Q: Why would you use an iPad for filming and making video clips?
A: being able to film and edit on the same device easily is pretty special. The outcome is actually 720HD with iPad2 which is pretty fine!!

Problem: Now taking a photo with the iPad is a poor experience but the video camera actually does a pretty good job! BUT the limitations are that they are hard to hold while filming and the microphone is not up to scratch.
Solution: Step up with the Makayama mount on a tripod and external microphone/s. The quality of the end product can be really good even with simple editing apps like iMovie or Avid Studio.

Maybe a bit of overkill but nevertheless well used!

Details of the setups as we bought them:
The Mounts: were purchased from Makayama and came from The Netherlands.
Makayama Mount for iPad2, 3 or 4 (around $70)

Microphones: We have used a number of types of microphones for different purposes; video mics fit nicely onto the hotshoes of the mount. (as can lighting) Vocal mics like the Bombproof Shure SM58 are superb for looking like an interviewer but have the added advantage in that they are directional so you can actually record the audio from one person clearly in a loud room without having to find a quiet space! You need a microphone cord with female SLR to male 6.5mm jack.
Rode VideoMic Shotgun Microphone ($132 at time of purchase)
Shure SM58 from Videoguys ($139 at time of purchase)

Splitters: This is the secret and took a fair amount of research to initially find. Apple do their magic with the headphone socket to have microphone and headphone in the same jack with their own configuration of course! You need to have a splitter that separates the audio out from the microphone in. The splitters are also really cool in that they allow you to record from one Device to another also the Guitar adapter splitter allows instruments to be recorded into the iPad. Each splitter is a bit under $30.
Splitter to headphones and 3.5mm external microphone plug
Splitter to headphones and 1/4 inch “Guitar” plug
Splitter to TWO 3.5mm external microphone plugs (no headphones)

Lenses and UV filter: We bought wideangle lenses and UV filters to screw onto the mounts because we were able to source them so cheaply. we recommend getting something like the UV filter regardless as it protects the plastic thread of the mount and also it helps massively with recording outside.
Sakar 37mm 0.5X Wide Angle Lens Filter Set (Cost $16.77)
Premium UV Camera Lens Filter (37mm) (Cost $4.05)

Tripods: The tripod you choose is dependant on how much you want to spend. Whatever you choose make sure you have the option for simple panning. We chose quite good tripods with a nice panning feature.

Summary: Go for it. The simplicity that these rigs bring to creating clips is worth the effort and cost.

Camera Tips: when filming on an iDevice double click the screen and you will see what you are actually recording!! It is much wider than you think! When recording you will see that a camera icon comes onto the screen. press it to take a photo while recording.

Examples: Check out this clip on learning through making movies also this example video below made by some year 7s with the iPad Mount, iPad and Microphone is a bit of fun.

@tamaamas enjoy and share! iPad mounts for filming, links, info and egs blogs.newington.nsw.edu.au/ipads/2013/02/… #ipaded #edchat

— Rolfe Kolbe (@rolfek) February 7, 2013