJI Mic has got your back with a wireless range that stretches up to 820 feet. Therefore, you can film and roam free, knowing your sound will stay crystal clear.

With a 15-hour battery life, this mic is built for all-day or all-night shoots. Just clip it on with the handy magnetic attachment, and you’re good to go. Plus, the receiver’s OLED touchscreen makes it easy to control everything with a simple tap. Another thing: the 8GB internal storage lets you record up to 14 hours of high-quality audio. That’s a pretty long time!

Lightweight Filmmaking with Your Phone

So, there you have it. Proof that you don’t need a truckload of filmmaking gear to create stunning movies. With the right accessories, your smartphone can rival even the most expensive camera setups.

Now go onward, unleash your inner director. Remember: the magic isn’t just in the equipment — it’s in how you use it.

Adorama's 42West is the content destination for photographers, filmmakers, audio creatives and all things electronic. Check out our up-to-date editorial features on all the latest gear, how-to's and interviews with today's most relevant industry insiders.