Beginner’s Guide to Using BlackMagic Camera with iPhone 15 Pro

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Have you ever dreamt of capturing cinematic-quality videos right from your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max?

Well, I’m here to tell you that with the iPhone 15 Pro and the help from BlackMagic’s stunning camera technology, that dream is now a reality.

When I first stumbled upon this powerful combo, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to elevate my video content to a professional level.

Whether you’re a budding filmmaker, a vlogger looking to up your game, or just someone who loves capturing life’s moments in the best quality possible, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with using a BlackMagic Camera alongside your iPhone 15 Pro.

Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the results are nothing short of amazing.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Overview

Woo…before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at all the topics we’ll be exploring in this guide.

Feel free to click on the links below to skip directly to any section you’re interested in:

• What’s BlackMagic Camera
• Why You Should Film By BlackMagic Camera
• Setting Up the Black Magic Camera App
• Maximizing Dynamic Range with iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
• Shooting with Apply Log
• Achieving Best Video Quality Without Overloading Storage
• Recording High-Quality Audio
• Best Free LUT for iPhone 25 Pro/Pro Max Conversion LUT
• Achieving Accurate Exposure
• Capturing Cinematic Footage
• How to Monitor while you shot
• The Must-Have Accessories For iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max

What is BlackMagic Camera

Alright, so let’s talk about the BlackMagic Camera app for the iPhone 15 Pro.

This app is like having a mini Hollywood studio right in your pocket!

Essentially, it’s a powerful tool that lets you take full control over your phone’s camera settings, just like you would with a high-end video camera.

When I first downloaded the app, I was blown away by how intuitive it was.

You can tweak settings like frame rate, resolution, and even color profiles to get those perfect shots.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to push their video quality to the next level without needing to carry around bulky equipment.

Plus, it’s super user-friendly, so you don’t have to be a tech wizard to get amazing results.

Trust me, once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Why You Should Film By BlackMagic Camera

So, why should you use the BlackMagic Camera app on your iPhone 15 Pro?

Well, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

When I first started using it, I was amazed at how it unlocked my iPhone 15 Pro’s true potential.

The app gives you so much control over your videos—things like setting the frame rate, adjusting the resolution, customize the ISO, and even using the fake color to help you get accurate exposure.

It’s like having a professional video camera but without the hassle of carrying heavy gear.

And the important part, it allows you record Apple Log without an external SSD pluged-in with a small file size.

If you’re serious about making your videos look as good as other pro-YouTuber or content creator can, this app is a must-have.

It’s perfect for everything from casual vlogging to serious filmmaking.

Trust me, once you see the difference, you’ll never want to go back to the default camera app.

Setting Up the BlackMagic Camera App

Downloading and Installing

First things first, let’s get the BlackMagic Camera app onto your iPhone 15 Pro.

Head over to the App Store and search for “BlackMagic Camera.”

Once you find it, tap the download button and wait for it to install.

It only takes a few seconds.

When I downloaded it, I was surprised at how quick and seamless the process was.

Once it’s done, tap “Open” to launch the app for the first time.

Initial Configuration

Now that you’ve got the app open, it’s time for some initial setup.

Don’t worry, it’s super easy.

The app will prompt you to grant permissions for the camera, microphone, and storage.

Just follow the on-screen instructions and allow access to all these features.

This is crucial because the app needs these permissions to function properly.

When I set mine up, it only took a couple of taps, and I was good to go.

Interface Overview

Alright, you’re in!

Let’s take a quick tour of the app’s interface.

When you first open it, you’ll see a sleek and intuitive layout.

At the top, you have a menu bar where you can access settings and additional features.

On the left side, there are options for adjusting things lens selection, frame rate, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, tint (From left to right).

At the bottom, you can find the histogram, iPhone 15 Pro storage(and the time you can shoot), and audio monitor.

And at the right hand side black bar, you will find the red record button, more camera setting.

The main part of the screen is, of course, your viewfinder.

When I first looked around, I was impressed by how user-friendly everything was, even with all the advanced features.

