In today’s world, smartphones – especially iPhones – are great tools for getting some high-quality videos. Gone are the days when you needed an expensive camera to get good footage. With your cellphone’s advanced camera system, you can create stunning content. But to get the best possible footage, there are a few settings, techniques, and accessories that can take your results to the next level.
Here at ARK Marketing, we’ve been able to take advantage of our iPhones to get some quick and effective video content, and we’ve picked up a couple tricks along the way that have helped us maximize the potential of the device. Whether you’re an experienced content creator or just starting out, these best practices will guarantee your videos stand out.
One of the first things you should do when shooting video on your iPhone is to make sure you’re filming in the highest possible quality. iPhones can shoot in 4K resolution, and filming at 30 frames per second (fps) is a great choice for most video projects. This simple step gives you the perfect balance of crisp detail and smooth motion.
• Open the Settings app on your iPhone
• Scroll down and tap Camera
• Tap Record Video and select 4K at 30fps
This setting guarantees that you’re getting great video quality without having to overload your device’s storage or battery.
While HDR (High Dynamic Range) video can definitely make some scenes look more vibrant, it can also bring unwanted elements like overexposure or unnatural color shifts in certain lighting conditions. For most video content, we recommend turning off HDR to avoid these potential issues. Instead, it’s better to rely on natural lighting and use color grading in post-production to edit the video as you wish.
• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and tap Camera
• Toggle off HDR video
By turning off HDR, it gives you more control over your final video look and avoid any odd color shifts in your footage.
Good composition is essential to creating visually appealing video content. Turning on the grid feature on your iPhone’s camera will not only help you follow the “rule of thirds” but also make sure your subject is positioned within the frame in an aesthetically pleasing way. This can especially be helpful when shooting moving subjects or when you want to create a more dynamic shot.
• Open the Settings app
• Tap Camera
• Toggle on the Grid feature
With the grid turned on, you can make sure to line up the subject along the vertical or horizontal lines, keeping your shots balanced and engaging.
iPhones now come with built in image stabilization, which helps lessen any potential shaking when shooting handheld. For best results, make sure that the stabilization feature is turned on, especially if you’re filming while walking or in a situation where you can’t use a tripod.
Stabilization is automatically turned on when using the standard video recording mode. If you want to take it a step further though, think about using Action Mode for extra smooth footage.
If you’re looking to film something with a little more action or tracking moving subjects, the Action Mode on your iPhone is a game changer. It enhances your iPhone’s built-in stabilization, giving you the opportunity to capture smooth, cinematic footage even when you’re on the move.
• Open the Camera app.
• Swipe to the Video mode.
• Tap Action Mode on the top of the screen.
Action Mode will make up for more intense movements, like walking or running, guaranteeing your video stays steady.
Even though the iPhone’s Cinematic Mode is designed to create a depth of field effect, similar to what you might see in a movie, we recommend avoiding it for general video content. Cinematic Mode can create an artificially blurred background, which doesn’t always look natural for most types of videos. Instead, take advantage of the regular video mode to capture sharp, focused footage.
Even though iPhones come with built in stabilization, using the added help of a gimbal or tripod will give you the smoothest possible footage. A gimbal is a handheld device that basically uses motors to give some stability to your footage while a tripod is perfect for static shots, interviews, or any situation where you need perfectly still footage.
High quality video is definitely part of the final product, but clear, professional sounding audio is just as important. iPhone’s built in microphones are good for casual videos, but if you want crisp, clear audio, always use an external microphone. There are plenty of affordable options on Amazon, including lapel mics, shotgun mics, and handheld microphones that can plug directly into your phone.
If you’re shooting outside in direct and bright sunlight, you might notice that your footage is overexposed. An ND (Neutral Density) filter can help lessen the amount of light entering the lens, giving you a little more control over the exposure and better quality. While ND filters aren’t always necessary, they can definitely be a great addition if your lighting conditions are harsh.