Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Never before has video recording been so simple or effortless. Everybody has a smartphone, which is a capable video camera, in their pocket. In fact, the use of smartphones for mobile creation has increased to the point that some people consider it to be the main function and equally crucial to communication.
Even you – yes, you – can start making fantastic videos, vlogging, or even producing an independent movie or documentary with just your smartphone with a little practise and access to a few crucial tools.
Peek At This has compiled great ideas in an effort to assist you in getting whatever it is you want in the best possible way. Even if some of the advice may seem apparent, using it all should always produce fantastic videos.
The ideal camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Verify and adjust your settings.
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Smartphones may have fewer features than more specialised video cameras, but that doesn’t imply they can only record one kind of video. Nowadays, there are a few different resolutions and frame rates available on the majority of high-end smartphones.
These options are typically found inside the primary camera app on Android devices, either hidden behind the settings gear wheel or reachable via a toggle button. But Apple has hidden these choices deep within the main settings menu. To access the Camera section, navigate to Settings, scroll down to Photos & Camera, and then fully exit the camera app.
Here is a quick summary of the three most utilised video options once you’ve located them:
- 1080p at 24 frames per second: One of the two settings for recording video that is most common is 1080p at 24 frames per second. The resolution (1920 x 1080) of a video in 1080p refers to the number of pixels that are recorded in each frame. You capture 24 frames every second when you shoot at 24 frames per second (fps). With just enough imperceptible stutter to give it a pleasing, cinematic look, that speed is just above the low end of what our brain can perceive as fluid video. (The reason why 24 frames per second is used in the majority of movies is because it strikes the right balance between fluid motion and ethereal surrealism.) Note: If you use an app like Filmic Pro that supports 24 fps, you can only film in this frame rate.
- 1080p at 30 frames per second: The other common resolution/frame rate pairing is 1080p at 30 frames per second. The difference is that your video displays more frames per second, giving the footage a more fluid appearance that is more like to how you would have perceived the scene in real life. The decision between 30 and 24 frames per second is primarily aesthetic; both should display properly wherever you post.
- 1080p at 60 frames per second: 1080p at 60 frames per second will produce a video that appears even more fluid. Additionally, that’s where we may begin discussing…
Slow motion
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Slow motion footage can be created from any video that was captured at 60 frames per second or greater (such as 120 or 240 fps). There’s a significant probability that your phone already has a feature to slow down this film for you if it shoots at 120 or 240 frames per second. For comparison, 240 frames per second is 10 times slower than normal speed whereas 120 fps is roughly five times slower.
Open the camera app on your iPhone, then scroll right on the modes listed above the shutter button until “Slo-mo” appears. (If you notice it near the edge of the app, you may also simply tap on it.) You must exit the camera app and go to the main Settings page to modify the speed there in order to change how slowly your footage is being recorded. Again, on the majority of Android phones, changing these settings within the camera app is simple.
Tap on the slow motion movie in the photo gallery or camera roll on your phone to view it. The centre eighty percent of the video on your phone will be slowed down automatically. On an iPhone video, hit the settings icon below the frame, then drag the small hash marks to the left and right to alter when the slo-mo effect begins and ends.
Bonus information: In the “Albums” section of Photos, iPhones automatically group all slow-motion videos into their own album. Instead than scrolling through all of your videos, look for them there.
How to Set Your Smartphone to Actually Shoot in Its Highest Resolution
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Cellphone cameras were once considered to be hot garbage at a long-ago time. However, modern smartphones produce amazing video. Hollywood has even produced one or two full-length movies about these topics. But you must ensure that your iPhone or Android is truly shooting at the highest resolution available if you want to make the most of that excellent video quality.
What is video resolution anyway?
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
When we discuss video resolution on smartphones, we actually mean the quantity of pixels that the video has. The more pixels your camera has, the more data it can capture. The video is 1,920 pixels wide and 1,080 pixels tall, or 1920 x 1080, in shorthand. Contrarily, 4K refers to a resolution of 3840 x 2160, or 3,840 pixels wide by 2,160 pixels high. We refer to it as 4K because 3,840 is about equal to 4,000.
Why isn’t my smartphone set to record in 4K already?
The video cameras of cellphones are frequently praised by their manufacturers. Why then would they ship them without the ability to view the full video quality?
Although there isn’t an official explanation, we can make an educated guess: 4K video uses a lot of storage space. For instance, depending on your video settings, capturing 4K video on an iPhone 12 uses between 150MB and 440MB per minute. Compare that to 1080p, which, again depending on the settings, uses between 65MB and 175MB per minute on average.
Contrarily, the Galaxy S20 can capture 8K footage at a rate of 600MB per minute. Because the file sizes are so big, Samsung separates the file into smaller chunks every 4GB. Even while 8K and 4K aren’t common, they both require more storage than 1080p. Our hunch? Smartphone manufacturers are putting their customers’ storage needs ahead of video quality because the majority will likely be satisfied with the way their 1080p recordings look.
But here’s how to make sure you’re shooting in the best quality if you don’t want to accept anything less than the best.
How to check if you’re shooting in 4K on iPhone
Look at the numbers in the corner of your screen (if you’re holding your iPhone vertically, they’ll be at the top right) to quickly determine what video quality you’re filming in.
You’ll by default view HD 30. It means 1080p at 30 frames per second. The trick? To go from HD to 4K, simply hit that icon. The frame rate can be changed in the same way; all you have to do is tap the number.
Of course, you can see all of your 4K options in the Settings app. Just head to Settings > Camera > Record Video, and choose whichever 4K option you’d like.
How to check if you’re shooting in 4K (or 8K) on Android
On Android, you can adjust the video quality directly from the Camera app, just like on iOS. While there are many different Android camera apps, you should be able to access the video quality options via a settings gear, a drop-down arrow, or an ellipsis. On the Pixel 5, for instance, you may tap the arrow on the side of the screen to change the resolution. Make sure to choose 4K rather than 1080p.
Optical image stabilization vs. digital / electronic image stabilization
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Several phones now have optical image stabilisation, including the most recent iPhones and Galaxy phones from Samsung. Why does that matter? It occurs when the camera precisely moves the camera’s optics to account for the movement of the phone using data from the phone’s gyroscope and accelerometer. Therefore, even if your hand shakes slightly or you walk while taking a picture, the phone can calculate and compensate for the movement.
Try shooting with and without digital image stabilization to judge whether you like the effect
Digital image stabilisation is a feature used by some other phones, including Google’s Pixel models. The same principle behind electronic image stabilisation, which is another name for it. To produce smoother video, the phone uses data from a variety of sensors to compensate for any undesired movements. But nothing is truly shifting to make up for it in this instance. Instead, the camera app is reducing the field of vision somewhat and simulating optical picture stabilisation with the additional pixels. This means that, like digital zoom, digital image stabilisation often degrades image quality in favour of more stable video shoots.
ideo that is more stable is generally better. To see how digital image stabilisation affects your video, try recording a similar situation both with and without it. Some smartphones, like the Pixel, excel at minimising the amount of quality loss, making the trade-off worthwhile. Others might not share your views. Additionally, some smartphones overcorrect to the point that you might not even like the stabilisation effect. (You can already use such digital stabilising in several video editing programmes.)
Editing
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
What you do with your smartphone camera is one of the most individualised parts of smartphone videography. Others want to spend hours crafting something that appears to have been filmed on a more professional camera, while some people are content with simply posting raw video to social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. It often takes a lot of trial and error to find the ideal process. Start out easy if you want to succeed.
In the built-in pictures app on your smartphone, you may perform simple video editing tasks like shortening the movie’s length or adding some simple filters. But before you can do anything more complicated, you’ll need to test out a few different video-editing programmes.
Finding the right editing app and workflow takes a lot of trial and error
Apple’s own iMovie is one of the simpler iOS apps. It includes some predefined effects and text overlay templates. However, it isn’t very flexible. Similar software may be found in GoPro’s Quik video editor, which you can use even if you don’t own a GoPro. But it can also do the editing for you automatically. Simply choose the footage you want the programme to choose from, and it will quickly produce an edited film. From there, you can go back and make changes to the edit. Although the outcomes aren’t always appealing, it takes care of some of the most annoying initial processes in video editing.
Splice, Adobe Premiere Clip, and Filmic Pro are more sophisticated solutions for editing. If you give them permission, the Photos apps from Apple and Google will likewise automatically put videos together for you, but you’ll have less control over the final output.
You’ll probably have slightly more fundamental control over your movie in the stock pictures app on Android. But if you really want to pay some money for advanced features, check out applications like Power Director or Filmic Pro.
iPhone camera: Best Camera Settings
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
The iPhone should be picked up, the camera app should be opened, and shooting should immediately begin. That will work, but there are a lot of settings and features hidden in these phones that frequently baffle even some of us experts.
I was moved to write them all down, describe them individually, and offer advice on what I believe are the ideal settings for each of my top 13.
Let’s start by assuming you’ve updated to the newest operating system, iOS 15. Open the camera app next. What you’ll see and what I suggest are as follows.
Flash. TURN IT OFF. When a smartphone flash is used in low light, it typically gives the impression that someone is being lit with a blow torch. Instead, try utilizing a friend’s camera phone’s flashlight. It is gentler.
Night Mode: ON. You won’t notice this setting during the day because it is an automatic one that only activates when it is dark. Many of us professionals use Night Mode on our pricey cameras to open the shutter for up to 30 seconds, letting in more light for snapping pictures of the night sky and other subjects. Although you can use Night Mode while holding the camera in your hand, a tripod will get the best images.
If not, Apple will only let you have about a second or two of exposure rather than the entire 30 seconds. Long shutter openings are required for better photos that are extremely dark.
Live Photos. ON. An enjoyable tool that adds a few seconds of video to your still pictures. Although you can create small loops and bounces, extended exposure is the best option. Using the long exposure technique, you may get lengthy, milky flowing water without a tripod. Simply capture the picture, then choose Long Exposure from the menu that appears above it.
Styles. MAYBE. (So yet, only on variants of the iPhone 13 Pro.) They’ll give your image a unique appearance with Rich Contrast, Vibrant, Warm, and Cool, much like a filter. I often avoid using filters in my smartphone photography since you are stuck with the result if you don’t like it later. I’d prefer process my images afterwards in an application like Lightroom. But Apple reminds me that you can remove the filters and restore the image to its original state by choosing the Edit tab in the pictures app after pressing the shutter.
Aspect ratio: 16:9, square or 4:3. 16:9 PLEASE. 16:9. You can choose between cinematic, widescreen 16:9, like on flat-screen TVs, square for Instagram, or regular 4:3, like old-fashioned TV sets. Although 16:9 is technically a crop from the 4:3 original, I prefer the wider shot since it looks better on the large, gorgeous iPhone screen. Additionally, it’s much simpler to incorporate photographs into the timeline this way as my videos are also 16:9.
Exposure control. YES. No, using an iPhone camera is not entirely automatic. Here, using the exposure slider, you can change an image’s brightness or darkness.
Timer. 10 SECONDS. Selfies are my favourite use of this menu item. When you set a timer, you have three or ten seconds to take the picture, giving you more time to arrange it perfectly without having to reach uncomfortably for the shutter release.
Added filters OFF. Beyond Styles, there are a number of Instagram-like filters available here, such as warm and vibrant, black and white, and so on. Like Styles, the good news is that these filters will return to normal when editing, so have fun. However, I still like to take my smartphone photos properly and then edit them in Lightroom.
Burst mode. Keep pressing the volume up or down button to stop action by shooting numerous consecutive images.
Shutter for Video. If you need a video right away and don’t have time to change your camera’s mode, simply move the shutter to the left and a 1080p video will be produced.
Setting for video: 4K/24. The frame rates and speeds available on the iPhone are extremely varied. Here is what I employ: 24 frames per second in 4K is excellent for a cinematic appearance. If space is limited, change to 1080p at 30 frames if you want to speed up or slow down the movie, or choose 60 frames if you don’t. Simply use Slow Motion at 1080p and 120 frames per second for slower film; it looks amazing. There is another option, but it is considerably too slow for my liking, running at 240 frames per second.
Portrait mode: The background can be beautifully blurred in portrait mode. Remember that you can choose between a wide or portrait lens, a 1x and either a 2.5 (on the 11 and 12) or a 3x (on the 13) magnification. The larger numbers always make portraits look better. There are also options for studio lighting. For the best overall, most aesthetically pleasing appearance, I always choose Studio Light, and for headshots, High Key Light Mono.
Instant camera. Don’t hold off till the camera app opens. You may go there by just clicking the camera icon on the main screen.
Bonus:
Lenses: If you have a recent iPhone, you gain access to three lenses. For large vistas, the ultra-wide (.5) is excellent because it is similar to a 12mm. The telephoto lens of the iPhone 13 measures 77mm, compared to 65mm on the iPhone 12 series, while the 1x is a typical wide angle, similar to 26mm. When most photographers have a 24-70mm as their go-to, all-purpose zoom lens for street and event photography and a 16-35mm for landscapes, think about the fact that you’re walking around with a 12-77mm lens. The iPhone lenses are incredibly adaptable despite not being as sharp as professional lenses.
Cinematic Mode: Another new function for the iPhone 13 series adds background blur to videos similar to “Portrait” mode.
Macro: The macro function, which is also an iPhone 13 unique, allows you to get far closer than ever before. Try it by closing in closely on a strawberry or another small object.
Moment iPhone 14 Starter Kit – Three Lenses
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. This set includes three of our bestselling lenses, perfect for capturing more than you ever could with your phone alone, plus everything else you would need to get started. Our phone case with mounting system for the lens and our lens pen to keep your glass squeaky clean.
Tips for Getting More From the Latest Samsung Galaxy Smartphones Camera App
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
Samsung phone camera settings – For Samsung Galaxy S21 series smartphones. The multi-camera arrangement is only one of many remarkable features of these phones. You have an even more stunning camera configuration if you spent more money on the S21 Ultra. However, the S21 or S21+ is still a really excellent smartphone.
From the camera app on your phone, you may access several of the cameras’ unique capabilities. Some must be turned on when desired, while others are turned on automatically from the beginning. Let’s look at some of the best functions of your S21 series camera app.
For better camera shots, utilize the scene optimizer. You may optimise your sceneries with the help of the Scene Optimizer function. It assists you in determining what your greatest shot is by automatically concentrating on an object, blurring away the background, altering your lighting, and other features.
It is a function of many Samsung smartphones, not only the S21 app, and it can recognise a broad variety of scenarios.
Another function that ought to be enabled automatically is this one, but in case it was unintentionally toggled off, here’s how to access it. Scene optimizer should be turned on in your camera app by opening the settings gear icon in the upper left corner.
Activate Shot Suggestions. Make sure to turn on Shot suggestions in your camera app’s settings if you want even more assistance with your images. You can use this tool to receive on-screen guidance that will help you set up a fantastic shot. Even if you’re not an expert, this, especially when used with the Scene Optimizer option, will allow you to take some truly beautiful shots.
Set tracking auto-focus to on. Turn on Tracking auto-focus in your camera app’s settings if your subject is unruly, such as a playful toddler or an animated dog. This will make it easier for your camera to maintain focus on the subject of your choice even if it moves during the shoot.
Check Out the Various Shooting Techniques. Check the Shooting techniques section of your camera app’s settings as well. You can see all the numerous ways to capture a shot by tapping this option in your settings.
Typically, you would launch your camera app and click the bottom circle button to take a picture. However, there are a few various methods you can use to snap pictures, such as:
- Pressing your volume keys to take a picture or record a video.
- Using voice commands like “Smile” or “Capture” to take a photo or “Record video” for capturing video.
- Showing your palm to the camera to take a selfie.
- Adding an extra shutter button you can move anywhere on your screen.
Take Some Shots in Night Mode. It is much simpler to take images in low light or at night thanks to improvements made to the cameras in S21 series phones. Better cameras can collect more light, which results in far clearer nighttime photographs when you use Night mode.
Open your camera app to enable Night mode and give it a try. Tap the More option where you would typically toggle between photo and video mode. When you choose the Night option, your camera app will remain open while you are in that mode.
Try Out the Single Take Feature. With only one button press, you can take a variety of images and movies thanks to the Single Take feature. Single Take will change the angle, zoom, or mode for you so you can focus on enjoying the moment you’re shooting.
Test Out Director’s View. While you’re in the middle of a shot, you can switch between different zooms thanks to the fascinating filmmaking tool called Director’s View. You can video simultaneously with your front-facing and back-facing cameras thanks to this feature.
When you want to record your response to anything or simply try to make a really cool-looking video, this is perfect.
Adjust the Video Resolution. Your camera will by default record Full HD videos at a configurable frame rate. Though your camera is capable of much more. There are three alternative methods for video capture that you might not be using: 8K at 24 fps, Ultra HD at 30 fps, or Ultra HD at 60 fps.
Although 8K is the greatest resolution that can be used for video capture, its fps, or frames per second, rate is very low. You can still record in Ultra HD at 60 frames per second, which is an excellent resolution. Try out the various video capture settings to find which one suits you the best.
Open your camera app and select “Video” from the mode drop-down menu to change between different video capture resolutions. You should notice a configuration choice that says FHD AUTO at the top. You can choose between the available video capture choices and see them when you hit here.
Save Your Settings. Open the camera app on your S21 and touch on the gear icon in the upper left corner to access the Settings to keep area of the camera settings. As you scroll down, one of the final choices should be Settings to keep.
There are three separate settings in this section that you can toggle on to remain on until you manually turn them off once more.
- Camera Mode: If you enable this setting, your camera will always remember the last mode you used it in rather than opening in Photo mode.
- Selfie Angle: By using this, you can maintain the front camera’s previous angle rather than continually returning to the default one.
- Filters: When you turn this on, all filters you’ve applied to each camera mode will be retained rather than being automatically deleted when the app is closed.
Play Around With the Zoom Features. You should know how to use the zoom features on your phone’s camera, even if you’re new to photography or believe you’ll only use it occasionally.
You will be able to quickly choose between various zooms when you launch your camera app. You’ll notice distinct leaf icons over the various camera options. The various zooms that your camera can use are controlled by these symbols.
You’ll notice a second icon in your camera app for your 10x zoom lens if you have an S21 Ultra. Visit this excellent camera instructional on YouTube for more assistance with learning how to utilise the camera on an S21 Ultra in particular.
Moment Galaxy Starter Kit – Three Lenses
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. This set includes three of our bestselling lenses, perfect for capturing more than you ever could with your phone alone, plus everything else you would need to get started. Our phone case with drop protection and a mounting system for our lenses, our lens pen to keep your glass squeaky clean, rear lens caps to keep dust out, and a wrist strap to keep your phone from dropping in the first place. Note: Set pricing is variable and will update depending on the products you select.
FAQ'S
Resolution and frame rate for videos
The greatest smartphones available right now can record 4K video at 30 frames per second, just like modern camcorders and DSLRs. With 8K recording, ultra-high-end phones reach even greater levels.
The ideal camera for many people just starting out in YouTube video production is already in your pocket: your smartphone. It’s often the least expensive choice, releasing you to start producing video right away and allowing you to invest in a strong microphone and lighting setup.
- Best Samsung – Samsung S22 Ultra.
- Best iPhone – iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Best durability – Nokia XR20.
- Best budget-friendly phone – TCL 30XL.
- Best for starting out – OnePlus Nord N200.
- Best Google phone – Google Pixel 7 pro.
- Best Huawei – Huawei P50 Pro.
- Best camera range – Xiaomi Mi Note 11 Pro.
Conclusion
Camera settings for cinematic smartphone videos: How to unlock them
It’s time to use what you now know about the ins and outs of your smartphone camera software. It’s a terrific method to preserve memories and release creative energy to take photos and movies. With any of the most recent smartphones made by Apple, Samsung, and Google, you can still capture excellent images and videos even if your skill level is nowhere close to that of a professional.
This should be enough to get you started — and if we missed anything, let us know in the comments. Once you have the basics under your belt, you can start worrying about lighting, composition, and more advanced editing techniques. Until then, enjoy shooting!
Peekatthis.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Peekatthis also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other sites.
If you found this post useful, please do consider sharing it or letting your friends know via social media. Have something to add? Please feel free to do so in the comments section below. I really appreciate it!
📌 Don’t forget to save the blog for later, pin the image below!
About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
Eager to learn more, and receive a free ebook on the Top 10 Tips For Filming With A Smartphone?
Join our weekly newsletter below featuring inspiring stories, no-budget filmmaking tips, and comprehensive equipment reviews to help you turn your film projects into reality!
