14/10/2026
The new iPhone 18 Pro is out, with variable aperture, manual controls and 4K at 120fps. It's a seriously good video camera.
This isn't one.
If you're filming for your business or charity, the upgrades that make the biggest difference cost almost nothing.
Sound first. A £20 clip-on mic will improve your video more than a new phone.
Quiet. Ask everyone to put their phones on silent, with vibrate off too. Switch off fans, air con and anything else humming in the background. And politely ask people to stop rattling keys, tapping their feet or jingling loose change. Mics pick up everything.
Light. Face a window. Don't put one behind you.
Background. Check the shot before you press record. Move any rubbish, clutter or anything that shouldn't be seen. Watch out for logos and branding too, especially anything that competes with or contradicts your own.
Steady. Prop the phone on something, or use a cheap tripod.
Questions. Ask "tell me about..." rather than anything with a yes/no answer.
Length. Under a minute. Cut the first ten seconds, which are usually warm-up.
New phone or old, that's most of it.
Source: Apple, September 2026.