As smartphone camera technology is rapidly advancing, more and more people are using smartphones as their primary vlogging device. They’re convenient and they draw the least amount of attention. But since most smartphones weren’t made specifically for vlogging, there’s a lot of room to make them more suitable for that purpose. Here is a list of the nine best smartphone camera accessories for vloggers.
- Portable Charger
Vlogging uses a lot more power. If you’re planning to vlog all throughout your day with your phone, you need a portable way to charge it back up. RAVPower has a great lineup of portable chargers with multiple USB inputs that hold a total charge of more than 20,000 mAh. With that amount, you can fully charge your smartphone more than 6 times! I own one myself and it’s been great for me during my travels. A 22,000 mAh charger goes for about $42 USD.
- Tripod Mount
The days of propping up your camera with books and knick-knacks is over. Once you’re committed to your vlog channel, it’s time to invest in a budget-friendly travel tripod. Fan favorites like the Joby Gorillapod are highly versatile; you can use it as a tripod or a selfie stick, with a flexible base that mounts just about anywhere. Stash the Gorillapod on your backpack’s water-bottle compartment for upcoming adventures, and trust me, one trip with this small-but-mighty tripod will have you hooked.
- On-camera Microphone
Audio can make or break your vlog channel. With quality audio, interested viewers will stick around to learn more about you and your interests or opinions. Deliver poor, crackling, or muffled audio, though, and you better believe they have one foot (or both feet) out the door. That’s why an on-camera microphone is worth every penny. This mic will level-up your audio instantly, with a windjammer to help you retain quality in the great outdoors.
- Gimbal
I know what you’re thinking — DSLR and mirrorless camera gimbals are rarely in the “budget friendly” category. True. But, you can still replicate the smooth-moving footage with a gimbal built just for smartphones. Smartphones capture impressive video footage these days, so if you’re just starting out, why not replicate those cinematic shots with the iPhone’s 4K footage, and integrate it with your DSLR footage in post
- Ring Light
Ever wonder how those pro vloggers obtain a soft, natural glow? In some cases it’s natural light, but more often than not it’s a ring light. Ring lights abound across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These portable lighting kits will make your videos look more professional with the simple flip of a switch. Retailing for , this ring light promises a soft, near shadow-free glow with studio-quality results.
- Prime Lens
It may be a higher price tag, but investing in a high-quality prime lens will transform your vlog footage instantly. Prime-lens footage is stunningly sharp, with apertures that guarantee soft, bokeh backgrounds that put you, the vlogger, in crystal-clear focus. Investing in a wide lens is a great first step; this gives you versatility for walking vlogs, talking vlogs, and scenery shots, with impressive low-light capabilities thanks to the aperture.