Recording Video Inspections

A well-recorded walkthrough video is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in a property claim. It shows the full scope of damage in context, captures conditions that are hard to convey in static photos, and gives anyone reviewing the claim a clear spatial understanding of the property — without having to visit it.

---

Video types in Estimatics

Estimatics supports two types of video capture:

This guide covers walkthrough video. For Dual Video, see Using Dual Video / MultiCam recording.

---

Starting a video recording

From the job's Capture tab in the iOS app:

1. Tap + Add Media
2. Select Video
3. Assign an area (Roof, Exterior, Interior — by room)
4. Tap the record button to start
5. Tap again to stop

Videos are tied to the area you selected when you started recording. You can record multiple videos per area.

---

Recommended video length

Shorter, focused videos per area are more useful than one long uncut recording of the entire property. They're easier to review, easier to reference in reports, and faster to process.

---

Recording technique

Starting wide, going close

Open every video with a wide shot that establishes the full space or surface — the viewer should be able to orient themselves immediately. Then move closer to damage areas and narrate what you're showing.

Narrate as you go

Speaking during the walkthrough adds significant value. Describe what you're seeing:

• "This is the master bedroom ceiling — you can see active water staining along the north wall"
• "Here's the ridge cap — granule loss visible across the full 30-foot run"
• "This is the HVAC unit in the utility room — the evaporator coil has visible rust and corrosion"

Your narration becomes part of the evidence record. It's harder to dispute damage when the inspector is describing it in real time at the property.

Movement and stability

• Move slowly — fast camera movement makes footage hard to review and reduces video quality for processing
• Pause on damage — stop moving when you reach a damage area and hold for 3–5 seconds before panning away
• Keep the camera level — tilt-corrected footage is easier to watch and more professional
• Avoid spinning — rotate slowly if you need to show a full room; quick spins are disorienting

Audio

• Speak clearly — if you're narrating, hold the phone at chest height, not covering the microphone
• Minimize wind noise on exterior shots — cup your hand slightly over the phone or use a wind sock accessory on windy days
• Silence unnecessary background noise — turn off a running generator or loud HVAC if it's drowning out your narration

---

Video quality settings

Estimatics uses your iPhone's native camera settings for video quality. We recommend:

• Resolution: 1080p HD (4K is not necessary and significantly increases file size and upload time)
• Frame rate: 30fps (60fps produces smoother video but larger files with no evidence benefit)

To set this: iOS Settings → Camera → Record Video → 1080p HD at 30 fps

---

Storage and upload considerations

Video files are significantly larger than photos. Plan accordingly:

Videos upload over WiFi or cellular. For a long inspection session with multiple videos, uploading over WiFi at the end of the day is often faster and more reliable than uploading over cellular in the field.

The app queues videos for upload just like photos — you can keep shooting while previous videos are uploading in the background.

---

Viewing and reviewing videos

Videos appear in the job's Capture tab on the web dashboard, organized by area alongside photos. Click any video thumbnail to play it in the browser.

From the web, you can:

• Add frame-level markup and annotations to specific moments in the video
• Reference specific videos in your notes
• Include video evidence in your reports (SCOPE and CERTIFY plans)

→ Video frame markup

---

Frequently asked questions

Can I upload a video I recorded with my iPhone Camera Roll? Yes. On iOS, tap + Add Media → Photo Library and select a video. On the web dashboard, use the Upload button and select the file. Camera Roll videos work fine — they just won't have the automatic area tagging that in-app recordings get.

Is there a maximum video length or file size? Individual videos are limited to 30 minutes or 4GB, whichever comes first. For longer inspections, record multiple shorter segments per area.

Can I trim or edit videos inside Estimatics? Not currently. Trim your video using the iPhone's native Photos app before uploading if needed. Video editing features are on the roadmap.

The video uploaded but plays with no audio — what happened? Check that you granted microphone permission to Estimatics. Go to iOS Settings → Estimatics → Microphone and toggle it on, then re-record.

Can clients or carriers view the videos directly? When you share a report link (SCOPE and CERTIFY plans), the recipient can view photos and video evidence in the report. For CERTIFY, the video metadata is part of the certified evidence chain.

---

---

Last updated: March 2025 · Questions? Use the Resources panel in the app or email support@aiestimatics.com