18. How We Got iPhone 15 to Look Like an 8K Cinema Camera

What is a cinema camera? In terms of specifications, most professionals shoot ProRes 4K in 10bit log to an SSD. Since iPhone 15 now now has those specs, I wonder how far the iPhone 15 can go simply treating it like any other ProRes 10bit cinema camera? With the right talent, the right equipment, and the right software, we think we can inch smartphones a little closer to the cinematic arena. If you want to be a filmmaker, shooting a movie on an iPhone should not be your end goal - but if a smartphone is all you have access to, it’s a great place to start. One of the best aspects of democratization is that it enables individuals who lack resources to access higher-quality tools. In this episode, we compare the iPhone 15 cinema mode to the RED Monstro by rigging out the iPhone as a cinema camera and using an A.I. post-production pipeline to get the image looking as close as possible (hint: you might be more impressed than you’d like to be by the results.)
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00:00 Intro
00:42 Can AI Improve the Quality of Video Images?
01:05 The Importance of the iPhone 15
2:54 Building out an iPhone as a Cinema Camera
5:23 Bringing a Professional Cinematographer In
6:17 Using AI to Solve the Flaws of the iPhone 15
7:13 Blace AI Depth Scanning
7:47 The Test: Matching the iPhone 15 to the Monstro
9:21 Testing a Rack Focus
10:48 iPhone’s in Camera Spatial Matting vs Our Post Processing
11:05 Why Put ProRes in an iPhone?
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#ai #depthoffield #cinematographer #directorofphotography #dop #dp #prores #iphone15 #log #colorprofile #RED #redcinema #redmonstro #fstop #postprocessing #8k #4k #postproductionworkflow #postproduction #cinema #rigging #oconnor #colorist #editing #videography #cinematic #blur #workflow #strada #filmmaker #filmmaking #learnfilmmaking #behindthescenes #bts #onset #filmeducation
iPhone Cinematography by Shannon Stutenroth
Edited by Andrea Otto
BTS Video by Lorelei Rubik
Color by Nick Lareau

[@Deckardrick007]

Crazy how films prior to 1990's had way less tech yet they reign supreme in cinema history.

[@Stevexupen]

0:00 a smooth sea will never create a skilled sailor.

[@jungleboy1]

yep, even rewatching stuff in 4k without cgi and using practical effects and models they still look absolutely stunning and believeable.

[@stevemuzak8526]

There is a reason why Christopher Nolan still shots on film.

[@brandonw1604]

Because “we can fix it in post” wasn’t a thing.

[@bradical6019]

shooting in film beats digital.

[@AnthonyHadleyJr]

Yeah, you’re going to be at 100K minimum before the end of 2024. This is some of the best filmmaking content (subject matter, polish, production quality, information) I’ve EVER seen on KZbin.

[@Strada-Tech]

That is the nicest thing ever. Anthony, email us at support [at] stared [dot] tech and send your address and I'll send you something special

[@Ok-lu8gx]

ok

[@GODlikeTeaching]

@@Strada-Techthank you profesor, you are gold, keep up the good work 💪, wish you all the best

[@moieme19]

Agreed. Really clean and professional looking

[@Pouncer_Fox]

No joke. This video alone is so good, I just subbed.

[@DLogan55]

So basically you can do it with an iPhone but you need everything in the kitchen to make it work😂

[@markmecla8839]

Most or all of the cinematic or profesional movies are created this way

[@rizzo-films]

Yeah a cinema camera is basically just a brain. It needs a whole production and post production crew to get a really high end, cinematic look (not to mention an extrmely expensive lens. Some cost as much as a new car). But you need a good sensor and image processor in the first place, so the iphone is still impressive.