In the following, I will share more tips on how to set up the BlackMagic camera app to be more professional shooting.

So, next, let’s talk about how to get the max dynamic range with your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.

Maximizing Dynamic Range with iPhone 15 Pro

As Gerald Undone had done a test that shows the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max has almost 14 stop dynamic range.

But what’s the dynamic range?

Well…

Dynamic range refers to the range of brightness levels from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights that your camera can capture.

The wider the dynamic range, the more detail you can see in both dark and bright areas of your footage.

This is crucial for achieving professional-looking videos that pop with clarity and depth.

If you want to get the most out of iPhone 15 Pro in video shooting, we need to accurately configure its setting to get the best result.

So, the best action is to get the max dynamic range with the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max.

But how can we do that???

Shooting with Apple Log

First thing first, let me explain what is Apple Log if you don’t know:

What is Apple Log?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly is Apple Log?

In simple terms, it’s a special setting that allows you to capture video in a way that retains more detail in the shadows and highlights.

This gives you a lot more flexibility when you’re editing your footage later. Think of it as a way to get the most out of your camera’s capabilities, kind of like shooting in RAW format for still photos.

When I first learned about Apple Log, I was excited because it meant my videos could look even more professional with some post-production tweaks.

So here is how it looks when film in normal mode(the picture on the left), and the Apple log comparison(the picture on the right)

Configuring for Apple Log Shooting

Enabling Apple Log on the BlackMagic Camera app is straightforward.

First, open the app and click the “Setting” button on the right section.

Then, look for the settings, record section.

Tap on it, and navigate to the “Color Space” section.

Here, you’ll find an option for “Apple Log – HDR.”

Simply toggle it on.

When I enabled it for the first time, I was amazed at how easy it was to access such a powerful feature.

Achieving Best Video Quality Without Overloading Storage

Now, you may find the storage is a big problem if you are shooting video in 4K, 60 FPS with Apple log.

Your storage will be burned out within three hour video recording, particularly, when your iPhone comes with a 128G storage space.

In this case, here are the solution we can fix it:

Optimizing Resolution and Frame Rate

Higher resolutions like 4K provide stunning detail, but they also take up more space.

For most projects, 1080p is a great compromise that still looks fantastic.

When it comes to frame rates, 24fps gives you that cinematic feel, while 30fps is great for everyday smoothness.

Personally, I often use 1080p at 24fps for a good balance between quality and storage.

For the slow down clips, I will shot in 60 fps.

Here you can change the frame rate and resolution.

Shot with the HEVC (H.265) Codec

The HEVC (H.265) codec is a game-changer for those of us who want high-quality video without massive file sizes.

HEVC compresses your video files more efficiently than older codecs like H.264, giving you the same quality at nearly half the file size.

This is a huge advantage over Apple ProRes, which offers excellent quality but results in much larger files.

To configure your iPhone 15 Pro to shoot in HEVC, go to the settings menu in the BlackMagic Camera app, navigate to the “Setting” section, and “Record” tab, find the Codec selection, select HEVC as your codec.

When I switched to HEVC, I was excited to see how much space I saved without sacrificing quality.

External Storage Solutions

If you’re planning an extended shoot or just want some peace of mind, external storage solutions are your best friend.

Options like portable SSDs or lightning-enabled flash drives can give you a lot more recording time.

You can also consider cloud storage services to back up your footage on the go.

When I started using an external SSD, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders—I could shoot to my heart’s content without constantly worrying about running out of space.

The Samsung SSD is the one I am using.

I love how my T7 Shield SSD can handle any adventure I throw at it, from rainy hikes to dusty trails, thanks to its rugged design and IP65 rating.

Transferring my massive files is a breeze with the incredible read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, making it so much faster than my old drive.

Plus, I can keep all my precious memories and projects safe with storage options up to 4TB, all in a compact size that fits right in my pocket!

Recording High-Quality Audio

Now, to believe it or not, a high-quality audio will make you content great, and a bad audio will destroy your video no matter you are shooting 4K or 8K videos.

