iPhone 15 Pro: External Audio, SSD, and Power

DJI Mic + iPhone 15 Pro = Cinema Rig
After weeks of iterations I think I have landed on it, check out this cinema rig I put together for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. With this rig you can do three things:
1. Record externally to an external SSD and you can shoot in ProRes LOG in higher frame rates.
2. Record using external audio (like the DJI Mic).
3. Power your phone with a power bank. Also I believe that in order to use the external SSD with a setup like this you need external power anyway.
WHAT I USED IN THIS VIDEO
- iPhone 15 Pro: geni.us/M65JBL9
- SmallRig Universal Smartphone Video Rig: geni.us/gmK2m
- SmallRig Mini Side Handle Handgrip (2): geni.us/cUOVojR
- Neewer Two Pack 1/4" Mount Adapter: geni.us/SGvK
- Universal Smartphone Tripod Mount (2): geni.us/uecF
- Mini Plate: geni.us/w1EAl
- Belkin 4-Port USB-C Hub: geni.us/WTVcB8
- Samsung T7 2TB SSD: geni.us/xu4NPvu
- SSD Mount Bracket: geni.us/NE3O6K0
- Magnetic Ring: geni.us/Cmdx9M
- Rixmie Short USB-C Cable (2): geni.us/9h0nNjK
- Anker Magnetic Battery: geni.us/VAu2eNZ
- DJI Mic: geni.us/I7WBuB
- Reusable Cable Ties: geni.us/yNvQa
MY OTHER VIDEOS TO WATCH BEFORE THIS ONE
- External SSD + iPhone 15 Pro: • External SSD + iPhone ...
- iPhone 15 Pro: External SSD VS Thumb Drive: • iPhone 15 Pro: Externa...
VLOGS SHOT ON IPHONE 15 PRO:
- Shot On iPhone 15 Pro | Adobe MAX 2023: • Adobe MAX 2023 Vlog (S...
- Shot On iPhone 15 Pro | Disneyland Guys Trip: • iPhone 15 Pro Cinemati...
#iphone15pro #iphome15promax

[@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

[@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.

[@WritingQuest]

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

[@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.

[@westofmidnight]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Brilliant and yes "because we can" 👍

[@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! 🤙🏽

[@jimbotski]

Cool concept/prototype build.

[@reyvaz2951]

That transition with the hand was, EPIC!!

[@samalotmedia3505]

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

[@self-development5410]

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

[@andy_2221]

I like your vibes in your videos

[@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.

[@arshotsphotography]

love it, great vid!

[@rogerseng]

Thanks!

[@HopeMakesMeHappy]

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

[@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?

[@mansouralba1987]

To be honest, love your build

[@GavinDavidson]

Nice rig. Wow.

[@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

[@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! 🙌🏽

[@davidkong2906]

Great job

[@WetterringVorarlberg]

Great Setup! Thanx for your video :-D

[@rogerseng]

Glad you liked it!

[@anusuyav]

Thank you well explained!

[@swoiwode]

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

[@theramenreviewchannel]

Great stuff, Roger! Subbed!

[@rogerseng]

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

[@MISSIONRIDERMOTOVLOG]

Thank you for those ideas.

[@rogerseng]

You are so welcome!

[@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!

[@PadyakanMo]

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

[@themilesmeyer]

fire bro

[@rogerseng]

Thanks 🔥

[@samsonmasih2220]

Excellent 👌

[@SgtEnigma]

Help! The anker battery pack @ 9:00 minutes is too small for the stretch mount on mine. I have the same exact ones. Is there something I should be doing to shorten the clamp on them so that they grip the battery pack?

[@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.

[@mohammedaamerahmed2288]

FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT VIDEO

[@sirdudel]

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

[@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.

[@shadowhero117JRS]

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

[@TerryMurrayTalks]

"because we can" -sooo true.

[@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!

[@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..

[@santaBarbaraCyclist]

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

[@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.

[@cuve_ae]

Yeah baby!

[@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.

[@MichaelJirochVisualArtist]

Hi, I bought everything you listed in this video, but when I attached the battery to Belkin and thus the iPhone...I get an notice on my iPhone saying when filming...Cannot use accessory, Accessory Uses too much power. I checked which accessory it was, just to make sure I had the right one. How do I make that Apple notice not show up and have it charge the iPhone? should I only connect it when the phone has no power? thanks

[@rogerseng]

Oh man I’m so sorry to hear man. I’m not sure honestly. I plug the battery into the PD port on the Belkin and it works from there from my end.

[@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. 👍

[@alexv8203]

Thanks for the informative video! Just wondering, how does the phone perform when recording log and having the battery charge at the same time for a long period of time?

[@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

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

wow wow wow

[@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!

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@alexeyseleznev]

Hi Roger! Thank you for great setup sharing! Do you know is the setup work with an external monitor? I mean is the belkin usb-hub support it?

[@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! 🙌🏻

[@didauvui]

Thanks you so much

[@rogerseng]

Most welcome

[@RollingCode]

Does the iPhone 15 get hot or over heat while your filming and charging at the same time ? Also have you tried the black magic app?

[@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.

[@CurtisTheFlyer]

Great video Roger. Thanks. Sure would be great if someone made a USBC grip with an 18650 battery, shutter and hub all in one.

