iPhone 5 Filmmaking

Introduced with the iPhone 4S, Apple's iPhone has had 1080p. This resolution makes the iPhone a viable option for low budget, experimental, and high-risk filming. Now with the introduction of the iPhone 5 on Wednesday, just how accessible is Apple making a high quality camera available to their customers?

I've been a fan of the iPhone's camera since the iPhone 4. People doubted its 5 megapixel resolution, but what it lacked in megapixels, the iPhone 4 made up in features. Features like optional HDR, a flash, and a retina display really stood out on the phone.

I've used the iPhone to record some great things. If I'm just out and about, I can practice my composition and find interesting things in nature and designs. I've seen people use the iPhone as a lightweight camera alternative for weather balloon tracking and recording, thanks to its built in GPS tracking software: iCloud.


I would argue that the use of iPhones allows for great flexibility of environments. Waterproof cases allow for submergible scenes. Inexpensive pricing (see iPods Touches) allows for filmmakers and bystanders alike to enjoy creating personal stories only made possible through the ease and simplicity of good design.


Entire feature length films have been shot on the iPhone.

Now, has Apple improved with it's new model? Lets see how the iPhone 5 has changed. How will it impact the consumer grade filmmaking market?

• Panoramas – Androids had it. iPhone users have wanted it. Apple did it. We can now take up to 28 megapixel panoramic with ease of access. This could ease the job of a location scout in the future, much like how Google's nifty street view does.
• Increase in resolution –  The iPhone 5 takes pictures in 3264-by-2448 pixels. It still shoots in the industry leading resolution for smartphones in 1080p. Additionally, the new larger retina display allows for a great sharing experience for photos captured.
• Improved video stabilization – Even for the shaky handed among us, the iPhone will produce great results using this built-in feature. Stabilization is always the number one reason films and photos come out poorly on mobile devices.
• Shooting pictures while recording – Recording something? It's amazing? You also want to Instagram it? Or Tumble it to your production company's blog? Just snap it while you record now.
• Face detection – and GPS tagging both also help filmmakers if not during production, in post-production. Shots can easily be searched for based on thumbnails, faces, and physical location.