The iPhone is, year after year, the best smartphone for recording videos. In addition, with each new generation, the quality increases, become a professional tool. So much so that the last two Apple Keynotes were recorded with an iPhone 15 Pro. Those of us who actually work with professional video cameras (which I do) know that the iPhone is beautiful, but Apple’s camera app has some shortcomings.
Looking for an app to record professional videos with iPhone
Things as simple as being able to choose the white balance, focus control…Something an ordinary user wouldn’t need to know or want to control, but a professional would. That’s why even Apple, in these Keynotes, they use a third-party application (Blackmagic Camera).
In the latest ‘Let Loose’ Keynote, Apple shared with us what an application developed by them will be and dedicated to content creators with video. The app is called Final Cut Camera and will arrive in the App Store in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the team of developers behind the popular photography app “Halide” has created its own version of a Application to record videos like a professional with the iPhone. When it launched, it had a special price with 50% off and I couldn’t help but want to buy it.
Know the features and interface of the Kino application
Next, I show you the application interface for recording professional videos with iPhone ‘Kino’. This way, you will be able to see the different sections and characteristics.
Cinema top
Starting at the top, we have the information needed for a registration. First of all, a sound level meter for measure audio volume it happens. Then, an “Auto” to choose a automatic or manual exposure. In this section you can choose the ISO level and exposure seconds.
Additionally, at the top right, this will give us recording quality information (4K / 30 FPS / HDR) and the remaining minutes we can record depending on our iPhone’s free storage. Directly by clicking on this data, you can modify the recording formats and even create your own.
Central part of the cinema
In the central part we will see the image that the iPhone camera gives us. Immediately below we will have the “AF” button to have auto focus or manual focus. Next, the different types of iPhone optics.
Behind the optics we find an arrow which, when pressed, will display a menu with more options. A vectorscope to measure light level, possibility to activate or deactivate the stabilizerput a grid on the screen, switch to the front camera or deeper settings that will allow us to always lock the white balance or exposure while recording.
Cinema stockings
The lower part is the simplest of all, and we have quick access to the spool, to the trigger for start recording and different LUTs. And one of the most special features of this Kino app is its filters, or LUTs, based on professional video cameras like Kodak. This way you will get a a cinematic look without having to spend hours in color correction.
Professional settings for recording videos with Kino on iPhone
Above we have already mentioned some settings that Kino allows you to modify. Now we’re going to talk a little more about it and what it can be used for.
Focus, exposure and ISO control
Something basic if we want to record videos like a professional on iPhone is to manually control the light input. Many times the iPhone “forces” us to use a very high ISO and generates excessive noise when we want a slightly darker appearance. The same thing happens with the focus, since with the official iPhone camera we can control it by tapping on the screen, but not by performing progressive focus and blur.
A real change between cameras
This is something that few of us realize, but if you really have a professional eye you will have noticed it, especially with the telephoto lens. When We are in a dimly lit environment, even if we record with the TV, the iPhone will switch to x1 and will apply digital zoom. You can imagine the result: a very pixelated, low-resolution video. With Kino, you can choose which camera you will record with from the start without automatic changes.
Save videos directly to files or a USB drive
The Kino application allows us to choose if we want to save the videos in the photo library or in the files application. Additionally, if we connect a USB flash drive or hard drive via USB-C, the recording will go directly to the external media.
LUTs that will give a cinematic touch to your videos
A LUT is a step beyond the well-known filters, although the result for you with the Kino app will be similar to applying a recording filter. You have a lot of choices, me in particular I love “Glostrup”. Plus, you have more LUTs on their website and you can import them into the app.
Kino has 4.8 stars in the App Store in less than a week
My first days with the app they leave a good taste in my mouth. It’s simple but at the same time it allows you to change the settings that I so want to change when I record video with the iPhone. Additionally, LUTs give it a special cinematic look and allows you to upload it directly to social networks.
Its current price is 22.99 dollars and also can be shared with family from Apple (thanks Raúl for buying it). The first week was 50% off and That’s why we decided to try it.. I will definitely use it until Final Cut Camera comes out and I can compare it.
Kino – Professional video camera
Kino includes all the features you need to shoot like a pro, including a full manual mode, focus, color waveform, audio indicators and much more.
I understand it’s a high price failing to know whether Final Cut Camera will have similar features or not. If you’re looking for a free alternative, Blackmagic Camera, although it has a slightly less user-friendly interface, without the ability to record vertical video or LUTs that we talked about. At this point, at Applesfera I will also be in charge of analyzing Final Cut Camera as soon as it becomes available and thus tell you if it is worth buying Kino.
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