DSLR or Smartphone Music Video? The Pros and Cons of Today’s Technology
With technology today being so advanced, you don’t need fancy cameras and audio equipment to make a killer music video. Smartphones have plenty of features in their camera applications on their own, so you can get the professional look of a DSLR while avoiding the bulk hardware and the inconvenient need for an SD card. However, DSLR cameras do have their own crisp look in their pictures and videos, and sometimes it is more comfortable for some to stick to the classic Nikon, Canon, or Sony. There are many pros and cons for both devices, but if you are an artist that is balling on a budget, we’re here to reassure you that there is absolutely no shame in using your smartphone to film your music video. In fact, famous photographer Chase Jarvis once said, “the best camera is the one that’s with you” and we couldn’t agree more!
Camera Quality and Resolution
Camera quality is obviously the most important aspect to think about when recording a music video. Which is why it is understandable that it is the main concern when it comes to deciding which device to use to film. Luckily, smartphone cameras have been capable of filming videos in full HD quality for quite a while. And with newer models coming out such as the Apple iPhone 11 and 11 Pro’s, with multiple built in cameras with different lens sizes, you not only get high quality, but you also get options. These devices also include settings that allow you to change the resolution and the frames per second (fps) that are recorded, which help for smoother movements and higher resolution images.
Smartphone cameras tend to showcase everything in high quality, which may be a pro or con depending on how you look at it. This may not be the preferred look for some artists. DSLR cameras have crisp lenses that allow you to focus on one specific subject or area of the frame, and usually makes the background or foreground blurrier in order to focus in on that one particular thing. This can be necessary if you are filming music videos in a busy public space where you may not want so many people shown in your video, or perhaps you just want to ensure that the main focus is on you and there is nothing distracting to the audience in the background. Either way, you are sure to get high resolution images from each device.
Networking with Other Devices and Platforms
Another major pro for using your smartphone is the instant ability to network with other devices and social media platforms right on the spot. With DSLR cameras, it is a whole process before you can get your content posted on your social media. You need to plug in your SD card into a computer or laptop, export the content, import them to your mobile device, and then edit and send them to others. This can be super inconvenient, especially when you want to get content up right away but you have to wait until you are near a computer to do so. With smartphones, a simple text message, email, dm, or Airdrop between Apple devices, allows for a quick turnaround for digital photos and videos. When shooting on your smartphone, you can instantly upload videos from your camera roll into whatever editing platform you choose and from there send it directly to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube etc. Therefore, using your smartphone to shoot content gives you streamlined access to social media platforms and sharing with your network.
Durability
DSLR cameras may seem durable in all of its bulkiness, however there is much that these expensive cameras cannot stand. A big thing that many photographers worry about is water damage. How inconvenient is it to hold an umbrella while taking pictures in the rain, or keeping a protective case around the lens for underwater shoots? Luckily, smartphone technology has developed so much that these devices are water resistant. Additionally, DSLR cameras come with expensive and very fragile lenses that are easily cracked and damaged. Buying a lens after it sustains damage can be very expensive, you can only imagine how much it would cost to replace the camera in its entirety! With smartphones, cracked screens and lenses are much easier to fix, and can be done fairly easily. Plus, in any worst case scenario where you are in need of a quick solution, smartphones are something that everyone has access to, whereas DSLR cameras are a little harder to come by on the fly.
Convenience
The last and probably most prominent reason smartphones are likely going to be up and coming for devices to film videos on is the undeniable convenience that they bring. As mentioned before, smartphones are something any person has access to, and they are so easy to use in order to network with others. But a huge plus is how easily transportable they are in comparison to a full videographer set up. Imagine switching locations and carrying a tripod, a chunky camera, SD cards, extra batteries, and a microphone for high quality audio. It’s definitely a lot, right? With smartphones, all you need is the phone and your charger, and you are basically good to go! Smartphones have proven to have all the upsides of a DSLR, while having more upsides as a mobile device on its own.
If stock hardware on mobile phones isn’t your thing, most smartphone accessory manufacturers offer compatible options to expand your rig just like professional video cameras and DLSRs. From lights to microphones, shock mounts to dollys, smartphones have become the modern professional setup especially for creatives on the go. You can also purchase attachable ring lights, different lenses, and other various accessories that can help advance the quality and production of your content. Additionally, your phone has the ability to be the recording device and editing platform all in one. Instead of exporting all of your footage to an external device such as your laptop or computer, you can keep everything on your phone and simply import the footage between apps for easy, on the go, edits.
At the end of the day, to each their own in terms of what kind of device you prefer to use for your music video and photo content. There are many positive factors to both and it is all about the kind of content you create that makes you shine as an artist. However, smartphones are definitely not an option to rule out when it comes to filming professionally shot music videos, and for those looking for the quickest, most convenient, and easily accessible option, you will never have to look further than your own pocket.
