Since our overview of Blackmagic Camera last year, new entrants into the mobile camera app field have made the topic worth revisiting. Here I’ll compare the updated Blackmagic Camera app to two more recent apps – Final Cut Camera and Kino.
Blackmagic Camera has received multiple updates that add additional functionality to an already impressive free app. Highlights outside of the usual stability and performance improvements include iPad compatibility, remote camera control and multiview, and automated rack focus control.
The app now allows monitoring, controlling settings, and starting/stopping recording across multiple devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network from a single control device. This is especially suited to the larger screen the new compatibility with iPads provides. One complication is that precise syncing requires a Bluetooth timecode generator, potentially adding one more layer to complex shoots.
Another new feature that especially appeals to me is automated rack focus control. Users can now mark up to three focal points, set a duration, and then smoothly transition between them. This is a major assist versus manually racking focus, especially for projects where a more formal, controlled approach is needed.
Final Cut Camera is another free app that offers all of the basic camera controls one would expect in a mobile camera app, including framerate, resolution, exposure, white balance, and more, but via a much simpler and streamlined UI. The level of control is much less nuanced than what is offered by Blackmagic, but I could see it being more user-friendly in many situations. The big selling point is the live multicam functionality and integration into the existing Apple ecosystem.
With this app you can connect up to four devices to an iPad with the Final Cut Pro app. Each device then streams proxy files to the control iPad and later transfers and syncs source files automatically in the background. It uses wireless point-to-point connections and does not require the devices to be connected to a Wi-Fi network, unlike Blackmagic Camera. The hidden downside is that the Final Cut Pro app requires a $4.99 monthly or $49 annual subscription.
Kino is from the same company as the popular Halide app for photography. The most obvious difference is the one-time $9.99 price tag. However, it offers a lot of personality for the price. Kino has a stylish interface that includes a level of manual control and monitoring somewhere between Final Cut and Blackmagic. Notably, the design makes settings easy to access or ignore depending on the situation.
What makes Kino stand out from similar apps are the included preset LUTs. These allow you to instantly and effortlessly apply curated looks and color grading to your footage. Blackmagic Camera accepts imported LUT files, but here they are seamlessly integrated and available with a couple of taps. You can import custom LUTs in addition to the eight included presets and purchase additional “packs” through the app.
Blackmagic Camera remains the standout. It offers a level of precise control you would find on most cameras and continues to add impressive features through regular updates. It’s the clear winner for professional shoots, especially when integrated with professional cameras. However, as before, I can imagine the interface and settings being overwhelming for some users or overkill for casual recording.
Kino is a great option for more casual recording, and I plan on keeping it around for personal, day-to-day capture. It allows just enough control for on-the-fly shooting without being overwhelming with the added benefit of injecting personality with the preset looks. I could imagine this app being especially useful for social media content.
Final Cut Camera is a free improvement on the default camera app but falls short of Blackmagic and Kino when it comes to features. However, it is designed and perfectly suited for live multicam recording with multiple Apple devices. Though it is a somewhat niche situation, I could see it being a go-to for users who focus on that type of project.
