Pocket Cam is a recurring feature on my blog where I capture unique scenes from everyday life on video. The word 'Pocket' implies that I am using one of my small, consumer quality cameras (Canon G9 or MinoHD). I like these cameras because I can shoot video no matter where I am. This edition of Pocket Cam is the first I have shot using my iPhone 3GS.
While on a walk I noticed an ant hill with many winged queens. After observing for a moment I realized they were all attempting to fly away, some with more success than others. These clumsy queens were the future of the colony. It was a very nice moment.
I shot this time lapse over a month ago at the Milchbuck Park near the Universität Irchel in Zürich. I finally got around to processing it the other day. I was trying out some new tricks on this one. Other than the obvious vignette, I utlized some perspective correction and motion blur to add to it's unique look. The ambient sound was recorded in another time and place altogether, but I think it fits.
the 'eye' of iPhone 3GSThe iPhone 3GS feature that I was most excited about was video. The very first thing I did when I got my phone was shoot Technologic Overkill, so I could put the video camera through it's paces. In the process I discovered quite a few useful bits information about how the video works. Here is random list of that information:
The video quality is surprisingly good for a cameraphone. In bright daylight the camera performs excellently. Like most small video cameras, it performs worse in low light. The iPhone will automatically lower the framerate in low light to compensate. The Frame rate will not go lower than 15fps
The iPhone shoots 640x480 at 30 frames per second. It records to the h264 codec at about 3700 kilobits per second. This equates to roughly 28 megabytes per minute. That's not too shabby. Audio is recorded in Mono at 44.1 khz using the AAC codec.
Compression artifacting is not very prevalent in good lighting. I think this is where a device like iPhone shines over other small video cameras. It has a very good CPU comparably, which allows for higher quality compression.
You can select your focus point in video mode by tapping, but only when you are not recording. When you begin recording focus is locked to the point you chose. This means you cannot rack focus while recording. This is a small gripe, but if you consider most tiny video cameras are fixed focus, it is still a big improvment.
Close focus is the same as in still mode -- 10cm. This is a great feature. When you are filming at a macro distance you can achieve a pretty decent shallow depth of field look.
Where you tap on the screen also 'guides' the exposure of the video. However, as opposed to focus, exposure remains on 'auto'. If your scene changes enough the exposure will automatically compensate.
The video works very nicely in iMovie, which is expected. One thing I noticed is that you do not have to convert the video to use the slow and fast motion feature. The codec Apple uses is already suitable for that.
The "Jelly" effect that most small video cameras exhibit is prevalent in the 3GS. This is due to a rolling shutter.
Here is a short video illustrating some of these points.
One thing I keep thinking about is how the iPhone 3GS video compares to my Flip MinoHD. In resolution, the Mino beats iPhone hands down -- the iPhone is not HD. However, the other features of the iPhone 3GS might just compensate for its lack of HD. Let's compare and contrast:
The iPhone 3GS has autofocus with a macro mode, the MinoHD is fixed focus at 1m
Exposure on the iPhone 3GS can be influenced by touching a point, the MinoHD is 'full auto'
The viewing screen on the iPhone 3GS is gargantuan compared to the MinoHD.
The iPhone has the ability to upload video directly to the web, the MinoHD does not.
The MinoHD has 4GB of storage, the iPhone 3GS has either 16 or 32 GB.
You can trim video on the iPhone(I did this on Technologic Overkill while riding the tram to save time making in/out points.)
The iPhone's lens is wider than the Flip.
Here is the biggest benefit of the iPhone 3GS over the Flip, and in fact, all video cameras. I always have it with me. There is a saying: "The best camera is the one you have with you." The same is true for video cameras. I enjoy capturing unique moments in daily life (I post these videos in my Pocket Cam series). A video capable iPhone means that I will never miss out on these moments.
After all of my glowing about the iPhone 3GS, here is a wish list of what I would like from it.
Full manual exposure. Maybe this is possible for third party developers with the API
Manual focus -- being able to input a focus distance.
Ability to change focus while recording. Being able to program pull focus would be great.
Apps! Something that allows you to cut clips, add titles/effects in the phone!
And the obivious one, HD.
It is interesting to not that most of my wants could potentially be fixed by software -- all but the HD thing.
Ok, now the big picture. Why is the iPhone special? There are many small video cameras that can achieve the same quality. In fact, there have been cameraphones that can do the same for ages. Many people are asking, what is the big deal? To me there are a few obvious reasons. First, the iPhone is ubiquitous. It is the most popular smart phone. This puts a lot of attention on its functions, which makes more people aware of their ability to record video. There are probably many people with phones that can shoot video, but don't because they just don't think to. I think that the 400% increase in mobile uploads to Youtube since the 3GS release is proof enough of this. Second, is ease of use. The iPhone is incredibly simple to use, it has an large screen, and the videos are easily transferred and edited on your computer. Most other cameraphones can't say this. Finally, there is the quality. The iPhone 3GS has very good quality for a cameraphone, there are competitive phones -- but not many. The 3GS has good enough quality that a local news station in South Florida shot a report about the iPhone with one (very meta.) I am also not the only one who has shot a music video with it. I know of at least one more. Pro video/film accessory manufacturer Zacuto thinks the quality is good enough, that they even made a special hand grip for it.
Don't get me wrong, the iPhone will not replace any professional cameras. I will not be proposing use of an iPhone on my next job. However, I do foresee a lot of legitimate use of the 3GS beyond shooting videos of your cats -- particularly in the areas of hobby filmmaking, documentary and journalism. In fact imagine that in the not to distant future (with the right apps) I think we will see journalists shoot, edit and file reports from the field with only an iPhone. That will be very fascinating.
All-America DavidOn June 13, 2005 I got a call from my sister. She and her roommates had decided to drive up to where the Michael Jackson trial was being held to witness the craziness that was happening there daily. Ventura, where I was living at the time, was on the way so she asked if I wanted to come along. I am always in for an adventure, so I hopped in the car with my sister Harmony, and her roommates Sarah, Joanna and David and set course for Santa Maria California. I took a lot of pictures on our adventure, but this is the first time I have published them.
Heal the World.When we arrived we had no idea that this would be the day that the verdict was delivered. We got to the courthouse very shortly after the news went out: The Australian"Not Guilty." It was pandemonium. People were cheering, some were boo-ing, total strangers we hugging in the streets. I remember specifically one man from Australia who came out just to support Micheal. He gave many intense news interviews. We heard that after MJ's arraignment, he had invited everyone present to come back to Neverland to enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere. We thought this might be a possibilty now and we weren't going to miss out on that. We also weren't the only ones with that idea.
Never, Neverland.The gates of Neverland were firmly shut, but that didn't stop the throngs of supporters who were content just to be there. It was a truly bizarre scene. A few of the Jackson entourage came out to thank the supporters. At one point, Tito Tito on the Scene.said hello from behind the gates. Everyone was waiting to see if Michael would come out and say something to the crowd, but eventually we were told that he was tired and would not be seen. Our Jacksonian adventure was over.
Although I love his music, I am definitely not one of the hardcore Jackson supporters. In fact, I still think he most likely committed some crimes against children. However, his contribution to music and culture cannot be denied. He was an utterly complex individual with many positives and negatives about him. Does his story remind anyone else of that of Anakin Skywalker? Hopefully Quincy Jones isn't working on a Vader-style suit...
More photos from my day on the Michael Jackson news beat.
I present, the first Music Video shot on iPhone 3GS!
Technologic Overkill is the first music video shot on an iPhone 3GS. The song by XFYA accompanies the plight of a little blue robot and his attempt to be relevant in an increasingly technological world.
UPDATE(July 3rd): Many people have asked me where they can download the MP3 of this song. I am happy to say that XFYA has graciously allowed me to post it here as a free download. Download Technologic Overkill MP3
This edition of Pocket Cam takes place in the famous Galleria in Milano, Italy. It documents two everyday occurences that are a little bit strange out of context. Watch:
The Cowboy is just one of the many different animatronic toys that vendors are selling inside the Galleria. I think their main selling strategy is to have people trip over them in the busy path.
The Bull is a particular tile mosaic on the floor of the Galleria. It is said to be good luck to grind your heel in a circle three times on this bull's testicles. It is a very popular tourist attraction. Go figure.
I shot this video a couple of weeks ago. This guy had hauled a piano out to Bellevue in Zürich and was playing for tips. Props to him for the manual labor at minimum.
This edition of Pocket Cam features footage from Sechseläuten, one of my favorite holidays. If you don't know what it is, watch until the end to see one of the reasons I like it so much.
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This is a time lapse I shot in Monmartre at the base of the Sacre Coeur by the carousel. Movie buffs will recognize this location from Amelie. You will also recognize the Bracelet Makers if you have watched my Scenes from Paris in Six Acts. Karla and I got engaged here four years ago.
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