Quick question - MBA FaceTime camera vs iPhone 6S+ front camera?

[RedTomato]

Quick question:

I have to do a series of short videos with me talking direct to the camera (sound is not an issue).

My only tools are a 2013 MBA with internal FaceTime camera or an iPhone 6S+, preferably using the front camera so I can set it up more easily. (I'll be on my own, no assistants)

Which do you think will give better video quality?

(Filming on the MBA has the advantage of being quicker to edit because it's already onboard.)

I'm leaning towards the iPhone in spite of the greater hassle. Thoughts?

 

[fhturner]

I would think the iPhone would give you substantially better quality, particularly if you can set up to use the rear camera, which is 4K the FaceTime camera on the MBA is going to be 720p, so about 1/9 the maximum resolution. Also, there’s always a focus on camera quality with iPhones...not so much with FT cameras on Macs.

 

[RedTomato]

I would think the iPhone would give you substantially better quality, particularly if you can set up to use the rear camera, which is 4K the FaceTime camera on the MBA is going to be 720p, so about 1/9 the maximum resolution. Also, there’s always a focus on camera quality with iPhones...not so much with FT cameras on Macs.

Oh I agree, the iPhone back camera is definitely light years better. What about the front camera though?

Reason is I need to see myself to help with framing etc.

 

[fhturner]

Oh I agree, the iPhone back camera is definitely light years better. What about the front camera though?

Reason is I need to see myself to help with framing etc.

Unless you are going to be moving around a lot and absolutely, positively cannot frame the shot before stepping into it, I'd strongly recommend the rear camera. The front camera is only 720p on the 6S models. Even then, though, I wouldn't be surprised if it yields better quality than the 720 FaceTime camera on your MBA. Of course, the very best way is to record some sample footage and compare.