The Digital Ninja® 3 Point Quick-Clip, Mini-Light Kit
The Aputure AL-M9 LED Light is an older model, rechargeable, lightweight, and pocketable light source. It is extremely bright, considering it's size. With some key accessories, you can build an exceptionally powerful little kit, enabling you to move faster & lighter.
The Aputure AL-M9 LED Light is an older model, rechargeable, lightweight, and pocketable light source. It is extremely bright, considering it's size. With some key accessories, you can build an exceptionally powerful little kit, enabling you to move faster & lighter.
Aputure AL-M9
The M9 debuted 2 years ago and was an extremely sought after light because of it's versatility, features, and price point. These days you can pick up a brand new one for around $45. Aputure's latest model the MX, is priced at $145. For the price of the MX, you could get (3) M9's. There are other mini LED models similar to the M9, but the copycats don't measure up in build quality. If you are looking for a solid mini-kit, pay the extra money for the Aputure brand. They are worth it.
M9 LED Light mounted on Ball-Head Clip
The M9's are definitely my favorite lights (that I own) because of their size and amount of light they output. They also come in handy for special lighting scenarios where a mini light source is necessary. One of my favorite things about them too, is the package they come in. A case is included and there is room for some extras. I had some left over gels and made a series of gel kits for them. The magnetic face plate makes it easy to switch to any color I want.
M9 mounted on Ball-Head Clip (with Anker PowerCore & Powerline Cable)
The lights, by themselves, last about 1hr 30min on high. Initially I went and bought 6 ft. cables and power adapters to keep them plugged in and charging if I was ever near outlets. Later, I found the Anker PowerCore 10000 battery packs which were roughly the same size as the LED's. I got some Velcro and married the battery packs to the lights. I then purchased some 1ft. cables to make the kit look really clean and professional. With the battery packs and lights connected, I can run these lights all day. I make sure to turn them off when not in use and have them charging during meal breaks.
The Digital Ninja® 3 Point Quick-Clip, Mini-Light Kit
I enjoy keeping my gear nimble and the cases that come with the lights- they help keep everything organized. I'm able to stash the 1 ft. cables and gel kits in the cases, then I attach the longer cables to the included carabiners. The batteries pack easily. The clips are the only unruly pieces, but will still fit in a regular sized bag or backpack. Sometimes I just attach the clips to a strap on the outside. This mini-kit allows me to get into almost any room quickly and utilize a 3pt light set-up. The clips also make pretty good stands if I am able to place them on a flat surface.
Versatile. Fast. Bright.
Be warned: These won't illuminate an entire room, but they will definitely help you in low light situations. The M9's really shine as fill lights, catch lights, and hair lights, and also for interviews, headshots, 2 shots, and talking head scenarios. This light has been aptly named the "Swiss Army Light". This is the kit I leave the house with when I think I might need a bit of light help.
- Aputure AL-M9 LED Light $45
- Anker PowerCore 10000 $26
- Anker 1ft. PowerLine Cable $6
- 1/4" Ball-head Clip $9
*I wouldn't skimp on the cables. Anker makes solid cables & you don't want cheap cables in-between your batteries and lights!
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my Digital Ninja® 3 Point Quick-Clip, Mini-Light Kit. Follow me on Instagram @d1g1tal_n1nja, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalNinja3 or bookmark my website: www.digitalninja.us .
- Digital Ninja®
THE SMARTPHONE FILMMAKER: PRO KIT
Anyone can become a vlogger. As long as you have a camera. If you have a smartphone, you have a capable camera. With the right equipment, you can turn it into a more-than-capable production tool.
There are cameras everywhere-in our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. You can use any one of them and be a filmmaker or vlogger (Video Log). After many attempts and different approaches to smartphone filmmaking and vlogging, this is a nimble set up for anyone with a smartphone. With a few reasonably affordable gadget attachments, you can transmit amazing audio and high-quality video across Instagram Stories, Facebook Live, or manage your own Youtube Channel.
iPhone 6plus with LED light, directional mic, smartphone mount, and wide lens on a mini-tripod
THE PRO KIT
After trying out different configurations of gear, this is what you'll need:
- a mini-tripod
- a universal smartphone mount
-a wide-angle, clip-on lens
-a directional microphone.