[@openrelationships]

Except the kitchen sink

[@stereodan7180]

This is how apple put their sample images and videos on their website. Yes, it took on Iphone BUT not as a single tool 😂

[@framedbyaustin]

I work for an agency that has a ton of 9:16 content for our client social media accounts. Because of that, I started shooting on the iPhone 15 Pro Max because I was feeling so tired at the end of the day with my vertical mounts and heavy rigs, it made no sense. I've been having a PHENOMENAL time using the Blackmagic App recording to an SSD that I have in a MagSafe wallet so it's all contained easily. It's in a PolarPro case where I can use all my ND and polarizer filters. The stabilization in the Blackmagic App, is almost good enough to keep the gimbal at home depending on your camera moves. An added benefit of using a depth map would completely change the game once again. What I'm doing now, no one can tell it's an iPhone. Using Strada in the future and utilizing depth maps....well come on! A dream!

[@Mr_Kenneth]

100% agree. My productivity has gone through the roof

[@ChaseCollective]

Can you elaborate on the SSD in a Magsafe wallet?

[@JKP836]

@@ChaseCollective You put a SSD in the wallet, so it's attached to the iPhone. Think something of a Samsung T7 that could fit the Magsafe wallet.

[@joecampo1770]

Cheers to some of your points about camera accessibility and enabling people to have a tool to learn on. Also your reference to the Sony PD 150 and all the cameras in that space. Crazy to think an iPhone has so much more resolution that magically Sony back in the day.😂

[@AnthonyD42]

At first I wondered why this video is so staggeringly better than any other content I've seen on KZbin. It's as if an actual filmmaker and not a content creator was making it. I thought I recognized the face and then I realized it's Michael Cioni and his team. It IS an actual filmmaker using filmmaking techniques and not KZbin tropes to tell his story. I've had the pleasure of meeting Michael and his team at the Los Angeles Final Cut Pro user group and Cine Gear. Great, talented, smart people pushing the industry forward to a future it didn't know it needed. Thank you Michael and team not just for this channel but all you guys are doing. Now if you could just reimagine the slate for the 21st century...

[@Michael_Cioni]

a 21st century plan for TC (slates) is on our list:-)

[@Ok-lu8gx]

ok

[@dreden2000]

Hop off his meat bro 😂😂😂

[@mustaphography]

Instant favorite! Hands down my new favorite channel. I'm diving in your channel and watching all your current masterpieces and can't wait for future cinema grade videos. I was trying to analyze your lighting, BEST THING I HAVE SEEN IN MY LIFE ON KZbin! Keep creating, your art is exceptional! ♥

[@EditedByMico]

I think the best part of this video is how you articulate your voice and how candid you switch from subject to subject. Your speaking is seamless and enjoyable to listen to. This is very well made.

[@Michael_Cioni]

Wow! Thanks for saying that! Check out some of the other episodes - there's a BIG story going on here - like a mini-series - that can shed light on lots of areas I think creates and entrepreneurs can leverage.

[@anshuj969]

I love this perspective. It's not about replacing an established technology or tool, its about being able to unlock the ability to do more with something less. Thank you for being one of the few who thinks this way instead of just constantly comparing and being negative. I hope y'all get super big cause this production quality and overall video is amazing...Goodluck!!

[@RobSemillia]

ye but you know, something less could also be to not do all of this stuff showcased in the video, but instead just buy a used zv-e10 for 250$ and probably take another 800$ to buy some lenses, a gimbal and a monitor. You will be much more cheap then an iphone 15 pro, and it will you 100000x better results instead. I dont really see the point this video wants to set, if you take everyhting you can, get vfx artists, use AI and stuff, then you can also make an iphone 11 look cinematic if you know what i mean

[@TheTimski72]

Wow, that was an amazing video! I loved how it provided us with so many valuable lessons. It really gave us a great insight into how cinematographers think and work.

[@AkameFPS_]

have been watching your tutorials for a project I have in school. I do have the 15 pro max, and now I think it's gonna look MUCH better than it was supposed to thanks to your blackmagic camera settings. Thank you so much for your work man. Your channel is going to blow up this year any time

[@DrewElia]

im sorry the fact that you're only at 6.92 k subs right now is mind blowing. i subbed, hope to also see you sky rocket upwards!

[@Michael_Cioni]

Haha. That's great! I've been working in movies for 20 years, but I'm brand new to KZbin so we're doing our best to figure this out. Your encouragement is welcomed - but so is your feedback. Open to ideas so we can make our channel even better! next Tuesday has an episode you won't forget:-)

[@harrison1019]

I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW AMAZING THIS VIDEO IS! Great work

[@tonyantoine5823]

Most of this went way over my head but I love being inspired as a photographer. Thanks for giving us the breakdown that will lead to possibilities!

