Mobile Journalism Equipment & Gear

Essential Mobile Journalism Gear

Mobile Journalism, or MoJo, is not just for those who are new to the field. Veteran journalists are embracing mobile technology as a way to keep up with ever-changing trends and media consumption habits. When selecting any piece of equipment, consider where you currently are in your mobile journalism journey. There are advanced tools for experts, as well as simple solutions for entry-level needs.

Documentarists and investigative journalists should have a reliable interview recording system that can accommodate large sound-on-tape (SOT) files. If your research involves long interviews, invest in a digital recorder or a professional microphone set to ensure that your soundbites are in their best quality. A handy and more affordable alternative is the Movo PM20-S, which features two lavalier mics for interviews and a plug-and-play design that works on smartphones with a 3.5mm jack.

If you’re more into rich, visual mediums, you’ll benefit from accessory sets that are specifically designed for smartphones. Pick smartphone video kits like the Movo PR2-MOJO, which has an advanced dual grip rig, shotgun mic, and LED light so that you can cover occasions in an instant without the need to lug around heavy broadcasting gear. If you don’t want to get full kits, you can also go for individual accessories like a mini condenser mic or a tabletop tripod to pair with your phone. 

Smartphone Journalism Techniques: Shooting Mobile Videos That Matter

Of course, all these mobile journalism tools would just be fancy smartphone accessories if you don’t get to use them to their full storytelling potential. Learn about the essence of mobile journalism, and then put the idea into practice each time you shoot stories. Here are some video journalism tips to get you started:

• Know your shots - Wide, mid-range, and close-up frames are the fundamental shots that you can take to add impact to your stories.
  
• Shoot three perspectives - Add perspective by doing at least three takes of your fundamental shots. For example, for mid-range, do one at eye level, another from a low angle, and a third one from the top view. Yes, gimbals or selfie sticks would come in handy in these situations!
  
• Follow subjects sparingly - When somebody moves, you don’t have to follow their every step and potentially give your audience motion sickness. Movement control is what separates amateur videographers from the pros. So, decide what you want to happen in each frame, and do smooth, minimal camera movements. An exception is when the situation really calls for you to move (like when you’re following an action-packed police chase).
  
• Get proper stabilization - Speaking of managing movements, the best way to do so is by using a stabilizer. This could be a tripod for wide shots or a handle for detailed close-ups. Also, note that how you position your body contributes to the stability of your shots. Small, handheld devices are light, so be wary of how you raise your arms or lean your body when you take mobile videos. Mobile phones have fewer external controls than DSLR cameras. Slight taps can alter the whole frame or shift the focus away from your subject—things that can happen more often to phones that don’t have optical image stabilization. Prevent these with ergonomic stabilizing handles that keep the phone still while taking the strain off your body. 

Discover more ways to enhance your mobile journalism skills as you practice. So get your journalist equipment, go out there, and find your big story!