How to turn iPhone 15 Pro into professional recording equipment?! In a world where smartphones have become almost equivalent to professional cameras, the iPhone 15 Pro stands out as an exceptional tool for content creators. With the right equipment and a few tricks, your iPhone 15 Pro can become a professional recording setup suitable for everyone from vloggers to serious filmmakers. In this article, we will show you how to achieve this. We'll introduce you to the most suitable accessories that will transform your iPhone into professional recording equipment.
The article is based on the author's decision to make his own professional equipment this year it does not upgrade, it does try to create with just a smartphone and a few accessories. There are several reasons for this, and the author will try to explain them in this entry. So - how to turn the iPhone 15 Pro into professional recording equipment?!
Price of good equipment: The production price of mid-range equipment ranges from a camera with two lenses and some additional equipment between 5,000 euros and 10,000 euros. At these amounts, we are still talking about quite "semi" professional equipment. This also requires a certain amount of work by the video creator in order for this type of equipment to amortize or pay off its investment. If this equipment is depreciated over three years, it means you have to be prepared to lose honey every year 1,500 euros and 3,000 euros through devaluation or depreciation of equipment. The iPhone smartphone loses honey every year 300 euros and 500 euros, if you replace it with a new one every year and sell the old one. Moreover, you use this smartphone in many other scenarios, not just for recording.
Photo: BoyaConvenience: The smartphone is always at hand, and the recording setup itself can be established practically immediately without questioning whether the technique will work. In the case of the iPhone, the phone can be very conveniently triggered, for example with the Apple Watch, right from the wrist, so recording yourself will not be complicated either. At the same time, the data from the phone is transferred practically immediately to the computer for editing via AirDrop or via USB-C drive, to which the iPhone can "directly" record. There are no tapes or long-term protocols for transferring recorded material. At the same time, you can record much more intimately, because practically no one notices that you are recording on your smartphone. Another segment that seems important is that you can also use the recorded video material for social networks, as it is practically immediately available. At the same time, as far as the Apple ecosystem, things really work in connection with editing software like Final Cut Pro.
View this post on Instagram
Accessories for iPhone that turn it into “professional equipment”: you just need a few accessories to make your iPhone actually take over the role of your main camera. When we talk about accessories, we are talking about various peripheral equipment that will make work easier and creation faster. Like, for example, a good recording application with which you will have a professional "camera". Or "microphones" with which you will capture excellent sound, similar to a professional camera. I wouldn't skimp on this equipment myself, because the sound is "justifiably" half of the picture. Of course, you will also need so-called ND lenses, which are quite important in videography, because there can be too much light quickly. The footage with these filters works really well, especially if you reach for the ProRes recording mode. At the same time, you need pocket led lights for the case when you are shooting in darker indoor spaces. Of course, there are also some small things, such as the high-quality protection of the primary lenses, which you must protect immediately after purchase, because a damaged lens has the greatest impact on the quality of the production itself. And, of course, space to store data on an SSD disk, so that you can have almost unlimited time in the best ways.
How to turn iPhone 15 Pro into professional recording equipment
1. Start with the basics: A better recording app
There are tons of free apps that allow much more manual manipulation and settings. At the same time, the settings are more handy than in the basic application. Black Magic Camera App is my app of choice because it offers practically everything you need to get started, and of course it's free. If you have a few euros, you can buy one of the above, although I personally don't see the need.
Author's choice and recommendation:
Black Magic Camera – iPhone App
Application Blackmagic Camera turns your iPhone into a professional digital film camera that lets you create cinema-quality videos. With intuitive controls typical of renowned Blackmagic Design cameras, you can easily adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance and ISO. It also allows recording directly to the Blackmagic Cloud in 10-bit Apple ProRes files up to 4K resolution, enabling collaboration on DaVinci Resolve projects with creators around the world. Ideal for recording high-quality content for YouTube, TikTok and TV shows, this app offers the flexibility to record anywhere, anytime, with quick access to advanced settings and instant management of media files in the cloud to speed up post-production.
