The Pros and Cons of Shooting Business Videos with a Mobile Phone

The convenience of having a cell phone grows almost daily. Especially now that many of the newer models offer the ability to record and capture HD video right into the camera. But is convenience enough incentive for you to start incorporating your phone as a tool in your video marketing arsenal?

In this episode of the Reel Rebel, video production expert Stephen Schweickart talks about the pros and cons of using smart phones to create videos for your business. Using new models like iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy may give you a better chance at success.

Click through to the next page to view the full transcript.

Hey, I'm Stephen Schweickart with this episode of the Reel Rebel, and today we're going to be talking about making videos for your business using the camera that's probably already in your pocket at this very moment. You guessed it, genius--your cell phone!

First things first, you need to decide WHERE your video is going to end up. If it's going to be shown anywhere other than the web, I would recommend skipping the cell phone altogether and use a real deal camera.

Since you "Hollywood directors" are moonlighting as entrepreneurs, phone cameras may be good for a grassroots video or a customer testimonial, ONCE. Twice is pushing it. But avoid it all costs for commercials, landing page videos, or anything that will take away from MY pretty face.

If you refuse to give up on the phone camera, at least stick with a newer model that's going to be shooting at a minimum 1280 x 720 HD. Phones have been able to do this for years now, but some of the older ones do a pretty horrible job at it.

Don't shoot in low light and get your hands on a tripod or stabilize your phone on a ledge if you have to. Phones have tiny lenses and imaging sensors that suck at shooting if there isn't a ton of available light. Either shoot in good light, light your scene, or use a better camera.

The final rule when shooting with your phone--if you want quality audio, don't shoot video with your phone. There are some accessories that will plug into your phone to help with audio, like the Rode-i-X-Y for Apple products. You could even get a separate portable device, like a ZOOM h4n.

Audio from your phone will have super low levels, distortion, or ambient noise. Pretty much a waste of everybody's time.

Remember, perception is key--and you don't want to be perceived as a hack. Don't let your business' image rely on a device that was built for Facebook and playing Angry Birds. Upgrade your camera or hire a professional (like us). If you're still anxious to use your phone, leave me a little something-something in the comments section below.