Why everybody glazes Apple's camera.

Summary

In this video, Ryan Thomas explores why many content creators choose iPhones despite the availability of high-quality Android alternatives. He delves into the iPhone's camera features, such as ProRes and ProRes RAW, which offer professional video quality and flexibility for editing. While the iPhone’s camera isn't the best in every aspect, its ability to record in log format and its seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem make it a go-to choice for creators. Ryan also discusses the importance of shooting in log for more control over post-production, making iPhones the 'king' of smartphone video for those who need advanced editing options.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iPhone's camera this year is a mixed bag, with some improvements like the square selfie camera, but it still lags behind some Android alternatives in telephoto performance.
• 📱 Despite having many good Android options, content creators are drawn to the iPhone's camera for its specific advantages, such as ProRes and ProRes RAW video recording.
• 🎥 iPhones excel at regular video recording, but they are not the best in every category, especially when compared to other Android devices with features like Google's Video Boost and Samsung's stable video.
• 🔒 NordVPN is introduced as the sponsor, offering privacy and access to geo-restricted content, with special discounts for users on a 2-year plan.
• 📸 Log recording formats are becoming more common in smartphones, which offer a more flexible and natural look by bypassing automatic processing for a more cinematic result.
• 🖥 Log footage requires post-processing to convert the color space to something like Rec 709, and can be done with LUTs or free editing tools like Da Vinci Resolve.
• ⚙️ Shutter speed and angle are critical to producing smooth video footage; shooting at 180° results in more natural-looking footage compared to the jittery look produced by automatic settings.
• 🎞 ProRes Log and ProRes RAW formats are key to professionals, offering high-quality footage with more data for editing, but at the cost of large file sizes.
• 💻 Apple’s ecosystem, including ProRes and ProRes RAW, works seamlessly with Mac computers, offering professionals smooth editing and file transfer options, like the new AirDrop system.
• 🧑‍💻 ProRes RAW, though not a completely lossless format, offers more latitude in editing and adjusting footage compared to other smartphone video formats, especially for professional users.
• 🎬 The iPhone’s camera supports an 'open gate' mode, allowing users to capture full sensor size footage, ideal for flexibility in post-production and multi-aspect ratio deliverables.
• 🔧 The iPhone Pro models offer unmatched flexibility in camera settings, making them ideal for serious video creators, but the Pro features are buried in the settings and may be underutilized by casual users.

Q & A

Why are so many content creators still using iPhones for video production despite other Android options?

iPhones are preferred by many creators because of the flexibility and quality in video modes like ProRes and ProRes RAW, which are ideal for professional-level editing. The iPhone also provides an ecosystem that works seamlessly with Apple software, making the video editing process smoother for those using Macs or other Apple devices.

How does the iPhone's camera compare to Android alternatives?

The iPhone's camera, while good, is not necessarily the best in every area compared to Android alternatives. For example, its telephoto camera lags behind many Android phones, and regular video is not superior to Samsung or Google's video capabilities. However, the iPhone's ProRes and ProRes RAW video recording modes make it stand out.

What is the advantage of shooting video in log format on the iPhone?

Shooting in log format allows creators to bypass the iPhone's dynamic tone mapping, resulting in more natural, professional-looking footage. It provides more flexibility in post-production for color grading, exposure adjustments, and adding visual effects, compared to the typical video processed by smartphones.

What is dynamic tone mapping, and how does it affect smartphone video?

Dynamic tone mapping adjusts exposure on the fly to optimize detail across a scene. While this is convenient for everyday users, it can lead to unnatural boosts in certain parts of the footage, making it look 'smartphoney.' Shooting in log format avoids this effect, offering a more authentic and cinematic look.

What is shutter speed or shutter angle, and why does it matter in smartphone video?

Shutter speed or shutter angle controls how motion is captured in video. The standard 180° shutter angle results in smooth and natural-looking footage. If the shutter speed is too high (as is common in automatic video modes), it can cause jittery or unnatural video. Adjusting the shutter angle is key to achieving smooth, cinematic video.

How do ProRes Log and ProRes RAW formats benefit professional videographers?

ProRes Log and ProRes RAW provide high data rates and flexibility in post-production, allowing videographers to adjust highlights, shadows, and color tones without losing quality. This makes the iPhone an attractive tool for those looking for high-quality video while editing in programs like Da Vinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro.

What is the role of the Apple ecosystem in making iPhones attractive for content creators?

The Apple ecosystem facilitates seamless integration between iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices. Features like ProRes video, easy file transfers with AirDrop, and compatibility with Apple’s video editing software make it easier for creators to work with video footage and integrate it into their larger workflow.

What is the 'open gate' mode in the iPhone's camera, and how does it benefit creators?

Open gate mode allows creators to shoot video using the full sensor size, which provides more flexibility for framing shots in both vertical and horizontal formats. This is particularly useful for creators who need to repurpose footage for multiple types of content, such as social media or traditional video formats.

How does the iPhone's ProRes RAW differ from a true RAW format?

ProRes RAW is a compressed RAW codec, which means it is not as flexible as a true uncompressed RAW format, but still offers more latitude for editing compared to other smartphone video modes. It provides more data for adjustments like color grading and exposure correction without degrading the footage.

What do other smartphone manufacturers need to improve in their log recording modes?

Many manufacturers, while offering log recording, do not make it easy to work with. Issues such as unclear color space, lack of accessible conversions, and poor support in editing software make it harder to use. Companies like Samsung and Apple have simplified the process, offering easy access to the right color spaces and LUTs for better post-production results.