Smartphone Video Kit

The Video Kit 8 includes three microphones. The MA2010 Condenser Mic, or ”U-Mic”, is a super compact microphone that you can keep on you at all times. This omni-directional mic has a 3.5mm plug that connects straight to your smartphone, without any wires. It also has a built-in monitoring headphone jack, allowing you to plug in your headphones while the mic is hooked up. Moving up in size a bit is the VXR20, an omni-directional stereo microphone. This mic is powered by a compact battery that comes included and features and on/off switch to help you conserve power when not in use. This mic also includes a furry, or deadcat, windscreen for reducing unwanted wind noise. The VXR20 can plug directly into an audio recorder, dslr, etc. with the 3.5mm TRS plug or into your smartphone, using the 3.5mm TRRS adapter.

For those situations where you want to focus less on the environment or background noise, the kit includes the VXR10. This mini shotgun mic is a cardioid condenser microphone that is lightweight and compact. This is a directional mic that focuses on audio primarily in front of the microphone and with the included shockmount, you won’t be picking up as much handling noise either. The last mic is the WMIC50, a wireless lavalier microphone system. With this system, you get a transmitter and a receiver that are both battery powered as well as a lavalier microphone that includes a lapel clip and foam windscreen. This is a fantastic mic to use when you need more distance between the camera and the person speaking, without worrying about tons of wires in the way. The Video Kit 8 comes with both 3.5mm TRS and TRRS cables, which allows you to plug the mics into most devices.

Mounting the VXR10, VXR20, or WMIC50 to your smartphone is quick and easy using the included Movo PR-1 Smartphone grip. This grip serves as the base for your mobile rig and can fit standard size phones all the way up to plus size phones and the Galaxy Note. On the top, rear, and bottom of the grip you have 1/4" threads, where you can mount various accessories. I’ve also used these to attach my PR-1 to my DSLR rig for capturing multiple angles. You can also attach mics to the top of the grip using the cold shoe mount. This is a great place to attach the LED30 that comes in the kit as well. This compact LED light packs a huge punch with its low, medium, and high settings. It also features an on/off switch and micro USB port for charging.

For those times when you need to be hands-free with your setup, the MV-T1 Mini Tripod is a game changer. I’ve used this compact expandable tripod in a number of situations with my smartphone and even DSLR. The durable and stable design, along with the ballhead, let me get exactly the angle I’m looking for. From low angle shots, to table top situations, this is a handy piece of equipment to have in your gear bag. I’ve even used it a number of times for mounting microphones on a table for audio interviews. While we’re talking hands-free, the Video Kit 8 also includes the RC101 Bluetooth Remote. The remote is easy to use and can remotely trigger an iPhone or Android camera without having to use the timer feature and run back in place. As you start to add more to your smartphone rig, the DSE4 Cold Shoe Extender will allow you to actually attach more equipment. This 4” extender attaches to the cold shoe mount and has a double locking nut that allows you to adjust where the extender bar sits over your smartphone rig. On the extender bar you can add lights, microphones, receivers, etc. that have cold shoe mounts. You can also use the 1/4" to cold shoe adapter to mount gear with a 1/4" thread.

From mics, to lights, to mounts and more, this is one kit that Movo definitely put some thought into, so you don’t have to. Whether it is the Smartphone Video Kit 8 or one of Movo’s other video kits that is right for you, don’t forget the most important part, which is to pick up your phone and hit record. When you do, the Movo Smartphone Video Kit will help you capture the video and sound you need to share your story.