Even if the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max has a good on-board phone mic, but the quality of the recording also depends on the environment and the distance between the voice and your phone.

So, in order to get the high-quality audio on your shooting, we can:

Use an external Microphone for iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max shooting

There are plenty of options for external microphone video recording.

You can use a shotgun mic like Rode video mic pro, small lavalier mics or a Professional podcast mic like Shure SM7B as other YouTuber does.

Personally, I love using a compact external mic because it makes a world of difference in clarity and reduces background noise significantly.

The most important part, it’s compact and easy to use.

The one I am using currently is MOMA Lark M2…..

Its Hi-Fi studio-grade sound quality ensures that every word I say is captured with crystal clarity, even in noisy environments.

The important part, the instant pairing and long battery life mean I can focus on creating content without worrying about technical hassles or running out of power.

I also love that double pressing the noise-cancellation button lets me start or stop video recording.

So, when I’m capturing those spontaneous moments, I don’t have to fumble with my phone—it’s all seamless and super convenient.

This tiny mic has truly transformed the way I create content, giving me professional-quality audio without any fuss.

I absolutely love my LARK M2 wireless mic because it’s incredibly lightweight and perfect for my iPhone 15 Pro, making video recording effortless.

If you want to know more about the external mics, you may be interested in our another blog post 9 best mics for iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max.

Audio Settings in the App

Once you’ve decided on your microphone, it’s time to tweak the audio settings in the BlackMagic Camera app.

First, open the app and head over to the “Settings” menu.

Navigate to the “Audio” section.

Confirm you are using the “Wireless microphone” instead of iPhone Microphone from the “Audio Source”.

Next, you need to adjust the input levels to make sure your audio isn’t too loud (which can cause distortion) or too quiet (which can make it hard to hear).

I usually aim for my audio levels to peak around -6 dB; this gives me a little headroom to avoid clipping.

To do that, click the “Audio Monitor” on the bottom right side.

And adjust the audio gain when you talk.

Furthermore, here are some tips you can apply to record quality audio:

Practical Recording Tips

In order to record great audio, here are three tips you can take it into consideration:

Find a Quiet Environment

Try to minimize background noise as much as possible. If you’re outside, avoid busy streets and windy areas.

Use a Windscreen

If you’re shooting outdoors, a windscreen can help reduce wind noise. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.

Mind Your Mic Placement

Keep the mic as close to the sound source as possible without being in the frame. This helps capture clear and focused audio.

Recording high-quality audio can seem daunting at first, but with the right microphone, proper settings, and a few practical tips, you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your videos.

These strategies have worked wonders for me, and I’m confident they’ll help you capture fantastic audio too.

Best Free LUT for iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max Conversion LUT

Now you’ve your iPhone 15 Pro video recording, audio recording set.

You may have questions: why my footage looks so flat? How can I monitor the scene in a normal mode?

So now, you may need a quality LUT to apply it to the BlackMagic Camera app and for post-production.

In this section, I will explain you what is LUT, which one I am using recently, how to apply the LUT in BlackMagic Camera and how to use on your post-production process.

But first thing first:

What is the Best LUT?

LUT, also known as Look-Up Tables.

Think of LUTs as Instagram filters on steroids—they transform the colors in your video to create a specific look or mood.

They’re essential for converting your original flat picture to a normal one.

When I first started using LUTs, I was blown away by how they could instantly elevate my videos.

The LUT I am Using

Let me share with you the LUTs I’m currently obsessed with: Gamut LUT and Phantom LUT.

These LUTs have completely changed the game for me.

The Gamut LUT is free LUT for Apple Log, while the Phantom LUT pack cost $49 which includes 5 cinematic LUT.

Compared to the native Apple conversion LUT, Gamut LUT and Phantom LUT offer richer, more dynamic colors and better overall balance.

Gamut LUT has a way of making skin tones look natural while still boosting the vibrancy of everything else.

On the other hand, Phantom LUT is fantastic for giving your footage that cinematic, film-like quality without overdoing it.

I personally love the Gamut LUT than the Phantom LUT, because it provides a nature skin tone and not over saturated while I am filming A-Roll.

