Now that it’s been a couple of weeks of me utilizing the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, I’ve a a lot better grasp at the way it works as a video digicam. Certain, I’m nonetheless a bit bummed by the telephoto digicam downgrade, however I’ve came upon that its telephoto digicam efficiency continues to be the most effective amongst flagship telephones — and partly the explanation why it nonetheless takes prime honors in our greatest digicam telephones listing.
However regardless of its wealth of Galaxy AI options, like how Instantaneous Gradual-mo mode converts video right into a sluggish movement clip, there’s nonetheless one easy video digicam characteristic it’s lacking. I’m referring to its lack of ability to modify between its 4 cameras when recording video with its Professional Video mode. It could possibly be an oversight on Samsung’s half, however contemplating the way it was no totally different from the Galaxy S23 Extremely final 12 months, I believe it could possibly be a {hardware} limitation of some type.
This is probably not an issue for the common person, nonetheless, it’s for individuals who want to get essentially the most out of Professional Video mode to regulate settings just like the shutter velocity, ISO, and focus. Extra individuals are leaning onto their telephones to create brief movies and documentaries, so right here’s why fixing it might make the Galaxy S24 Extremely the proper video digicam.
No ‘cinematic’ body fee possibility with customary video recording
Technically, customers can swap between all 4 cameras on the Galaxy S24 Extremely — however solely when recording in the usual video mode. As soon as a recording is began, icons within the digicam app allow you to swap between 0.6x, 1x, 3x, 5x, and 10x zooms. However the issue right here is that you simply’re remoted to 30 or 60 frames per second in 1080p or 4K (30 fps just for 8K), so there’s no possibility for the extra cinematic look of 24 fps.
It’s actually odd why that is the case, seeing that the Pixel 8 Professional provides you 24 fps as an possibility when recording movies. I might be prepared to make use of the usual video mode if Samsung by some means unlocked an possibility for twenty-four fps, however then I’m giving all of the management to the telephone. That means, there’s no method for me to hone within the settings to my liking — such because the ISO degree — which might result in noisier high quality underneath dimmer circumstances.
Movies you watch in theaters typically have that cinematic feel and look primarily as a result of they’re recorded at 24 frames per second, which is extensively accepted because the gold customary for movies. In consequence, these movies typically have a bit extra movement blur when mixed with the best capturing angles.
Professional Video mode locks you into one digicam
On the flip facet, I incessantly find yourself utilizing the Galaxy S24 Extremely’s Professional Video mode as a result of it provides me entry to all of the digicam settings I want after I use it as a backup/b-roll digicam to my mirrorless digicam. For fanatics and professionals, I can not let you know sufficient concerning the utility of this mode — like the choice to show a histogram to raised inform me if I’m dropping element within the shadows or highlights. I additionally love that the Galaxy S24 Extremely is without doubt one of the few telephones that lets me file audio concurrently utilizing the telephone’s inner microphones and a pair of wi-fi earbuds.
As a lot as I’ve entry to all of the video controls I crave with Professional Video mode, it sadly locks me into no matter digicam I’m utilizing after I hit file. For instance, if I begin a recording utilizing its foremost 200MP digicam, it merely performs a digital zoom after I alter the corresponding zoom slider. Conversely, if I begin off a recording utilizing the 50MP telephoto digicam at 5x zoom, I can’t swap again to the primary digicam at 1x zoom.
It’s annoying as a result of the Galaxy S24 Extremely is a powerhouse by itself and including the power to modify cameras underneath Professional Video mode can be icing on the cake. Different flagship telephones don’t come near matching the S24 Extremely’s scope with recording video. Whereas the iPhone 15 Professional has the distinctive capacity to file to an exterior machine, it lacks correct guide controls for video — and that goes for the Pixel 8 Professional as nicely.