[@valerievozza4437]

FANTASTIC info! This is exactly what I need for my new 15Pro. HOWEVER, I absolutely need to monitor audio in the field! I sometimes use wireless headphones, but I'd rather be hard-wired. Does the DJI receiver have a 3.5mm port for audio monitoring?

[@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

[@OneEyedJackNLD]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@debeeldfabriek]

Tnx….❤

[@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.

[@padamek1975]

Hi Roger. I love this video and your channel. Can I ask what the purpose of the MagSafe on top of your SSD is? Does it serve some purpose in this setup?

[@rogerseng]

Thank you! Yeah so I just experienced this last weekend. When shooting ProRes LOG the files are massive. I spent a good couple of hours trying to transfer that footage from my phone to computer so I can edit. Needless to say it took forever. While shooting in that format and recording straight to my SSD I could have started editing right away.

[@jjhammond1]

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

[@wedomusic.]

nice

[@Entertainment-us6gt]

Great content, really clever stuff! Quick question for everyone - I usually shoot with my Nikon and tether it to my Mac using Lightroom. How can I do something similar but by using my iPhone as my camera? I want to snap photos and see them right away on my Mac. Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

[@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.

[@josephullian1556]

Love this video. This rig is what I have been waiting for. You did an amazing job of showing us step-by-step how you built that rig. What I had wished you had said was the price of the rig. My Sony FX 3 with lenses, batteries, cards, and monitor was around $6K. Surely your rig is nowhere near that cost. What did that rig cost you?

[@MBVideo_Productions]

Prob $600 for everything but the iphone

[@Gonethinkin]

I built the same setup except I added an aperture light and a sennheiser directional mic and have just under $500 invested.

[@Gonethinkin]

@@criticaltinker smart rig alone for me was $150

[@user-ig9ob7ir7s]

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.

[@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!

[@Bartjuhhh.]

Just ordered everything from that list 😅

[@sergiomiranda8857]

Thanks! was wondering how I could use the rode mic pro and an external ssd. Do you know if there are any other samller ports?

[@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.

[@bijukuriakose59]

Excellent video. I already have most of the accessories mentioned. Can you provide a link for the phone holders you were using?

[@bijukuriakose59]

Found it!

[@chrisalexander55]

@@bijukuriakose59 Can you provide the link?

[@TheBo]

Thanks Roger, some great tips here. I have the Belkin 4-port hub like yours but only get one port with power pass-through. I have bought 2 of them and both had the same issue. I wonder if the power bank has something to do with it. Ideas?

[@docapplymortgagebrokerage3348]

When the audio comes into your video, does the belkin route the audio file to the ssd? Of does the audio from your mic end up in the video in your iphone? Sorry for basic question, just curious.

[@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.

[@asafblasbergvideographer]

How many hours of recording do you get with the Anker + Internal battery on phone?

[@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.

[@cinemoff]

Good set ) Did you try “rode ai-micro” with belkin 4-port usb-c hub? I wonder if it will work together. Forexample rode ai-micro did not work with Belkin lightning adapter, But worked with Apple USB3 adapter through normal USB port. Thanks.

[@bongboy420allday]

I was wondering if those clamps work on the Samsung t7 shield I seen you hooked up the regular t7. Ty

[@donavankellams2160]

Hi Roger, quick question… is there a case or bag for this rig to travel with or get it out of bad weather in a hurry? Thanks so much.

[@kpakfar]

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

[@Wave_Drop]

@rogerseng What did you use to film this video though? 🙂

[@ChrisEdwardsk4pvz]

Would this work with the iPhone 15 PLUS? From my understanding you have ti use blackmagic to record to ssd from the plus?

[@ricardserra]

Hi Roger, I can't find the little usb-c adaptor you used to plug the dji Mic to the welkin adaptor. Could you share the link, please? Thank you!

[@The_Real_A.I.]

Could I use this same rig for recording youtube videos from my home desk? If so, what changes should I make for that? I'd like to use this when out and also at home.

[@markparker2169]

Nice video, but if you change the handles around, you would also have two hot shoe mounts:)

[@hunterfrederick2731]

Subscribed! Obvious question, but this doesn't work with lightning does it?

[@AirRaidCert]

Hey Roger, I bought the Belkin and have the exact set up but my phone doesn't charge when I plug in the power bank to PD. Did you have to do anything to get it going or any suggestions?

[@HomelessGeorge]

Same. Any suggestions out there?

[@AirRaidCert]

@@HomelessGeorge I had to buy another power bank … I bought the one in this video and it worked perfect.

[@poshinoposhi]

Do you think you can fit VND filters as well on that rig? What would you say is the max size for the space allocated around the camera lens?

[@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!

[@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]

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!

[@StanFordVideoChannel]

hello, I had bought exactly your rig and it worked perfectly; after not using it for a while, today I needed it again, but basically can no longer power the iphone (15 Pro Max) through the Belkin, no dice, I tried changing cables and even changing powerbanks, but no dice... do you happen to know?

[@kevinbrumfield8007]

My apologies if this has been asked/answered already. Are there any stop-start buttons available for the handles? Seems like if you used this rig for any run and gun shooting, trying to tap the iPhone screen could be a challenge. Thanks for the great info!

[@rogerseng]

Not on the handles but I have a product I’m reviewing soon that does have it on the handle.