Mobile journalism is a lot more exciting than my 2.0 woes. A mobile phone is a versatile tool for a reporter, giving her flexibility more difficult to come by with a typical camera+tripod+camera operator etc set up. While footage captured on a mobile camera is great for creating a sense of urgency or action, the shaky nature of handheld filming means the result is difficult to watch for sustained periods, and maybe not always suitable for broadcast. Mobile filming does give more of a subjective view and a sense of involvement, compared to the more objective, audience-as-observer style.

At a Reuters Mobile Phone Reporting seminar a journalist – Matt – made the comment that mobile journalism is in its infancy and there is definitely room for improvement. He suggests incorporating a tripod and steadycam, as well as a better lighting system.

Obama in NH 10/16/08 from stevegarfield on Vimeo.

Steve Garfield is an American journalist who is experimenting with mobile journalism – posting videoblogs and streaming footage live from his phone to his site. Here are his tips for videoblogging.

Reuters is also investing in mobile journalism, though it doesn’t appear that it is being utilised for serious news reporting.