iPhone 17 Pro Video Features: From Apple Log 2 to ProRes RAW

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max push mobile cinematography into territory that until now belonged to cinema cameras. The headliners: Apple Log 2, ProRes RAW, Open Gate recording, genlock, broadcast frame rates, and tighter integration with Final Cut Camera 2.0 and Blackmagic Camera. Below, we break down what each feature means in practice, how to use them, and how to get cinematic results fast.

 

Quick look: What’s new for video

• Apple Log 2: a new log curve with a wider color gamut, designed for more latitude in grading.
• ProRes RAW: record RAW video on iPhone 17 Pro/Max using Final Cut Camera or Blackmagic Camera.
• Open Gate: capture using the full sensor for flexible reframing and delivery in various aspect ratios.
• Genlock: sync multiple cameras precisely for broadcast and multicam work, supported via Blackmagic’s new ProDock.
• Broadcast frame rates and 4K120 HDR: expanded capture options for live and sports workflows.
• Timecode options in Final Cut Camera 2.0: TOD, Record Run, or external timecode for reliable post syncing.

Apple Log 2 explained

What it is

Apple Log 2 is an updated log profile that records a wider color gamut and extended dynamic range compared to the original Apple Log, giving you more headroom in highlights and cleaner color separation for grading.

What it means for grading

• Expect a flatter base image with extra latitude.
• In DaVinci Resolve use a CST (Color Space Transform) to get to Rec.709 or to an intermediate grading space before creative styling.
• If your editing software/app does not yet list “Apple Log 2,” you can convert and grade your footage with one of our Apple Log 2 updated LUT.

ProRes RAW on iPhone: why it matters

What it is

ProRes RAW captures image data straight from the sensor, preserving maximum dynamic range and color information for advanced grading and VFX. On iPhone 17 Pro/Max, ProRes RAW is supported in Final Cut Camera and Blackmagic Camera, per Apple.

Recording considerations

• RAW bitrates are heavy. Plan for fast, high-capacity storage and keep an eye on thermals. Third-party testing also indicates the possibility of recording ProRes RAW Open Gate internally via specific workflows, though storage consumption is massive and thermals must be considered. Treat these as power-user scenarios and verify on your setup.

When to choose RAW

• Complex color pipelines, green screen, heavy VFX, HDR mastering.
• Projects that need maximum highlight latitude and nuanced skin rendering.

Open Gate capture: get the whole sensor

What it is

Open Gate uses the full sensor area, letting you reframe for multiple aspect ratios in post (2.39:1, 1.85:1, vertical crops) while retaining detail. Apple lists Open Gate recording support on iPhone 17 Pro’s product page.

Why it’s useful

• Deliver cinema scope, 16:9, and vertical social cuts from a single master.
• Maintain composition flexibility for stabilization and post moves.

Tip

If you plan vertical or mixed delivery, Open Gate gives you space to recompose without reshoots.

 

Genlock and broadcast frame rates

Genlock aligns the timing of multiple cameras to a single reference, solving the pain of frame-accurate sync in multicam and live workflows. Apple states genlock is supported on iPhone 17 Pro with the Blackmagic Design Camera ProDock, bringing iPhone into broadcast pipelines that demand frame-accurate sync.

Broadcast frame rates and robust HDR modes (including 4K120) also make the 17 Pro a viable specialty or roaming camera for live sports, docs, and music coverage.

 

Final Cut Camera 2.0: Apple Log 2, timecode, control

Final Cut Camera 2.0 adds Apple Log 2 support, timecode modes (Time of Day, Record Run, external), and tighter round-tripping with Final Cut Pro for Mac and iPad. It also allows applying the Apple Log 2 LUT during edit for accurate monitoring.

On-set tip

Set Time of Day timecode to simplify multicam sync with other devices. Use matching color temperature and a static shutter strategy to reduce scene-to-scene variance.

Blackmagic Camera on iPhone: Pro tools in your pocket

Apple confirms ProRes RAW support in Blackmagic Camera on iPhone 17 Pro, and the broader suite of monitoring tools makes it ideal for controlled shooting.

Recommended setup

• Enable Apple Log 2 where supported.
• Use waveforms and false color for exposure.
• Load a preview LUT for on-set confidence, while still recording Log 2 or RAW.

How to preview with LUTs in-app

• Import a .cube LUT via the app’s LUT manager (Files app).
• Toggle the LUT preview on. Recording remains in Log 2 or RAW, so you’re not baking the look.

Practical setups we recommend

Fast-turn social content

• Codec: ProRes 422 or HEVC Log 2
• Monitoring: Preview LUT
• Post: Normalize Log 2 to Rec.709 and grade by applying Absoluts creative LUTs for final style

Short films & client work

• Codec: ProRes RAW or ProRes 422 HQ
• Capture: Open Gate for flexibility
• Sync: Time of Day timecode or genlock where appropriate
• Post: Normalize Log 2 or debayer RAW to an intermediate, then grade with Absoluts PowerGrades for consistent, adjustable results

Live and multicam

• Use genlock with Blackmagic ProDock integration; shoot broadcast frame rates for smooth pipeline handoff.

Get the Look

Cut setup time and lock in a cinematic identity tailored for iPhone footage: iCine Master Bundle

Includes cinematic LUTs plus Filmic and Skintone PowerGrades for a complete iPhone → grade pipeline.

Final thoughts

iPhone 17 Pro/Max is more than a spec bump. With Apple Log 2, ProRes RAW, Open Gate, genlock, broadcast rates, and timecode, it is a serious tool that can live on professional sets as a main or specialty camera. If you pair these capture upgrades with a clean normalization step and purpose-built looks, you can deliver work that feels far beyond “phone video.”