Blackmagic Forum

When you are working with iPhone footage (let's say from the iPhone 6 onward) how do you keep it from falling apart as it makes its way through the python? And are there any strategies to make it better?
For instance, have you found certain Project Settings work better than others: do you change any of the settings for Frame Interpolation or Color Management or Soft Clip LUTs? Is there a color space that helps produce better results than others?

And as you work on the color timing, do you keep within certain parameters for saturation and black levels and highlights? Or do you push and pull iPhone footage just like you would any other?

Finally, when it comes time to send the footage on its way, is there a better output format than ProRes or any lessons you've learned about the best way to output the footage?

(In case you're wondering, I don't plan to steal your business, I ask because I'm hoping to transition myself to shooting mainly on iPhones—I'm really sick of schlepping 4 or 5 cases every day, plus all the loading and unloading is destroying the upholstery in my Porsche ).

Thank you,
RS

Well, the main problem is the massive compression and the limited dynamic range with the iPhone (or any other phone). You can't do anything about that. Just try to get as close to the desired look with an app like FilmicPro and forget about any major grading in Resolve. ProRes is fine for export.

If you want better grading possibilities, get a second hand BM Pocket Cine camera. It's not that much bigger…

Thanks for the advice. I've always found the footage to be pretty fragile, but at least now I know there's no secret sauce I can pour on it.

The BMPCC camera is a good idea, I've been saving my shekels for the new one…which is supposed to be out next month, right?

In such a case it's the source which dictates quality.
There is no real secret, project setting etc. It's more shooting technique, shooting condition etc. Not much meaningful what you can really do in the post.
Use better camera- this is the best pice of advice at least in my opnion

There will be a new 'pocket' camera, but it'll be more like a average still camera in size. If you want something really small, grab an old pocket cinema camera from the second-hand market while they last. With a S-16mm lens they can be tiny.