Change This Setting Now to Get the Best Quality from Your iPhone 11’s Camera

This year’s iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro devices have some significant upgrades in the camera department, but you may not be taking full advantage of them.

Here’s the one camera setting you should change on your iPhone 11 right now, as well as some other lesser-known tips to make the most of the device’s top-tier camera.

Change This Setting Now

The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are all capable of shooting gorgeous 4K video. But you’re not going to see that quality out-of-the-box.

That’s because, by default, the new iPhones are configured to shoot video in 1080p at 60fps. That’s fine video quality, but it isn’t as good as the iPhone is capable of. Luckily, you can change it.

1. Open the Settings app on your new iPhone.
2. Navigate to the Camera menu.
3. Find and tap on Record Video.
4. Now, select the resolution you’d like to shoot in — options include 4K at 30fps or 4K at 60fps (High Efficiency).

It’s worth noting that 4K video can eat up your iPhone’s storage really quickly. Just something to keep in mind.

A Few Other Camera Tips

As we mentioned, changing video resolution isn’t the only way to get the most out of your new iPhone’s camera. Here are some other quick tips.

1. Capture Outside the Frame: We previously reported on a “Smart Frame” feature that could help avoid a person’s face being cropped out of a photo. That feature is actually called Capture Outside The Frame on the new iPhones, and you can enable it in Settings > Camera.
2. Audio Zoom: While it’s a lesser-known feature, the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro actually come with Audio Zoom. Basically, when you zoom in on a subject, your device will automatically focus the microphones on that subject. That’ll result in clearer audio from them and quieter audio from surrounding noises.
3. Change the Aspect Ratio: By default, every previous iPhone has only been able to shoot in 4:3 and 1:1 aspect ratios. The iPhone 11 lineup is able to shoot in 16:9. To switch them, just swipe up in the Camera app and tap the 4:3 button to change ratios.
4. Keep it Steady in Night Mode: The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro will automatically detect if they are mounted on a tripod or leaned up against an object. When they do, they’ll give you exposure times up to 30 seconds — a lot longer than what’s available when simply holding the iPhone.