Phone editing software + budget equipment advice

Hi guys,

I have a friend who runs a gym (crossfit) and is wanting to make videos of people working out, testimonials, nutritional advice. Issue is that he is on a relatively tight budget and has little computer knowledge (using or buying).

With a budget of $600 and little computer knowledge I have suggested that he makes the videos on his phone (shoot and edit) and invest in a phone stabiliser and decent microphone.

Videos will be uploaded to instagram and facebook

Therefore I need advice on:
- phone stabiliser sub $300
- decent microphone that works with android phone
- in phone android editing software (relatively user friendly)

Any help would be massively appreciated.

I’m on iPhone and iPad - on those platforms, Apple’s iMovie is actually a very good editor, and I’ve tried a half-dozen or so. I don’t use and don’t have a recommendation for editing on Android.

The stabilizer I use.

I use a simple phone or tablet holder on a tripod. A gimbal isn’t the tool for every shot, especially an interview. I use the gimbal for b-roll (shots that illustrate an interview).

You do need to keep an eye on the max size phone a tripod adapter or stablizer will accommodate. Those I linked above *may not work* with your friend’s phone.

The microphone I use for interviews/testimonial​s. I recommend a lav (clip-on) mic for interviews/testimonial​s, whether for smartphone or conventional camcorder. It’s the easiest approach to get good results.

The mic extension cable I use. (Although you can get longer ones, I like this shorty - easier to manage, and long enough!)

Sailing away this is the perfect info that I was after! Thank you so much!

Glad to help. I do think we'll see more and more smartphone/tablet production, and they are capable platforms in knowing hands.

If you find the killer Android editing app, please do post back! I occasionally teach mobile filmmaking, but am not so aware of what's going on with Android apps.

I always am looking for the same thing in a video editing app:
Can I edit an interview, cutting audio with video, and then add b-roll to that clip using video-only edits? (preserving the existing cut of the interview sound)