TELLING WOMEN'S STORIES: A GUIDE TO IMPACTFUL MOBILE JOURNALISM
MODULE 3: Mobile Phone Content Creation

Lesson 307: Settings

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Study the content below.

LESSON 307: Settings

This will give you:

  • A solid understanding of the standards and practices of leading news agencies.

Once complete, move on to Lesson 308.

IN THIS LESSON

⚙️ Settings Mastery: Configure for professional quality in video, photos, and mobile content.

Setting Yourself Up

Camera settings are the foundation of creating high-quality video, whether you're shooting in 4K, HD, or any other format. Understanding and mastering these settings—such as resolution, frame rate, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance—allows you to control your footage's look, feel, and technical quality. Properly configured settings ensure optimal exposure, sharpness, and color accuracy while providing creative storytelling flexibility. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned filmmaker, having a solid grasp of camera settings empowers you to adapt to any shooting scenario and achieve professional results. These cheat sheets simplify the essentials, helping you capture stunning videos every time.

Shooting in 4K requires careful attention to camera settings to ensure optimal video quality. Below is a cheat sheet for universal camera settings when shooting in 4K:

🎬 Universal Camera Settings for 4K Video

    • Resolution: Set to 3840x2160 (UHD 4K) or 4096x2160 (DCI 4K) depending on your camera.

    • Frame Rate:

      • 24fps: Cinematic look (standard for movies).

      • 30fps: Smooth motion (standard for TV/web).

      • 60fps: Slow-motion capability (ideal for action or sports).

      • 120fps+: Ultra-slow motion (check if your camera supports 4K at high frame rates).

    ⭐ 25/50fps: bird story agency and here’s why.

    • Codec: Use H.265 (HEVC) for better compression and quality or H.264 for wider compatibility.

    • Bitrate:

      • 50-100 Mbps: Standard for 4K at 24/30fps.

      • 100-150 Mbps: Recommended for 4K at 60fps or higher.

      • Use All-I or Intra-frame codecs for higher quality and easier editing.

    • Follow the 180-degree shutter rule:

      • Shutter Speed = 1/(2x Frame Rate).

      • Example:

        • 24fps: 1/50s.

        • 30fps: 1/60s.

        • 60fps: 1/120s.

    • Adjust for creative effects (e.g., slower shutter for motion blur, faster for crisp action).

    • Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8-f/5.6) for shallow depth of field and cinematic looks.

    • Use a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8-f/16) for landscapes or when more depth of field is needed.

    • Avoid going too wide (e.g., f/1.4) unless you want extreme bokeh, as it can make focusing harder.

    • Keep ISO as low as possible (e.g., 100-400) to minimize noise.

    • Increase ISO in low-light conditions, but avoid going too high (e.g., above 3200) to prevent grain.

    • Use native ISO for the best dynamic range (check your camera’s specs).

    • Set manually for consistent colors:

      • Daylight: 5600K.

      • Shade: 6500K.

      • Cloudy: 7500K.

      • Tungsten: 3200K.

      • Fluorescent: 4000K.

    • Use a gray card or custom white balance for precise color accuracy.

    • Use manual focus for precise control, especially in 4K where focus errors are more noticeable.

    • Enable focus peaking or magnification to assist with manual focusing.

    • For autofocus, use continuous AF (if available) for moving subjects.

    • Always use a gimbal or tripod when shooting for this project.

    • Only use in-body stabilization (IBIS) or lens stabilization for handheld shots if necessary.

    • Avoid digital stabilization if it crops the frame significantly.

    • Use an external microphone for better sound quality.

    • Set audio levels to -12dB for interviews and -28dB for natural sound.

    • Monitor audio with headphones.

    • Use ND filters to control exposure in bright conditions while maintaining a shallow depth of field.

    • Recommended ND strengths:

      • ND8 (3 stops): Bright daylight.

      • ND16 (4 stops): Very bright conditions.

      • ND32 (5 stops): Extremely bright conditions.

    • 4K recording drains batteries quickly—carry extra batteries.

    • Use fast SD/CFexpress cards with UHS-II or V90 ratings to handle high bitrates.

    • Format cards in-camera before shooting.

    • Check focus and exposure using zebras or histograms.

    • Ensure audio levels are correct.

    • Verify storage space and battery life.

    • Double-check frame rate and resolution settings.

Media agencies often require high-quality, versatile images that can be used across various platforms, from print to digital. To ensure your photos meet professional standards, here’s a universal cheat sheet for camera settings and best practices:

Camera Settings for Media Agency Photos

📸 Universal Settings Cheat Sheet for Media Agency Photos

    • Resolution: Shoot in the highest resolution your camera offers (e.g., 24MP, 36MP, or higher) for maximum detail and cropping flexibility.

      • Format:

        • RAW: Best for post-processing and retaining maximum image quality.

        • JPEG: Use for faster delivery or when storage is limited (set to highest quality).

    • Portraits: Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8-f/4) for shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh.

    • Group Shots/Landscapes: Use a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8-f/16) for greater depth of field and sharpness across the frame.

    • Product Photography: Use mid-range apertures (e.g., f/5.6-f/11) for balanced sharpness and detail.

    • General Use: Use a shutter speed of at least 1/focal length to avoid camera shake (e.g., 1/100s for a 100mm lens).

    • Action/Fast Motion: Use faster shutter speeds (e.g., 1/500s or higher) to freeze motion.

    • Low Light: Use slower shutter speeds (e.g., 1/60s or slower) with a tripod to avoid blur.

    • Daylight: Keep ISO low (e.g., 100-400) for minimal noise.

    • Low Light: Increase ISO as needed (e.g., 800-3200), but avoid going too high to prevent grain.

    • Use your camera’s native ISO range for the best dynamic range.

    • Set manually for consistent colors:

      • Daylight: 5600K.

      • Shade: 6500K.

      • Cloudy: 7500K.

      • Tungsten: 3200K.

      • Fluorescent: 4000K.

    • Use a gray card or custom white balance for precise color accuracy.

    • Use single-point autofocus (AF-S) for static subjects.

    • Use continuous autofocus (AF-C) for moving subjects.

    • Enable focus peaking or magnification for manual focus precision.

    • For portraits, focus on the eyes.

    • Use neutral or flat profiles for maximum flexibility in post-processing.

    • Avoid overly saturated or high-contrast profiles unless required by the agency.

Lighting Tips for Media Agency Photos

    • Shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm light.

    • Use diffusers or reflectors to soften harsh sunlight.

    • Use softboxes or umbrellas for even, diffused lighting.

    • For product photography, use light tents or ring lights for consistent illumination.

    • Avoid mixed lighting (e.g., tungsten and fluorescent) to prevent color casts

Composition Tips

  • Place key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections for balanced compositions.

  • Use natural lines (e.g., roads, fences, or architecture) to guide the viewer’s eye.

  • Leave empty space around your subject for a clean, minimalist look.

  • Use symmetrical compositions or repeating patterns for visually striking images.

Post-Processing Tips

  • Use professional tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One for editing.

    • Adjust white balance, exposure, and contrast for accurate colors.

    • Use histograms to ensure proper exposure.

    • Remove blemishes, dust, or distractions using healing tools or clone stamps.

    • Sharpen images subtly for a polished look.

    • Save final images in JPEG format at 100% quality.

    • Resize images to the required dimensions (e.g., 3000px on the long side for web use).

    • Use sRGB color profile for digital use and Adobe RGB for print.

Mobile devices have become powerful tools for capturing high-quality video and photos. To get the most out of your smartphone camera, here’s a universal cheat sheet for both videography and photography:

Mobile Videography Settings

📱Universal Settings for Mobile Videography and Photography

    • Resolution:

      • 4K (3840x2160): Best for high-quality video (requires more storage).

      • 1080p (1920x1080): Standard for most uses (balances quality and file size).

    • Frame Rate:

      • 24fps: Cinematic look.

      • 30fps: Smooth motion (standard for most videos).

      • 60fps: Slow-motion capability or smoother motion.

    • Enable OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) or EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) if available.

    • Always use either a gimbal or tripod for ultra-smooth footage.

    • Hold your phone steady or use both hands to minimize shake in an “emergency”.

    • Tap to set focus and exposure on your subject.

    • Use manual focus or AE/AF lock (if available) for consistent focus and exposure.

    • Avoid overexposure by adjusting the exposure slider after tapping on the screen.

    • Use an external microphone for better sound quality.

    • Avoid covering the built-in microphone while recording.

