It’s an unwritten rule amongst smartphone videographers that, when they meet, they compare the assorted paraphernalia they carry in their kit bag. Many’s the time I’ve thought that I really need a thing that I might only use once. If ever. With this in mind, I present a kit list that covers the essentials for effective filmmaking. It includes the items that I carry as standard and find invaluable.

There’s a lot of choice online, much of it low quality and worth avoiding. I’ve gone for products and manufacturers that are commonly found amongst other professional videographers and are at a reasonable price point. For products stocked by Raiveon, please get in touch to find out how to buy.

• Phone – I use the iPhone 16 Pro, but just about any phone nowadays has a decent lens and can film at a resolution of 4K.
• Case (Rigs) – This can be a grip or cage for holding the phone and can include adapters to hold a mic and lighting. Mine is the Padcaster Verse, which at £149 + VAT is great value as it includes a unidirectional mic and mini tripod (available in the UK from Raiveon, contact kevin@raiveon.co.uk). Alternatively, Ulanzi have smaller cages and are regarded as good quality at a reasonable cost.
• Teleprompter – The Parrot Pro Teleprompter is indispensable for delivering smooth and seamless piece to camera. It’s also great fun. Currently available at £144 + VAT.
• The Parrot Teleprompter Multi-Function Adapter provides a solution for using the Parrot Pro Teleprompter with cameras that do not have a threaded lens. It works with smartphones, Go-Pros, webcams and vlogger cameras such as the Sony ZV range. Available from Raiveon at £44 + VAT
• Mics – Using external mics is essential for quality sound recording. Very little can be done in post production for badly recorded audio. I carry a unidirectional mic and lav (lapel) mics. The latter being wireless. The Rode Wireless Go has been very popular and you may well have seen them being used on TV, particularly on news programmes. They also produce a unidirectional mic that sits on your grip or cage
• Lighting – I take along a small LED light although it’s rarely needed. Most of the time I’m filming in well lit surroundings, but it’s prudent to have one handy, just in case.
• Tripod – A good quality, sturdy, tripod is essential. Available from Raiveon at £215 + VAT.
• Backpack – Everything fits nicely into special camera backpack. There’s even space for a laptop for editing using Camtasia.
• Apps – I have a phone full of filming apps. I would recommend Blackmagic Camera, BeastCam and for iPhone users, Apple have recently released a very good version of Final Cut Camera (which I’m using today).
• Lens cleaner – A cleaning cloth is vital. A smudge on the lens can lead to all sorts of visual disasters.
• Know-how – Raiveon has been delivering smartphone filming training for 10 years. You’ll be making professional looking video in no time.

I am always available for a chat if you ever need advice on what to buy. On behalf of all of the smartphone videographers out there, welcome. Have fun.