iPhone instructions: set the resolution and fps of videos

Thanks to iOS 14, you can manually set the resolution and fps of video recordings not only on newer Pro models, but also on older iPhones. I tried the corresponding option on the iPhone X from 2017. There it is relatively easy to set the desired format for videos via the iOS settings. In addition, it can be set that the format selection is also available in the camera app. You can read how all of this works in the following instructions.

Manually set the video resolution and fps on the iPhone

Do you want to create cinematic recordings with 4K and 24 or 60 frames per second or with 720p videos and 30 fps conserve resources? Whatever you plan to do, from iOS 14 you have the appropriate options available in the settings of the Apple iPhone. And this is how you get there:

1. Opens the Settings on the Apple iPhone
2. Select the point from the overview Camera from
3. Now stand among others Formats, record video and Record Slo-Mo to select

Settings> Camera> Formats

When it comes to formats, you can choose between “High Efficiency” and “Maximum Compatibility”. The first saves storage space and uses HEIF for images and HEVC for videos. The second ensures that images are recorded or saved as JPEG and videos with H.264 codec. These formats can be read and edited by a wide variety of systems (iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, etc.).

Settings> Camera> Record Video

Here you can choose the resolutions and frame rates of the videos to be recorded. You can also activate the "Video Format Control" option below. This ensures that the selection is also displayed directly in the camera app. These options from HD to Full HD to QHD are available:

• 720p HD @ 30 fps
• 1080 HD @ 30 fps
• 1080 HD @ 60 fps
• 4K @ 24 fps
• 4K @ 30 fps
• 4K @ 60 fps (high efficiency)

Settings> Camera> Record Slo-Mo

This is of course about slow motion recordings, i.e. videos with a slow motion effect. There are not so many options to choose from (at least in the test with the iPhone X). There is also the "video format control" option for displaying the alternatives in the camera app. You can adjust the video resolution and number of frames under iOS 14:

• 720p HD @ 240 fps
• 1080p HD @ 240fps (High Efficiency)
• 1080p HD @ 120 fps 

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.