The iPhone 15 Pro’s ProRes video recording capability marks a significant advancement in mobile videography, offering unparalleled quality that rivals professional camera systems. However, this high-quality video format also demands substantial storage space, which can quickly deplete the internal storage of your device. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to record ProRes video directly to an external drive, thereby circumventing storage limitations and facilitating a more efficient workflow.
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What is ProRes Video?
ProRes is a high-quality video codec developed by Apple Inc. for use in post-production and editing. It’s designed to maintain the highest quality video data while providing efficient encoding and decoding. Unlike other compressed video formats that sacrifice quality for file size, ProRes strikes a balance, offering both high quality and manageable file sizes. This makes it a go-to choice for professionals who need to edit and manipulate video without losing the nuances of color, light, and detail.
Now, why should you care about ProRes, especially if you’re using an iPhone? Well, with the introduction of ProRes video recording in some of the latest iPhone models, you can now capture cinema-grade footage right from your pocket. This is a game-changer for filmmakers, content creators, or anyone serious about video quality. You get the flexibility of post-production editing without the need for bulky, expensive camera equipment. So, next time you’re shooting a video on your iPhone, remember that ProRes is your ticket to Hollywood-level quality.
How to Record ProRes Video to an External Drive on iPhone 15 Pro
Enable ProRes Video Recording
If you’re looking to harness the full potential of your iPhone 15 Pro’s videography capabilities, enabling ProRes video recording is a critical step. This high-quality video codec offers unparalleled clarity and detail, making it an essential feature for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.
However, activating ProRes is not as straightforward as toggling a switch in your camera settings. In this section, we will provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to enable ProRes video recording on your iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring that you can capture footage at the highest quality possible.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap Camera.
- In the top section of options, tap Formats.
- Scroll down until you reach the Video Capture section.
- Tap the toggle next to Apple ProRes to the On position.
- Tap ProRes Encoding.
- Select one of the following options:
- HDR
- SDR
- Log – Log is a video format that retains more information in the file, providing additional flexibility when editing color and making adjustments after the video is captured.
- Tap the < Formats button in the top left corner to save your changes.
- Make any other changes to the settings for the Camera app.
- Close the Settings app.
Record ProRes Video on iPhone 15 Pro
With ProRes Video enabled in the Settings app, you’ll be able to proceed with recording ProRes Video to an External Drive on the iPhone 15 Pro. This high-fidelity video codec offers unparalleled quality, making it an essential tool for serious filmmakers, content creators, and even hobbyists who demand the best.
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Switch to Video mode using the slider above the Shutter button.
- In the top left corner, tap the crossed-out ProRes HDR button.
- Plug your external drive into your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max using a USB-C cable.
- To change the video resolution, tap the HD button in the top right corner.
- To change the frame rate (fps), tap the 30 button to switch between the following options:
- 24
- 30
- 60
- Start recording!
Notes About Recording ProRes Video
There are a few things to be aware if before you can start recording ProRes video to an external drive on an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. For The first of which is that you won’t be able to actually record in 4K resolution at up to 60fps on the latest Pro iPhone models unless you are connected to an external storage device. If you try to record ProRes video otherwise, you’ll only see 24 or 30 when recording in 4K.
Something else that you’ll need to be aware of if you’re recording ProRes video to an external drive is that you’ll need an appropriate cable. This means that you’ll need a USB-3 cable that includes transfer speeds of at least 10Gbps. Unfortunately, the USB-C charging cable that Apple includes in the box does not meet these requirements.
Additionally, the storage device that you’re recording to needs to include write speeds of at least 220MB per second. Otherwise, when you go back to review the footage that you recorded, it will be choppy and you will likely be disappointed. Speaking of disappointment, Apple does not even let you know whether the connected cable or device will support 4K/60fps recording, so you’ll need to make sure you’re using the correct equipment before heading out to record ProRes footage.
Best Cables and External Drives for iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro is a powerhouse of features, especially when it comes to its ProRes video capabilities and high-resolution photography. However, these advanced functionalities often require robust storage solutions and reliable data transfer methods.
