iPhone 15 Pro: External Audio, SSD, and Power

[@Gonethinkin]

For those out you asking about price, I built the same setup except I added an aperture light and a sennheiser directional mic and have just under $500 invested.

[@casketman14]

What aperture lights do you recommend ?

[@kouleeofficial]

I wanted to buy an iPhone 15 so that I won’t have to buy so much other things to make my videos better. Sadly I’d have to lol. So I’m just going to go the osmo pocket 3 route

[@KaptureMotion]

What power bank did you use I can’t find that one

[@TheRealityTwister]

Nice I am thinking about building it.

[@TheRealityTwister]

Which mic did you get

[@TheThaiLife]

I know this may sound silly when discussing a rig like this, but two features of bringing this to an event or job, or even using while making a KZbin video is instant credibility and respect. I recently traveled with two KZbinrs, one with a big mirrorless/gimbal setup with very few subscribers and the other with just an iPhone 14 and over 200,000 subscribers. My friend with the mirrorless received complete VIP treatment and access everywhere we went. The reality is, people associate expensive gear with successful productions and even beyond being able to record Log without filling up your iPhone in 20 minutes on an SSD, getting studio-ish quality audio with the DJI Mic and ensure you aren't filming your fingers, this rig is worth carrying even if you turn none of those features on if you are in the right situation. Because this rig can help CREATE the right situation. This rig is access.

[@cuve_ae]

Totally dude, I have moment lenses and a gimbal for for my iPhone 15 Pro Max. People will run out of my way when I’m getting footage or stop walking while I get my shot. As opposed to the average Joe with just a phone in hand. When I bust out my big boy rig similar to the one in the video I get complemented an and access at events.

[@TheThaiLife]

That is awesome. I really need to add some lenses too, that's a great idea.@@cuve_ae

[@cuve_ae]

@@TheThaiLife moment & sandmarc make incredible lenses. I am a moment T Series lenses kinda guy check them out brother, I love their portrait tele & wide angle lens on that 48mp sensor. What an amazing time to be into photography my friend.

[@karmatraining]

I have to +1 this, I literally get into all kinds of concerts and events for free just by showing up with a DSLR with a FAT lens and gun microphone on it. It's amazing how differently you get treated. And I'm literally just doing it for fun, just to practice my photography skills

[@TheThaiLife]

That is awesome! :)@@karmatraining

[@chrisbogart687]

You are right on. I built a very similar rig with the small rig cage with existing components. USB C hub with a battery pack is really what makes the magic happens. I use a different brand SSD (Crucial X10 4Tb) and Mic - but you can also have an audio interface plugged in for studio work and also you can use a USB C to HDMI or use AirCast to an Apple TV box for large screen display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max with the Free BMC app is a game changer. It opens up so many possibilities. I am glad you are spreading the word.

[@josephullian1556]

I just finished building this rig with a few modifications. When using this rig, you have to remember that this is a cell phone first and then a camera. That means you have to turn on airplane mode so that the phone won’t ring in the middle of a shot. Also, you have to turn off Standby or the phone turns into a clock when the power brick battery charges the phone.

[@mkfuertes]

My phone won’t charge. I tired plugging it to an outlet using the belkin hub, but that didn’t work. I thought it was the cable, but then I plugged it directly into my phone and it charged.

[@Payan8]

@@mkfuertes you probably connected it to the wrong usb c port. Plug it into the port that says pd input

[@WritingQuest]

This video is exactly what I have been looking for. Literally just used your links and ordered the whole list. Really appreciate it

[@mrjonnyjones]

Thank you for making this video! I wasn't sure how to mount everything, and the fact you've mentioned which USB-C hub to get is amazing. It's absolutely not overkill. When you're filming in a 'run and gun' environment, getting the shot is super important. Phones and these rigs allow you to get the shot instantly. I have access to a Sony A7iii with a cage, Portkeys monitor, etc. It's so cumbersome compared to my Smallrig phone rig that I use the phone more than ever.

[@reyvaz2951]

That transition with the hand was, EPIC!!

[@BabyBackManiac]

this was a great set up and a very candid ending which I really appreciate. I find in my videos when I’m using my iPhone it’s for the exact opposite reason of having it hooked up to a giant immobile and conspicuous rig… and I often wonder how many people filming raw are using an iPhone. and if they are, the only reason I can imagine is to be inconspicuous. Lol. Nevertheless this is the best breakdown I’ve seen on creating a functioning rig, and I appreciate the time and effort you went into

[@MichaelJirochVisualArtist]

Finally! And thank you! I’ve been asking this to so many Apple sales geniuses, and tech guys, bought mountains of expensive accessories that didn’t work, etc. and this was everything I’ve needed to know.

