The built-in iPhone camera app is versatile, but for those seeking more control, the free BlackMagic camera app offers an array of manual settings. It's particularly valuable for iPhone 15 Pro users, enabling Apple Log video recording—a feature that sets it apart.
The Evolution of iPhone Video: From ProRes to LogStarting with the iPhone 13 Pro, Apple introduced ProRes video capture, a high-quality video format that simplifies editing on computers. The iPhone 15 Pro advanced this by allowing ProRes Log video, a boon for professional editing thanks to its ease of editing and color correction.
How to Enable ProRes LogTo switch on ProRes Log, navigate through iPhone's settings to 'Camera' and 'Formats', then adjust the settings as desired. This preparation enables more nuanced post-processing, enhancing the final video quality.
Considerations on File SizesShooting in ProRes Log, while producing stunning video quality, results in large files—approximately 5-6GB per minute of 4K video at 24 frames per second. This can be cumbersome for storage and handling.
The BlackMagic Advantage: Quality Meets EfficiencyThe BlackMagic app provides an alternative by allowing users to record in Apple Log using the HEVC (h.265) codec, which drastically reduces file sizes without compromising quality. For instance, a 17-second clip in HEVC Log occupies only 66MB compared to 1.42GB in ProRes Log.
Codec and Color: What Matters More?While codecs like HEVC offer efficient storage solutions, Log recording remains crucial for color grading flexibility. The BlackMagic app supports both, ensuring high quality with manageable file sizes, making it ideal for platforms like YouTube and social media, where compression negates finer quality details.
Side-by-Side Comparisons: ProRes vs. HEVCUsers are encouraged to view examples comparing ProRes and HEVC footage, which reveal minimal differences in quality, affirming the efficacy of HEVC Log in everyday scenarios.
Shooting at Higher Frame RatesThe app also supports 60FPS recording in Log without the need for external storage—a significant convenience over the built-in camera app, which requires an external SSD for such high-quality recording.
The Verdict: Is ProRes Necessary on iPhones?Given the practicalities of file sizes, storage, and end-use, the BlackMagic app's offering of HEVC Log recording presents a compelling alternative to ProRes Log, especially considering it's free.
In conclusion, for iPhone videographers, the choice between ProRes and HEVC may boil down to specific needs and outcomes. However, the BlackMagic app significantly democratizes high-quality video production, making it accessible and practical for a wider audience.
Get the Blackmagic Camera App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/blackmagic-camera/id6449580241
