The iPhone has established itself as the go-to camera for countless individuals globally, not just due to its impressive quality but also because of the fantastic applications available on the App Store. This year, we’ve compiled a list of the top apps for shooting and editing videos on the iPhone.
FiLMiC Pro
FiLMiC Pro is arguably the premier choice for those serious about video recording on their iPhones. The app offers various manual controls, allowing adjustments to focus, exposure, ISO, frame rate, zoom, and more.
The app also allows quick toggling between color profiles, HDR settings, ProRes codecs, and various resolutions. Advanced users can utilize gamma curve controls, image stabilization, preset movies, audio sync features, and downsampling options.
Available on the App Store for $14.99, FiLMiC Pro does offer additional features via in-app purchases.
Kino
Kino, from the creators of Halide, is not just another recording app; it allows users to infuse a cinematic look into their videos using a collection of LUTs provided within the app. While its interface is user-friendly, it also delivers professional tools for shooting.
The app features a “Starter” mode that automatically chooses settings, although users can modify them as desired. Recently, Kino has added support for Camera Control and 4K 120 fps video recording for users of iPhone 16 and 16 Pro.
Kino can be purchased without a subscription for $19.99 on the App Store and is compatible with any iPhone running iOS 17 or later, although some features need an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro.
Final Cut Camera
If you wish to avoid spending on an app for manual filming control, consider Final Cut Camera – a free app released by Apple last year.
Final Cut Camera, created by Apple, allows creators to “connect wirelessly and control video angles with advanced pro tools.” Initially introduced as a companion app to control the iPhone camera from an iPad, it can also function independently on the iPhone.
This app enables users to adjust settings like white balance, manual focus, monitor zebra levels, and measure audio, along with offering control over ISO and shutter speed, and effortless switching between resolutions and video formats.
Available for free on the App Store, it requires an iPhone running iOS 17.6 or later, with some features needing the latest iPhone models.
Blackmagic Camera
Blackmagic Camera, from the renowned developers of DaVinci Resolve, presents another excellent free option for achieving professional filming capabilities.
The Blackmagic Camera app offers an interface reminiscent of Blackmagic’s own cameras and includes numerous manual controls like shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and tint selection. Users can also switch easily between lens options, frame rates, stabilization levels, and focus settings. A recent update has introduced Camera Control support and additional features for iPhone 16 models.
Blackmagic Camera is free on the App Store and requires an iPhone XR or newer running iOS 17 or later. Be aware that certain features (like the Log color profile) are limited to specific iPhone models based on hardware capabilities.
DoubleTake
DoubleTake, also from the creators of FiLMiC Pro, specializes in enabling users to record videos using two iPhone cameras simultaneously. This app gained notable attention during the launch of the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019.
The app allows users to select two different lenses to simultaneously record a video, making it ideal for multi-camera projects. This includes options to pair the front camera with one of the rear cameras or use two different rear lenses. Users can also effortlessly create a single video with a split-screen effect using multiple lenses.
Beyond multi-cam features, users can fine-tune frame rate, resolution, focus, and exposure settings.
DoubleTake costs $3.99 and is available on the App Store without in-app purchases. The multi-camera feature requires an iPhone 11 or later.
Carousel Camera
Many users are accustomed to shooting videos in portrait mode for social media, but these don’t translate well to larger screens. What if it were possible to record one video that fits both orientations?
Carousel Camera captures videos in a square format, allowing for a unique experience when viewing on mobile devices. Users can switch between vertical and horizontal orientations without seeing any black bars.
The app also provides options to export videos in different formats, including 16:9, 9:16, and others.
Carousel Camera is free on the App Store, with some features available through a $0.99 in-app purchase.
LumaFusion
LumaFusion is a renowned video editor for iOS, ideal for those looking for advanced editing capabilities on their iPads. However, it also offers a powerful version for the iPhone.
LumaFusion allows editors to work with multiple video, audio, image, or title tracks, and provides advanced features for color adjustments, effects, cropping, speed alterations, and much more. It functions almost like a portable desktop video editor right in your pocket.
After editing, users have settings for exporting videos in various resolutions, codecs, frame rates, and formats.
LumaFusion is priced at $29.99 and can be found on the App Store. Additional features may be available via in-app purchases.
iMovie
If you’re after a more budget-friendly and user-friendly option, Apple offers iMovie. Originally designed for Mac users, it is now accessible on iOS devices as well.
iMovie features an intuitive interface that enables anyone to edit videos on their iPhones with ease. Users can crop, cut, adjust playback speed, and apply effects. The app further allows the addition of titles, music, sound effects, and even supports editing videos shot with Cinematic Mode on the iPhone 13 and newer models.
This app is free and available on the App Store, without in-app purchases; however, certain features require the latest iPhone and iPad models.
Wrap up
With these applications, you can create and edit videos that carry a more professional touch using just your iPhone.
Do you have additional apps you prefer that aren’t listed here? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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