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 9 months ago about self development. Now I have 1,727 subs and > 1k hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I could haven’t learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@SDADanCars]

Nice ! thanks !

[@ThorntonMedia]

You solved every question I had about my rig setup. And I have most of the pieces from other endeavors. Thanks for a great and helpful video!

[@rogerseng]

So good! Appreciate you man. Thank you! 🤙🏽

[@self-development5410]

Dude, one of the best tutorials out there! Thanks for the video! So much useful information u mentioned!

[@westofmidnight]

Thanks for the rig info! Great to see you excited about using the iPhone for filming more and more! Greetings from Tokyo!🇯🇵

[@sirdudel]

Nearly perfect - I would add also an anamorphic/tele/wide lense + ND-Filter.

[@davisone76]

Did you get one yet? ND that is

[@sirdudel]

?

[@stephentan6302]

Thanks for this really informative video! I was searching for ways to attach more than 1 accessory to my iphone 15 pro and you answered that. And the iphone to SSD to macbook workflow helped too.

[@kristiandawe85]

I’m not at all a person that would need to record anything, but a rig like that would definitely make me want to recording an event or something for KZbin

[@MrEcted]

I know we all like to talk crap about technology, but it really is amazing how far things have come! I remember not that long ago just being blown away by having a camera - any camera - in my pocket at all times, on a tiny slate that I use for all my general communication. Now people are arguing because the Apple event was shot on an iPhone but they "still had to have professional rigging!" - it's just amazing that it's even capable of all this stuff! I'm looking at videos people are shooting on their iPhone 15 Pros and you can shoot some super legit stuff with this thing, It's crazy! Of course there are limitations when compared to actual pro level camera gear, but again, the best camera is the one you have on you!

[@rogerseng]

100%! I’ve been saying the same thing. You can’t just take a Red Camera and you instantly get an amazing shot. You need everything in production to make it good. That’s exactly what Apple did. The fact that a phone can shoot just as good is so amazing. Thanks for watching the video and for stopping by. I appreciate you taking the time today to watch and comment. Means a lot to me.

[@videotrains]

The biggest thing that makes an Apple presentation shot on an iPhone is not the rigging necessarily, but the lighting and pre-production planning. As for the iPhone vs. DSLR, the advantages are you always have the phone with you, it's always (hopefully) charged, and you can, for very little extra money, put together an extremely minimalist rig you can keep in your car. I'm doing a lot of outdoors stuff, and you never know where you might end up with the opportunity to capture something unique.

[@TheJara123]

so well presented, I find all these gear bit complicated but you made it really simple and understandable, so thank you!!

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Brilliant and yes "because we can" 👍

[@noahheinrich6382]

Great video, just what I needed for my upcoming shoot.

[@HeyItsJace]

You've inspired me brother! Here's my budget setup: iPhone 15 Pro (256gb) Samsung T7 Shield 1tb (got this on sale for 100USD, usually 150USD from where I am from) Small Rig Mini Tripod (got it for free but it is 20-40USD depending if it's on sale) Ulanzi U-rig Pro (the 10USD plastic version) Ulanzi ST-07 Phone Holder 2 pieces (2.50USD each, for SSD and hub) Random Mini Pocket RGB Light, no brand (7USD) Boya Wireless Microphones (got these for free) a few hot shoe with 1/4 thread, cheap random ball head, random 1/4 o 1/4 male thread (4USD) Right now I am just missing: Typ-C hub (around 17-22USD)- this one is hard to find (10gbps, 3-4 type c slots, PD) but now I have a few options. VND Case with 58mm thread for filter (15USD) Powerbank Clamp Magic Arm I already have a 65W 20kmAh powerbank but it's too big and heavy, might change it as well.

[@HeyItsJace]

To add, the cheap Ulanzi plastic rig is okay for it's price but you can't really use a case on your phone with it. There's no 1/4 thread on the left side so there is no option to add a handle.

