RØDE has just released a new set of accessories for content creators and filmmakers that want to vlog with their smartphones: the RØDE Vlogger Kits. Three versions are available: two are for iOS and Android shooters, and a third Universal one is made for users with older devices. These kits consist of a RØDE VideoMic, a tripod, a phone grip, one compact LED light, and accessories. Let’s take a closer look at it!
If you are looking for a lightweight, portable, yet affordable piece of kit to vlog with your smartphone, look no further: this RØDE Vlogger Kits might be the right tool for you!
RØDE Vlogger Kits – Core Components
The Australian microphone specialized company RØDE has just launched a new lineup of products called the Vlogger Kits. All of these kits consist of the main core accessories, which include:
- One tripod – called the Tripod 2 – that you can use for tabletop shots or flip the legs and use it as a stick when filming yourself. There’s a gimbal head with a 1/4″-20 mounting thread on top of the tripod to adjust the smartphone’s shooting angle. The Tripod 2 is made out of plastic, it can take up to two kilos payloads, and is pretty small with dimensions of only 186.1mm x 72.2mm when closed and 151mm x 205mm when fully extended.
- One phone grip – the RØDE SmartGrip – is made out of metal with rubberized grips for keeping smartphones stable and secure. This accessory allows you to mount your smartphone on a tripod in landscape mode (I’m sorry for you, Instagram shooters). Also, it acts like a “cage,” with one cold shoe mount as well as three 1/4″-20 thread attachment points to attach accessories to your smartphone. It is compatible with smartphones with a width ranging from 65mm to 85mm.
- The RØDE MicroLED on-camera light that attaches to the SmartGrip. The light has four adjustable brightness settings, and it comes with a diffuser plus eight colored filters. The light is powered via a built-in battery that charges through a USB Type-C port. According to the company, you can have “over four hours of operation available on a single charge at low brightness.”
With the RØDE Vlogger Kits, the company addresses most of the problems smartphone content creators might have: lighting, holding your phone steadily, but more importantly, sound.
RØDE Vlogger Kits – Microphones
As we mentioned previously, three different versions of the RØDE Vlogger Kits are available. The main difference between the kits is the included microphone that all comes with a furry windshield.
There is one kit for iOS smartphones that includes a VideoMic Me-L microphone with a Lightning connector. Another version for Android users features a VideoMic Me-C microphone with a USB-C connector.
For these two kits, the microphones are the same, the only difference being the end connector. There is no need for a cable. The VideoMic Me attaches to your smartphone’s Lightning/USB-C connector directly—a small rubber “shock mount” inserts between the microphone and your smartphone to minimize handling noises.
The VideoMic Me is a pressure gradient electret condenser microphone with a Cardioid polar pattern. The microphone is pretty lightweight at only 28 grams and dimensions of 73.5mm x 25.4mm x 20.1mm. What’s nice is that the VideoMic Me is powered by your smartphone directly, and it has a built-in 3.5mm headphone output so you can listen to what you’re recording.
Finally, the Universal Edition RØDE Vlogger Kit includes a VideoMicro microphone with a traditional 3.5mm jack. This microphone is not new, as it was released back in 2015. With this Universal Edition, you’ll also get a RØDE DCS-1 dual cold shoe mount that allows for the neat mounting
of two microphones or cold shoe accessories on the SmartGrip.
Price and Availability
The RØDE Vlogger Kits are available to pre-order now at B&H for $149 regardless to the kit you choose.
For more information, you can visit RØDE’s dedicated website here.
What do you think about these Vlogger Kits? Do you often vlog with your smartphone? If not, what is your go-to vlogging camera? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts below!
