Smartphone Apps & Gear ListDebora Wenger | @dwenger | debora.wenger@gmail.com

3 Often Used Tools for Shooting Mobile News Video

Every person you talk to about mobile newsgathering is likely to offer slightly different advice about gear and apps that are good to get. Here is my Top 3 list of essentials, but you will likely do better to experiment and come up with your own kit, based on what you do with your smartphone and works best for you!

1. Get a tripod/mount. The number one thing to separate “home video” from pro video is the steady nature of the shots.

Unigrip Pro Smartphone Mounting System -- $39 at B&H Photo

http://bhpho.to/1KkruE6

2. Purchase FiLMiC Pro app. Time and time again you will see this app referenced as part of the toolkit for masterful mobile storytellers. It allows for both focus and exposure control.

Available for iOS -- $9.99 in iTunes

Android Alternative? Cinema FV-5 -- $2.49 in Google Playhttp://bit.ly/1iMkb29

Page 1 of 3

3. Buy an external microphone. The reality is that lots of folks record smartphone audio without an external mic, but for those who use them, the iRig brand is a favorite. To use a mic you already own, you may want to purchase a microphone interface.

iRig HD Mic HD Handheld -- $99.99 B&H Photohttp://bhpho.to/1KOhm7TiRig Pre Microphone Interface -- $34.99 B&H Photohttp://bhpho.to/1Ja0IgP

5 Apps for Doing Mobile Differently

Sometimes a different story form will engage audiences better. Here’s a list of five tools that can help you use your smartphone as more than a TV cam.

1. Infogr.am https://infogr.am/As the website says, this is infographics made easy. The templates allow you to easily visualize your data and send it to social media or drop the graphic into another story format.2. Google Maps Photo Sphere http://bit.ly/1NX4lxiEver wanted to immerse your audience in a scene? This is your tool. Create a 360-degree, panoramic experience for your followers.3. Pic Play Post http://apple.co/1iEMK1hThis is an excellent tool if you have lots of photos/video that could be used to engage your

Page 2 of 3

audience in a new way. I’m thinking “Back to School” or State Fair myself.4. Videolicious https://videolicious.com/Video recording and editing does not get any easier than this. The perfect app for someone who has tons of personality, but is not trained as a videographer. Record, drag and drop, and you have a story.5. Periscope https://www.periscope.tv/Periscope or Meerkat may disappear, but interactive live streaming is here to stay. Added bonus: Using this will make you better at live TV.

Page 3 of 3