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

MY OTHER VIDEOS TO WATCH BEFORE THIS ONE

VLOGS SHOT ON IPHONE 15 PRO:

#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.

[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 YouTube video is instant credibility and respect. I recently traveled with two YouTubers, 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.

[josephullian]

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.

[chrisbogart]

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

[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.

[nathananderson]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my YouTube 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.

[sirdudel]

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

[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!

[stephentan]

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.

[Ronbc]

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. 👍

[HeyItsJace]

You've inspired me brother!
Here's my budget setup:
iPhone 15 Pro (256gb)
Samsung T7 Shield 1tb (got this on sale for 100USD, usually 150USD from where I am from)
Small Rig Mini Tripod (got it for free but it is 20-40USD depending if it's on sale)
Ulanzi U-rig Pro (the 10USD plastic version)
Ulanzi ST-07 Phone Holder 2 pieces (2.50USD each, for SSD and hub)
Random Mini Pocket RGB Light, no brand (7USD)
Boya Wireless Microphones (got these for free)

a few hot shoe with 1/4 thread, cheap random ball head, random 1/4 o 1/4 male thread (4USD)

Right now I am just missing:
Typ-C hub (around 17-22USD)- this one is hard to find (10gbps, 3-4 type c slots, PD) but now I have a few options.
VND
Case with 58mm thread for filter (15USD)
Powerbank Clamp
Magic Arm

I already have a 65W 20kmAh powerbank but it's too big and heavy, might change it as well.

[noahheinrich]

Great video, just what I needed for my upcoming shoot.

[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

[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.

[ppes]

Roger I just got the same set Have to put it together. Ty for such a great vid

[wokeupandsmellthecoffee]

Brilliant and yes "because we can" 👍

[paulleon]

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.

[kristiandawe]

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 YouTube

[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!