Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk3 min

Make Phone Photos and Videos Take Up Less Space With One Camera Setting

A camera setting can make new photos and videos smaller: learn how to enable high-efficiency capture on supported phones and when compatibility or video resolution matters.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Turn on your phone’s High Efficiency capture format to make new photos and videos use less storage where your device supports it. On iPhone, the setting uses HEIF for photos and HEVC for video; Android phones may offer HEIC/HEIF capture, depending on the manufacturer and model. It won’t shrink files already on your phone, and the amount saved varies by device and image.

What the setting changes

High-efficiency formats compress photos and videos more efficiently than JPEG and H.264, respectively. Apple says its HEIF and HEVC formats use less storage while preserving the same visual quality as JPEG and H.264. Android’s platform documentation describes HEIC images as smaller than JPEG at better quality. Those are platform claims, not a guarantee of a particular saving for every phone, photo, or video.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The camera setting affects new captures. It does not automatically convert or remove existing photos and videos, so changing it won’t by itself reclaim space already in use.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Turn on High Efficiency on iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Camera, then Formats.
  3. Select High Efficiency.

Apple documents this option for iPhone 7 or later and supported iPad models. With High Efficiency selected, new photos use HEIF and videos use HEVC. Apple’s guide to camera formats explains the choice.

#1 Best Overall
EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod, Tripod for iPhone & Selfie Stick with Remote | Extendable Cell Phone Stand & Ultimate Phone Holder, Solidest Phone Stand Compatible with iPhone/Android
  • 100% LIFETIME PROTECTION: Enjoy reliable performance with lifetime coverage, guaranteeing your tripod is always protected against any defects or issues.
  • Ultimate Materials & Engineerin: EUCOS's phone tripod utilizes modified Nylon PA6/6 for all-weather durability. The engineered polymer delivers exceptional crush/shear resistance and toughness, achieving optimal rigidity-flexibility balance.
  • Rapid Extension Tripod for Phone: Glide the rod in a single, fluid motion to convert it from a compact tripod into a full 62" selfie stick. Achieve instant elevation for dynamic filming.
  • Studio-Grade Phone Rig: Safely harness phones from 2.2" to 3.6" wide with pro-level clamping and effortless framing. Built-in cold shoe expands your creative options with lights and mics.
  • Hands-Free Control: The Wireless remote enables instant pairing with smartphone and remote capture from up to 33ft/10m. Ensures rock-solid stability for blur-free photography and Start/Stop video recordings effortlessly—all without device contact.

If you select Most Compatible, new photos and videos use JPEG and H.264 instead. Those formats work with more devices and operating systems, which can make them a better choice if you routinely transfer files to older hardware or software that does not support HEIF or HEVC.

Check for the option on Android

Android 10 supports HEIC at the platform level, but phones need a compatible hardware encoder and a manufacturer implementation to capture in the format. Open your camera settings and look for an option such as HEIF, HEIC, or High-efficiency pictures. The label, location, and availability vary by device, and not every Android phone offers the setting. Android’s media formats documentation describes the platform support.

Rank #2
Sale
SENSYNE 62" Phone Tripod, Extendable Selfie Stick with Wireless Remote | Adjustable phone holder for iPhone & Android; great for selfies, travel, video recording, group photos & content creation
  • 62" Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick Combo: Extendable phone tripod for iPhone and Android, combining a tripod stand and selfie stick in one lightweight design for selfies, photos, videos, vlogging, live streaming, and family gatherings.
  • Adjustable Height & 360° Rotation: The tripod extends up to 62 inches to support standing shots, group photos, video calls, and content creation. The 360° rotating phone holder allows vertical or horizontal shooting.
  • Stable Phone Holder for Daily Recording: Designed for hands-free video recording, online meetings, tutorials, livestreams, and social content. The phone holder keeps your device positioned securely for clear, steady shots.
  • Wide Compatibility with Phones and Cameras: Fits most smartphones from 2.8" to 5.7" wide and includes a universal 1/4" screw mount for compatible cameras, action cameras, webcams, and camcorders.
  • Wireless Remote & Complete Kit: Includes 1 phone tripod/selfie stick, 1 universal phone holder, 1 adapter, and 1 wireless remote shutter. Backed by 12-month after-sales support for everyday shooting needs.

Choose between smaller files and easier sharing

HEIF and HEVC can reduce storage use, but JPEG and H.264 remain more broadly compatible. If a recipient’s device does not support Apple’s formats, an Apple device may automatically convert media when sharing. Android 12 and later can convert HEVC to AVC for certain apps when those apps declare the required capability; the conversion is off by default and can add processing delay. See Android’s format-compatibility guidance.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use the high-efficiency option if saving space matters and your regular apps and recipients handle the formats. Choose the more compatible option if you often encounter files that won’t open or want to minimize conversion and sharing friction.

Rank #3
Sale
Liphisy 64” Tripod for Cell Phone & Camera with Remote and Phone Holder | Sturdy & Stable Height Adjustable Multi-Angle Shot Selfie Stick Tripod for Video Recording
  • 【Sturdy and Stable】: Made of premium aluminum alloy and stainless steel, Liphisy phone tripod with remote keeps your device stay securely in place for still shots and video recording.
  • 【Multi-angle Shot】: With a max height of 64”, this tripod stand with a 210-degree rotation head and 360-degree rotation holder allows you to capture shots from any angle, catering to different photography needs.
  • 【Wireless Remote Included】: Package includes a wireless remote that connects to your cell phone easily, making it a breeze to snap photos or video recordings.
  • 【Height Adjustable】: The height of this cell phone tripod with remote can be adjusted from 17” to 64” and the easy lock mechanism makes it really easy to set up. It gives you an excellent vantage point for capturing photos and videos.
  • 【Wide Application】: Compatable with different phone and camera, this tripod is great for photography and video recording, perfect for travel and home use.

For video, resolution is another storage lever

Recording or exporting at a lower resolution generally produces a smaller video file, at the cost of fine detail. Frame rate and other recording choices can also affect file size, so the setting alone does not determine how much a clip will occupy.

As an example of exports—not universal camera recording sizes—Apple’s iMovie guide dated July 29, 2026, estimates the following sizes for a one-minute export:

Rank #4
Sale
RISEOFLE 71” Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick, Portable All in One Extendable Cell Phone Tripod Stand, with Wireless Remote Control for iPhone/Samsung/Android/Camera
  • [Versatile Design] RISEOFLE 71'' Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick combo is the perfect accessory for all your cell phone photography needs.The high-quality aluminum alloy telescopic pole allows you to extend effortlessly and smoothly, and turns into a tripod with just one pull. Its sturdy yet lightweight design provides stability and reliability, ensuring that your phone or camera stays safe during use. Ideal for Selfies/Live/Video Recording/Travel
  • [Extra Tall 71" Adjustable Phone Tripod] This selfie stick tripod features a 7-section adjustable aluminum telescoping pole that adjusts from 12.2 in (31 cm) to 70.86 in (180 cm). Provides exceptional flexibility for shooting a variety of shots. Whether you're taking a selfie, a group photo or shooting a video, the adjustable height ensures you get the best angle every time.
  • [Compact & Portable Design] The RISEOFLE phone tripod stand With a folded length of only 31cm (12.2 in) and a weight of 264g (0.58 lb), extremely portable and easy to store, it can be effortlessly placed into your backpack or carry-on luggage, making it the perfect companion for your travels. Wherever you go, it allows you to capture amazing footage with ease.
  • [360° Rotation & Wide Compatibility] Featuring a 360° rotating phone holder, this selfie stick tripod allows you to easily switch between portrait and landscape modes for the best viewing angle. The universal holder fits smartphones with widths of 2.6''-3.6'' (4''-7'' screen size) and is compatible with most cameras, action cams, and webcams via the 1/4” screw mount (Note: the remote control function only applies to cell phones, the camera cannot use the remote control function).
  • [Perfect for Content Creation] Ideal for selfies, vlogging, and social media content creation, the RISEOFLE Tripod comes with a wireless remote control for hassle-free shooting. Whether you're on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or Twitter, this phone stand for filming helps you capture professional-quality photos and videos with ease.
iMovie export resolution Approximate size for one minute
1080p 70–105 MB
720p 19–27 MB
540p 12–16 MB
360p 6–9 MB

Apple’s current guidance for consistently smaller recordings calls for iPhone 12 or later running iOS 26 or later with iMovie. It suggests capturing below 1080p, turning off HDR Video, and using High Efficiency. These requirements and tips are specific to that Apple guidance; other phones and apps may have different controls. See Apple’s iMovie resolution guide.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check whether ProRAW is filling your iPhone

On supported Pro iPhones, Apple says ProRAW files are 10 to 12 times larger than HEIF or JPEG files. Its estimates are approximately 25 MB for a 12 MP ProRAW image and 75 MB at 48 MP. These are Apple estimates for ProRAW, not a rule for every phone’s RAW format. If you don’t need RAW editing latitude, check whether ProRAW is enabled in your camera controls and switch to a standard capture format when appropriate. See Apple’s ProRAW guidance.

Best Value
Amazon Basics 64-inch Extendable Tripod for iPhones and Smartphones, Selfie Stick Mode and Phone Tripod Mode, Black
  • Rotatable twist with 1/4"screw allows 360° adjustment and 180° flipping, so you can take photos, video call or live broadcast with ease
  • Universal compatibility with smartphones up to 3.7 inches wide, GoPros, digital cameras and webcams
  • Includes a wireless remote with a range of 30 feet (without obstacle), so you can easily take individual, group and wide-angle shots
  • Swaps easily between handheld selfie stick and stand-alone tripod for dual-purpose use
  • Whether you're an amateur, enthusiast or professional, this is a must-have accesory for shooting on the go

Understand the difference between camera storage and cloud storage

A camera format changes the files captured on the device. Google Photos’ Storage saver is a separate backup choice: Google says backed-up photos above 16 MP may be resized to 16 MP, videos above 1080p to 1080p, and some media may not be compressed. Storage saver uploads count toward Google Account storage. This setting concerns backed-up copies and cloud-account space; it is not the same as changing the camera’s capture format. Details are in Google Photos’ backup quality guide.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.