Developer: Cinegenix
Price: $2.99
Version Reviewed: 2.0.1
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4
The standard video recording app built into all iOS devices is woefully basic. It tries hard but ultimately it lets the hardware down unless the user happens to be in the absolute optimum situation for the camera. While there’s been a plethora of different still camera apps with ProCamera and Camera+ narrowly ruling the roost, such feature rich video camera apps have felt a little more limited in scope. That is until the arrival of FiLMiC Pro and its most recent update ensuring that finally there’s an ideal app to record videos easily without scrimping on the complex features.
FiLMiC Pro offers a ton of different features. Fortunately upon first loading the app, an overlay explains what each button does as well as offers a series of tips and tricks. This proves very useful as mastering the features can make all the difference between producing an average quality video to something that looks more HD than most examples of video recording through an iOS device.
Users can control the exposure rate and focus independently of each other while filming something. They can also choose from three different screen resolutions, 26 different frame rates and even framing of each shot, with great backup by an informative aspect ratio framing guide and a guide to the rule of thirds. Audio metering is provided as well to ensure that sound quality is as strong as the picture quality.
It’s an impressive system that packs plenty in without feeling too intimidating to those who still just want to snap a quick video. Two reticules appear on screen which can be adjusted separately to change focus and exposure for precision shots, or the user can switch to a single reticule which promises particular benefits to fast action shots.
FiLMiC Pro borders on the slightly complex but only if the user chooses to delve into that side of things offering the ability to create custom slate configurations and different colorbars. It’s not essential but it’s no doubt helpful to the more artistic of video producers.
It’s not just the processing that offers lots to do; a plentiful set of features is evident when it comes to sharing. Users can quickly and easily upload their creations to DropBox, an FTP server, Tumblr, YouTube, Vimeo or Facebook making FiLMiC Pro ideal for the video blogger on the move.
As might have become apparent by now, FiLMiC Pro is an essential addition to any video maker’s collection. It might take a little while to fully understand but that’s because it offers plenty of functionality which makes it a cut above the rest. It’s an app that’s truly grown into itself with this latest version.