Recording Data Rates

Actual bitrates and file sizes per minute of recording

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.

Storage Quick Reference

Recording time by storage capacity (4K ProRes 422 @ 24fps)

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

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
Main (Wide) 24mm 24mm ƒ/1.78 ~1.0× Primary shooting lens, low light
Telephoto 2× 48mm 48mm ƒ/2.2 ~1.0× Portraits, compression, interviews
Telephoto 5× 120mm 120mm ƒ/2.8 ~1.0× Wildlife, sports, tight 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.

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.

Camera Settings Paths

Where to find each setting in iOS

Format & Codec

ProRes Recording Settings → Camera → Formats → ProRes Encoding
Apple Log Settings → Camera → Formats → Apple ProRes → Log Encoding
Video Format (HEVC/H.264) Settings → Camera → Formats → High Efficiency / Most Compatible
Resolution & Frame Rate Settings → Camera → Record Video

Manual Controls

Lock Exposure Camera App → Long press on screen → AE/AF Lock
Exposure Compensation Camera App → Tap screen → Drag sun icon
Manual Focus Requires third-party app (Blackmagic Camera, Filmic)
White Balance Lock Requires third-party app

Stabilization

Action Mode Camera App → Video mode → Running figure icon (top)
Enhanced Stabilization Settings → Camera → Record Video → Enhanced Stabilization
Cinematic Mode Stabilization Automatic (cannot be disabled)

External Recording

Record to External Drive Connect USB-C SSD → Camera App → Select drive in storage picker
Required Drive Speed Minimum 220 MB/s write speed for 4K ProRes

Scenario Quick Reference

Copy these settings for common shooting situations

Daylight Cinematic

Resolution 4K
Frame Rate 24 fps
Codec ProRes 422
Color Apple Log
Shutter 1/48
ISO Base (lowest)
ND Filter ND16–64 required

Indoor / Low Light

Resolution 4K
Frame Rate 24 fps
Codec ProRes 422
Color Standard / HDR
Shutter 1/48
ISO Up to 800
Lens Main (ƒ/1.78)

Interview / Talking Head

Resolution 4K
Frame Rate 24 fps
Codec ProRes 422
Lens Telephoto (48mm)
Focus Locked on subject
Audio External lav required
Stabilization Tripod / locked off

Action / Sports

Resolution 4K or 1080p
Frame Rate 60–120 fps
Codec HEVC (storage)
Shutter 1/120 – 1/240
Action Mode On (note crop)
Focus Continuous AF
Audio Scratch only

B-Roll / Documentary

Resolution 4K
Frame Rate 24 fps
Codec HEVC (run & gun)
Color HDR or Standard
Stabilization Enhanced on
Lens Varies by shot
Mode Handheld OK

Slow Motion

Resolution 4K (60) / 1080p (120+)
Frame Rate 60 / 120 / 240 fps
Shutter 2× frame rate
Playback 24 fps timeline
Slow factor 2.5× / 5× / 10×
Note Needs more light
Audio Not recorded at 120+

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