It’s so tempting when you are learning something new to buy up loads of kit so you feel the part. And it's so common to then feel like a failure because you can't figure out how to use it and to give up before you get your money’s worth.
So, before you splash out we always advise you to think carefully about what you need the most.
Stability is a key ingredient for any professional-looking smartphone filming but you don't need a top-of-the range gimbal to achieve that.
If you want one tool that will keep you steady and smooth while you're shooting, I’d go for an Ulanzi frame every time. It's a nifty, simple and inexpensive device – and we are not being paid to say that!
This rectangle has a central clamp that allows you to fix your phone securely in either landscape or portrait mode. If you hold this with both feet planted on the ground you can move from your centre to get smooth shots. You can also easily adjust your shots with one hand on the frame and the other one moving. And you can attach the frame onto a tripod too.
But the real beauty of this frame is that you can add lighting, a top mic, a receiver for a radio mic -- and it will never feel unbalanced. If you add items to a Gimbal you can throw out it’s mechanism. We will be road-testing some tools soon to help you attach audio but to date, we haven’t found an effective way to do this.
Of course the Gimbal is great for auto-tracking and those hero action shots. But the Ulanzi is your best friend for affordable, versatile and easy-to-use everyday needs.
Whatever you do, don't chance it to your steady hands. There will always be more shake than you want.
What do you think? I’d love to hear from you on our social media or you can drop me a line in an email at info@pocketstories.co.
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