If you want the absolute highest quality video you can possibly get out of an iPhone, with the most dynamic range Apple has ever allowed, filming ProRes RAW on the iPhone 17 Pro using the Blackmagic Camera app is how to do it! This workflow unlocks image quality that genuinely starts to feel “real camera” level, as long as you understand a few important setup steps and limitations.
Before we get into the app itself, a quick note. I’ve created a set of color presets called WhoIsMatt LUTs that I use on my own projects, including log footage from the iPhone. They work great with both the Blackmagic Camera app and the Final Cut Camera app, and honestly with just about any camera that shoots log.
What You Need Before You Open the App
Before you even think about hitting record, there are two things you’ll want to have ready. One is absolutely required, and the other is technically optional, but I would strongly recommend it.
First, you need an external SSD and a way to mount it to your phone. The iPhone 17 Pro cannot record ProRes RAW to its internal storage, so an external SSD is non-negotiable.
Here are the SSDs I recommend:
Second, while not required, a gimbal or stabilizer makes a massive difference. When filming ProRes RAW, the iPhone disables all image stabilization, which means even tiny hand movements will show up in your footage. A phone gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile or Hohem iSteady can work, but personally I’ve been using an RS4 Mini with a phone mount.
iPhone Gimbals I Recommend:
One thing to keep in mind is that many phone gimbals don’t play nicely with MagSafe SSD mounts. If you’ve got an SSD hanging off the phone, it can throw off stabilization entirely. Because of that, I also recommend looking at the tiny SSDs I linked above that is small enough to work with a gimbal while still being fast enough for ProRes RAW recording.
Setting Up ProRes RAW in the Blackmagic Camera App
Once you open the Blackmagic Camera app, the first stop is the Settings menu. Under codec, you’ll see two options: ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ.
It’s tempting to think HQ must be better, but regular ProRes RAW is already a 12-bit RAW file with enormous file sizes and excellent quality. The jump to ProRes RAW HQ is not worth it for almost anyone. Unless a client explicitly demands it or you’re shooting something truly extreme, stick with regular ProRes RAW.
Next, choose your resolution. You’ll see options for 4K and Open Gate. Open Gate records in a wider 4:3 aspect ratio, but it limits you to 60 frames per second. If you want 120fps, you need to shoot in standard 4K, which is what I recommend for most situations anyway.
Then there’s color space. You can choose between Apple Log and Apple Log 2. Always use Apple Log 2. It gives you a wider color space, better flexibility in post, and still matches well with older iPhones if you’re mixing footage.
No matter what, you will need to color grade this footage. Shooting log is non-optional here, which is exactly why presets can save you a ton of time.
Choosing Where Your Files Are Saved
This step is critical, because if you miss it, you won’t be recording anything at all.
In the Settings menu, go to Media, then select “Save Clips To,” and choose Files. Make sure your external SSD is connected, then tap Browse and select the SSD from the Locations list. I recommend creating a new folder for each shoot so everything stays organized.
Once you hit Open, the Blackmagic Camera app will record all ProRes RAW files directly to that folder on the SSD.
One thing to watch out for: if you disconnect the SSD and later reopen the app, it will default to saving clips internally inside the app’s media pool. If you ever think your footage is missing, that’s usually why.
White Balance, Exposure, and Zebras
When you’re ready to film, start by setting and locking your white balance. For simplicity, use 5500K outdoors and 3200K indoors. Even though RAW gives you flexibility later, locking white balance helps keep clips consistent.
Next, enable zebras by tapping the framing icon and turning them on. For Apple Log 2, set zebras to 95 percent. If you see zebras, your highlights are clipped and you need to darken the image.
This is where things get tricky on iPhone, because exposure control works very differently compared to traditional cameras.
Why You Should Not Lock Shutter and ISO Outdoors
On normal cameras, you’d typically adjust shutter speed or ISO to control exposure. On the iPhone, that approach can actually hurt your image quality.
To achieve its maximum dynamic range, the iPhone records multiple exposures simultaneously and combines them into a single clip. This only works if shutter speed and ISO are left on auto. The moment you lock either one, the iPhone disables this feature and you lose roughly two stops of highlight detail instantly.
You can see this clearly when filming a high-contrast scene, like an interior with a bright window. With shutter and ISO on auto, you’ll retain detail outside. Lock them, and that highlight detail is gone forever, even in RAW.
The Right Way to Handle Exposure
If you’re filming indoors in a controlled studio environment, go ahead and lock shutter and ISO. Use the classic rule of shutter speed at roughly double your frame rate and keep ISO as low as possible.
If you’re filming outdoors or in high-contrast environments, leave shutter and ISO on auto and use an ND filter instead. An ND filter reduces incoming light without forcing the phone to give up its dynamic range tricks. Yes, it means giving up some manual control, and I know that’s hard to accept, but the extra dynamic range is absolutely worth it.
Once everything is dialed in, you’ll be recording some of the best video ever captured on a phone.
Final Thoughts
The Blackmagic Camera app is the best option if you want maximum dynamic range from the iPhone 17 Pro, especially when filming outdoors. If you want a simpler workflow or need to record ProRes RAW with the front-facing camera, check out my Final Cut Camera app guide as well.
And if you want faster color grading, consistent results, and a workflow that just works, I highly recommend checking out my color presets and my free Edit Videos Like a Pro guide.