As Apple proudly showcased its "Scary Fast" event, filmed entirely on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a lively debate ensued about the significance of this feat.
Did the Cupertino giant cheat on shooting the footage or not? Let's find out.
Divisive Conversation About the Use of iPhone 15 Pro Max
The announcement that the entire "Scary Fast" event was captured using the iPhone 15 Pro Max stirred both excitement and skepticism.
Some hailed it as a testament to the iPhone's camera prowess, while others dismissed it as misleading.
For instance, Jess Weather bed of The Verge says that the footage still used a myriad of accessories just to make the video good from the Pro Max's lens.
While the iPhone's camera played a starring role, a behind-the-scenes look revealed that it wasn't a solo act. The production required an array of sophisticated equipment, including drones, gimbals, dollies, industrial set lighting, and other recording accessories.
It's important to acknowledge that while the event showcased the recording quality of iPhone cameras, recreating such results at home is a different story. The professional-grade gear featured in the behind-the-scenes footage is standard for large studio productions, presenting an implicit challenge to the idea that anyone can replicate this level of quality with the latest iPhone alone.
Two Sides of the Debate
The debate has seen differing perspectives emerge. On one side, critics argue that the iPhone's performance is enhanced by the use of high-end lenses, which can extend the camera's capabilities. However, there is no indication that external lenses were employed in this case, as revealed in the behind-the-scenes footage.
Daring Fireball's John Gruber opposed the argument and praised how impressive the iPhone 15 Pro camera is. According to him, it's enough for a "high-budget commercial film shoot" since the world-class outcome does not lie.
Mastering the Set
One of the critical distinctions between the "Scary Fast" event and everyday filming lies in set control. A big-budget production enjoys the luxury of a controlled environment, allowing them to eliminate background distractions and create the desired ambiance. This level of control is challenging to achieve when filming in public spaces, where numerous uncontrolled elements are in play.
Another thing to take note of is the role of lighting which cannot be overstated in achieving exceptional results, per 9to5Mac.
Whether in studio photography or video production, lighting is the key to crafting the desired mood and visual quality. It has the potential to compensate for the limitations of a smartphone sensor, especially in low-light conditions.
Deciphering Apple's Message
The crux of the debate centers on whether Apple intends to convey that the iPhone 15 Pro Max's camera can deliver these results without additional equipment. Apple's sharing of the behind-the-scenes video is seen as an acknowledgment that such results require extra gear, similar to what one would use with Arri movie cameras.
While Apple admits to using movie-grade equipment, the underlying message appears to be, "Look, the iPhone can achieve outcomes on par with movie cameras." However, it's essential to recognize that in everyday situations, the results from the iPhone would differ significantly from those in the "Scary Fast" event, where controlled conditions and additional gear played an important role.
