9:41
Settings
Camera
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
Connect a USB-C SSD with minimum 220 MB/s write speed for 4K ProRes recording.
Settings App Settings → Camera
9:41
Camera Controls
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
Action Mode applies ~1.4× crop for enhanced video stabilization.
THIRD-PARTY APPS
Manual Focus Blackmagic Camera
White Balance Lock Blackmagic Camera
Manual ISO & Shutter Blackmagic Camera
For full manual control, use Blackmagic Camera (free) or Filmic Pro.
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.

RAW

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

1–30s

Auto-triggers in low light. Detects tripod mounting and extends exposure up to 30 seconds for maximum detail.

Auto-trigger All lenses Tripod detect

Portrait Mode

ƒ/1.4–ƒ/16

Simulated depth-of-field with adjustable aperture. Portrait Lighting effects include Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, and High Key. Depth data editable in post.

Main 24mm Tele 48mm Editable depth

Macro & Close-Up

~2 cm

Auto-switches to Ultra Wide lens below ~2 cm focus distance. Works in photo, video, and slo-mo. Disable auto-switch in Settings → Camera → Macro Control.

Ultra Wide Auto-switch Photo + Video

Computational Photography

Multi-frame

Smart HDR improves dynamic range. Deep Fusion enhances mid-light detail at pixel level. Photographic Styles apply tone presets at capture (not reversible). Burst Mode at 10 fps via shutter hold.

Smart HDR Deep Fusion Burst 10fps

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

Ultra Wide
13mm
ƒ/2.2 · ~1.0× crop
Establishing shots, architecture, POV, macro
Main (Wide)
24mm
ƒ/1.78 · ~1.0× crop
Primary lens, low-light, 48MP full-res
Telephoto 2×
48mm
ƒ/2.2 · ~1.0× crop
Portraits, compression, interviews
Telephoto 5×
120mm
ƒ/2.8 · ~1.0× crop
Wildlife, sports, tight detail shots
4K 60fps crop ~1.2× additional crop. Check framing before shooting.
Action Mode Heavy ~1.4× crop for stabilization. Frame wider.
Cinematic Mode Main and Telephoto only. Not available on Ultra Wide.
ProRes All lenses support ProRes. No lens-specific limits.
Low light Main (ƒ/1.78) is ~1 stop faster. Use for night work.
48MP full resolution Main lens only. Other lenses output 12MP.
Portrait Mode Main (24mm) and Telephoto (48mm) only.
Macro Auto-switches to Ultra Wide below ~2 cm.

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

USB-C Digital

Highest quality. Supports 24-bit/48kHz+. Røde, Shure, Zoom interfaces.

Lightning Adapters

For older accessories. 3.5mm adapter supports mic input.

Wireless Systems

DJI Mic, Røde Wireless Go, Hollyland. Connect via USB-C receiver.

External Recorders

Sync in post. Zoom H-series, Sound Devices. Timecode sync via apps.

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