Taking and sharing professional-looking videos using these devices and other powerful Android phones already in the market isn't just a possibility now - it's something that users can actually do. Here are a few tips for taking video captures to the next level.
Always Film in Landscape
This one is an easy tip to remember. Many video hosting sites like YouTube and Vimeo present videos in landscape orientation. Filming in portrait wastes the space available for the visualizations that can be captured digitally. Shooting in landscape also helps maintain a consistent level horizon, making the final output look better and more balanced according to Android Pit.
Lighting is Everything
Kris Carlon warns Android users to "watch out for high contrast areas" in his Android Pit piece, but there's more to video lighting concerns than blown-out colors. Shooting in consistent lighting is very important, especially if the Android phone's camera is set to auto-white balance. The lighting in the video output could change drastically when filming from a well-lit place in a dim area. Find a position that maintains the lighting whenever possible.
Keep the Phone Steady
Android devices are mobile devices, and it is highly likely that the device will be handheld when taking the video. In The Next Web, Paul Sawers writes a useful tip to minimize shaking. "[Always] hold the camera with both hands, and keep your elbows as close to your body as possible, preferably rested on your waist - this provides the necessary support your arms need," he writes.
A phone-compatible tripod should be used in instances where handheld video recording can be avoided. Check the Android device manufacturer's roster if they offer a tripod compatible with their devices. It also helps to use a video app with built-in stabilizer.
Take Test Footage Before Shooting
Producer Britt Michaelian, in a Huffington Post article, suggests shooting a five second test to test the environment before proceeding with the project. Checking for proper lighting, sound, and visuals will help Android phone owners compose their videos better. "Remove anything extra or distracting, so your viewer can focus on you and your message," she adds.
Have a Solid Concept
Technical smarts can only get users so far - having a solid concept for a video still sets it apart from all other videos according to the Huffington Post. While storyboarding is useful, and may be ideal if the people shooting have the time to conceptualize, having one solid, central idea is sometimes enough for a good video to be shot on the spot. At the end of the day, the video should communicate the person's message clearly, and that requires a person's unique artistry and storytelling.
The upcoming phones' cameras are very powerful, and users can expect Android to up their game with the stock camera app to keep up with the lenses in these upcoming beasts. For those who have an Android device that's not as powerful, apps like Google Camera, Camera Awesome, and more are available on the Google Play Store - apps that enable users to create professional-looking videos using just about any Android device.
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