The best camera is the one you have, right? Absolutely! Taking a video with a smartphone has become a lot more frequent than it formerly was.
Technology has come so far and smartphones like the Samsung S21 Ultra 5G are letting you capture 8K video and amazing stills in one shot, which goes beyond far beyond cinema resolution.
We’re live in an age where films can also be shoot from phones and it keeps getting better. The short film Close Shave (2021) directed by Neoh Chin Shim is shot entirely by the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Take a look!
Wasn’t that just mind-blowing? Here are the best tips that help you shoot your next film with your Samsung smartphone:
1.) Use A Stabilizer
Since smartphones are lightweight in comparison to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, it’s prone to our hands’ jitteriness. In order to get that buttery smooth-looking shots, you might want to invest in a gimbal or handheld rig. But that won’t be a problem with the Samsung S21 Ultra because it has a Super Steady option already built-in.
When you use Super Steady, the Galaxy S21 Ultra becomes an action camera. When you’re on the move, AI stabilization eliminates the bumps, resulting in gimbal-smooth videos.
2.) Play With Frame Rates
When you start making videos and films, cinematographers all over the internet would always suggest shooting in 24 fps since it’s the best frame rate for that “cinematic feel”. Almost all modern films are shot in 24 fps.
Cranking the frames up to 30 or higher to “smooth out” your image will lose that inherently that feel. Unless, this goes against your taste, changing up the frame rate is an artistic choice.
3.) Good Lighting Is The Key
Ever wonder why celebrities and people involved in movie production are either shooting before the crack of dawn and sunset whenever there’s a scene outdoors? It’s because of the lighting. Harsh lighting destroys the overall cinematic experience. There’s a reason why those times are called “magic hour”. Depending on the type of scenes you want to shoot, the lighting is one of the most important aspects of making your shots comparable to Hollywood movies.
4.) Play With Color Correction and Color Grading
Is your film a happy one? Or is it a sad one? The colors determine just that. Every director has their own distinguishable style– from Wes Anderson to Tim Burton, you’ll know that it’s their film showing just by the colors. Give your film your own personal flair by playing with its visual mood or tone.
5.) Use Custom Settings To Your Advantage
Having a Samsung phone is an advantage when shooting. Pro Mode lets you override the default ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and various other options. With more control, you may achieve consistency in your shots and make them appear more as you imagined.
6.) Audio Quality
The audio quality is a powerful element in filmmaking. It has the ability to transport viewers to a different universe, as well as assist in the telling of the tale and the progression of the plot. Sound can also aid in the creation of emotion and the setting of the film’s tone.
The sound in a movie is equally as vital as the pictures. One thing to improve the audio quality of your smartphone is to invest in an external mic to make sure to eliminate disruptive background noises as much as possible. This elevates the production quality of your film like a professional.
