Most of the time I’m pounding away at my keyboard writing tech articles, but sometimes I use video. Of course I’m no video expert, so I just point and shoot with my smartphone camera. The video on my iPhone 15 Pro Max is more than enough to shoot any kind of video. But without a little help, it doesn’t always do exactly what I need it to do. Or I’d need a whole other device.
A gimbal helps with stable footage, a Bluetooth microphone helps record audio even during yellow weather alerts, and a drone is great for aerial photography. I’ve used a lot of different gear, but these top-of-the-line gadgets make shooting content that much easier.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is my top recommended drone for aerial footage. It packs everything you need into a compact, travel-friendly drone. This little powerhouse packs in 4K video capabilities, improved obstacle sensing, and long battery life. It’s perfect for capturing vast landscapes and dynamic cities from the sky.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs just 249g, just below the legal limit for drone registration in many countries. The drone is equipped with a 1/1.3″ sensor that can shoot 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos, ensuring high-resolution results for both stills and videos. Obstacle sensing technology and up to 34 minutes of flight time on a single charge make it ideal for long, uninterrupted shoots.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: The Holy Stone HS720 is a great entry-level alternative with features like 4K video and 26 minutes of flight time. While it doesn’t have the advanced sensors or small footprint of the DJI, it’s a great way to get started in aerial photography.
Pivopod
The Pivo Pod is my favorite camera to put on a tripod when I’m shooting solo. It’s great for a basic tripod, but it has so much more to offer. It has advanced auto-tracking and smart capture modes, including 360° motion tracking, multiple exposures, and panoramas. This makes it perfect for capturing what’s in front of you, or for spinning around an object and filming yourself.
Connected to your smartphone and operated by a companion app, it offers intuitive controls and creative options. The device is especially valuable for creators working on interactive, moving tutorials and performances, offering professional-level filming with minimal equipment. And that’s exactly why I recommend it the most.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: A basic motorized pan-tilt tripod head offers basic tracking capabilities suitable for less dynamic shooting scenarios and is a cheaper alternative.
DJI Pocket Osmo 3
If you’re like me, you need to have stable footage while you’re filming. I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs machine-like camera shake, and the OIS on my iPhone just isn’t enough. That’s why I use the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a handheld stabilizer with a built-in 4K camera that can shoot 60fps video.
It packs powerful features like ActiveTrack 3.0 into a compact design that fits in your pocket. Your subject stays in sharp focus, even during dynamic movement. This device is essential for vloggers and travelers who want professional stabilization and cinematic quality without the bulk of traditional equipment. Thanks to the DJI app, you can easily transfer footage to your smartphone, or you can record directly to an SD card.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: While not as robustly built as the Osmo, the Zhiyun Smooth Q3 offers features like 3-axis stabilization and gesture control, making it a cost-effective option for smartphone users.
Asilex Wireless Lavalier Microphone
The Asilex Wireless Lavalier Microphone is a game changer for recording clear, professional audio. To be honest, I had never heard of this brand before. I rushed to buy it on Amazon because it was fast and cheap. But it may be the best product in my photography kit. Free from the constraints of cables, this microphone has the option of Lightning or USB-C connection. It can be used with any smartphone you use for filming, and it works equally well with your computer if you need voice synthesis.
These microphones offer superior sound quality and mobility. They’re perfect for interviews, vlogging, or any environment where mobility and audio clarity are paramount. The wireless design means you don’t have to wrestle with cords, and the discreet, compact construction lets you focus on your content, not your equipment.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives: The Boya BY-M1 offers an affordable solution with great sound quality and wired connectivity, sacrificing the convenience of wireless mobility but still providing reliability for static setups and those new to audio recording.