The iPhone 16 Pro's ProRes and Log Video Features Explained

The iPhone 16 Pro, continuing the trend set by the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, is packed with an impressive camera system that includes ProRes video recording in a Log color profile. While these terms may sound technical, they represent significant improvements in video quality. ProRes is a high-quality video codec developed by Apple in 2007, commonly used in professional filmmaking. It captures more data, leading to sharper, more detailed video than standard formats. Log, on the other hand, is a color profile that preserves image details in both shadows and highlights, giving creators greater flexibility in post-production editing, particularly in color grading.

To enable ProRes and Log video on the iPhone 16 Pro, users need to navigate to the Settings app, then Camera, and choose the Formats option under Video Capture. Here, they can toggle ProRes on and select between HDR, SDR, or Log settings. Notably, ProRes can be turned on or off within the Camera app, but switching between Log and HDR requires accessing the Settings menu. For shooting in 4K at 60 fps, an external SSD drive connected via USB-C is necessary.

Log footage appears flat and low-contrast straight out of the camera, which is intentional, as it allows for more extensive color adjustments in post-production using software like DaVinci Resolve. While iPhones do not yet offer built-in color grading tools for Log video, users can edit on more advanced devices using professional software. DaVinci Resolve, for example, is free and highly regarded for its robust color grading capabilities.

For casual users, ProRes and Log may be overkill. They require time-consuming post-production work, and file sizes are considerably larger than standard video formats. However, for content creators looking to push the boundaries of their mobile filmmaking, these features offer the ultimate in flexibility, allowing iPhone 16 Pro footage to rival that of high-end professional cameras.