iPhone 17 Pro Max Cinematic Video Guide: Apple Log, Open Gate & Anamorphic Lens Setup

iPhone 17 Pro Max Cinematic Video Guide: Apple Log, Open Gate & Anamorphic Lens Setup

The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max aren’t just phones — they’re pocket-sized cinema cameras. With powerful features like Apple Log, Open Gate recording, and support for anamorphic lenses, they now offer filmmakers and content creators pro-level tools without the need for bulky gear.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to unlock the cinematic potential of your iPhone 17 Pro Max, the best settings to use, and how a new lens collaboration takes mobile filmmaking to the next level.


iPhone 17 Pro Max Video Quality with Apple Log: Why It Matters

One of the biggest upgrades in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max is support for Apple Log and Apple Log 2. This recording format lets you:

  • Capture wider dynamic range

  • Preserve highlights and shadows

  • Color grade footage like you would on professional cameras

Apple Log Grading

 

Whether you're matching footage with a cinema camera or just want more flexibility in post, Apple Log gives you that pro workflow — right from your iPhone.


iPhone 17 Pro Open Gate Recording: Capture More of the Scene

Another game-changing feature is Open Gate recording. What’s that?

Open Gate means the iPhone records using the entire sensor — not just a cropped 16:9 portion.

This allows you to:

  • Get a taller frame — perfect for vertical content or cropping in post

  • Capture maximum image data from the sensor

  • Pair perfectly with anamorphic lenses for ultra-wide shots. Preferably a 1.55x Anamorphic Lens.

Shot on 1.55x Anamorphic on Open Gate

 

Just note: Open Gate is only available in Apple ProRes formats, which require external SSDs and create massive files. If you want efficiency, stick to H.265 with Apple Log enabled. 

You can record Open Gate on your iPhone directly in H.265 Rec.709 at up to 30fps. However, this differs from ProRes RAW, which supports up to 60fps but requires an External SSD Solution


Anamorphic Lens for iPhone 17 Pro Max: A Game-Changer by Freewell x StevenDivish

 

The anamorphic lens designed in collaboration with Freewell is no ordinary mobile accessory. This is the first lens of its kind that brings true cinematic features and flexibility to iPhone video.

Steven Divish x Freewell Anamorphic Lens

 

Anamorphic Lens Features:

  • 1.33x and 1.55x squeeze options

  • Unique interchangeable flare filters (blue, gold, neutral)

  • Built-in horizon leveling system (so your footage stays straight)

  • Fast installation and compact design — perfect for travel

This lens enhances the iPhone’s main camera (which has the best sensor and optics), transforming everyday shots into widescreen cinematic masterpieces.


iPhone 17 Pro Camera Settings for Cinematic Video Using Black Magic Camera App

Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of how to set up your iPhone 17 Pro Max for best cinematic results:

1. Use the Main Camera

Main sensor of iPhone 17 Pro Max

 

The main lens offers:

  • Larger sensor

  • Better low light performance

  • Sharper detail

Mount your iPhone on a tripod or gimbal for smooth, stable footage — motion should feel intentional, not handheld or shaky. Avoid the ultrawide lens unless necessary. 


2. Attach the Anamorphic Lens

Use the 1.33x or 1.55x lens depending on your look:

  • 1.33x: More natural cinematic look

  • 1.55x: Ultra-wide epic landscapes

Attaching the lens using the 17mm locking system.

 

Thread the anamorphic lens onto the 17mm mount on your iPhone case to secure it in place.

Locking the Anamorphic Orientation

 

Use the Hex Key provided with the Anamorphic Lens to set and lock the horizon / Orientation, so your frame stays Horizontal - even if you bump the lens mid-shot.


3. Choose Your Codec

Choosing H.265

 

In the Record tab of the Blackmagic Camera app:

  • H.265 (HEVC): Efficient and ideal for travel or fast turnaround editing. Smaller file sizes.

  • Apple ProRes (Open Gate): For maximum quality. Records the entire sensor area, not just 16:9.


4. Select Bitrate

Set Bitrate: High (or Maximum if available). This keeps fine textures like grass, hair, or water looking clean instead of smeared by compression.

Choosing the Bitrate

 

Steven’s note: “High bitrate footage keeps those tiny details crisp - you’ll really notice it in nature shots.”


5. Enable Apple Log or Apple Log 2

Go to your camera app > Settings > Color space > Select Apple Log 2

See the Magic of Color Grading - Left: Graded | Right: Un-Graded

 

Apple Log 2 gives you a flatter image, preserving highlights and shadows for professional color grading in post.

It’s basically Apple’s version of a cinema log format - the same workflow used in professional cameras like RED or ARRI.


6. Preview with LUT

LUT Preview

 

Enable LUT Preview inside the app to see a color-corrected (Rec.709) version of your scene while you film this helps visualize contrast and exposure.

Note: You’re only previewing the LUT. The actual recording stays flat in Log, so you can color grade later.


7. Set Anamorphic Desqueeze

Go to settings > Camera > Anamorphic Desqueeze & Choose 1.33x or 1.55x depending on your lens

Anamorphic De-squeeze

 

This displays your footage unstretched in real time, matching your lens squeeze factor. Without this setting, your preview will look vertically squished.


8. Optional: Use ND Filters

The Anamorphic lens has a 58mm thread. For more motion blur and film-like motion, add an ND filter to control exposure and drop shutter speed.  

Example: In daylight, use ND8 or ND16 to drop exposure without raising shutter speed.


1.33x vs. 1.55x Anamorphic Lens for iPhone 17 Pro Max

Wondering which squeeze ratio to use? Here's a quick comparison:

Comparison between 1.33x & 1.55x Anamorphic Lens

 

If you’re filming in Open Gate, the 1.55x lens fully shines by using the entire sensor without stretching too much.


Cinematic iPhone 17 Pro Max Footage Examples

Filming in the mountains, by lakes, or even during foggy weather, the iPhone 17 Pro Max with the anamorphic lens captures:

Cinematic Shot - Apple Log

 

  • Smooth, wide, immersive visuals

  • Beautifully soft flares with customizable colors

  • Professional-level motion blur (especially when slowed from 60fps)

The filmmaker recommends acting fast when you see a great shot — light and subjects change quickly, so don’t wait!


Final Thoughts: iPhone 17 Pro Max is a Mobile Cinema Beast

With tools like Apple Log 2, Open Gate recording, and the Freewell anamorphic lens, the iPhone 17 Pro Max becomes a serious camera for mobile filmmakers.

Content Credit: Steven Divish

 

Whether you're shooting for YouTube, short films, or social media, these tools let you bring your vision to life — with gear that fits in your pocket.

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