Zeus

 iPhone 4 was unveiled today with a few exciting features for filmmakers.  First and foremost, iPhone 4 will come equipped with 5 megapixel camera (standard and front-facing camera) with 5x digital zoom and more importantly the ability to record HD video at 720p and 30fps.  

Considering that I was contemplating the purchase of a Flip camera just last week for the production of some upcoming web projects, it seems as though Apple is making the effort to render the Flip camera obsolete technology.  Why would anyone carry an iPhone AND a Flip?  They both shoot HD 720p and 30fps.  But as a bonus, Apple announced that iMovie will also be available soon for iPhone 4, which means now you can shoot your videos, edit them right on your phone, and upload them to YouTube.  Plus, the price tag is a little more reasonable for an iPhone, $199 for the 16GB model (the Flip Slide HD, 4Hr record time, will cost you $279).  Of course, if you are recording sound separately, you’ll still need to import your videos and sync sound.

The most anticipated feature of iPhone 4’s video for me, one that I haven’t been able to find any information on yet, is whether or not you will be able to zoom in video mode.  The tap-to-focus feature carries over from the 3GS, but I’m afraid only for pictures.  

iPhone 4 certainly seems to be an economical choice for on-the-go filmmaking, but as with any format it will have its limitations.  However, with Apple’s announcement today, I have to admit I am excited about the filmmaking possibilities iPhone 4 has to offer.

For an added bonus, Apple also announced today that Netflix for the iPhone will be available soon.  Netfilx subscribers will be able to stream Netflix movies to their iPhones.  Suddenly, being stuck in an airport overnight or taking the 7-hour trip on the Super Bus from Buffalo to NYC doesn’t seem so bad…