How to record portrait mode videos on iPhone

Apple added portrait mode for photos in iPhone back in 2016. You can use the portrait mode to capture photos with having object in focus and background blur. Something similar to what we get using DSLR with a wide aperture. But there’s no option for portrait videos in the iOS camera app. If you want videos with a bokeh effect, there’s a new iOS app called Focos Live. The app is free to download but you can only access limited features. If you like the app, you can later get full features by purchasing subscriptions.

The app is really easy to use. It is like a regular camera app where you can select aspect ration as per your need and start recording. All recordings can be accessed and then edited to get the desired bokeh by selecting the aperture value. The app also has other editing options like trim, cut, voice-over music, and more. You can also do speed ramping and video reverse. But I was more interested in aperture one.

You can watch this video to see how this feature records videos with background blur.

You can use the app to record up to 4K 60fps but only in premium version. The free version lets you record just 720p video.

I recorded several videos and found that the app doesn’t offer stabilization for some reason. Bokeh also needs improvements because you can see the issues at edges. It also works better with faces than objects. I hope the app gets improvements over time.

If you are really interested in capturing the portrait videos on your iPhone, do try the app.

Download: Focos Live