In this video, I'll show you a super-portable and versatile video rig using an iPhone with a mini-tripod and external microphones. If you are use to filming with a DSLR and an external microphone, but find you don't always have your DSLR when you want to film, this can be a great option.

This video is also a public service announcement - sunscreen is your friend ;)

Microphones

Rode VideoMic Pro: Shotgun Microphone

This shotgun microphone will greatly increase the audio range of your iPhone or smartphone. This mic will pick up the sound in the direction where you point it, so if you need to isolate the sound, scroll down and check out the lavalier mics. With this mic, I've found the best settings are: high-pass filter on and +20dB output.

Rode SmartLav Plus: Direct Fit with iPhone 6s Plus or Earlier

This microphone is made for the iPhone and already has the TRRS plug. The cable is about 3 feet long (1 meter), so be aware you'll need to be close to the camera when using this microphone.

Sennheiser EW112p G3: Wireless Lavalier Mic

I absolutely love this wireless lavalier system. I tested a number of cheaper options and was left with audio that made the video unusable. That's when I asked a number of professional speakers and AV techs what they use. This is it and it works like a dream. It's an investment and it's worth every penny in terms of time and frustration saved.

Links & Resources

Adaptors for iPhone 6s Plus & Earlier / Android

KV Connection: iPhone to 3.5mm Mic Jack (iPhone 6s Plus or earlier)

The iPhone 6s Plus and earlier have a special TRRS (Tip Ring Ring Sleeve) plug for their headphone/microphone jack. Most external microphones have a 3.5mm TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve) output plug. This adapter makes the two work together. This adapter is for battery powered mics only.

KV Connection: Sennheiser EW112p Receiver to iPhone 6s Plus and Earlier

The iPhone 6s Plus and earlier have a special TRRS plug for it's headphone/microphone jack. The Sennheiser receiver has a special threaded 3.5mm plug connection. This adapter makes the two work together.

Links & Resources

Adaptors for iPhone 7 & Up (No Headphone Jack)

Beginning with the iPhone 7, Apple replaced the microphone jack to allow more room for a bigger screen. This means we have to find a way to use the Lightning port (charging port) as our audio input interface. We can do this with the two following adapters:

Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter: 3.5mm TRS to USB Type-A

This adapter gives us the female port we need for our microphones, which have a 3.5mm TRS plug (male). Plug your microphone into this adapter.

NOTE: the biggest issue I have seen with people who buy this and think it doesn't work is that they have the microphone plugged into the headphone jack instead of the microphone jack on the adapter.

Apple MK0W2AM/A Lightning To USB Camera Adapter

Plug this adapter's Lightning cable into your iPhone 7 (or later) and then plug the Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter into the USB port.

Links & Resources

Tripods & Mounts

GRIPT Mount: Phone Mount

This is the smartphone mount used in the video. The jaws expand by turning the threaded rod and it will accommodate large smartphones.

Manfrotto PIXI EVO: Mini Tripod

This tripod will hold up to 5.5 pounds, which means you can also use it with your DSLR or other cameras. The legs have 5 positions you can select from and the tripod features a ball head.

Links & Resources

How to Film With an iPhone