"Maybe I Can Use My iPhone for This..."

Okay, let me stop shitting on iPhone. I’ve used both professional DSLR cameras and iPhones for both photo and video shoots, and while I still rely on my DSLR for high-stakes photography, I’ve come to appreciate how powerful and practical the iPhone can be, especially for video specific work. It may sound surprising but in many cases a smartphone can produce results that not only hold their own next to a DSLR, they can actually be better.

Speed, Simplicity, and Seriously Good Quality

The most obvious advantage: iPhones are fast and flexible. No fumbling with lens swaps, external monitors, or complex settings—just power up, stabilize, and shoot. With a handheld gimbal and LED light I can create smooth, professional-looking video that’s ready to edit almost immediately.

What I've found is that with upgrading every year, iPhones are closing the quality gap. The built-in wide-angle lens is ideal for interiors, and the phone’s image processing handles tricky lighting surprisingly well—especially in homes with bright windows or mixed lighting. Because HDR comes standard on Pro models, the difference between DSLR and iPhone footage is nearly impossible to spot for most online listings.

DSLRs Still Have Their Place—But Not Always

Let's not kid ourselves, DSLRs are incredibly powerful tools. Their larger sensors, swappable lenses, and control over depth of field make them a no-brainer for photography—especially for print materials or high-end listings where every pixel counts. But when it comes to video? The advantages aren't always as clear-cut.

For one, DSLRs can be bulky, especially when mounted with stabilizers, mics, or monitors. Moving quickly through a property becomes a production—and in tight spaces, mobility is everything.

And unlike still photos, where sharpness and dynamic range are king, real estate videos are about movement, mood, and flow. With the right setup and editing, iPhone footage delivers all that—without the drag of a full gear kit.

Editing Brings It All Together

Most of the clients I work with aren’t asking what camera I use or how it's configured, they care about results. With iPhone footage, I can quickly color-correct, add graphics, smooth transitions, and deliver a polished product faster than if I shot on a DSLR and transferred massive files to a workstation.

And because the iPhone handles compression and exposure in real-time, I spend less time fixing issues and more time enhancing the final product.

The Bottom Line

I still love my DSLR. It's my go-to for photos, and in the right hands, it’s unbeatable. But when I need to shoot video efficiently, move quickly, and still get professional-looking results—my iPhone is often the better choice. It’s not about picking sides—it’s about picking the right tool for the job.