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When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007, he pitched it as three revolutionary products in one: a mobile phone, a music player and internet browser.... he didn't even mention the camera.
When Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007, he pitched it as three revolutionary products in one: a mobile phone, a music player and internet browser. What’s wild, looking back, is that he didn’t even mention the camera.
But constant competition between smartphones means a budding Spielberg or Scorsese can now fit a film studio in their pocket. The arms race in the palm of your hand means clients often ask us if it’s worth using fancy professional gear at all.
After all, as phones get ever more affordable, even big name directors have started shooting films on their dog and bone. To give just one example, Steven Soderbergh filmed High Flying Bird for Netflix back in 2019.
Here at TopLine Film, we obviously have an opinion on this, but we thought we’d go with one of the golden rules of film making: show, don’t tell. (Ok, there might be bit of tell afterwards.)
Sunny Cambridge gave us the perfect opportunity to do a cheeky head-to-head. We interviewed our very own Jamie using both an (older) iPhone 12 Pro Max, and the Sony FX9, which is quickly establishing itself as a popular choice for professionals. With our operator handling both at the same time, we’re now able to make a direct comparison.
Have a gander here:
You probably picked up on a few differences, but here’s our comprehensive breakdown:
Across the board, we think the Sony gives a more cinematic picture than the iPhone. So is that it – case closed? Not quite.
Cinematic doesn’t automatically mean better. Here at TopLine, we don’t have time for tech snobs. We use the best tool for the job at hand. So yes, if you’re putting together say a commercial, or a documentary, or a corporate brand video, the Sony is the way to go.
But for something more casual, or immediate, or even, dare we say it, authentic? If you’re filming user-generated content (or something that’s supposed to feel like user-generated content) then the iPhone’s the better shout.
Of course, the technology you have isn’t even half of the equation. It’s whoever’s using it that really determines how successful your story will be. The storyboarders, directors, animators, editors – they’re the real stars of the show.
So if you need help with a project, we have the right equipment and the right people to bring it to life.
And in the meantime, much as we love the Sony…we won’t be giving up our iPhones any time soon.