The first time I applied these LUTs, I fell in love with how much more professional my videos looked.

How to Import LUT to BlackMagic Camera App

After downloading the free Gamut LUT or your purchased Phantom LUT, AirDrop it to your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.

Open the BlackMagic Camera, on the right site of the app, click “setting”.

Then find the “LUTs” tab on the left.

And click “LUT Selection”.

Click the “Import LUT” button.

And find your LUT you just air-dropped from your Mac.

Don’t forget to open the “Display LUT” if you are filming with the Apple LOG profile.

You can also open the “Record LUT to Clip” – which I don’t highly recommend.

If you open the Record LUT to Clip mode, you will have footage not flat.

Achieving Accurate Exposure

Now, we’ve know how to shot in Apply log and what is the best conversion LUT for post-production.

In the following, we are going to explore how to achieve the accurate exposure to have better image with less noise.

Understanding Exposure

But first thing first, Let’s talk about exposure—one of the most crucial aspects of video recording.

Exposure is all about how much light your camera sensor captures, and it’s governed by three main components: ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

• ISO: This controls the camera’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO value (like 100 or 200) is best for bright conditions, while a higher ISO (like 800 or above) is good for low light. Just be careful—too high an ISO can introduce noise or grain into your footage.
• Shutter Speed: This determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A faster shutter speed (like 1/1000) is great for freezing action, while a slower shutter speed (like 1/30) allows more light in but can cause motion blur. I tend to match my shutter speed to double my frame rate for that natural motion blur—so, if I’m shooting at 24 fps, I set the shutter speed to 1/48 or as close as possible.
• Aperture: This is the size of the lens opening. A lower f-number (like f/2.8) means a larger opening and more light, which is great for low-light situations and achieving that beautiful blurry background (bokeh). Conversely, a higher f-number (like f/16) means a smaller opening and less light, which is good for keeping more of the scene in focus.

Using the App’s Tools

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into how to use the BlackMagic Camera app’s tools to get accurate exposure.

One of the best features of this app is its manual controls, which give you full control over ISO, shutter speed, and frame rate.

You can tweak the ISO, shutter speed and frame rate to get accurate exposure.

And you can use the Histogram, Zebra Stripes and fake color to guide you get the accurate exposure.

Histogram

1. Understand the Histogram: The histogram is a graphical representation of the tonal distribution in your image. The left side represents shadows, the middle tones, and the right side highlights.
   
2. Check for Clipping: Ensure that the graph doesn’t touch the edges of the histogram. If it does, it means you have either underexposed shadows or overexposed highlights, leading to loss of detail.
   
3. Balance Exposure: Adjust your exposure so that the histogram is centered without clipping. This ensures a good balance of tones.
   
4. Use Exposure Compensation: If your camera supports it, use exposure compensation to fine-tune your exposure.

Zebra Pattern

1. Enable Zebra Pattern: Turn on the Zebra feature in your camera. This overlays a striped pattern on areas of the image that are overexposed.
   
2. Adjust Exposure: Look for the Zebra pattern in the brightest areas of your scene. Adjust your exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) to reduce or eliminate the Zebra pattern, indicating correct exposure.
   

False Color

1. Activate False Color: Enable the false color display on your camera or monitor. This overlays a color on the image to indicate exposure levels.
   
2. Interpret the Colors: Typically, blue indicates underexposure, green is proper exposure, and red or magenta indicates overexposure.
   
3. Adjust Accordingly: Use the false color feedback to adjust your exposure settings. Aim for the majority of the image to be green, with minimal blue or red areas.

Accessories to Help Expose

Sometimes we will find it’s hard to get a proper expose no matter how we tweak the ISO, and shutter speed, especially in the mild day.

In this case, I will use the variable ND filter to control the light that came into my camera.

I personally use this 52MM true color VND with the ND kit as a combo.

With the ND filter, you don’t have to crank up the shutter speed, and ensure you have the motion blur.

The best part for this true color ND, it features HD-quality optical glass with true color film to produce accurate colors with no noticeable color shifting.

