3 Ways to Shoot 8K Video with Samsung S22 Ultra and Free HEVC Codec

The Samsung S22 Ultra has four camera lenses on the back and one in front, but shooting 8K video requires knowing which lens is active and how to set it up correctly. In this video, Dr. David Zhang unpacks the phone, identifies each camera lens, and demonstrates three different methods for remote-triggering the camera to shoot 8K video.

The HEVC Codec Issue

The first problem many users encounter is that Windows 11 cannot play the 8K HEVC video files, prompting a $0.99 charge for the HEVC codec. Dr. Zhang shows how to install the codec for free by navigating directly to the correct Microsoft Store link for the free HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer.

Three Remote Control Methods

S-Pen Remote: The built-in S-Pen can trigger the camera shutter, making it ideal for self-recording situations where you cannot reach the phone.

Voice Commands: The camera app responds to voice commands for hands-free operation.

Palm Gesture: Showing your palm to the camera triggers a countdown timer, useful when the phone is mounted and you need to step into the frame.

Using the 8K Rear Camera

For self-recording in 8K (which requires the rear camera), Dr. Zhang demonstrates casting the phone screen to a PC using the Your Phone app. This gives you a live preview on your PC monitor while recording with the higher-quality rear camera.

Why 8K?

While 8K may seem excessive today, future devices will have the screens and processing power to take advantage of this resolution. Recording in 8K now future-proofs your content.

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Camera Lens Identification

The Samsung S22 Ultra has four rear cameras: a wide-angle main lens, an ultrawide lens, and two telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). Understanding which lens is active when recording is important because only certain lenses support 8K recording. Dr. Zhang identifies each lens position on the phone and shows how to verify which lens is in use through the camera app.

The HEVC Codec Solution

Windows 11 does not include the HEVC (H.265) codec by default, instead prompting users to purchase it for $0.99 from the Microsoft Store. However, the same codec is available for free through a different Store listing intended for device manufacturers. By navigating directly to the correct URL (ms-windows-store://pdp/?ProductId=9n4wgh0z6vhq), you can install the full HEVC codec at no cost. This codec provides better compression than H.264, meaning smaller file sizes for the same video quality.

Three Remote Control Methods Explained

The S-Pen remote control is particularly elegant. When the S-Pen is extracted from its slot, a single button press starts and stops video recording, making it ideal for situations where you need to be in front of the camera rather than behind it.

Voice commands offer hands-free operation. Saying specific trigger phrases starts recording, which is useful when the phone is mounted and your hands are occupied.

The palm gesture recognition detects when you show your open palm to the camera, triggering a countdown timer before recording begins. This gives you time to get into position.

Casting to PC for Self-Recording

For 8K self-recording using the superior rear camera, you need to see yourself. By installing the Your Phone app and linking your Samsung phone to your Windows PC, you can cast the phone’s screen to your PC monitor. This provides a real-time preview of the rear camera view, allowing you to frame yourself correctly while recording in full 8K resolution.

Why Invest in 8K Now

While 8K displays are not yet mainstream, recording in 8K future-proofs your content. Downsampled 8K footage also produces noticeably sharper 4K video due to the additional detail captured during recording.