[@paulleon6057]

Thanks for doing such a sound detailed video of this set up for mobile filmmaking. It’s helped me a lot with finalising my set up now which is great. Thankfully I have bought most of the same kit and I’m pleased to see you have made a very aesthetically pleasing set up that just works. Will be subbing to your channel in the hope you continue to make more videos on mobile filmmaking with the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max as it will help me a lot.

[@rogerseng]

Super kind of you my friend. Thank you so much! Hope to bring you more value along this journey. Appreciate you being here.

[@paulleon6057]

@@rogerseng ahhh, got a query/issue since setting it all up. When I have plugged in the Anker battery pack to the USB C hub and the Samsung T7 Touch to the same hub I keep getting the message “Cannot use accessory. This accessory uses too much power” I don’t understand as I have the same hub, same SSD (except it’s the touch version with the finger print), the same Anker charge but it’s a newer version. I bought this gear as my solid mobile filmmaking rig but it’s now got an issue. Any solutions with what to do?

[@mohammedaamerahmed2288]

FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT VIDEO

[@mansouralba1987]

To be honest, love your build

[@thekidflames]

I see a lot of people screaming Pocket 3, but this is about appearances. People equate a lot of gear to someone who knows what they’re doing. It looks fierce. The OP3 gets great footage, no doubt, but it looks like a dermatologist’s tool. Or something 007 would carry. This is awesome and screams professional. They both have their merits, but for a gear head, while it’s a lot to piece together, this is a solid solution. Came looking for a sound way to use the Lark M2 and an SSD simultaneously. The battery pack was a total bonus.

[@ppes111]

Roger I just got the same set up!!!!! Have to put it together. Ty for such a great vid

[@rogerseng]

Right on

[@Ronbc000]

My iPhone, 15 Pro Max is 1/2 TB storage. I use the Ulanzi phone mount handle that allows for clamping a Samsung T7 SSD to the phone. Rig a 180 deg USB C connector, T7 SSD to phone USB C port. I use a clip on 52mm filter frame for 52mm vari ND filter. I use the Black Magic camera app. The complete rig travels with me in a strap on bum bag. All you will ever need. 👍

[@davisone76]

Which ND clip? Also, since you use the Black Magic App, it will record LOG straight to phone correct?

[@raw_yakuza]

Thx a ton, that's exactly what I needed. Tried to build it up myself, but everytime there was one component missing or I didn't know how to mount it to the rig. Good job!

[@manuelcardenas3441]

What about lighting?

[@shadowr2d2]

Thank you for posting 📫 this video 📹. You have a new subscriber 🎉. Keep up the great 👍 work 🎉.

[@samalotmedia3505]

This is such a helpful video! I bought all the equipment recommended!

[@TheThaiLife]

The only thing I see missing or that I recommend is a LED panel light, one of the powered by NPF battery versions. By the time you go this big, it is kind of par for the course at this point and nothing will make your video quality indoors or against the sun look better than that light. I would rather have descent lighting with an iPhone 8 than bad lighting with an iPhone 15.

[@TheThaiLife]

You could use the threads on top of your handlebars to mount.

[@HopeMakesMeHappy]

Terrific Job Roger! Great content and a new subscriber for you :)

[@iPhone-Cinematograhy]

Excellent, Roger! Appreciate your comprehensive research and insights. I've been seeking a configuration that enables me to dynamically add or subtract items based on production requirements. There are instances where I'd like to incorporate an iRig Pre 2 to facilitate sound monitoring, volume control, and provide a 48 V XLR input with input volume control. Additionally, there are times when I might opt to include a TASCAM DR-60DmkII DSLR Audio Recorder, featuring four sound inputs. Thanks again!

[@cuve_ae]

Yeah baby!

[@rafah9696]

BRAVO!!!! This is a very technical and informative video. No it’s the best that I’ve seen. Love the rig. I have subscribe to this channel. I love the lefty, Lucy and the righty tidy for the morons. Excellent video! Excellent channel!

[@TerryMurrayTalks]

"because we can" -sooo true.

[@toadlguy]

I am curious why you just used the storage in phone rather than plugging in the longer cable with drive in pocket. Don’t need to worry about space on phone and one less transfer for the files. Is having the cable that annoying?

[@Alyssa-z6x]

Thanks for the video; subscribed!

[@santaBarbaraCyclist]

Just what I've been looking for - adding great audio capture to a small footprint, anywhere iPhone podcast interview.

