Shoot, Edit and Share Video
Materials and Additional Resources
Presentation:
General:
iPhone Video Creation and Editing
Shot and Edited on the iPhone 12 Pro Max
Common Video File Formats:
If you are using video files created on the iPhone or iPad, or created on the Mac Desktop, you should not have any trouble with incompatible formats. Likewise, many video formats used by Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and other major camera manufacturers should work.
iMovie is capable of reading a number of the most common video file formats, but you may encounter some it cannot read — especially when using files originally created in Windows. Fortunately, there is a free, open-source application that can convert most of these formats for use in iMovie — HandBrake. This app has been around for years and is well-known and respected in the video world. This review describes some of Handbrake’s features.
Here are a few of the most common Video File Formats: (there are many more!)
AVCHD – Designed around Camcorders, H.264 video and Dolby AC-3 sound in an MPEG data stream
DV – Digital Video file format found in some and professional camcorders. DV files use a type of compression that simplifies editing.
H.264 – Well-known video compression standard for high-definition digital video.
H.265 – High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is a video compression standard designed as a successor to the widely-used Advanced Video Coding (AVC, H.264). It also supports video resolutions up to 8K UHD.
Motion JPEG – Compression format in which each video frame is compressed separately as a JPEG image.
WMV – A series of video compressors developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Media Framework.
This support article from Apple details which media file formats (Video, Still photo and Audio) are compatible with Mojave and Catalina (the two most current Mac OS versions).
Video Accessories
Camera Apps
Filmic Pro app – Industry standard for high quality video production on the iPhone.
Firstlight – Camera app from Filmic that adds many of their video app features to still photography
Lenses
Anamorphic lenses were first used in the movie industry to produce a wide-screen effect without much investment for movie studios and exhibitors. They allowed for a wider image while using the existing 35 mm film and projectors. The long horizontal lens flares and oval bokeh they produce have become integral to the movie theatre — instantly producing the cinematic experience. Now these lenses can be added to smart phones. Feature length movies have even been shot on iPhone!
Moondog Labs 1.33x Anamorphic – Clamp-on Style for iPhone 5 through iPhone 8, Bayonet Style for use with iPhone cases such as Moment (works with all newer iPhones). Moondog equipment for iPhone 11 is here. They also provide a Tutorial page for use with Filmic Pro.
Moment 1.33x Anamorphic – Lens for use with the Moment iPhone case. This lens also works with Filmic Pro, although Moment also offers their own camera app that shoots both stills and video
Stabilizers
Gimbal-based stabilizers have come a long ways in the last few years. Two popular models are linked below. Both will work with iPhone and Android, although online reviews suggest that not all features are available on the Zhiyun model for Android shooters. Both integrate with the iPhone directly: DJI Osmo Mobile 3 by using DJI Mimo app and both are supported by the Filmic Pro video camera app. The two YouTube videos will give you some idea of their capabilities.
DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Web site – Here is an Amazon link for the Mobile 3.
Zhiyun Smooth 4 Web site – Here is an Amazon link for the Smooth 4.
Sound and Microphones
Shure MV-88 Microphone Web site – While stereo microphones have included since iPhone 8, and they are remarkably good, better sound can be recorded with an external microphone. The MV-88 is made expressly for iPhone, and simply plugs into the lightning port. It is a high-quality, stereo condenser microphone that can be configured to deliver true monaural to wide-format stereo using the Shure Motiv app. The MV-88 is perfect to create a small camcorder-like device and the sound is fantastic.
Zoom H4N Pro Web site -Portable digital sound recorder that has become an industry standard for high-quality, low-cost sound production. With an integrated stereo microphone, high-quality preamps and the ability to use external mics, it is also a flexible device. First marketed in 2009, the “Pro” model is a recent update with several improvements. This recorder is the darling of the indy film industry, and is an exceptional value at around $220.
Lighting:
We talked about lighting during the second week of this seminar, and all of the same techniques are useful for video as well. Take a look at “Smart Phone Camera Apps, Composition and Lighting” for a refresher.
Storage Devices:
Wireless SD Card Reader – RAVPower FileHub, a multipurpose device for use as a Travel Router, Wireless SD Card Reader, and connect an SSD Hard Drive to iPhone, iPad or laptop.
Extremely small Solid State Drives (SSD) available in several sizes from 256 GB to 2 TB. Suitable for use with the iPhone or iPad with a suitable adapter and power supply.
Sabrent 1TB Rocket Nano External SSD –
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Pocket SSD –
Storage Connecting Adapters:
Lightning to SD Card Reader – Use to connect an SD card directly to iPhone of iPad.
Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter – Allows the connection of an external Thumb Drive or SSD with iPhone or iPad when additional power is required.
Lightning to USB Camera Adapter – Allows for the connection of some, low-power thumb drives.
Lightning to micro USB Camera Adapter – Allow the direct connection of some digital cameras with iPhone or iPad where the supplied cable is micro USB.
Video Sharing Sites:
Photo Sharing Service Comparison – Spreadsheet showing various photo sharing sites, their features and cost.
Instagram – Social Media site for sharing photos – Free
Flickr – Social Media site for sharing photos – Unlimited ($50/year)
Dropbox – Cloud storage service for storing all types of files. Integrates with may other services and is very popular – 2 TB ($11.99/month)
Amazon Photos – Cloud storage, editing and print services for photos – Unlimited photo storage + 5 GB of video storage (Prime Membership), 100 GB ($19.99), 1 TB ($59.99)
iCloud Photos – Cloud storage and editing service that integrates with Apple Mac OS and iOS – 50 GB ($.99/month), 200 GB ($2.99/month), 2 TB ($9.99/month)
Google Photos – Cloud storage, editing tools and print services for photos – 100 GB ($1.99/month), 200 GB ($2.99/month), 2 TB ($9.99/month) with larger sizes available
SmugMug – Broad range of plans from Basic (unlimited photo uploads – $5.99/month) to a professional package that offer galleries with templates and licensing.
Photography Resources on the Web
Google – The world’s information at your fingertips. It is still surprising to me how often a simple question like “how do I transfer photos from an iPhone to a Mac” will result in useful answers. Google understands natural language, so form a question and ask . . .
YouTube – The second largest search engine on the planet (behind Google), There are countless videos on almost any topic you can name. It’s my “go to” for quick information about equipment or procedures. Try searching for “iPhone Photography” or “iPhone Photography Gadgets.”
Apple.com – Lots of help here. Try: “How to shoot on iPhone.”
Smartphone Photography 101 – Ad supported Smart Phone photography course
iPhone Photography School – Paid Online Course with free samples. Pretty comprehensive including both iPhone camera operation and more general photography skills. They also have a YouTube Channel.
ICloud Photos
support.apple.com is a source excellent information site for Apple. The articles below will help you get started with iCloud Photos.
How to Backup your iPhone or iPad
How to Set Up and Use iCloud Photos on your iPhone or iPad – iOS, Mac or PC