This Apple Watch Trick May Change the Way You Record Videos Forever

As the iPhone’s camera capabilities increase, more and more people are using it to vlog and record cinema-quality 4K videos. But, using an iPhone, especially when taking selfie videos, can be tricky. Here’s how the Apple Watch can help.

What Can the Apple Watch do?

Most vloggers rely on the iPhone’s high-resolution rear camera to capture their videos. But, as soon as you turn that rear camera on yourself, you can no longer see your iPhone’s display and are merely guessing (and hoping) that the framing is correct. However, if you have an Apple Watch, you can eliminate this guesswork by using it as a viewfinder to see what you are recording in real-time.

How to Use the Viewfinder Feature

You can use the Apple Watch as a viewfinder by following these few simple steps.

1. Open the Camera Remote app on your Apple Watch. The Camera Remote app will open the Camera app on your iPhone.
2. Switch the camera on your iPhone to Video mode and configure additional video settings on the iPhone or the Apple Watch if desired.
3. Hit the record button either on the Apple Watch or your iPhone.

As you record, you should be able to see what your iPhone is recording on your watch face. This remote control and configuration also works with photos, portraits, and other camera recording modes.

Mounting the Apple Watch

You can use the Apple Watch viewfinder while wearing the Watch on your wrist, but this may not be convenient. You also can remove the Watch from your wrist and use the wristband to attach the Watch to your phone, as shown below.

You can get even more creative with a specialty stand, like this cold shoe mount from Ulanzi, which holds both the iPhone and the Apple Watch. It orients the two devices so you can film with the iPhone and then see what you are filming on the Apple Watch. It also mounts to a tripod or a selfie stick.