Welcome!

Hello Builders,

Today, we got:

• iPhone vs. Camera for Video Content

• A cool video content strategy anyone can use to build authority

• Adobe…

Let’s begin.

Phone vs. Camera: Ending the Debate

One of the most common questions we get asked about is “should I buy a camera or use an iPhone?”

Let’s answer this once and for all, with nuance of course.

• pros/cons of each

• use cases

• recommended gear setup for each

tldr: if on a budget & want simplicity, phone. if have $$ to spend & want the most creative flexibility, camera

Phone

Pros:

• short learning curve

• video quality continues to get better

• you already have one

• easy upload for short content

• great audio capture

• in-phone editing features no longer make you want to blow your brains out

Cons:

• if your phone is old, your video quality will suffer

• lower ceiling of quality & shot variation due to hardware & lack of lenses

• many people don’t like using their daily use phone as their main camera

• not the best for desk or podcast setups

• transferring files to computer is slow

If you’re thinking of upgrading, Matti Haapoja does a great job breaking down the insane video features of the new iPhone 15. In less than 3 years, iPhone & Camera quality will be indistinguishable.

Camera

Pros:

• the highest visual quality possible

• more control over the output

• lenses for that sweet background blur

• easy file transfer with cards & ability to use SSD’s

• the mental distinction between “camera” and "phone”

• easy to add to a static setup or use as a webcam

Cons:

• higher learning curve

• expensive: good cameras are $1000+, lenses $300+

• must learn how to edit on a computer

• bigger form factor

Use Cases

Context is key with both of these. Here is where we would use each of these in practical settings:

If you have a podcast, studio or desk setup and want something in the same spot every day, get a camera.

If you’re just starting out with content and don’t even know if you like making videos yet, use your phone.

If you don’t have a huge budget for content, use your phone.

If you want the absolute best quality & creative flexibility, get a camera.

If you’re going to be super mobile and self-filming, use your phone.

If you have an in-person creative team, get 2-3 cameras.

Recommended Gear Setup

Phone:

• this rig

• this tripod

• this little light

• this mic

• this iphone adapter

This will give you clearer picture, a stable shot & better audio than 90% of your competitors.

If you have a phone, but still want a quality static shot for your podcast, at-desk videos or zoom calls, then consider getting a Facecam Pro. It gives you a great looking image at a fraction of the price of a DSLR webcam setup.

Cameras:

Regardless of what camera you get, be sure you have a few essentials ready to go such as…

• this tripod

• this mic

Budget Conscious:

Canon R50

I like Canon’s for entry level options. I started my career on one. And the new r50 is a VALUE bomb. Beautiful 4K. Good battery life. Close to $1000 including a lens. If you want a camera but don’t have tons of cash, this is the one.

Midgrade:

Sony FX30

This is a new great option from Sony. A budget cinema camera with a smaller form factor. 4k at 120 fps, great color & one of the best autofocuses around.

FU Money:

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

If you want to put together really high end looking content, the Blackmagic is the way to go.

The best RAW 6k footage out there. Absolutely stunning what this thing can do. Hollywood quality in your bedroom. Plus, it’s super easy to hook up to SSD’s and computers for streaming.

Be warned - it’s a big boy & lacks good autofocus. So, this is definitely a team camera, not for the beginner soloprenuer.

Cool Finds

If you’re shooting both shorts & fullscreen content at the same time, try this:

If you’re trying to build authority through short content, interview style shorts are a great way to balance authenticity & value. Try this strategy with a friend:

Popular Tools

Capcut: the most versatile editor for short content. Useful on both phone & desktop

Captions: the easiest way to put high quality captions on your video

HeyGen: Create full AI videos from text. No shooting or editing required. NEW: automatic translation from English to other languages.

Opus Pro: Handsfree AI video content clipping. Automatic captions, cuts & titles.

envato elements: Get royalty free stock footage, music, sounds, graphics, templates and more under 1 subscription

Cinema P3: Turn your iPhone into a cinema camera

Canva: The easiest to use graphic design tool around. All our thumbnails & logos have been spawned from Canva. You can now make videos on it, too!

eleven labs: scary good AI voiceovers

That’s a wrap

If you have anything interesting to share, send us a DM on Twitter: @tigerjvideo & @videobuildersio

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