Filmmaking on the Go: How I Shot a Documentary Using Only iPhone + MagSafe SSD

It is a big challenge to create a documentary while traveling. Carrying heavy cameras, lenses, and storage devices slows down your speed. It is especially a hurdle when you are capturing memorable moments quickly. I decided to work differently for my project to avoid all these disturbances. 

I take only my iPhone 15 Pro, the Blackmagic Camera app, and an Aiffro P10 MagSafe SSD. Surprisingly, this idea worked for me, and a small setup gave me everything. I want to record high-quality footage without the usual heavy equipment. 

This article is all about how I use this simple combination to shoot a complete documentary.

Why I Choose the iPhone 15 Pro

Many people wonder why anyone chooses a phone over a professional camera. The answer is the iPhone 15 Pro, which proved to be enough for my needs. The reason is: 

• 4k HD photography & video recording: You can take photos and record videos in 4K resolution at different frame rates in the iPhone 15 Pro. 
• ProRes video format support: Recording a video in ProRes video format gives me better color and detail in my footage.  It allows me to get sharp, clear footage of my work. 
• Portable and light: It is portable and light enough to fit in my pocket with my recording setup. There is no need to carry a large camera bag. 
• USB-C port: You can connect an external SSD directly to the phone through its new USB-C port. It removes all your worries about limited storage.

Why I Used the Blackmagic Camera App

The built-in camera app is good, but only for casual iPhone photography and videos. I need more control over settings. That’s why I chose the Blackmagic Camera app. It is just like a professional camera with similar options. 

Features that are found helpful are: 

• Manual controls: I get the option to adjust ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance to match lighting conditions.
• Focus peaking: I can easily check if the subject is in focus.
• Audio monitoring: It saves me from poor sound quality as I can monitor the audio levels while recording. 
• LUT previews: I was able to preview the footage color-grading, which helped save time later during editing. 

With all these features, I could handle different filming situations without giving up control. 

The Problem of Large File Sizes

Recording videos in ProRes video format creates large files. My iPhone storage fills up very fast. Deleting files is not a solution to the problem and wasn’t an option. I need these files for editing later. 

This is where the Aiffro P10 MagSafe SSD becomes a savior. I can record directly onto the SSD without worrying about deleting content and transferring files every night. 

How the Aiffro P10 MagSafe SSD Helped

The Aiffro P10 MagSafe SSD is one of the most useful tools in my setup. Here’s what made it valuable:

• Attached to the back of the iPhone: The SSD attaches right behind my phone due to the MagSafe design. I need no extra straps or clips.
• Fast transfer speeds: The SSD provides read speeds up to 2000MB/s and write speeds up to 1800MB/s. I never had to wait long to save files or copy them. 
• Lightweight: It is small and easy to carry despite its speed and capacity.
• 2TB storage: It comes with 2 terabytes of space, so I never had to worry about running out of storage during filming.

Setting Up the SSD

How to set up the SSD with iPhone was simple: 

• First, I attached it to the back of the iPhone by using the built-in magnetic feature.
• Then, I connected it to the phone with the USB-C cable that came with it.
• The last step is to select the SSD as the recording location in the Blackmagic Camera app.
• After successfully connecting the SSD, I could do 4k HD photography and record directly onto the SSD without using the iPhone's internal storage.

Filming in Real Situations

I want to shoot different scenes for my documentary. I spent two weeks shooting these scenes. This small setup made it easy for me to move around and film scenes without any delays. I capture unexpected moments.

The most important benefits I notice during filming:

• Less setup time: There is no need to set up a tripod or adjust large equipment. I start the recording process in less than a minute.
• More freedom of movement: The best thing about this SSD is that I can shoot everywhere. I can walk, climb, or even shoot in very tight places where a bigger camera couldn't fit.
• People felt less uncomfortable: Filming with a camera makes it a little uncomfortable in public. This device helped me a lot, especially in public and in interviews.
• One feature that makes it more likely is that this SSD attaches to the phone continuously without falling off. I even use it when I move through bumpy roads and busy streets.

Transferring Files After Filming

Once the filming process was completed for each day, I transferred the footage to my editing laptop. This SSD's high transfer speed helped me transfer the files quickly.

The basic steps I followed are:

• I disconnect the SSD from the iPhone.
• I directly plugged it into my laptop's USB-C port.
• Take files from the Aiffro P10 MagSafe SSD and paste them on my editing drive. 
• As this SSD used the standard format, I easily transferred files without issues. The editing software recognized files easily.

Editing the Documentary

I found editing the documentary was easy for me in the editing program. I got the best and smoothest color correction and editing results as I recorded the video in ProRes.

The files didn’t need extra converting or adjusting before I could begin. Reliable SSD means I didn’t lose any footage. The best thing is that all files were safely stored until I transferred them to another drive.

My Final Remarks

I am glad that I chose this simple setup for iPhone photography, and from this risk, I have learned many things, such as:

• Smartphones are also capable of handling serious filmmaking. The only need is to choose the right apps and tools.
• External SSDs like the Aiffro P10 made it possible for me to work around the iPhone’s limited internal storage. 
• The process becomes smooth when recording directly to an SSD. It reduces the chance of lost files and recording failures.
• This simple setup creates magic for travellers, independent filmmakers, vloggers, and anyone who needs to stay light and mobile.

Key Advantages of This Setup

• Saves space and weight: There is no need to carry heavy cameras and extra gear.
• Easy to set up and use: External SSD is very easy to set up and can be ready to shoot in under a minute.
• Affordable: This device costs much less than traditional filmmaking equipment. 
• Good quality: It provides suitable footage for professional editing and distribution.

Conclusion

If you are looking to film a professional high-quality video without carrying a lot of gear, the Aiffro P10's simple and affordable process might work for you. MagSafe SSD offers a practical solution by connecting with your phone, whether you're making a documentary, a short series, or video content.