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ubercool

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jan 31, 2008
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Las Vegas
I started this thread for people interested in recording 4K/60fps ProRes to an external SSD drive, specifically how to make this happen and what gear is required. Since the information is buried in various threads, I thought having a single thread focused on the topic would be useful. Here’s how to record in ProRes:

Set up ProRes
To set up ProRes, go to Settings > Camera > Formats, then turn on Apple ProRes.

Record a video with ProRes
Open Camera, select Video mode, then tap the ProRes Off button to turn ProRes on.
Tap the Record button or press either volume button to start recording.

More detailed info here: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/record-prores-videos-iphde02c478d/ios

Shooting 4K/60fps ProRes requires an external storage device, as Apple explains:

Learn about supported resolutions and frame rates
ProRes support for 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage capacity:
4K at 60 frames per second (fps), iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max only, when using an external storage device that supports speeds of at least 220MB per second and maximum power draw of 4.5W.

More detailed info here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212832

Here are some questions that need to be answered:

1. SSD drive compatibility – The speed requirement is very easy to meet by most SSD drives. Regarding power draw, Anandtech measured the Samsung T7 Touch, which was 0.57W at idle and 3.5-4W during peak power consumption.
More info here: https://www.anandtech.com/show/14661/usb32-g2-portable-ssds-roundup/6

2. SSD drive connectivity – Can you simply connect an SSD drive to the USB port? Yes, but make sure to remove your case because that will prevent the USB plug from fitting right. I do have to note that the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s USB port is loose (it would not snap an Anker USB4 cable, for example).

3. Connecting mic and SSD drive – This will likely require a powered hub of some kind since we only have 4.5W to play with!

All this gear will have to be strapped to a cage. I purchased the SmallRig Universal Phone Video Rig Kit ($98).

Look forward to your tips and feedback! 😊
 
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Thanks for setting this up!

The Tech Chap on YouTube showed it working with a Samsung T7 Shield, which looks to have slightly better performance and better durability than the Touch. The performance difference won’t make a difference in recording, but may make a difference if editing directly off the drive. Also worth noting is Samsung is expected to release the T9 soon.

iPhoneDo, also on YouTube, demoed how to create a MagSafe compatible approach for any external SSD.
 
Thanks for the tips! I happen to have a 1TB Samsung T7 Shield in my cart and not sure I want to wait for a T9! 😏 Here are the links to those YouTube videos:

The Tech Chap
iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max FULL REVIEW [Shot on iPhone]

iPhonedo
iPhone 15 Pro Max - DIY MagSafe 2TB Storage for ProRes Recording

Correction, when I viewed the last video, I saw iPhonedo mention that the USB thumb drive would not work with the iPhone's case on, and guess what? That solved my SSD compatibility problem. I just recorded my first video clip to my ACASIS 4TB SSD. 😊
 
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I have been searching for a device that could split the iPhone Pro Max USB C port into two ports but have not found any. Here’s what I believe is needed:

Port 1: USB microphone INPUT: this port would be used to connect an external wireless mic, like a RODE.
Port 2: USB data OUTPUT: sends ProRes video data to an external SSD. I would use this port to connect a Samsung T7 Shield natively powered by the iPhone (<4.8W).

Currently, there are a lot of products offered by the likes of Scosche, Satechi and Belkin that offer:

Port 1: Pass-through 3.5mm audio adapter OUTPUT.
Port 2: USB-C charger INPUT.

More info:

Image below shows a similar device, which offers a charging and an audio port:

USB C Charger Converter Splitter.jpg


Let me know what you think.
 
Using something like the Samsung T7 Touch or Shield works well but it makes it a bit cumbersome as you need to use a USB cable.
I've been looking at thumb drives which are much smaller and easier to connect to the camera with an adapter - I've found some that appear to work OK but the maximum speed doesn't always hit the minimum required - especially for 60 fps.
Has anyone found a convenient, reliable solution that doesn't require a drive hanging off the phone by cable?
I've tried a UHS-II V90 SD card which seems to meet the stated requirements but give the ProRes not supported message.
 
I have been searching for a device that could split the iPhone Pro Max USB C port into two ports but have not found any. Here’s what I believe is needed:

Port 1: USB microphone INPUT: this port would be used to connect an external wireless mic, like a RODE.
Port 2: USB data OUTPUT: sends ProRes video data to an external SSD. I would use this port to connect a Samsung T7 Shield natively powered by the iPhone (<4.8W).

Currently, there are a lot of products offered by the likes of Scosche, Satechi and Belkin that offer:

Port 1: Pass-through 3.5mm audio adapter OUTPUT.
Port 2: USB-C charger INPUT.

More info:

Image below shows a similar device, which offers a charging and an audio port:

View attachment 2282224

Let me know what you think.
I just found this forum and I hope you have been able to solve your dilemma, but in case you haven’t, I recently discovered that the RODE Wireless Go II (not sure if that is the model you have) will record directly to the microphone itself, and then you can pull the audio files off of the mic when you need them. Hope that helps if help is still needed!
 
I've been searching for hours and I think I finally found a flash drive that will work with ProRes

The reviews say it works with the iPhone 15 Pro Max ProRes - I'll find out when I get it tomorrow.

Has anyone tried it?

-----
I got the drive yesterday and it works GREAT! At $40 for 256GB - it's worth it to take advantage of the ProRes functionality of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

 
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