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Practical Tips 📱🎥 ​

Now that you're ready to film, let's dive into some practical tips to make your video production process as smooth as possible, whether you're using a smartphone or a professional camera. In this section, we'll cover everything you need to create stunning, high-quality videos with minimal equipment and setup.

How to Make Amazing Short Videos Using a Smartphone in 2 Easy Steps ​

You Will Need: ​

  • A smartphone with a high-quality camera
  • A tripod
  • An external microphone (optional but recommended)
  • Lighting (optional)

Filming Equipment & Location ​

  • Use the gear you already have
    • Mobile device is perfectly fine
    • Settings:
      • 4K resolution at 25 fps or 24 fps
      • Focal length of around 70mm – on an iPhone, this means using the 3x telephoto camera.
      • Enable the Grid setting (see pics on slide 7)
  • Use a tripod and position the camera at eye level
  • Use a proper external microphone, we would recommend Rode Wireless mics for example (nappimikki lisäksi halutessaan, esim tämä tai tämä)
    • Position the mic about 15 cm below your chin to get a soft sound
  • Keep a few meters of distance between the camera and the subject
  • Keep a few meters of distance between the subject and the background
  • Light your subject well – use soft natural light or additional lighting. Avoid harsh shadows by diffusing the light (throw a sheet on the light for example to make it softer)
  • Always clean the camera lens before shooting!

Framing & Composition ​

  • Positioning objects and people within the frame - the Safe Zone
  • Can we be two people in front of the camera? Yes, but the composition will be quite different AND it would be preferable to have two microphones
  • How to film a widget video effectively
    • Position the subject in the middle or crop a 1:1 video in post-production
Composition 1Composition 2Composition 3

How to Make Amazing Short Videos Using a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera in 3 Easy Steps ​

You Will Need: ​

  • A DSLR or Mirrorless camera with a high-quality video mode
  • A lens
  • A tripod
  • An external microphone
  • Lighting (optional)

Step 1: Set Up the Tripod and Video Settings ​

  1. Choose a location with good lighting and a clean background.
  2. Place the tripod on a stable surface and adjust the height and angle of the camera for a balanced shot.
  3. Attach your camera to the tripod and adjust the angle (tilt the camera for the 9:16 format ratio if needed for vertical video).
  4. Choose an appropriate lens for the shot (we recommend a 28-70mm lens for versatility).
  5. Use Auto (A) mode if you prefer automatic settings. If you want more control, refer to the Annex for manual mode settings.
  6. Enable autofocus to ensure the subject stays sharp throughout the video. If the image is blurry, switch to manual focus (see Annex for more tips).
  7. Connect an external microphone to the camera for crisp, professional audio.
  8. Adjust the lighting to make sure both the subject and background are well-lit.

Step 2: Film the Video 🎥 ​

  1. Frame the shot carefully and ensure the subject is well-lit and in focus.
  2. Press record and begin filming.
  3. Speak clearly and at a consistent volume.
  4. Keep the camera stable, avoiding any unnecessary movement.
  5. Record multiple takes to make sure you have the best possible footage for editing.

Annex: Manual Mode 🎛️ ​

If Auto Mode (A) doesn’t meet your expectations, switch to Manual Mode (M) for full control over your camera’s settings.

  1. Set the video resolution to the highest available and choose a frame rate of at least 24 fps for a cinematic look, or 30 fps for standard video.
  2. Set the shutter speed to twice the frame rate (e.g., 1/50 for 24 fps).
  3. Adjust the ISO, aperture, and white balance to achieve the desired exposure and color balance.
  4. To fine-tune the focus, place an object where the subject will stand and adjust the focus until it’s sharp. If your camera has a Peaking feature, use it for easier focusing.

Quick Guide: 5 Easy Steps to Produce a Video 📝 ​

  1. Choose your filming location: Make sure the location is well-lit with minimal background noise.
  2. Set up your phone on a tripod: A steady shot makes your video look more professional.
  3. Adjust your phone’s settings: For vertical videos, set your camera to a 9:16 aspect ratio.
  4. Frame your shot: Center your subject, keep them in focus, and use the rule of thirds for better composition.
  5. Press record and start filming: Speak clearly and ensure your microphone captures good audio.

With these tips, you’re ready to create professional-quality videos, no matter what equipment you're using. Happy filming! 🎉