Skip to content
Coming soon to iPhone. Join the waitlist for one email at launch →

iPhone / The iPhone camera settings worth changing for video

Guide

The iPhone camera settings worth changing for video

Short answerIn Settings › Camera, choose your resolution and frame rate under Record Video, pick High Efficiency or Most Compatible under Formats, turn on Grid, and consider Lock Camera so the iPhone doesn’t switch lenses mid-clip. Exact options vary by model and iOS version.

Record Video

Settings › Camera › Record Video sets resolution (such as 1080p or 4K) and frame rate (such as 30 or 60 fps). The screen also shows roughly how much storage a minute uses on your phone. 1080p at 30 fps suits most talking videos; 4K or 60 fps suits detail and fast motion.

Formats

Settings › Camera › Formats lets you choose High Efficiency (HEVC/HEIF, smaller files) or Most Compatible (H.264/JPEG, bigger files, works almost everywhere). High Efficiency is the default for most people.

Grid and level

Turn on Grid to help with framing. Newer iOS versions also have a Level option.

Lock Camera

On iPhones with several back lenses, the Camera app may switch lenses as you zoom or move. Lock Camera (under Record Video on supported models) stops automatic switching while recording.

Preserve Settings

Settings › Camera › Preserve Settings stops the Camera app resetting your mode and options every time you open it.

Questions

Does 4K always look better?

It holds more detail, but it uses more storage and battery, and most social apps compress it. 1080p is fine for many uses.

About Music Wide Selfie

An iPhone camera app for people who film themselves, coming soon to the App Store. One email when it launches.

One email when the app is ready. Nothing else.

More guides