FORMATS
ProRes Encoding
Apple Log
Format
High Efficiency
PHOTO
ProRAW
Resolution Control
24 MP
Photographic Styles
Standard
Prioritize Faster Shooting
Lens Correction
RECORDING
Record Video
4K at 24 fps
Record Slo-mo
1080p at 120 fps
Enhanced Stabilization
EXTERNAL STORAGE
Record to External Drive
Settings App
Settings → Camera
EXPOSURE & FOCUS
Lock AE / AF
Long press on screen
Exposure Compensation
Drag ☀ icon
Focus Lock
Tap & hold subject
PHOTO MODES
Night Mode
Auto in low light
Portrait Mode
Main or Telephoto
Macro Control
Settings toggle
Live Photos
On / Off in top bar
STABILIZATION
Action Mode
Running icon · top bar
Cinematic Stabilization
Always On
THIRD-PARTY APPS
Manual Focus
Blackmagic Camera
White Balance Lock
Blackmagic Camera
Manual ISO & Shutter
Blackmagic Camera
Camera App
In-app & third-party controls
Turn On the Grid
Rule-of-thirds overlay for stronger composition. The single most helpful framing aid.
4K
24 fps
Set Video to 4K / 24 fps
The cinematic standard. Great balance of quality and file size for most shooting.
Enable ProRAW
Full sensor data for editing in Lightroom or Darkroom. Skip if you don't edit.
24 MP
recommended
Set Resolution to 24 MP
Best balance of detail and file size. Use 48 MP only when you need to crop heavily.
Turn Off Live Photos
Saves significant storage. Flip it back on when you actually want a moving memory.
Enable Lens Correction
Fixes barrel distortion from the Ultra Wide so straight lines stay straight.
Keep HDR On
Recovers highlights and shadows automatically. Smart enough to skip when not needed.
Enhanced Stabilization
Smooths handheld video dramatically. Slight crop is worth it for walk-and-talk.
Photo Formats & Modes
File formats, resolution options, and computational photography modes
| Format | Resolution | File Size | Bit Depth | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEIF | 24 MP | ~2–3 MB | 10-bit | Default everyday shooting |
| HEIF | 48 MP | ~5–7 MB | 10-bit | Maximum detail, Main lens only |
| JPEG | 24 MP | ~5–8 MB | 8-bit | Universal compatibility |
| ProRAW | 12 MP | ~25 MB | 12-bit | Low-light, pixel-binned |
| ProRAW | 24 MP | ~35 MB | 12-bit | Balanced RAW editing |
| ProRAW | 48 MP | ~75 MB | 12-bit | Maximum editing flexibility |
Note: ProRAW captures full sensor data as DNG files with Apple's computational photography baked in. HEIF is recommended unless you plan to edit in Lightroom, Darkroom, or similar RAW editors.
12 MP
Binned
Pixel-binned from 48MP sensor. Best low-light, smallest files.
24 MP
Default
Balanced detail and file size. Recommended for most shooting.
48 MP
Full Res
Full sensor readout. Main lens only. Large files.