[@themilesmeyer]

fire bro

[@rogerseng]

Thanks 🔥

[@mn2k2shox]

Thank you for this. I shoot wedding videos with my iPhone and DJI 4 but battery power to shoot the whole day has been a challenge and now with the ability to shoot to an external SSD is a game changer for me. So I have been looking for ways to get set up exactly like this as using my gimbal now no longer seem like a viable option..

[@feckitproductions8950]

Roger, thank you for the video. I love the approach. Can you tell me where you got the two phone holders?

[@rogerseng]

Thank you so much! Appreciate you dropping in. Yes I have them in the description but I’ll include them here as well. geni.us/uecF

[@shoriconsultorimobiliario]

Thanks, you've helped me on my decision making

[@WetterringVorarlberg]

Great Setup! Thanx for your video :-D

[@rogerseng]

Glad you liked it!

[@Lrt.3d]

amazing! looks soo much fun to build this. I wonder if you could fit a small adjustable monitor to make more angled shots.

[@rogerseng]

For sure. Thanks so much. That’s on my list of things to check out next.

[@andreasdk]

Nice video. But where's the external lenses? :)

[@rogerseng]

Coming soon :)

[@erroldillon1548]

Fantastic!!!

[@rogerseng]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@TheRealityTwister]

Do you have a link to tripod with suction cups

[@rpaulseymour]

They should have put that center support for the phone clamp on a horizontal track so it could move left and right within the cage. You're right, you probably don't want to make those buttons hard to access. Also, if you have a hardcore gimbal that supports the decked-out cage, then... might also want to position the phone better to help balance it. These makers really need to hire some top-tier industrial designers.

[@ezymarquez5521]

13:30 “because we can” hahaha so good, I’m sold! Thanks for the video, keep up the content creation

[@rogerseng]

Thanks so much! 🙌🏽

[@arshotsphotography]

love it, great vid!

[@rogerseng]

Thanks!

[@marieta.s]

This is a set up that will attract a lot if attention. I am wondering if there can be a more minimalist set up where you can record to an external ssd and add a microphone. Btw you can use a 2230 nvme with an enclosure and the ssd gets a tiny footprint.

[@nikmiddelman]

I would love this rig to be less bulky, just more compact. I’m trying to think of a way to pack all this more compact and not everything on the top. That would be amazing, so you can mount it on a stabilizer!

[@juancarlosmiguel6341]

same question.

[@jjhammond1]

Curious to learn how the phone performs connected to all that stuff outside in the summer.

[@TheRealityTwister]

I ordered everything but the batt falls out of the holder.. the holder does not hold it good

[@ElFlipper]

Hi Roger, thanks for sharing such espectacular SmallRig set up. On that same set up, how can I add an external 7” monitor? Thanks in advance for your help! 🙌🏻

[@kpakfar]

thank you. what is the brand of the tripod? did you mention that?

[@shadowhero117JRS]

Roger, I used your links and when it all arrives, I'll have a rig just like yours. Thanks!!!

[@leslielemmon]

10:31: aaaah, he's got the Velcros!

[@swoiwode]

Great video and inspirational, got me to try a similar setup with a wired mic. Thanks.

[@happydayzee]

Thanks for the informative and fun video. I have a few of these things already! Can you share the name or link of the octopus tripod you used in there? Thank you.

[@PadyakanMo]

OMG YOU ARE AWESOME! TIME TO BUILD MY IPHONE RIG!

[@dbajnath3777]

Thank you for this!

[@jimbotski]

Cool concept/prototype build.

[@NathanDuddles]

Good job. Meanwhile, I've been working on a no-cage version. USB cable to hub in a small sling pack. Attached to hub is audio, battery, and SSD but phone is simply tethered to a cable. It's light and free. However, stability of recording through the cable can be a problem. It works most of the time, so now I'm trying to get it completely dialed in. Otherwise I'm ditching the whole idea and going to use a Sony 6700 or FX30.

[@cdmillerphotos]

You know what, you may call it a monstrosity, but I think for someone like myself (who has to travel and cover events, while doing photography too), it might just make life that little bit easier. The iPhone 15 Pro is amazing, but having the ability to attach mics for talking head interviews, film to SSD etc, I think it is a bit of a game changer. Thanks for the informative video. Thumbs up from me. 🙂

[@rogerseng]

I was just playing devil’s advocate calling it a monstrosity because I knew someone would. I personally think it’s awesome. 😂 Glad you feel the same way. Appreciate you! Thanks for dropping in.

