Upping my iPhone Videography Game

For years, I’ve been relying on my iPhone to capture B-roll footage, and honestly, it does a fantastic job straight out of the box. The video quality is impressive, but I always found myself using the default settings, which, while convenient, didn’t quite tap into the full potential of the device.

Enter the iPhone 17 Pro — with its new professional videography settings, I saw an exciting opportunity to step up my game and create iPhone videos that look closer to what I get from my Sony FX3. To do this, I invested in a few key tools to make my iPhone a proper cinematic powerhouse. I know these settings have been around for a few versions of the phone, but this time it felt like the right time to give it all a try.

First, I grabbed the Smallrig case and cage with quick-release handles. This rig gives me a much better grip and stability, which is crucial when shooting on the move or for extended periods. Its modular design means I can add accessories easily without fumbling around.

Next up, I added some magnetic filters — specifically a circular polarizer and a Variable ND filter. These filters will allow me to control reflections and manage exposure in bright conditions more effectively, so I can maintain the correct cinematic shutter speeds without overexposing the footage.

To round things out, I purchased a lightweight 2TB SSD drive that attaches right to the cage. This gives me the option to record in ProRes RAW, delivering higher-quality files for post-production flexibility that I couldn’t get before.

I’m really excited to start experimenting with these tools and dive into more professional-looking iPhone video projects. Having this setup means I now have another powerful cinematic camera in my toolkit — lightweight, versatile, and ready to roll whenever inspiration strikes.

Stay tuned for some sample footage and insights as I put this new rig to the test!