iPhone Video Settings Cheat Sheet For Churches

Hey, it’s Brady,

Last week I filmed an entire church mini movie using just my iPhone 15 Pro Max. You can watch and download that mini movie by clicking here.

It’s truly remarkable.

The iPhone today can shoot higher-quality video than the pro camera I started out with ten years ago as a Media Director at a church.

But you need the right app. And the right settings.

Here they are…

#1. The Blackmagic Design Camera App

This is the only app you need - click here to download it.

It’s 100% free.

Plus, it will unlock options for your iPhone that you can’t get in the camera app. Not to mention make it feel more like you’re shooting with an actual camera rather than a mobile device.

#2. Choosing Your Codec

Next, in the Record tab choose between HEVC (h.265) and Apple ProRes.

Apple ProRes files will be at least 10X bigger than HEVC. But with (slightly) superior image quality and better editing performance.

HEVC footage will look nearly identical and have much smaller file sizes. But tougher on your computer to edit, especially if you don’t have an Apple Silicon Mac.

For me, I shoot HEVC. That way I don’t need an external SSD.

#3. Configuring Your Settings

Now change the following settings (you can leave the rest unchanged):

• Resolution: 4K

• Color Space: Apple Log

• Shutter Measurement: Angle

• LUT: Select Apple Log to Rec709

• Display LUT: Turn On

If you prefer a video tutorial for configuring these settings, click here.

#4. Using The Blackmagic Camera App

Onto the camera app itself - here’s what you’ll want to do:

• ISO: 55, 100, & 200 for bright/daytime scenes. 1600 for low-light/nighttime scenes. Only use these four ISO settings.

• Shutter Angle: Lock this at 180 degrees.

• Zebras: For ISO 55, 100, & 200, set zebras at 79%. For ISO 1600, set zebras at 95%.

#5. Managing Overexposure

Finally, it’s important to know that the iPhone’s F-stop is locked at 1.8. You can’t change it.

Meaning if your aperture and shutter angle are locked, and there’s a very slim optimal ISO range, how do you properly set exposure?

Option #1: Invest in an ND filter for your iPhone

Option #2: Drop down your ISO to properly expose your image (yes, some dynamic range will be lost, but your image will still look great)

Option #3: Adjust your shutter angle (this will remove motion blur from your videos making them appear less cinematic, but you can use tools to reintroduce motion blur in post - though, results will vary)

Ready for more?

Click here to watch The Church iPhone Filmmaking Masterclass in its entirety.

Pastor’s Appreciation Month: 10 Unique Ideas

October is pastor appreciation month.

So, here, at the beginning of the month we've compiled a list of ideas for how your church can show your pastor some love.

Some of these ideas cost a bit of money. Some are free. Some are bit outside the box. But all of them will help your pastor feel appreciated.

Get the unique ideas here.

Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. Talk to you next Thursday. - Brady Shearer