[@TheRealityTwister]

does the standard camra work with all that?

[@mathewschmid9100]

Very well done. Thank you. What about lenses and filters? Curious how you would rig all that up with an anamorphic lens, a macro, tele and ND filters. Please indulge.

[@chrisrussellca]

I wish they made that rig frame with a slider to be about to center the lens

[@michaelfarias3040]

what did you use to film this video? also an iPhone?

[@andy_2221]

I like your vibes in your videos

[@Mr-Speaker99]

Very nice I really love it ❤️❤️🤩

[@anusuyav]

Thank you well explained!

[@teammikey]

Can you provide a new link for the SSD mount, the one below in the comments doesn't seem to be working. Thanks!

[@scrow9]

Excellent presentation. I think to really call it a "Cinema" rig you at least have to have the ability to add in, at the minimum, some kind of variable neutral density filter so that you can keep your shutter speed at a cinematic value (180 degree rule) and possibly if you're really gung ho an anamorphic lens attachment as well - that said you've built an impressive set up!

[@robertquinonez_]

Nice set up and great video... Let me ask you, all that, why not just grab a DJI Pocket 3 in your pocket and make it much more practical and much easier to travel with and set up?

[@didauvui]

Thanks you so much

[@rogerseng]

Most welcome

[@aeronmoses]

This setup is just the same as buying an old project car. Not practical, but it is very fun to have.

[@rogerseng]

Exactly. And it just transforms the more you modify it. So fun.

[@masudtv]

Excellent tutorial. I’d like to use audio monitoring headphones , so what’s the suggestion for that?

[@davisone76]

ND filters and you are golden!

[@finndogfilms]

I ordered a couple other items, do you get a commission on everything in my cart? This video helped me a lot!

[@rogerseng]

Thanks so much man! Yes I do. Amazon affiliate links. Appreciate you supporting my channel!

[@MarcelloScotti]

unfortunately there is not even ONE review about this cage and the Smallrig version that talks about the 1/4 threads in the back, at least the distance between them to see if we can attach an ARRI magic arm

[@OneEyedJackNLD]

I have something similar set up. I’m also trying to add a Feelworld field camera on top 😍

[@TheRealityTwister]

Also does DJI Mic 2 fit?

[@Stupranos]

If you already have an actual high end camera this may not seem practical. If you already have this phone but don’t have a desire to go get a dedicated camera that can only take pictures or videos then this isn’t bad.

[@Paulchenier1]

What do i need to purchase to be able to use exactly what you have but for a iPhone 14

[@envo6539]

if i go with this exact setup can i put the SSD and the battery pack on the bottom so i can attach a Small rig handle on the top and then a feelworld monitor on top of the handle?

[@finndogfilms]

Can you post a link for the phone holders you use for the USB splitter? Thanks!

[@rogerseng]

Absolutely. I use two of these. One for the power bank and one for the USB hub. geni.us/uecF

[@jimvh7557]

Love the setup but I wonder how long it would take the iPhone to overheat in 4K 60fps. You should do a follow up video on that 😉 I may or may not, I really wonder. Apple probably shot the event on a dozen of these so no issue for them of course.

[@hl236]

Especially in direct sunlight and with a case that protects the phone.

[@Ghostface22x]

is the mic worth it for filming scenery with no commentary?

[@KaptureMotion]

The external battery is unavailable is there another one you recommend

[@S8M3G]

Does the rig have clearance for the .5x lens?

[@sparrowmediaservices8632]

I loved the rig you built! In fact, I built one exactly like it. Problem is the phone will not charge through this USB’s hub. How did you get it to charge the phone from the external power instead of it trying to charge the external power supply from the phone? Thanks!

[@richardstirling5799]

nice set up when I connect the external power, it knocks the external drive offline - this happen to you?

[@richardstirling5799]

cool thanks man! I've been looking for a way to ditch all my heavy Canon stuff and this is definitely the solution - I can even attach my Atomos Ninja

[@andrequedanca]

Can I mount this setup on a gimbal?

[@fulviodirosa]

Hi Roger, I bought the entire SmallRig frame with handles and noticed that the BT Record button only works with the native app and not with the Final Cut Camera App on iPhone 15 Pro Max. A note to also warn enthusiasts.

[@theramenreviewchannel]

Great stuff, Roger! Subbed!

[@rogerseng]

Thanks brother! Can’t wait to get some Ramen soon.