Shooting Modes
Night Mode
- Auto-triggers in low-light conditions
- Exposure time: 1–30 seconds depending on light
- Detects tripod and extends to longer exposures
- Available on all lenses (Ultra Wide, Main, Telephoto)
Portrait Mode
- Simulated depth-of-field with adjustable aperture (ƒ/1.4–ƒ/16)
- Available on Main (24mm) and Telephoto (48mm) lenses
- Portrait Lighting effects: Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, High Key
- Depth data editable in post (Photos, FCPX, Lightroom)
Macro & Close-Up
- Auto-switches to Ultra Wide lens below ~2 cm focus distance
- Auto Macro can be disabled: Settings → Camera → Macro Control
- Minimum focus distance: ~2 cm on Ultra Wide
- Also works in video and slo-mo modes
Computational Photography
- Smart HDR: Multi-frame capture, automatic, improves dynamic range
- Deep Fusion: Mid-light detail enhancement, pixel-level processing
- Photographic Styles: Tone & warmth presets applied at capture (not reversible)
- Burst Mode: Hold shutter or Volume Up, 10 fps, great for action
Recording & Capture Data Rates
File sizes for video recording and photo capture
| Format | Resolution | Frame Rate | Bitrate | GB/min | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProRes 422 HQ | 4K | 24 fps | ~1.5 Gbps | ~11 GB | Maximum quality, heavy grading |
| ProRes 422 HQ | 4K | 30 fps | ~1.8 Gbps | ~13.5 GB | High quality broadcast |
| ProRes 422 | 4K | 24 fps | ~1.0 Gbps | ~6 GB | Balanced quality/size |
| ProRes 422 | 4K | 30 fps | ~1.2 Gbps | ~7.5 GB | Standard professional |
| ProRes 422 | 1080p | 30 fps | ~330 Mbps | ~2.5 GB | Lightweight pro workflow |
| HEVC (H.265) | 4K | 24 fps | ~135 Mbps | ~1 GB | Final delivery, social |
| HEVC (H.265) | 4K | 60 fps | ~200 Mbps | ~1.5 GB | Slow motion source |
| HEVC (H.265) | 1080p | 240 fps | ~120 Mbps | ~0.9 GB | Extreme slow motion |
Note: ProRes requires iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or later. External SSD recording available via USB-C for unlimited capacity.
Photo File Sizes
| Format | Resolution | File Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIF | 24 MP | ~2–3 MB | Default, everyday |
| HEIF | 48 MP | ~5–7 MB | Maximum detail |
| JPEG | 24 MP | ~5–8 MB | Universal compatibility |
| ProRAW | 12 MP | ~25 MB | Low-light, pixel-binned |
| ProRAW | 24 MP | ~35 MB | Balanced RAW |
| ProRAW | 48 MP | ~75 MB | Maximum editing flexibility |
Storage Quick Reference
Recording time and photo capacity by storage
128 GB
~21
min
Short-form, B-roll
256 GB
~42
min
Single session
512 GB
~85
min
Half-day shoot
1 TB
~170
min
Full production day
External SSD
∞
Swap drives as needed
HEVC vs ProRes: When to Use Each
HEVC
- Final delivery to social/web
- No color grading planned
- Storage is limited
- Run-and-gun documentary
- Archival footage
ProRes
- Professional color grading
- Matching to cinema cameras
- VFX and compositing
- Client/broadcast delivery
- Maximum editing flexibility
Photo capacity: At 24MP HEIF (~2.5 MB), 256 GB holds ~85,000 photos. At 48MP ProRAW (~75 MB), the same 256 GB holds only ~3,400 photos. Mix formats strategically — shoot HEIF for everyday and switch to ProRAW only when you plan to edit.
The 180° Shutter Rule
Shutter speed = 1/(2 × frame rate) for natural motion blur
| Frame Rate | Ideal Shutter | Acceptable Range | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 fps | 1/48 | 1/48 – 1/50 | Cinematic standard |
| 25 fps | 1/50 | 1/50 | PAL regions |
| 30 fps | 1/60 | 1/60 | NTSC, web content |
| 60 fps | 1/120 | 1/120 – 1/125 | 50% slow motion |
| 120 fps | 1/240 | 1/240 – 1/250 | 4× slow motion |
| 240 fps | 1/500 | 1/480 – 1/500 | 8× slow motion |
ND Filter Requirements
To maintain the 180° rule in bright conditions, you need ND filtration:
ND4
2 stops
Overcast daylight
ND8
3 stops
Bright overcast
ND16
4 stops
Sunny daylight
ND64
6 stops
Harsh midday sun
Variable ND
2–8 stops
All conditions (recommended)
Apple Log Technical Reference
Dynamic range, exposure, and post-production workflow
~14
Stops of Dynamic Range
vs ~10 stops in Standard
+1 to +2
Recommended Overexposure
Protect shadows, clip highlights in post
10-bit
Color Depth
1.07 billion colors, smooth gradients
BT.2020
Color Gamut
Wide gamut for HDR delivery
Post-Production Workflow
1
Import
Footage imports with embedded color space metadata. NLE should auto-detect Apple Log.
