Why does iOS store videos so inefficiently?

[vmachiel]

Hi,

So even accounting for 60FPS 4K HDR, which I of course know is a lot of information, the files are still huge. They are .mov instead of .mp4 containers for one (does that matter?).

When I export one unchanged and inspect it using ffmpeg, the video stream is in the order of 50,000-90,000 kb/s, which seems pretty high to me. Converting it using the libx265 encoder, preserving all the quality that is possible with the right settings, the file size was 20 percent of the original. Both are HEVC

Anyone know why these video's are stored like that? Is Apple even aware of this, or is there a specific reason anyone can come up with?

Thanks!

 

[maerz001]

I am pretty sure they are aware. Maybe to sell u higher storage phones

 

[Slartibart]

well, you can switch and use e.g. BlackMagick Cam which allows to control - among others things - for the codec used (e.g h265). Oh, and it’s free.

Products from other developers, which allow for extended camera control compared to Apple’s system app, are available. 🤓

 

[kitKAC]

Hi,

So even accounting for 60FPS 4K HDR, which I of course know is a lot of information, the files are still huge. They are .mov instead of .mp4 containers for one (does that matter?).

When I export one unchanged and inspect it using ffmpeg, the video stream is in the order of 50,000-90,000 kb/s, which seems pretty high to me. Converting it using the libx265 encoder, preserving all the quality that is possible with the right settings, the file size was 20 percent of the original. Both are HEVC

Anyone know why these video's are stored like that? Is Apple even aware of this, or is there a specific reason anyone can come up with?

Thanks!

What's better? Using too much bitrate (which you could fix after recording) or too little (which you can't).

 

[now i see it]

Other formats create smaller file sizes because they’re compressed more — more information is lost.

 

[brofkand]

Other formats create smaller file sizes because they’re compressed more — more information is lost.

Not necessarily true. They just use better compression algorithms.

 

[brofkand]

go to "Settings" > "Camera" > "Formats" and select "High Efficiency" instead of "Most Compatible."

 

[winxmac]

Want more videos for the same amount of storage? Shoot in 1080p 30fps or 24fps or 720p 30fps or 24fps non-Dolby Vision HDR non-Cinematic mode non-ProRes non-LOG

4K 60fps Dolby Vision HDR definitely uses a lot of storage, then additional storage for Cinematic mode 4K 30fps, and additional storage for ProRes 4K 30fps [60fps when using external storage] and LOG

I shoot ProRAW and 4K 60fps Dolby Vision HDR so I choose the highest storage that I can afford... And I know what I'm getting into...

As others have said, you can choose a different app for better control of storage used by video... You can also send a feedback to Apple for them to update the video compression algorithm technology to be more efficient while still producing the highest quality possible...

There's also what others say, vote with your wallet or use what is best for your use case... Android, maybe? Although only a few high end or flagships support microSD storage...

 

[brofkand]

There's also what others say, vote with your wallet or use what is best for your use case... Android, maybe? Although only a few high end or flagships support microSD storage...

I actually can't think of any flagship Android phones that still support microSD, sadly. It's mostly just midrange and lower end devices at this point. It's a shame.