Is the iPhone Xs Storage Enough for Its Video Camera?

The iPhone Xs is a powerful device, especially for its ability to record stunning 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps). However, this capability comes with an important consideration: storage. Depending on your recording habits, the built-in storage might not be sufficient for extended 4K video sessions. Here’s a detailed look at the storage requirements and considerations for capturing these high-quality videos.

Storage Options

iPhone Xs offers two primary storage options: 64 GB and 256 GB. These capacities are designed to accommodate a wide range of users, whether you’re a frequent photographer, content creator, or occasional video recorder. When considering 4K video recording, understanding the storage implications is crucial.

File Size for 4K Video Recording

Recording 4K video at 60 fps can be quite resource-intensive. The file size generated depends on various factors, including the complexity of the scene and the capture settings. An estimated file size of around 400 MB per minute is a rough guideline, but it can vary slightly.

Storage Capacity Breakdown

64 GB Model: With approximately 400 MB of storage used per minute, a 64 GB iPhone Xs can capture around 160 minutes of 4K video at 60 fps. 256 GB Model: A 256 GB iPhone Xs has the potential to record up to around 640 minutes of 4K video at 60 fps.

Usable Storage

It's important to note that the advertised storage capacity may not be fully usable due to the presence of the operating system and pre-installed apps. This can reduce the available storage by about 10-15%. Therefore, the actual usable storage for capturing 4K video at 60 fps is even less.

Considerations for Storage Usage

If you plan on capturing a significant amount of 4K video, especially at 60 fps, the 256 GB model is highly recommended. This additional storage can provide a more comfortable margin, allowing you to continue recording without frequent interruptions. However, if you are content with a few clips or occasional 4K recordings, the 64 GB model can still work, though with limited capacity.

Offloading Your Footage

To maximize the efficiency and longevity of your iPhone Xs, it's wise to use an offloading setup. This can be as simple as backing up your videos to the cloud or using an external hard drive. For instance, a 14 TB drive can store approximately 6 months to a year of 4K video footage, depending on your shooting frequency and whether you intend to archive, edit, or upload the footage.

Personal Experiences and Tips

Several users, such as those who own the 256 GB model, have reported that a single day of shooting is manageable. Using apps like Filmic Pro, which supports high-quality HEVC encoding at 100 Mbps, allows for recording that is comparable to professional-grade 4K video from cameras like the GH5.

For the 64 GB version users, managing storage becomes more critical. Utilizing cloud storage or external hard drives is a common practice. For instance, regularly backing up and transferring videos to a Mac for editing and further work in Final Cut Pro X is a recommended workflow. This approach ensures that you can continue recording without running out of space while also optimizing your editing and content creation processes.

In conclusion, while the iPhone Xs can handle 4K video recording, the amount of storage you can utilize depends on the model and how you use it. By understanding the storage requirements and adopting proper offloading strategies, you can make the most of your iPhone Xs for 4K video recording.