We’ve rounded up some of the best cables and external drives that are compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro, ensuring that you can fully leverage the device’s capabilities without any hindrance. Whether you’re a professional videographer or someone who simply values optimal performance, the right accessories can make all the difference. Read on to discover your best options.
Best Cables for Recording Video to External Drive
- Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (1m):Â Featuring a black braided design that coils without tangling, this 1-meter cable supports Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB 4 data transfer up to 40Gb/s, USB 3 data transfer up to 10Gb/s, DisplayPort video output (HBR3), and charging up to 100W.
- Anker USB-C to USB-C Thunderbolt 4 100W Cable (2.3 ft):Â This USB C to USB C cable allows you to transfer music, movies, or even entire seasons of TV shows in mere seconds, thanks to its impressive 40 Gbps speed. This USB C to USB C cable is designed to be compatible with all USB-C devices, making it an indispensable tool for all your tech needs.
- Spigen ArcWire USB 4 Cable (2.6 ft): Transfers 5GB file in a second. Up to 40Gbps data transfer speed lets you transfer movies, videos, music, and pictures in a second. Be aware that it is applicable for devices that support 40Gbps. Charge anything from phones to laptops with up to 100W(20V/5A) power delivery charging.
- uni USB C to USB C USB4 Monitor Cable (3 ft):Â chieves a high data transfer rate UP to 40Gbps / 5000MB/s and a full Thunderbolt 3 function. Plug and Play, 10GB of files transfer just in the blink, breaking the boundaries of data transmission and entering a new era of USB4 (4X Faster than USB-C Gen 2). Supports USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4 hosts and devices.
- Plugable Passive USB4 EPR cable (3.3 ft): Incredibly fast 40Gbps data transfer speeds and support for two 4K screens or one 8K screen is just the start. With Extended Power Range (EPR), this cable is built with the future in mind and can deliver up to 240W. And because it’s USB-IF Certified at 40Gbps, it’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 devices and docks – and that’s true for USB4, and USB-C, too.
- Fasgear Short USB 4 Cable (6-inch):Â Supports data transfer up to a staggering speed of 40 Gbps. You can transfer your favorite movies, music, and entire TV shows in seconds without waiting for time. Meanwhile, the graphene shielding layer covers the whole cable, which brings a great amount of flexibility and reduces signal interference.
Best External Drives for iPhone 15 Pro
- Samsung T7 Shield (1TB/2TB/4TB):Â Tough, fast, and compact, the rugged PSSD T7 Shield is built to endure with the space to create thanks to an IP65 rating for Dust and Water resistance, High-tech rubber exterior controls heat to maintain steady performance. Reaches transfer speeds of up to 1050/1000MB/s.
- Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD (1TB/2TB/4TB):Â With read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s, the Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD is powerful enough for editing directly from the drive and has high sustained performance of 975MB/s writes throughout the drive’s capacity. The X9 Pro also features an IP55 water and dust resistance rating, while being drop-proof up to 7.5-feet.
- Kingston XS2000 High Performance Portable SSD (500GB/1TB/2TB/4TB):Â – Industry-leading read/write speeds up to 2,000MB/s. Requires compatible devices to reach USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 USB-C Performance. Tested to be water resistant, dust resistant and shockproof with an included rubber sleeve.
- Crucial X8 Portable SSD (1TB/2TB/4TB):Â Beautiful and durable design, featuring an anodized aluminum unibody core. Drop proof up to 7.5 feet. Extreme-temperature, shock, and vibration proof. Incredible performance with read speeds up to 1050 MB/s.
- Samsung T9 Portable SSD (1TB/2TB/4TB): Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators. Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes. When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool.
Conclusion
In summary, the ability to record ProRes video directly to an external drive with the iPhone 15 Pro is a pivotal feature for professionals and serious videographers. This process not only alleviates storage constraints but also streamlines the post-production workflow.
By following the steps outlined in this article, users can maximize the utility of their device’s advanced video recording capabilities. The integration of an external drive essentially expands the horizons of what is achievable with mobile videography, setting a new standard for quality and convenience.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
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