- Download to your computer for full-quality recordings: After creating a couple fun iMovie projects I shared them via email. When viewing them in my Sent box I thought the quality was rather lackluster, even though I had exported them to the Camera Roll at 720p. It turns out that when you send a video via email or upload it to an online service, it creates a copy with reduced resolution and quality so you get a reasonable file size. If you want to save, email, or upload one at full-quality, you should connect your iPhone to your computer and download the movie using iPhoto, Aperture or Image Capture. This will give you the full 720p version, which looks far superior to the copies I emailed.
- Avoid backlighting: In most situations the camera quality is quite good for a phone, but if you shoot something with much backlight the result is not pretty. The dynamic range (ability to sense extreme light and dark without making them come out pure white or black) is not great. Since there are no controls for exposure/brightness, do whatever you can do avoid backlighting or extreme front lighting on a dark backdrop.
It doesn't take much contrast to get a blown out image.
- Don’t move from light to dark in the same continuous recording: If you quickly transition from a very dark scene to a very light one, the automatic brightness adjustment is pretty jarring.
- Avoid refocusing while recording: The iPhone 4 will focus wherever you tap on the screen. This gives you greater creative control, but the focus occurs rather suddenly. It’s also very easy for the tap to cause a noticeable bump in your footage. Consequently it’s best to focus ahead of time and avoid focusing in the middle of a shot.
- Use an alternative tripod: Sure, there’s no tripod mount, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a steady shot. Set your iPhone on a table leaning against a steady object. Lay down with your elbows on the floor. Lean your body against a wall. Or use come up with your own strategy – whatever you have to do to keep the camera steady for a long continuous shot.
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