-a clip-on LED light (for low light situations)
With these items, you can greatly improve the quality of your productions. The universal mount to will attach your smartphone to the tripod. The mini-tripod will add stability to your shots and also give you a handle to hold. A clip-on, wide-angle lens will give your video the necessary breadth/room for you to speak. The microphone will improve your audio signal. Finally, the clip-on LED will come in handy, when light becomes lighting is an issue.
There are many different products you can substitute, but the ones here are of quality.
MINI-TRIPOD AND SMARTPHONE MOUNT
The Manfrotto Pixl mini-tripod is one of the best mini tripods around. If you can find the older model shown here, they are virtually "bomb proof'. They are robust and extremely stable and can hold a large DSLR with a Prime lens easily.
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod
If you're lucky you can find the package including the Manfrotto Universal Phone Mount for $30: https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-PIXI-Mini-Tripod-Smart/dp/B018N7G2S0/ref=sr_1_16?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1509622247&sr=8-16&keywords=manfrotto+mini+tripod
There are definitely cheaper alternatives . Some have a small hook-like piece welded to the ball, allowing the phone to be stood vertically for Facetime. If you go the cheaper route, get this model and it comes with a Manfrotto Universal Phone Holder knock-off for $7: https://www.amazon.com/eCostConnection-Rotating-Universal-smartphones-Microfiber/dp/B072L2JLVK/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1509622818&sr=8-46&keywords=mini+tripod+smartphone
WIDE ANGLE LENS
There are a number of cheap lens kits available online. Usually they include a wide angle, a macro, and a fish-eye. The main lens you need is a wide-angle. Aukey makes a variety of different lenses and they are amazing. The cheaper kits are a great start, but the Aukey Ora 0.45x 120° Wide Angle is a fantastic lens with very little vignetting. It is the sharpest lens I've seen for smartphones. If you can place it on correctly you get no distortion in the corners, well at least on an iPhone 6Plus. It just makes your pictures look way better. It's also a beast of a build and will hold if you happen to bang it around. It also comes in a nice portable hard case.
AUKEY Ora iPhone Camera Lens, 0.45x 120° Wide Angle + 15x Macro Clip-on $30
Get the AUKEY Ora iPhone Camera Lens, 0.45x 120° Wide Angle + 15x Macro Clip here for $30:
If the $30 price is too steep, get something like this similar lens for $14:
MICROPHONE
Once you start recording your audio with a mic, you'll definitely notice the difference. Sound on any smartphone sucks. You should never use that audio unless you absolutely have to. Invest in an affordable lavalier mic like the Sony (the ECMSCC3, $20). Either clip it to yourself or figure out how to mount it on your smartphone "rig".
RODE Videomic Me Directional Microphone for Smartphones $60
What's great about the ME, is that it just plugs right into your audio jack on your phone; provided your phone still has one! You can also plug in headphones to monitor your sound too. It is an awesome little mic. The audio quality that comes out of this mic is amazing. You can get the mic for $60:
If $60 is way out of range for you, try this Sony Lav Mic for $20:
LED LIGHT
The torch or LED light that is on your smartphone is not going to cut it in a really dark area. Even in a lit area, a nice bright LED will add the extra pop and sharpness to your footage. There are so many LED lights out now. Look for ones that are rechargeable and don't take up to much space. The Pickogen LED light can be adjusted (lo, med, hi), is really bright, rechargeable, and made of metal. In a pinch, the Pickogen can be unscrewed and used as a flashlight. It is really bright!
Pickogen LED Smartphone Light
You can grab the Pickogen LED light here for $16: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Portable-Spotlight-Samsung-Motorola/dp/B00ZJGQ59A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1509631160&sr=8-2&keywords=pickogen
and $16 is too much, try this light for $9:
So you've seen what you should have in your Smartphone Filmmakers Pro Kit. This gear has been tried and tested over a couple years. The Pro Kit shown here comes in at around $150. That might sound expensive, but it is way more affordable than investing in a separate camera. If you go the more affordable route, the set up comes in at $50! Hope you enjoyed a close-up look at some great gear and what's possible. Please like, leave a comment, and follow.
- Digital Ninja®
iPhone 6plus
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