Here are some standout apps that are often recommended by professionals:
- Filmic Pro: This app is considered the gold standard for mobile video recording. It allows extremely precise control over exposure, focus and many other settings. Filmic Pro also supports recording in log format, which allows better possibilities for color correction in post-production.
- ProCam 8: This app offers a wide range of manual settings, including exposure, ISO, shutter speed and focus control. ProCam 8 also allows recording in RAW format, which is ideal for those who want maximum quality and control when editing their footage.
- Cinema FV-5: This app is another strong option for those looking for professional features. It offers detailed control over camera settings, including manual focus, light metering, and more. It's a popular choice among filmmakers who want to get the most out of their smartphone.
A good application will allow you to lock certain parameters depending on the situation or really quickly change the settings of your camera, which in principle is not possible in the basic application.
2. Sound: In this case, almost more important than the picture
The sound is just as important as the image, and since the image of the iPhone itself is not a problem with the right parameters, it is necessary to really take care of a good sound that can compensate for what the image itself may lack. In other words, thanks to the excellent sound, no one will actually realize that you recorded the video with a smartphone. This is also why we recommend only two or three fairly standard devices, which will allow your sound to be at a top level. At the same time, you will probably concentrate more on the story itself than on the "cinematography". That's why it's really important to have sound that will fully support your video product.
Author's choice and recommendation: Boya BY-V20 USB-C Wireless Microphone - Microphone for smartphones
Photo: BoyaA microphone Boya BY-V20 USB-C it enables wireless recording of sound with exceptional quality and is ideal for use with smartphones. This compact and easily portable microphone boasts easy connectivity via the USB-C interface. An adapter that plugs into USB-C, it's so small and light that it won't get in the way during use, even when you're using devices like a gimbal. Thus, it is not a weighting supplement that would affect the stability or usability of the phone. The sound it provides Buoy BY-V20, is surprisingly good even compared to much more expensive microphones, making it an excellent choice for professional video and audio production. The microphone provides clear and clean sound without disturbing noises, which is especially important when recording in demanding environments. Its wireless design provides great mobility and flexibility, allowing content creators to focus on recording without the constraints of cables. The set for around 60 euros includes two microphones, so you can record interviews without any problems.
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Some other great mic options!
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
3. ND Filters for iPhone: Picture at a professional level
ND (Neutral Dense) filters are extremely useful additions to video recording, even when using devices like the iPhone. These filters work by reducing the amount of light that enters the lens without significantly affecting the colors of the scene. Here are some key reasons why they are ND filters required to record with an iPhone:
- Aperture and depth of field control: One of the limitations of shooting with mobile phones is the lack of control over the aperture, which is usually fixed. ND filters allow the camera to maintain a wider aperture even in bright conditions, which helps maintain a shallow depth of field for a more professional-looking video where the subject is sharp and the background is blurred.
- Preventing overexposure: In very bright environments, ND filters can prevent video from being overexposed. This is especially useful in situations where the lighting conditions are out of control, such as outdoor shooting during the day.
- They enable consistent use of optimal shutter speeds: For video, the ideal shutter speed should be twice the frame rate (eg at 30 fps the shutter speed should be 1/60 of a second). Without an ND filter, it would be difficult in bright conditions to maintain this shutter speed without overexposing the video. ND filters reduce incoming light and allow optimal shutter speeds to be used for more natural-looking movement.
ND filters are important when shooting outside in bright light. But when you are indoors, we strongly recommend an additional light source.
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Tripod or smartphone gimbal
The iPhone by itself records a really well-stabilized video in "cinematic" mode. A smartphone gimbal, often referred to as a “smartphone gimbal”, is an extremely useful tool for any video maker who wants to record stable and smooth footage, even while moving. Here are the key reasons why a gimbal is an indispensable accessory for shooting with an iPhone or any other smartphone:
- Image stabilization: The main function of the gimbal is image stabilization. The gimbal compensates for vibrations and sudden movements during recording, allowing for extremely smooth and stable footage. This is especially useful when recording in motion, such as while walking, running or driving.
