Top 8 iPhone Camera Settings for Better Looking Videos

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Capturing quality video content with your phone can be as straightforward as point-and-shoot; however, optimizing your video content for various platforms — from social media to personal computer storage — requires a more in-depth understanding of specific settings.

This all-encompassing guide aims to equip you with the knowledge required to maximize your iPhone's video recording potential. By fine-tuning crucial elements such as resolution, frame rate, High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, grid settings, out-of-frame views, macro control, and stabilization, along with the application of basic shooting and exposure methodologies, you can create visually striking videos that bear a professional touch. This swift and straightforward process will allow you to master these techniques quickly.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding beyond the rudimentary settings, we recommend our online course, Mobile Filmmaking 101. This course is tailored for novices desiring to harness the full capabilities of their smartphones for a wide array of filmmaking endeavors or even for casual everyday shooting.

1. Switch to 4K Resolution

This tip is a big must and the biggest tip to ensure a huge difference in quality.

The newer iPhone models come equipped with the ability to record in 4K resolution. This advanced video setting offers four times the detail of 1080p HD video. Switching your iPhone’s camera to 4K resolution can significantly enhance your videos’ clarity, sharpness, and detail. This transformation will provide your footage with a professional-grade look and feel, making your content stand out on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

Whether you're documenting a family gathering, capturing an outdoor adventure, or filming for professional projects, the 4K setting will capture every scene in stunning detail. Open the Camera app, switch the camera mode to Video, and look to the corner of your screen. If you're shooting in 1080p, you'll see an HD label. Just tap HD to switch to 4K video.

2. Shoot at 24 Frames Per Second

Frame rates matter more than you think. For instance, to enhance your footage’s cinematic and visually captivating quality, you can set your iPhone to record at 24 frames per second (fps). This is not an arbitrary number; 24 fps has long been the standard in the film industry, contributing significantly to what people universally associate with the 'look' and 'feel' of professional cinema. The camera’s settings are often set to a standard 30 fps, but many professionals would suggest otherwise.

The reasoning is that 24 fps closely mimics how the human eye perceives motion in real life, resulting in a smoother and more natural viewing experience. This frame rate imbues your videos with a pleasing aesthetic and a palpable sense of authenticity, enhancing their overall impact. Open Settings > Camera > Record Video to adjust the default resolution and frame rate from 720p at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps or 60fps, and 4K at 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps.

3. Disable "HDR Video"

HDR video can enhance image quality, offering brighter highlights, vibrant colors, and a greater range of tonal details. However, this enhancement is most noticeable in particular scenarios, like capturing scenes with dramatic contrasts between light and dark areas.

While this might suggest that constantly activating the HDR Video feature is the best choice, it's important to note that its usage may lead to unintended outcomes in specific contexts. HDR can sometimes cause colors to appear overly saturated or unnatural, especially in conditions that don't call for high-contrast enhancements. At times, the picture often looks pixelated and overcompensates movements.

Therefore, disabling the HDR Video feature when recording videos on your iPhone is often recommended to ensure color consistency and maintain a natural aesthetic throughout your footage.

4. Enable the Grid

When you're filming videos, one feature that you might not have explored yet but should definitely familiarize yourself with is the "Grid" function. When activated, this handy tool displays a grid overlay on your screen while shooting videos. And trust me, it’s more than just a bunch of intersecting lines.

This grid is based on a principle in photography and videography called the rule of thirds. If you're new to this, the rule of thirds is a simple yet effective composition technique that can transform your shots by dividing your frame into nine equal sections by a set of horizontal and vertical lines.

But how does this help you? By positioning your main subject or essential elements along these gridlines or at the intersection points, you can create a more balanced and engaging shot. This technique is often used to guide the viewer's eye and create a sense of depth and dimension in the scene.

5. Disable "View Outside Frame"

I get it; distractions are the last thing you need when you're in the zone and trying to capture the perfect shot. That's where your iPhone’s “View Outside Frame” feature comes into play. Though it can be helpful in certain situations, there are times when it might be more of a hindrance than a help.

When enabled, this setting allows you to see what's just outside the frame of your video on your screen. While it can be handy for planning your next camera move, it might also pull your focus away from the main subject of your video. When you really want to zero in on your subject and remove any potential distractions, try turning off the "View Outside Frame" option. This way, your screen will only display the exact frame the camera captures, helping you stay focused on your subject. It's like putting blinders on a horse—it allows you to concentrate fully on what's ahead.

6. Enable Stabilization

As much as we all wish we had the steady hands of a seasoned cinematographer, the reality is sometimes our videos can look a bit more like a roller coaster ride than we'd like.

When enabled, the stabilization feature minimizes camera shake and delivers smoother, more stable video footage. Imagine having an invisible assistant who helps hold your camera steady, smoothing out accidental bumps or wobbles that could otherwise make your video feel shaky.

Whether you're strolling through the park, capturing your dog's playful antics, or documenting a beautiful bike ride, activating the stabilization feature can make a difference. It ensures that your videos appear steady and fluid, even when you're on the move.

7. Basic Shooting and Exposure Techniques

Great videos don't stop at the setting menu; go beyond the basics and add additional help with popular accessories or tips.

Lighting

Let's talk about your lighting game. It's important always to stay aware of your surroundings and the lighting conditions. Seek out well-lit environments, or don't hesitate to bring artificial lights when needed. Beware of those sneaky bright light sources that could cause overexposure or cast harsh shadows— they're more trouble than they're worth.

Composition

Next, let's get artsy with composition. As you frame your shots, keep the rule of thirds in the back of your mind. Think of your screen divided into a three-by-three grid, and try placing your subject off-center— trust me, it can make your composition more visually appealing.

Now, let's get sharp with focus. Make sure your subject isn't just part of the scene but the star of it. A simple tap on your screen can put them in the spotlight. Want to keep them there? Just press and hold until the AE/AF Lock indicator shows up. It's like giving your subject a VIP pass to the in-focus party.

Better Exposure

You can manually adjust the exposure to keep your video's brightness in check. Just tap on your screen and slide the exposure control up or down. This is particularly handy when lighting conditions start to fluctuate.

White Balance

Finally, let's talk about setting the mood with a white balance. It's all about matching your video's colors to the lighting conditions. While the Auto setting can be your go-to for most situations, don't shy away from manual adjustments when you need more control over the color temperature. It's like being a painter but with pixels.

8. Unlock Extra Pro Features with Pro Camera by Moment:

The Moment Pro Camera App is like the Swiss Army knife of mobile video recording, packing many professional-level features into one easy-to-use platform.

You can tweak manual controls like focus, white balance, exposure, ISO, and shutter speed to your heart's content. That means you're in the driver's seat, able to adjust every tiny detail to your specifications. The Pro Camera App also supports Moment lenses. So if you've ever dreamed of attaching high-quality lenses to your iPhone for supercharged optical capabilities, dream no more. It's all possible, and the results can be genuinely breathtaking. Pay around with anamorphic de-squeeze and handy top bars for flash, timer, effects, format, and lens selection. Plus, with the in-app histogram, you can ensure your exposure is spot on.

Trust me; these pro features will offer you even greater creative control and flexibility during video shoots.

Small changes can significantly impact your footage. Keep this guide handy as a step-by-step compass, guiding you through optimizing each setting and technique. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions, and check us out on YouTube for additional trips on anything mobile-related. Happy shooting!