The smartphone accompanies us everywhere and is a camcorder that is always at hand to record the different moments, whether on vacation, on a walk or at a concert. If smartphones are becoming increasingly friendly with spontaneity, this is how quickly they start recording when you take the device out of your pocketThis does not mean that the end result is really what was expected.
There are some tips that may seem very simple, but may be forgotten to apply. Both in terms of sharpness and image framing, but also in the fluidity of the video. You’ll notice that as you get used to the suggestions, you’ll notice a better quality of your videos, whether it’s a vacation vlog or memories of lunches with family and friends..
Discover 6 tips for recording better videos with your Android smartphone
1 – Always look at the sensor, not the screen
This is a big mistake we make all the time, not just recording a video, but taking a picture. The tendency is to look at the screen, constantly observing our expressions, especially when recording a vlog. This need to constantly monitor ourselves will prevent what is most important to those watching the content: eye contact.
Anyone who watches a video in which the protagonist is looking into the camera will find someone “absent” and thus it is necessary to establish eye contact. And this task is as simple as tracking the camera sensor most of the time. Not that you can’t peek at the screen, but the focus should always be on the sensor. You just have to focus until you get used to it, and if you can’t, try recording shorter training videos, until you feel free to “not look at yourself”.
2 – Make sure you record videos at 60fps
Pictures recorded at 60 frames per second are more fluid and enjoyable to watch and more and more smartphones are offering this quality in the main cameras of the device. And even to support this option, they’re usually set at 30fps in settings, a decision contemplated so that videos weigh less on storage.
To check or change from 30 to 60fps, just enter the camera app, switch to video, and then look at the top for quick settings like resolution. If the option is 30fps, then change it to 60fps and you will notice a big difference in the recordings. But remember that these files will take up more space on your internal storage.
3 – Clean the camera lens before shooting
Cleaning smartphone lenses seems like common sense. We all do this to avoid stubborn scratches or grease. But do you usually remember before you start shooting? How many times have we seen videos with tiny fingerprints, dirty spots, or tiny dust spots? These are details that can spoil a video that you don’t have the chance to re-record, losing the wholeness of the moment.
All you need to do is swipe a tissue, preferably a microfiber cloth or a tissue used to clean glasses. And if you don’t have anything handy, don’t beg and just use the end of your blouse to clean up. But make sure that there are no fingerprints or dirt from constantly consulting the smartphone when you remove it from your pocket. It’s a few seconds process that can save an epic video.
4 – Make sure HEVC is turned off
HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), or High Efficiency Video, allows you to reduce file sizes while maintaining image quality. The problem is that if you intend to edit these videos later, many video editing software and applications may not recognize the format. And you’ll get a headache with unnecessary conversions.
Therefore, turn off this option, which should be turned on by default in the device. Simply access the camera, enter the settings, and swipe the screen until you find the High Efficiency Video option. If it is active, turn it off.
5 – Turn on flight mode while shooting
There is nothing more distracting than receiving a notification from a message, social networks or email. And there is always the risk of notification logging “processes” in videos, which is extra work for the editor. If you put it in flight mode, you won’t be disturbed anymore and stay focused on vlogging recording or any other work.
6 – Always do a video test
No matter how many videos you have recorded, no matter how correct the settings are, always make a test video before you start recording. It only takes a few seconds to check whether the sound, lighting or other elements are correct before recording. Simulate the same position in which you will record the final video.
There are always updates or unexpected situations that can change definitions and often we only discover them when it is too late and projects are damaged. This advice is not only valid for those who record on smartphones, but those who record video on any platform.
How To TeK is a SAPO TeK assessment form that aims to help all users with simple (but seemingly complex) tasks of using computers and mobile phones. If you have suggestions for tricks you’d like to demonstrate, send an email to [email protected].
“Coffee trailblazer. Social media ninja. Unapologetic web guru. Friendly music fan. Alcohol fanatic.”