It save your time on the post-processing.

How to Monitor while you shot

One of the challenges I’ve faced when shooting with the iPhone 15 Pro is not being able to monitor the recording in real-time, especially when using the main camera.

This can make it tricky to ensure everything is framed correctly and looking good as you’re capturing your footage.

But don’t worry, I’ve found a couple of solutions that really help out.

Mirror Screen to a Mac

One of the easiest ways to monitor your recording is by mirroring your iPhone’s screen to a Mac.

This is super handy if you’re filming A-Roll and want to see what’s happening on a bigger screen.

Here’s how you can do it:

Pull down the tool bar on the top right of your iPhone 15 Pro, find find the screen mirror button:

Select your Mac to monitor the iPhone 15 Pro.

And this is what we can get:

Get an External Monitor

If you want to take things a step further, investing in an external monitor can make a massive difference.

External monitors are designed specifically for video work and offer additional features like focus peaking, false color, and better color accuracy.

Here is a selfie monitor screen that may help you to keep an eye on the filming.

It features a unique attachment system that allows for real-time screen sharing, enabling users to utilize their phone’s rear camera for selfies and live streams.

By mirroring your iPhone’s screen to a Mac or using an external monitor, you can easily keep an eye on your recording and make sure everything looks perfect.

The device includes a Bluetooth remote control with a 33ft range, a flexible phone holder compatible with iPhones, and a screen mirror image function to correct upside-down screens. 

These techniques have really helped me monitor my shots more effectively and capture better footage.

These are the two options that I can fix the monitoring problem now.

And I hope Apple can update the function – allowing iPhone 15 Pro screen mirroring to an iPad.

How to Capturing Cinematic Footage With the iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max

Capturing cinematic footage with your iPhone 15 Pro using the BlackMagic Camera app can be super fun and rewarding.

And here are some basic techniques I’ve found really helpful:

Shot in 24 fps.

Shooting at 24 frames per second (fps) gives your footage that classic film look.

It’s the frame rate used in most movies and adds a smooth, cinematic quality.

And if you want to slow down your clip, you can shoot in 60fps, and you can slow it down to 40% on the post-production process.

Stable Shots

Use a tripod or gimbal to keep your shots steady.

Shaky footage can take away from the professional feel.

I love using a gimbal for smooth, dynamic movements.

Lighting

Good lighting is key.

Soft, diffused lighting creates a more cinematic feel.

If you’re shooting indoors, position your lights to create depth and dimension.

Natural light during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) can work wonders too.

Frame Composition

Getting your framing right can make a huge difference in how cinematic your footage looks.

Here are some tips I follow:

Rule of Thirds: Imagine your frame is divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your subject along these lines or at their intersections. This creates a more balanced and engaging composition.

Leading Lines: Use natural lines in your scene (like roads, fences, or buildings) to lead the viewer’s eye toward your subject. This adds depth and directs attention where you want it.

Headroom and Look Room: Give your subject a bit of space above their head (headroom) and some space in the direction they are looking or moving (look room). This makes your shots feel more natural and less cramped.

Foreground Elements: Adding objects in the foreground can create a sense of depth and make your shots more interesting. I often use plants, furniture, or even a blurred hand to add layers to my composition.

The Must-Have Accessories For iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max

If you want to enhance your iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max for filmmaking, the right accessories can make a significant difference.

Something like:

The external microphone can capture clearer audio by reducing background noise.

The tripods and gimbal that allow you to shot steady clips.

The portable lights that allow you have less-noise image while the iPhone 15 Pro comes with a small sensor.

and more other stuff.

If you are interesting the things that iPhone 15 Pro filmmaker must have, I have a long blog post: 17 Must-Have iPhone 15 Pro Accessories for Content Creators

Conclusion

So, here are the everything you may want to know about filming with BlackMagic Camera app on iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max.

I would like to hear you if you have any great tips on BlackMagic Camera app.

Also, I would keep updating this post if we find any helpful tips or accessories to help me film a better cinematic look clip.

Stay in touch…