2
Apply Conversion LUT
DaVinci Resolve: Apple Log to Rec.709 (built-in)
Premiere: Apply via Lumetri → Basic Correction → Input LUT
Final Cut: Auto color management or manual LUT
3
Primary Correction
Adjust exposure, contrast, white balance. Log footage gives ~2 extra stops of highlight/shadow recovery.
4
Creative Grade
Apply secondary corrections, power windows, creative LUTs. Match to other cameras if needed.
Exposure Guide for Log
Underexposed
Noisy shadows, avoid
Middle Gray
38% IRE in Log
+1 to +2 EV
Preferred exposure
Clipping
Unrecoverable
Key insight: iPhone sensors have more highlight headroom than shadow detail. Expose to the right (ETTR) and bring down in post for cleanest results.
Lens Specifications
Focal lengths, apertures, and sensor crop factors
| Lens | Focal Length | 35mm Equiv. | Aperture | Video Crop | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Wide | 13mm | 13mm | ƒ/2.2 | ~1.0× | Establishing shots, architecture, POV, macro photography |
| Main (Wide) | 24mm | 24mm | ƒ/1.78 | ~1.0× | Primary lens, low-light photos, 48MP full-res |
| Telephoto 2× | 48mm | 48mm | ƒ/2.2 | ~1.0× | Portrait Mode primary, compression, interviews |
| Telephoto 5× | 120mm | 120mm | ƒ/2.8 | ~1.0× | Wildlife, sports, tight detail shots |
Important Considerations
- 4K 60fps crop: Some modes apply additional ~1.2× crop. Check framing before shooting.
- Action Mode: Heavy crop (~1.4×) for stabilization. Plan wider framing.
- Cinematic Mode: Only available on Main and Telephoto lenses, not Ultra Wide.
- ProRes: All lenses support ProRes recording. No lens-specific limitations.
- Low light: Main lens (ƒ/1.78) is ~1 stop faster than others. Use for night work.
- 48MP full resolution: Only available on the Main lens. Other lenses output 12MP.
- Portrait Mode: Works on Main (24mm) and Telephoto (48mm) lenses, not Ultra Wide.
- Macro: Auto-switches to Ultra Wide below ~2 cm. Disable in Settings → Camera → Macro Control.
Audio Specifications
Built-in limitations and external audio options
Built-in Microphones
| Format | AAC or Linear PCM |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Channels | Stereo |
| Pattern | Omnidirectional |
Verdict: Usable for scratch audio and ambient. Not suitable for dialogue or professional production.
External Audio Options
Pro tip: For professional work, always use external audio. Built-in mics pick up handling noise, wind, and have poor off-axis rejection. Even a $50 lav mic dramatically improves results.
Pro Tips & Gotchas
Things the manual doesn't tell you
Thermal Management
- iPhone throttles after ~15-20 min of 4K ProRes in hot conditions
- Remove case when shooting long-form
- Direct sunlight accelerates thermal throttling significantly
- Cold environments extend recording time
Focus Behavior
- Native Camera app has no manual focus—use Blackmagic Camera for full control
- Long-press to lock AF, but it re-engages on lens switch
- Face detection can pull focus unexpectedly—disable if problematic
- Cinematic Mode focus can be changed in post (Photos or FCPX)
Battery Considerations
- ProRes recording drains ~25-30% per hour
- 4K60 drains faster than 4K24
- Bring a MagSafe battery pack for all-day shoots
- Charging while recording adds heat—plan accordingly
File Management
- ProRes files can't be shared via AirDrop (too large)
- Transfer via cable to Mac or direct from external SSD
- iCloud Photo Library doesn't upload ProRes to save space
- Use Files app to manage external SSD recordings
ProRAW Workflow
- Edit in Lightroom, Darkroom, or Halide for best RAW results
- 48MP ProRAW files are ~75 MB each — storage fills fast
- Use 24MP ProRAW for a balance of quality and file size
- Export edited ProRAW as HEIF to save space after editing
Photo Mode Gotchas
- Night Mode disables automatically when flash is turned on
- Portrait depth map can fail on complex edges (hair, glass)
- Macro auto-switch can be jarring — disable in Settings → Camera
- Photographic Styles are baked in at capture — not reversible like filters