Smartphones & Tablets
The camera you already own is often the best camera for family stories. Modern smartphones rival professional cameras for quality – here's how to get the most out of yours.
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Why Your Phone is Enough (Really!)
Modern smartphones capture stunning 4K video with remarkable low-light performance. The iPhone 15 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 shoot cinema-quality footage that would have cost tens of thousands of dollars just a decade ago.
For family story capture, the best camera is the one you have with you. Your phone is always ready, and with a few accessories, you can achieve genuinely professional results. The gear below helps you get the most from what you already own.
How to Get the Best Results
Shooting in 4K
Enable 4K video in your camera settings (Settings > Camera > Record Video). Shoot at 30fps for a cinematic look or 60fps for smooth motion. 4K gives you flexibility to crop and zoom in editing without losing quality.
Stabilisation Techniques
Use both hands to hold your phone horizontally. Tuck elbows into your body. Walk slowly with bent knees (like a ninja). Most phones have excellent built-in stabilisation, but smooth movements make all the difference.
Portrait Mode for Interviews
Use Portrait mode or Cinematic mode (iPhone) to blur the background naturally. Position your subject 1-2 metres away. This creates a professional shallow depth-of-field effect that mimics cinema cameras.
Always Shoot Horizontal
Turn your phone sideways! Vertical video is fine for social media, but family documentary footage should always be horizontal (landscape). Your future self watching on a TV will thank you.
Our Recommended Products
DJI OM 6 Smartphone Gimbal
~$125-180Buttery-smooth cinematic movement. Built-in extension rod. ActiveTrack keeps your subject in frame automatically. Makes smartphone footage look incredibly professional.
Check Price Affiliate linkMoment Lenses for iPhone/Android
~$125-180 per lensProfessional-quality add-on lenses. Wide-angle for environmental shots, telephoto for flattering portraits. Physically clips onto your phone. Massive upgrade in image quality.
Check Price Affiliate linkShoulderpod S2 - Phone Handle
~$50-75Transform your phone into a proper camera rig. Pistol grip handle, tripod mount, cold shoe for microphone/light. Makes hour-long interviews comfortable to shoot.
Check Price Affiliate linkBeastgrip Pro + Lenses Kit
~$380-500Full smartphone cinema rig. Accommodates any phone size. Multiple mounting points for mics, lights, monitors. Interchangeable lens system. For filmmakers who want smartphone convenience with pro capability.
Check Price Affiliate linkPro Tips
- Clean your lens before every interview – fingerprints ruin footage
- Enable Airplane Mode to prevent call interruptions mid-recording
- Use Filmic Pro app (~$15) for manual control over exposure and focus
- Record in H.265 (HEVC) format to save storage space without quality loss
- External microphone is MORE important than camera upgrades – use your phone with good audio