[@bentravis99]

Wow, it's so great to have the input of professionals on topics like this. Great video, very inspiring! Thank you. Subscribed!

[@atlantamedia9541]

Just wow. Thank you for the eyegasm and the knowledge. You have a new happy sub.

[@wenta24]

dude what an incredibly researched, informative, enjoyable, well produced and interesting video!!!!

[@Strada-Tech]

Thanks for the compliment! Check out Episode 23 and 24! If you liked EP18 you'll love the episodes!

[@demonhogo]

This was excellent. Hope to see you guys around town!

[@andrewbrilliant7591]

Incredible work, best channel on KZbin right now for filmmaking.

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

amazing video. Well done sir

[@mrbrakelol]

Really good video thank you

[@astaga1700]

i love your optimism🙌 I think that's what we should do as a creatives; to utilize every tool creatively.

[@CrisBlyth]

Good stuff Michael ! nice to see ya again..

[@robertjackson8790]

Supremely done! It’s quite evident that you spent a lot of time and effort in preparing this video. The research is evident in the quality of this video. Keep up the great content this channel is great! It has inspired,hope in me as a new videographer. And kudos on the imagination and innovation you guys have.

[@neloukeramati]

I am so unimaginably excited by this technology and the fact that I can minimize the size of my gear and create with my iPhone. Thank you so much!

[@ChristianChavez3]

Truly inspiring. I’ve been stubborn on creating more content instead of my Canon R5 and after watching this I’m adding things to the cart and brain storming ideas to capture with my 15 pro max!

[@judichristopher4604]

5:40 Be Still My Heart... I knew this day would come. After waiting since 2008.... (using the iPhone 4) for "B" roll... NOW... WE CAN and WILL... make a movie with APPLY iPhone... Holy Moley.... I am so EXCITED.

[@TylerTheDrake]

Wow, this is incredible, thank you!

[@wxlkerkkkk4]

BROOOS, THIS THING IS MINDBLOWING!!!!! it's too awesome!!!!!!

[@ProszTube]

Excellent video! great work mate...

[@mlykke]

This is absolutely amazing! The results are incredible and the knowledge and insight into how to achieve these kind of results is insane! Instant subscribe.

[@koccheeconcepts]

Bro thanks for this information!

[@GabrielBhappy]

Such a good video! Thanks for the informed perspective. you being so optimistic AND inclusive is refreshing! Just subscribed 😃

[@sachi7x]

This is gold info!

[@lseul8812]

Phenomenal work here, great test and great configurations. One of those rare times you look at the sub count and are left blown away at the production value and content, Totally thought you had a millions subs

[@wearetrackclub]

This video is so valuable! Super well put together and knowledgeable. Keep inspiring! 🔥

[@unquestionabletv]

Amazing work on these videos. Your channel is going to blow up this year. Mark my words. The quality, thoughtfulness, and depth is unreal. And nice pitch ;)

[@VRainier]

Truly, it's impressive what can be achieved with technology nowadays, and your video showcases it in a spectacular way. Congratulations on the highly professional, inspiring and well-executed content; you've gained a new subscriber.

[@nathanreygold]

This is so well explained! I'm inspired. I appreciate what you mentioned about resource accessibility! 🙌

[@Strada-Tech]

Thanks Nathan! Check out EP 11 - the comments and feedback from that is what actually inspired THIS episode to be made!

[@geargeekpdx3566]

Brilliant work.

[@-441-]

This was incredible.

[@paulidevoss7249]

Great overview you have a talent for communicating complex ideas 👏

[@bluetran1]

Very impressive, incredible work

[@RaphaContent]

This video is on another level of content creation, just incredible!!!🔥

[@DIRECTEDBYH]

wow great work!

[@buzzeny3890]

Great work

[@VicenteXimenez]

This is amazing. I came here from your interview in Office Hours Global. Great stuff

[@readingbetweentheframes]

Love this. Thank you so much.

