I’ve struggled with this for the past 2 months while trying to make original vlog posts for Car-tel Communications. Any smartphone can take video, and newer models can even support 4K, but universal access to video means creating something that attracts more than 10 views on Youtube requires creativity and a unique style.

What you need is $60, an amazon account, and a safe place for your mailman (or woman) to store your precious cargo. The most important piece of equipment is your tripod, because shaky video is terrible video. Amazon recently started to produce their own line of products under the AmazonBasics tagline, and their tripod is top-notch. For under $25 dollars, this 60” tripod is a steal.

Unfortunately, phones do not screw in to tripod mounts like traditional cameras, so you will need to get an adjustable phone adapter. I picked this one because it was recommended for the AmazonBasics tripod. If you made it this far and are thinking, “this only takes horizontal video, and I want vertical video,” we politely ask you to leave now and pick up a different hobby like bird-watching or knitting.

Next, and probably the most important component to creating your own style, is clip on phone lenses. They used to be gimmicks, but now companies like Samsung are jumping into the mobile lens arena because consumers are buying in droves. I like the MPOW 3-in-1 Lens Kit because it comes with a wide angle, macro, and fisheye lens as well as a microfiber cloth and two clips.

Now that you have spectacular video, you need great audio to match. Without purchasing a boom mic, XLR cables, and a recorder, great audio in the field is hard to come by. However, if you are vlogging or interviewing, a good lapel mic connected to the right android app can get the job done. I went with the Royal Voice Lapel Mic connected to the WavePad android app. Bring a friend, borrow their phone, connect the mic and throw it in your pocket. If you adjust the level inside the app your audio should come through crystal clear.

Now that you have the gear, it’s time to practice. With a great idea and the right lighting, you should become a YouTube sensation in no time. And while you are lounging in your golden vlogging throne, don’t forget F24 helped you get there!

TL;DR

For optimal mobile video, consider a $60 investment in:

1. This 60” Tripod
2. Tripod Phone Adapter
3. MPOW 3-in-1 Lens Kit
4. Royal Voice Lapel Mic and WavePad android app

The post Great Video for Under $60 appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Handmade in America out of top grain leather, the Travler is hand stitched and designed to provide durable protection while also looking like it belongs right on your hip. The standard plastic turtle-shell for the GoPro is great for hardcore adventuring, but leaves a lot to be desired for ease of carrying and use. While the Travler isn’t going to be doing any high-speed runs mounted on your motorcycle any time soon, it does protect your GoPro from the normal wear and tear of carting it around to all the places you actually want your camera.

The Travler’s Kickstarter is well past funded, so it will actually be produced and shipped out to customers later this year. The brand is also considering additional GoPro cases or other everyday leather goods to carry your electronics. If the Travler, and the immediate response it’s fundraising received are any indication, this is a brand that you’ll be hearing a lot of in the near future.

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The most exciting thing to happen to the simple door lock occurred when a crowdfunding campaign launched for a bluetooth-enabled lock that could be operated by your phone. Keep your smartphone in your pocket, as the door already knows you’re there. The whole world collectively thought: “its about time!” Kwikset smartly snapped up the company and have released the device under the Kevo brand. Right now, the Kevo is the best and the brightest of this new breed of smart locks. The device even lets you assign short-term “keys” to others so they can unlock your door with their phone inside a 24 hour period.

If you’ve got a stranger at the door, Brinno has stepped in with their Peephole Camera that snaps a quick video of anyone who sets off a peephole mounted motion sensor and camera. The idea is that you can arrive home after work and review everyone who has come to your door during the day. The device nicely works with the existing peephole insert already in most doors, so installation is a snap. This cool device can be up and running in your house inside 10min. Now you’ve got yourself an easily browseable video log of every visitor who comes to your door.

But what if you want to bring video protection to more than just your front porch? Enter Dropcam and their easy to set up and expand series of home security cameras. Dropcam has become the go-to name in simple to set up home camera systems. Whether you want 1 or 15, these cameras are easy to set up and get working together. If you’re looking elsewhere for another camera, stop. Drop it in the trash and go buy a Dropcam. ‘Nuff said.

Home security has seriously stepped up in the last 5 years, and the next 5 are going to be even more interesting as more and more major manufacturers roll out their internet of things brands that truly connect you home and give every homeowner an end-to-end security presence. Now that’s peace of mind. Even if it is just for your next Amazon package.

The post Home Security 2.0 appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.