Filming yourself can be a challenge
For the photography we create a lot of video tutorials.
Mostly filmed in our studio where we have all the room for cameras. lights and stands.
However when I want to record something for the music, it’s a different story.
I love my home studio, everything is in reach and I love that, but it also means I don’t have a lot of room to place cameras. Something you probably will recognize.
Luckily you don’t need large cameras anymore, today’s smartphones are good enough for some cool video, or use for example the awesome Osmo pocket series. But how do you make sure the camera/phone is connected correctly and is also adjustable and can fit in very tight spaces…. Enter the Platypod line up.
We love the Platypod lineup for many reasons
But without a doubt, one of my favorites is the Platypod Maggrip, as a replacement for a tripod when shooting video.
Especially when shooting multicam or in tight situations, using a tripod can be problematic. The Platypod system is a great solution in these situations. Read more about the Platypod in action.
I’m using the Platypod a lot for the videos I shoot in our Home Studio, and although you can easily fit the Osmo Pocket, for the iPhone there was not a perfect solution… yet.
Recently, Platypod released the Platypod Mag Deluxe Set which also makes it possible to charge your iPhone during filming, so you never run out of power during the vital moments.
Filming and charging my iPhone
That’s the cool thing about the Platypod system: it’s a fully modular system, so you can add almost everything to the Platypod base plate. When filming, for example, we use small LED lights via the extra mounting arms
But as you can see in the behind-the-scenes images, you can also easily mount a Nanlite PavoTube.
The angle the iPhone sees.
And the setup.
In this case, I’m using the Platypod with a Nanlite PavoTube connected on the Gooseneck.
In other words, it doesn’t have to be small lights, which makes the system very flexible to use.
Also want to add Platypod to your bag?
Check www.frankdoorhof.com/shop for the gear I use, including, of course, Platypod
A very important tip !!!
When you film with your iPhone make sure you use a video app that will use a steady frame rate.
The iPhones native app doesn’t film in a steady frame rate which means syncing the iPhone to an audio file is impossible, it will drift like crazy. Using an app with a solid/steady frame rate solves this problem. It can save you a lot of trouble knowing this beforehand.