    • Monitor audio levels if your app supports it.

    • Use third-party apps like Filmic Pro, Moment, or ProMovie Recorder for manual control over settings like shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.

    • Use third-party apps like CapCut and Davinci Resolve for editing.

Mobile Photography Settings

    • Shoot in the highest resolution available (e.g., 12MP, 48MP, or 108MP) for maximum detail.

    • Use HEIF/HEIC format for better quality and smaller file sizes (if supported).

    • Enable Auto HDR for balanced exposure in high-contrast scenes.

    • Use manual HDR for more control over highlights and shadows.

    • Tap to set focus and exposure on your subject.

    • Use AE/AF lock to maintain consistent settings for multiple shots.

    • Adjust the exposure slider to avoid blown-out highlights or underexposed shadows.

    • Use Night Mode for low-light photography to reduce noise and improve detail.

    • Use a tripod for best results.

    • Use Portrait Mode for professional-looking photos with blurred backgrounds (bokeh effect).

    • Adjust the depth effect (if available) to control the level of background blur.

    • Enable grid lines (rule of thirds) to compose balanced shots.

    • Place key elements along the grid lines or at their intersections.

    • Use Burst Mode (hold down the shutter button) to capture fast-moving subjects.

    • Select the best shot(s) from the burst sequence.

  • Use apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO for advanced editing and color grading.

General Tips for Both Videography and Photography

  • Wipe your phone’s camera lens with a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges and blur.

    • Shoot in natural light whenever possible for the best results.

    • Avoid harsh shadows by using diffused light or shooting during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon).

    • Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry to create visually appealing shots.

    • Experiment with different angles and perspectives.

    • Ensure you have enough storage space before shooting.

    • Use cloud storage or transfer files regularly to free up space.

    • Carry a portable charger or power bank for extended shoots.

    • Enable Low Power Mode sparingly, as it may limit camera performance.

By following these universal settings and tips, you can elevate your mobile videography and photography to a professional level. Adjust settings based on your device’s capabilities and the shooting environment!

🎒 Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Kit Checklist

CORE COMPONENTS

1. Smartphone (Primary Device)

    • Resolution: 4K at 60fps is highly preferred for smoother motion and flexibility in editing.

    • Manual Control: The ability to manually adjust focus, exposure, shutter speed, and white balance is extremely important.

    • External Microphone Input: A 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C port that supports audio input is a must.

    • Audio Monitoring: The ability to monitor audio via headphones during recording is very useful.

    1. Larger camera sensors (1/2", 1/1.7", 1", or dimensions like 7.6mm x 5.7mm are preferred by bird story agency for better low-light performance. A minimum of 12MP is generally acceptable for video, while 48MP or higher is recommended for extracting stills from video and for standalone photography. More megapixels allow for greater versatility.

    2. Image Stabilization: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is preferred over Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), though a combination is often best.

    • Internal Storage: 128GB is a minimum, 256GB or more is highly recommended, especially for 4K recording.

    • Expandable Storage: A microSD card slot offers added flexibility.

  • A powerful processor is necessary for smooth video recording and processing, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates.

    • Rugged Case: It is highly advisable to invest in a rugged case to protect the phone from the rigors of field reporting.

    Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial, so a high-capacity power bank is recommended.

2. External Microphones

  1. DJI MIC MINI

  2. Rode Wireless Micro

3. Lighting Kit

  1. Neewer 660 LED Panel

  2. Ulanzi VL49 RGB Mini Light

5. Memory Cards

  1. SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card with Adapter

  2. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C 512GB

7. Editing Apps

CapCut (Free)

4. Tripod/Gimbal (plus tripod mounts for smartphones)

  1. UBeesize 63" Phone Tripod

  2. Oraimo SmartTripod 2 360 Tripod Gimbal Stabilizer

  3. DJI OM 5 

  4.  Zhiyun Smooth 5

6. Power Bank

Oraimo PowerJet 130 27600mAh 130W Power Bank

8. Backpack

A lightweight and durable backpack is essential for transporting all necessary equipment.

📄 Download the MoJo checklist for FREE:

🇬🇧 MoJo Checklist (ENGLISH)
🇫🇷 MoJo Checklist (FRENCH)

All done with Lesson 307! Proceed to Lesson 308.