Fixing iPhone portrait videos with iMovie

The iPhone 3GS was the first model to let users shoot video, and the iPhone 4 will even shoot in HD (720p). It's so convenient and easy that most people whip them out to shoot a few seconds of the ball game, a fun day at the park or what have you. In the thrill of an artistic moment, you might not always consider how the iPhone is held, and you realize later you shot the whole thing in portrait orientation, at odds with most of the video-playing world. Oops.

You can pop your clip into iMovie and it can widen to fill the screen's aspect, making your subject look like Shrek. Fortunately the fix is easy, and there are two methods.

The first involves iMovie '09. Once your movie is assembled, it's time to export. From the Export menu, select Export Movie. A new sheet appears. Select HD (1280x720). Yes, you'll get the black 'pillarbox' bands on either side of your movie, but it's better than than the disfigured heads.

The second method requires QuickTime Pro (QTP), though it's basically the same process. Open your video with QTP and again, export as HD.

Shooting in landscape orientation generally requires less steps to get a no-fuss video, but you're not in deep trouble if you shoot in portrait either.

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Source: http://www.tuaw.com/tag/iphone-4/

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The iPhone 3GS was the first model to let users shoot video, and the iPhone 4 will even shoot in HD (720p). It's so convenient and easy...

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esondeen1

I was recently recording in LANDSCAPE on a motorcycle while cornering--the various position indicators in the iPhone 4 camera recorded the whole thing in PORTRAIT. Is there any way to LOCK DOWN the format to prevent this from happening during dynamic recording?

July 11 2010 at 11:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Sean

Why does the video have a "Jelly Fish" Effect when I begin recording, is it software or hardware and is it fixable via software update?

June 29 2010 at 5:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

phatkrome

Can someone confirm whether you can edit movies created on the 3GS and transfered to iPhone 4? I have several clips I'd like to edit once I get the new phone and restore everything.

June 25 2010 at 10:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to phatkrome's comment

chrismusaf

Yep, you can. I just spent all morning using iMovie on the iPhone 4 (it's awesome) and you can add any clip or photo from your existing library.

June 25 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

phatkrome

Great!!! Can't wait - Thanks!!

June 26 2010 at 6:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mack

Given the phone has an accelerometer it would be easy enough for Apple to include a little flashing warning symbol on the display if you are shooting video with the camera held in portrait mode.

Something for the makers of alternative camera apps to think about anyway.

June 25 2010 at 6:40 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Sirobin

Also, if your video ends up sideways, like some of mine did, open in Quicktime Pro, Window > Show Movie Properties, select the video track, choose visual settings, and choose rotate, and save.

June 24 2010 at 8:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Paul Gerencher

Is the iphone's 5mp camera sensor symmetrical? If so it should be able to shoot landscape video while holding the phone in portrait mode. It sure would be nice to have that option

June 24 2010 at 6:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mike

Is this like a complaint because of the video Erica posted right before this post?

June 24 2010 at 6:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply