Product test

Challenge: Produce a bike action video with an iPhone SE

Manuel Wenk
2.10.2020
Translation: machine translated

The challenge is set. Filming with the iPhone SE. You have voted. The decision was about as close as the vote on the revised hunting law. It's going to be a bike film.

The challenge is set. Filming with the iPhone SE. You have voted. The decision was about as close as the vote on the revised hunting law. It's going to be a bike film.

I meet Fiona Kälin, 24 years old and a long-time biker. She takes part in enduro races in Switzerland and neighbouring countries and is always on the podium. The project cannot fail because of the rider.

Recordings cannot be used

Filming only with the iPhone? Not quite. I allow myself a few aids. Among other things, I use the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal with the corresponding free app "DJI Mimo". The camera settings can be changed manually in this app. Apple still considers a Pro mode in the standard camera app to be unnecessary in its devices. I also use a Wiral Cable Cam to produce dynamic, fast images in the middle of the forest.

The gimbal works really well. It's an essential tool for producing steady shots. Without a gimbal, handheld shots quickly look shaky and unprofessional. With the gimbal, I run after Fiona, do beautiful panning shots or mount it on a monopod to extend my arm and get longer tracking shots.

Limited possibilities with a lot of potential

The iPhone SE is only equipped with one lens. I never zoomed in to always maintain the best possible quality. But I didn't miss it. I move around with the camera more often when I can't zoom and switch to other lenses. So I have to use the iPhone differently than I'm used to with my Sony. At the same time, it encourages creativity as I have to deal more with the available resources and the surroundings.

Photographer Thomas Kunz has also worked with the iPhone SE. You can find out how he went about it and what kind of pictures he took in his articles. You can find the finished bike action video in the link below.

22 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

As a Multimedia Producer, preparing multimedia content and knowing about cutting-edge technology is my business. My main focus at digitec is producing videos. I can’t wait to try out new products such as cameras, drones or smartphones as soon as they’re launched. This is where being at the source comes in rather handy. When I’m not working, I’m probably skiing, biking or hiking – the mountains are my place to be. 


Photo and video
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Product test

Our experts test products and their applications. Independently and neutrally.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

  • Product test

    Street photography with the iPhone SE – «Not that easy but it seems promising»

    by Thomas Kunz

  • Product test

    Determine which iPhone SE photo is printed in large format

    by Thomas Kunz

  • Product test

    Testing the iPhone Air: style over substance?

    by Samuel Buchmann