Using a mobile phone camera means knowing the limits of the technology. Let's face it the average mobile phone video camera while continuely improving, is still inferior to most video camera's. Couple that to the limitations presented by the screen for viewing purposes, and you have a difficult task ahead. But don't despair, the future is looking good and the now is definitely not all bad. If you follow a few basic guidelines while making your film, you can produce something amazing!

Slow and steady wins the race

Mobile camera's don't shoot and save as many frames per second as movie camera's. What that translates to is quick motions produce jerky pixellated video, while a steady hand and a slow pan produce good quality film. Keep this in the back of your mind at all times and you will have far more usable footage at the end of the day. Where possible use a solid surface or a tri-pod to improve results.

High quality

It's better to run out of memory sooner and have better quality footage than to have lots of low quality footage. Plus high quality footage looks better on all platforms, whether your viewing it on a mobile or a bigger screen.

Sounding good

Sound quality is oft overlooked. Don't make that mistake, with mobile phones it's a deadly one. What we loose in image quality you have to make up for with your use of sound. Try to use a microphone if you can. 

Shooting for the small screen 

A true mobile filmmaker will be producing film meant for viewing on a mobile screen and as such will have to film with that in mind. Simply put; detail gets lost, close ups work. 

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