Introduction:
So, I finally got my hands on the new iPhone 15 Pro Max. While I wasn't overly impressed with the new iPhone this year, as it’s basically the exact same phone as my iPhone 14 Pro Max, there was one feature I’ve been excited to test out—shooting in log on an iPhone. Shooting on log has been a dream of mine for quite some time. I’ve shot on other phones in the past that have had log, and the results were incredible. Since then, I’ve been curious to know what it would be like on the iPhone.
Shooting on Log with the iPhone:
iPhones have had incredible footage quality for a while now, and as good as they look, it still just looks like iPhone footage, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, it’s often obvious that it was filmed on a phone. For certain projects, I don’t want random iPhone clips thrown in—I want all the footage to blend together seamlessly. By shooting in log, I can color correct my footage with the same LUTs I’m using on the rest of my video to help keep everything consistent.
There are also plenty of times where I just want to capture some cinematic B-roll. Maybe it's a long hike where I only need a clip or two, and I’m not sure if I even need the footage. In these cases, I can easily get by with just bringing my phone instead of my entire camera bag. It’s also much more discreet in public. I find myself filming a lot in airports and other public places, and while it’s not a huge deal, whipping out a camera tends to draw attention.
With my Peak Design phone case tripod, filming on the go is so much easier and more efficient. I can set it up anywhere, even in tight spaces, without needing a tripod or having my camera and mic everywhere. It’s low-profile and easy to use while you’re running and gunning.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Cinema Camera:
So, is the iPhone 15 Pro Max going to take over and become my main camera? Absolutely not. Listen, if this is the only camera you have, it’s more than enough. The footage you can get with this phone is literally better than the footage I got with my first professional camera. That said, it still doesn’t compete with all the features on my main cameras. I shoot 90% of my photography on a Canon R5 and 90% of my videos on a Canon C70, but it’s still crazy to see just how far phones have come.
To put the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the test, I decided to compare it to a $30,000 cinema camera and review the footage to see how similar they look. We did this last year with the iPhone 14 Pro Max in cinematic mode, so I’m really curious to see how much better log footage will look compared to cinematic mode. Honestly, I haven’t used cinematic mode much since then, as it hasn’t been a feature I’ve enjoyed using. However, I’m curious to see how log footage looks because it’s a feature I see myself using all the time.
Shooting on Cinema and Final Thoughts:
Well, the first thing you notice is how much lighter and easier it is to carry the phone compared to a huge cinema camera. It’s a sunny day today, with not a cloud in the sky, so the lighting conditions should make for a fair comparison. As I suspected, the iPhone’s stabilization is much better than the cinema camera’s. Just look at these shots running through the field—it honestly looks like I have the iPhone on a gimbal; it’s that stable.
There are so many pros and cons to each. The iPhone has better stabilization, is easier to carry, and can be taken anywhere. Meanwhile, the cinema camera definitely has a more cinematic look and feel, but it sacrifices the mobility and ease of use that the phone offers.
So, what's the point of this video? It’s not to nitpick every shot or start a war in the comment section—it’s to prove a point that the barrier to entry for filmmaking is becoming a lot easier. As a filmmaker, it means that the tools we use are becoming less important, and how we use those tools is becoming much more significant. The most successful filmmakers are no longer the ones with the fanciest gear—they’re the ones who can take whatever gear they’re handed and create something worth sharing.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
Distribution plays a crucial role in the success of independent filmmakers, and OPPRIME.tv offers an excellent opportunity for these creators to present their work to a global audience. By collaborating with OPPRIME.tv, independent filmmakers gain access to a specialized distribution platform that focuses on promoting and exposing their films. This collaboration enables filmmakers to reach a broader audience, generate substantial revenue, establish important industry connections, build a solid reputation, and contribute to social and cultural discussions. OPPRIME.tv empowers independent filmmakers by giving them the tools to share their unique stories, spark meaningful conversations, and make a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking. Partnering with OPPRIME.tv helps independent filmmakers overcome distribution challenges and seize growth and success opportunities in the industry.
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