[@jp.audiovisual]

Its been a while since i sat down an PAYED ATTENTION the whole video, perfect to the last detail, subbed right away

[@Thaddeuspryor]

This is STRADA content is spectacular......good good..... Very good work Mike!! Keep going year killing it. Everything is so good.....every aspect of a video presentation....information, audio , video.....just flat out great.

[@Michael_Cioni]

Wow! Thanks, Thaddeus! Glad you could check it out. Episode 13 is my personal favorite:-)

[@MikeFloresTattoo]

Amazing video!!!!

[@veeralgohil9952]

dude this video is AWESOME! nicely done!

[@Michael_Cioni]

Thank you! Check out Episodes 23 and 24 and 25! If you liked this episode, we did some crazy tests for those episodes!

[@elimoto8157]

This is just such a great insight to the vast and creative world of cinematography, through the lens of a personal, internet communications device. I personally use the iPhone for the run and gun social media content, but this just opens doors to a budget friendly option for neofilmakers.

[@ronbackal]

There are many things I’d like to say. First, depth of field is the only thing I like about small sensors - actually when shooting with fX3 I try to shoot with closer aperture if possible . I think that’s a very interesting experiment . Of course, we are talking in the video about more than 10,000 dollars of equipment , which means that in reality you could buy a camera and lens and make it with more ease , but the proof of concept is very nice :-)

[@giuxliet]

phenomenal video

[@Faux.P]

I definitely knew everything you were saying and everything you talked about. The depth was cinema pro 50k and the res was monstro focus like seriously so AI.. & the nucleus in the tripod with that beast grip and SD Bluetooth plugin all with the new 4D USB-XY cord, great stuff right there.. 😂🤣 No but seriously, I can see a lot of work was put in like wow, y’all did awesome👏 Even tho the only techy things I do are with digital art and whatnot, I subscribed bc this was amazing!

[@OskArt]

Wow that’s genius ! I watch a lot of cinematography content and do my own videos , and this was extremely interesting yet innovative to see . Thanks for that

[@gulzaibjaved3425]

THIS. SHOULD. BE. ON. NETFLIX.

[@TerraDiASMR]

This video is so professionally done. So captivating. Definitely deserves more recognition

[@Strada-Tech]

Thank you Terra! We only started this a few months ago. I've been making films for many years, but never tried to tell stories on KZbin. New experience for me and excited to help improve the creative process! Suggestions and advice are most welcome from successes like you!

[@carljuztine3328]

this video is crazy good, I thought there is no channel that would produce this quality of a video. I hope you guys do it every year a new model comes out (leaks says apple is including a bigger sensor, a 14 bit converter, and more for better videos)

[@whydoyouwork]

And this is a brilliant take BTW! Really well done 🤘🏻🧠🤘🏻

[@zaptutos288]

notifications on and subscribed wow!!! where was this channel ??? I love and enjoy your contents, pretty sure this channel is going to blow up on every social. I truly appreciate all the outstanding efforts you put in making this video. can't wait to see more. best channel ever man! much love from Haiti

[@dandreballard1695]

Lot of info to implement

[@CaPTaiN_N3M00]

Man,wow.. amazing content. Keep doing.

[@nshabeer99]

Witness the beginning of a great youtube channel!!

[@carljuztine3328]

I wish KZbin had better algo, I was obsessed w watching these kind of vids a month ago!

[@jamiesundays2]

This is insane man love it

[@thinkertobi]

Subbed..amazing content ❤

[@priyambera10]

I was shocked to see that this channel has 8.25k subscribers. With this kind of production quality you should have much more than a millon followers....I wish you the best for your journey 😊....And thank you 😊

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

Such an informative and well explained post! wow! Excited to have all these technological options! We came along way baby! ;) Subscribed! 👏

[@Bernatchly]

Okay, wow. It's not often I actually get so intrigued and riveted by a video about something like this, but this was honestly fascinating. I've played around a lot with my 14 Pro's cinema mode and always thought it really remarkable what it's able to do in just software in combo with the LiDAR, so I was quite curious about this video. Admittedly I was not expecting such a well polished, well explained, and wonderfully put together video with excellent samples to showcase. Bra-frikkin-vo! (except now I wish i had a 15 pro for USB-C, hah!) Kudos from a 20+ year industry vet in camera dept! It also gave me a huge smile when mentioning the PD150; I've similar memories of shooting maaany things on that camera in college! 😄

[@Strada-Tech]

Thanks for saying that. More to come!