- Improved video quality: Steady footage not only looks more professional, but it also reduces the chance of movement distracting the viewer. This allows you to focus on the content and storytelling without the distraction of camera shake.
- Dynamic shots: The gimbal allows the user to perform complex camera movements such as panning, tilting and tracking moving subjects with much greater precision and smoothness. This adds dynamism and professionalism to your recordings.
Greater creative freedom: With a gimbal, you can experiment with different shooting angles and techniques, such as low-flying shots or high bird's-eye views, which would be difficult to achieve without stabilization.
Author Recommendation - Freewell System
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Additional light sources: The key to quality shots in low light conditions
Although iPhone 15 Pro offers improved performance when shooting in different lighting conditions, remains a limitation at poorer light, especially indoors where there is little light. This is a common problem with most cameras, including professional cameras, as confined spaces often pose a particular challenge.
Use of additional light sources is essential if you want to improve image quality and ensure that your shots are clear and detailed, even in low light conditions. Here are some options to consider:
- LED video lights: They are portable, easy to use and offer adjustable intensity and color temperature of the light. LED lights are ideal for closed spaces, as they do not produce much heat and are energy efficient.
- Ring Lights: A popular choice among vloggers as they provide even face exposure, ideal for portraits and close-ups. Ring lights help eliminate harsh shadows and improve the quality of skin appearance in videos.
- Softboxes: They provide soft, diffused light that is ideal for creating professional-looking shots indoors. Softboxes are especially useful in interviews or scenarios where you want to reduce shadows and highlight subject details.
- Spotlights: These are useful for directing existing light or softening direct light. Although they do not produce their own light, floodlights are extremely useful for controlling and enhancing natural and artificial light sources indoors.
When choosing additional light sources, consider the size of the room, the type of scene you are shooting, and the desired atmospheric effect. Combined with the right lighting techniques, your iPhone 15 Pro can become a powerful tool for recording high-quality video, even in the most difficult lighting conditions.
How much will the accessories cost you?!
After much deliberation, the editorial staff would have decided on the following equipment, which would make the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max a universal recording tool:
- Black Magic Camera software = 0 euros
- Freewell Tru Color 1 ND filter – 5 stops = 79 euros
- FREEWELL Sherpa Series Case for iPhone 15 = 29 euros
- Boya BY-V20 USB-C Wireless Microphone = 59.50 euros
- Smartphine gimbal Insta360 Flow / Insta360 Flow Creator Kit = 167.23 euros
TOTAL = 334 euros
Shopping list of mentioned products!
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Recommended is the purchase of an additional one SSD drive – Samsung T7 to capture the image directly on SSD drive on which you can even edit video on your laptop without any problems. Of course, we recommend buying one of the pocket LED lights, which will greatly help you when working indoors.
Last Updated 2024-05-03 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
At a time when technology is advancing s the speed of light, the boundaries between professional and amateur equipment is wiped out. Smartphones as it is iPhone, we've covered, offer incredible power and flexibility, allowing creators to focus on what's really important—the story they want to tell.With the right accessories and a little creativity your smartphone can become a tool, which does not lag behind traditional cameras. So it seems that we are in an era where "less is truly more". Less equipment and less complications means more room for creativity and spontaneity, which are often key to an honest and engaging visual expression.
Regardless of whether you are professional video maker or just a hobbyist who wants to share his experiences with others, the smartphone in your pocket offers possibilities that were only a few years ago years unimaginable. With a few simple accessories and the right app, you can now capture and share moments with aesthetic and technical perfection that will satisfy even the most demanding viewers.
So why not skip this year expensive equipment upgrades and would rather embark on a journey of creative exploration with a device you already have in your pocket? The possibilities are endless, and you never know what amazing stories your smartphone can tell.
