What's the best phone for shooting videos?
People often ask me 'what's the best phone to shoot videos with'. While the newer models come with features like slowmotion or 4K, you don't need the latest phone to start shooting good videos.
If you still have an iPhone4s, Samsung Galaxy S4 or something similar you can absolutely create a video on it from start to finish. These phones shoot in HD and support the editing and other applications you need. However, you will probably notice what would normally take a split second on a newer model phone might take a good deal more time on your older phone.
But if you want the latest and greatest phone, with so many options which one do you choose? Well here's a breakdown of six phones and what each can offer you on the video front.
Samsung Galaxy S7. Photo by TechStage
Rear: 12Mp, 4K, 1080p at 60fps
Optical stabilisation
Front: 5Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 720p 240fps
Time-lapse
Great in low light
Waterproof
iPhone 6S Plus. Photo by India7 Network
Rear: 12Mp, 4K video, 1080p at 60fps
Optical stabilisation
Front: 5Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 1080p 120fps, 720p 240fps
Time-lapse
What does all that mean? Well the 6s Plus is very similar to the Galaxy S7 except that it doesn't do as well in low light but does have more options available when it comes to slo-mo. And if you want to shoot underwater you'll need to buy a housing for it. If you're interested in doing that, see our blog post on how to shoot underwater with your phone.
HTC 10. Photo by TechStage
HTC 10 (around $1000)
Rear: 12Mp, 4K video, 1080p at 30fps
Optical stabilisation: Yes, front and rear
Front: 5Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 720p 240fps
Google Nexus 6P Photo by Sham Hardy
Rear: 12.3Mp, 4K video, 1080p at 30fps
Front: 8Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 1080p 120fps, 720p 240fps
LG G5. Photo by TechStage
LG G5 (around $800)
Rear: 16Mp + 8Mp wide-angle, 4K and 1080p at 30fps (both cameras)
Optical stabilisation: Yes (both rear cameras)
Front: 8Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 720p 240fps
Time-lapse
Standard and wide angle lens
Sony Xperia Z5 Photo by TechStage
Rear: 23Mp, 4K, 1080p at 60fps
Front: 5Mp, 1080p video
Slo-mo: 720p 120fps
Time-lapse
So what do all those numbers mean? What it comes down to is all these phones are actually pretty comparable. They all shoot in Full HD and the highest resolution possible, 4K. All offer slo-mo options, most offer timelapse (ie. showing the passing of time quickly), and most offer a more stable image with built-in stabilisation.
The one that stands out for us is the Samsung Galaxy S7 with great low light capability, and being waterproof cuts down on purchasing a waterproof case.
So given they range in price from about $800 to $1800. You don't need to buy the most expensive one. Just grab your smartphone and start shooting!
To learn how to film professional videos using just your phone check out one of the following guides:
If you want to learn how to use your phone to its full potential when creating videos join us for our next smartphone video production course.