Many of us regularly use our mobiles to record video or take photographs. The iPhone 4 is different because it is also being taken seriously by professional film-makers.
For an example of the type of high-quality content that is possible to produce on an iPhone 4 take a look at this four-minute gem, Apple of My Eye, by Michael Koerbel.
But you don’t have to be a professional to shoot and record video on your iPhone 4, although with a little skill and practice you may achieve professional looking footage. The iPhone 4 camera records HD video at 720p resolution and 30 frames per second, and, as we will see, the LED flash can be used to light video as well.
A mobile device such as an iPhone4 has the advantage over a digital video camera because we carry it with us all the time - and have the freedom and flexibility to shoot what we want, and when we want - all in beautiful and bright high quality definition video.
Who knows? We may even produce our own little masterpiece once we get the hang of the basics.
Right, lets get down to it.
I have put together a simple guide to show you the basics on how to make best use of your iPhone 4’s camera.
By following these easy steps you should be able to record and edit your movie on your iPhone 4 and upload to an account such as YouTube, or email to friends.
How to Shoot Video on the iPhone 4
Okay, let’s start with the basics first. Tap the camera app on the top right of the screen and once the camera has loaded switch to video mode by sliding the switch in the bottom right corner to the right.
Before you start shooting video, it’s best to keep the camera horizontal (or landscape) for a more ‘TV friendly’ movie, and make sure your image is well lit.
If you are in a dark space or filming at night, the camera’s flash will also double up as a lamp. In video-mode you will see a lightning bolt icon in the upper left corner with the three settings: Auto/on/off. Pretty self explanatory although experts suggest using the on button sparingly, especially when filming people as you may find their retinas will turn into something out of a horror flick!
Next is to focus on your subject, if it’s a sharp background with blurred foreground tap the screen in the background area, and vice-versa for foreground. For close-up interview-style footage you will need to keep on tapping until the person or object comes into focus.
Once you have your shot beautifully framed and adequately lit, press the RED record button. To stop tap the Red record button again.
To check the footage touch the video thumbnail in the corner and press play. Press the blue DONE button and either continue filming, edit your footage or publish.
How to Edit Video on the iPhone 4
The iPhone 4 also allows you to do a basic edit by dragging the slider on the filmstrip at the top of your video and selecting start and end points.
There is an iMovie app available that will allow you to carry out a more complete edit - Koerbel used the app to edit Apple of My Eye.
We shall save that tutorial for another day - and also how to use accessories such as a tripod to obtain even better results from your iPhone 4.
To upload or share your video touch the send button in the bottom left corner and you will see a menu in the Camera Roll that invites you to email video or send via MMS. If you have a MobileMe account or YouTube account you can publish immediately - if you are happy with your handiwork.
You have just shot, edited and published your first 'film' – well done!
