How to Get Depth of Field on iPhone Video
In the world of mobile photography, achieving a shallow depth of field, often referred to as the “bokeh” effect, has become increasingly popular. This effect, where the subject is in sharp focus while the background is blurred, adds a professional touch to videos and photos. While smartphones have traditionally struggled to replicate this effect, the latest iPhone models have made significant advancements. Here’s a guide on how to get depth of field on iPhone video.
Understanding Depth of Field
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s important to understand what depth of field is. Depth of field refers to the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image or video. A shallow depth of field means that only a small portion of the scene is in focus, creating a bokeh effect. This effect is achieved by using a wide aperture, which allows more light to enter the camera and results in a smaller depth of field.
Using the iPhone’s Portrait Mode
The iPhone’s Portrait mode is a great tool for achieving depth of field in videos. To use this mode, follow these steps:
1. Open the Camera app and switch to Video mode.
2. Tap the “Portrait” button at the top of the screen to enable the mode.
3. Frame your subject and ensure they are in the center of the frame.
4. Press the record button to start filming.
The iPhone will automatically adjust the focus and exposure to create a shallow depth of field. Make sure to experiment with different distances between the camera and the subject to find the perfect depth of field for your video.
Adjusting Aperture Settings
For more control over the depth of field, you can adjust the aperture settings manually. Here’s how:
1. Open the Camera app and switch to Video mode.
2. Tap the “Settings” button at the top right corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap “Aperture.”
4. Use the slider to adjust the aperture size. A smaller number indicates a wider aperture, which creates a shallower depth of field.
Keep in mind that adjusting the aperture settings may affect the exposure and lighting of your video. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance.
Using the iPhone’s Depth Control Feature
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro models come with a Depth Control feature that allows you to adjust the depth of field after filming. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the Photos app and select the video you want to edit.
2. Tap the “Edit” button at the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap the “Depth” button in the bottom toolbar.
4. Use the slider to adjust the depth of field. Dragging the slider to the left increases the depth of field, while dragging it to the right decreases it.
This feature is particularly useful for correcting mistakes or fine-tuning the depth of field in your video.
Conclusion
Achieving depth of field on iPhone video has become more accessible than ever. By using the Portrait mode, adjusting aperture settings, and utilizing the Depth Control feature, you can create professional-looking videos with a shallow depth of field. Experiment with different techniques and settings to find the perfect look for your videos.
