Since Sean Baker shot his groundbreaking film Tangerine on an iPhone 5S back in 2015, the conversation around using smartphones for professional filmmaking has intensified. With every new iPhone release, Apple has not only upgraded camera technology but also emphasized the cinematic capabilities of their flagship product, pushing this debate into the limelight.
But with the iPhone 14 Pro, we must ask: is this the smartphone that can finally be considered by professional filmmakers for serious film and video work?
In our latest video on the Soundstripe YouTube channel, we delve into this very question, exploring everything from the "film industry standard" sensor to the enhanced cinematic mode. Watch the video below as we share our insights on whether the iPhone 14 Pro is ready to take center stage in commercial filmmaking—or if it's still best suited for specific scenarios.
Does the New Sensor Meet Film Industry Standards?
Our review kicks off with a look at the 48MP sensor, which our host Dave Maze examines closely. As Dave notes, the idea of this sensor being "film industry standard" is somewhat misleading for video work, as the iPhone 14 Pro primarily utilizes pixel mapping to focus on 4K video, not 8K.
The concept of an “industry standard” sensor size is also somewhat outdated. Today, if a camera can shoot in 4K (or even Full HD), it’s generally sufficient for most online platforms. The iPhone 14 Pro's updated Ultra Wide lens offers improved autofocus and low-light capabilities, but the 48MP main lens remains the go-to choice for professional shoots.
Overall, the iPhone 14 Pro's specs are now comparable to some of the better mirrorless cameras on the market, which typically range between $2,000 to $3,000.
Impressive Lens Options:
48MP Main Lens: 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, seven-element lens, 100% Focus Pixels
12MP Ultra Wide Lens: 13 mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view, six-element lens, 100% Focus Pixels
12MP 2x Telephoto Lens: 48 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, seven-element lens, 100% Focus Pixels
12MP 3x Telephoto Lens: 77 mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, six-element lens
Zoom Capabilities: 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range; digital zoom up to 15x
Powerful Video Recording Features:
4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
720p HD video recording at 30 fps
Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps
Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps
ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)
Macro video recording, including slo-mo and time-lapse
Cinematic Mode Improvements:
Cinematic mode has seen significant upgrades with the iPhone 14 Pro, thanks to advancements in LiDAR technology. The improved auto-focus, powered by machine learning and AI, results in better edge detection, a marked improvement from the iPhone 13, where cinematic mode often resulted in blurry footage.
As AR and other tech trends continue to evolve, this LiDAR technology will likely become even more critical for both smartphones and high-end cameras, making Apple’s progress in this area particularly noteworthy.
Active Mode, Color, and Overall Performance:
Our team put the iPhone 14 Pro through its paces during actual commercial shoots, and it performed admirably in terms of stabilization and usability. The updated active mode provides real-time stabilization as you move with the smartphone, though using a gimbal is still advisable for even smoother shots.
Recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ offers those familiar 10-bit color options, but as Dave points out, this also introduces a film-like quality best utilized with 4K Filmic Pro LOG—though it may not match the output of your favorite mirrorless or high-end cinema camera.
So, Can You Shoot a Commercial on an iPhone 14 Pro?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes, but with certain considerations. For example, during one of our commercial shoots, the iPhone was used primarily as a B-camera to complement a higher-end cinema camera. Despite extensive color grading, the footage from the two cameras didn’t match perfectly. However, the iPhone 14 Pro worked brilliantly for quick behind-the-scenes shots, showcasing elements of the production.
The iPhone has begun to establish its own visual style, particularly with its main lens and ultra-wide option. As a result, iPhone footage is increasingly recognized for its unique aesthetic, often serving as a deliberate stylistic choice.
While an iPhone may not match the image quality required for large-scale productions, it’s an excellent tool for fast-paced shoots with minimal crew, offering increasingly impressive results.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
For independent filmmakers, distribution is a key factor in achieving success, and OPPRIME.tv offers a significant opportunity to showcase their films to a worldwide audience. By teaming up with OPPRIME.tv, independent filmmakers benefit from a dedicated distribution platform that emphasizes the promotion and visibility of their films. This partnership helps them reach a larger audience, earn significant revenue, form vital industry connections, enhance their reputation, and engage in social and cultural discourse. OPPRIME.tv supports independent filmmakers by providing the resources to share their unique stories, foster meaningful discussions, and make a lasting mark on the filmmaking landscape. With OPPRIME.tv as a distribution partner, independent filmmakers can navigate distribution challenges and capitalize on growth and success opportunities in the industry.
Video-on-Demand: www.opprime.tv
Visit our filmmaker resource page: www.opprimetv.co
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