[@AlFayaz]

Lot of new things i just learned, ❤️❤️

[@mymeditation4199]

brilliant presentation!

[@kraftthecreator]

this is beautiful

[@vegasrenie]

This is fun and challenging for those of us who are merely hobbyists! Great info!

[@kevinreyesphotography]

I didn't expect this amazing of a production for someone with only 2.97k subscribers! Your storytelling/narration skills are killer. Keep up the great work!

[@Strada-Tech]

Thanks. Been a filmmaker for 20 years and worked one over 150 feature films, but I’m new to KZbin so any advice on how to do this here is welcome!

[@delicioussidequest]

This video is awesome!

[@jonahlevine]

Wow holy production value, this is wild man!

[@TheStudio_70]

Damn you for making me push that subscribe button and twisting my arm until i hit all notifications! Good stuff and I’m glad i found this channel.

[@Michael_Cioni]

Hahaha. Well, FWIW, it means a lot. I'm new to KZbin but been working on movies for a long time, so I'm glad you found value. Let me know what else you'd like to see and learn!

[@nicklucashomes]

Just amazing.

[@designforlife704]

Great video, subbed

[@btc175]

Amazing video.

[@JonasStuart]

Excellent video. I subbed. Looking forward to more content like this, really nicely done.

[@Strada-Tech]

Thanks Jonas! Check out other EPs as there are some really fun ones! There's some great startup stories, but my favorite block is 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. The thru-line in there is beefy and deep. Thanks for the sub:)

[@Hisamudheen]

Great Work mate.. Keep it up! you deserve more subs..

[@Michael_Cioni]

So kind! Thank you! I've been working on movies for a long time, but new to KZbin. Any feedback to make our channel better is appreciated!

[@KimDiazStudio]

I really enjoyed this! keep on making contents like this. You will blow up sooner than you expect! thank you!

[@polardiscoball]

you can't beat computational photography

[@MHBTeleVision]

This amazing

[@buddacup8026]

i am amazed you arent at anything less than 100k. this video was easily a 10/10

[@RamzinDj]

Great staff yooo

[@jackofearth]

Yeah that was good. Good energy and delivery and it just stirs the excitement of human potential! I’m not even in filmmaking and now I want to be. Haha thanks!!!

[@heyitsjoshd]

Great storytelling.

[@samozoani]

Strada, So much in-depth research, information, and a rich knowledge of photography. This is a well-researched content. It's almost like a movie videography class. Why would someone go this length in creating a KZbin content instead of rehashing what we all already know? Instead, he went the extra mile just so he could give us a trailer load of value. Is there a way I could give this video 10 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟?

[@Michael_Cioni]

Wow. Thanks for sharing that! I’m so glad you found value here. I’m new to KZbin but have been making movies for a long time. Or I’m trying to take my experience and build a new tool called Strada to help everyone with the most advanced (easy) workflow. Thanks for the comment!

[@aidandimness8256]

It is incredible that a small Sony Tam sensor is competing with a sensor as large as the RED

[@Muhammed.Yaseen]

WOW!!!!!!! Incredible video! Amazing channel. The quality is just... wow. For me to remember when I'm still subbed when y'all are at millions of subscribers.. I have subscribed at 2.9K subscribers.

[@midnightvoids]

this is incredible!

[@allensebastian4378]

Goosebumps.

[@isarayyanmd]

Thank you.

[@PrimeAtl]

Wow this is so cool!

[@wetali91]

Subscribed after this video

[@DonJames_]

Sheesh that's awesome

[@mrbrubbs10]

Being a music producer this video took a fighter jet soaring miles above my head!!!!lolol but I actually learned a lot about using my phone to shoot video...great job!