The world of iPhone filmmaking just got a whole lot more interesting with the launch of Kino, a powerful new app designed to make cinematic-quality video accessible to everyone. Developed by the team behind the popular photography app, Halide, Kino is more than just a video recording app; it’s a complete filmmaking tool that empowers users to capture, grade, and perfect their footage right on their iPhones.
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One of the biggest challenges for aspiring iPhone filmmakers has always been achieving that elusive “film look.” While professional cameras offer more control over aspects like depth of field and color information, iPhones have historically compressed video to save storage space, sacrificing the very data filmmakers need for professional-looking results.
Kino tackles this issue head-on by taking full advantage of Apple’s ProRes format, introduced with the iPhone 13 Pro. This format allows iPhones to capture significantly more color information, giving filmmakers the flexibility to manipulate footage in post-production just like they would with high-end cinema cameras.
Instant Grade: One-Tap Cinematic Magic
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Of course, not everyone has the time or expertise to color grade their footage. Recognizing this, the developers of Kino introduced “Instant Grade,” a feature that applies professional-looking color presets to your video with a single tap. These presets, crafted in collaboration with renowned filmmakers and colorists like Stu Maschwitz and Evan Schneider, instantly elevate your footage, giving it a polished, cinematic aesthetic.
The beauty of Instant Grade lies in its simplicity and immediacy. Whether you’re shooting a travel vlog or a short film, you can preview and apply these grades directly within the viewfinder, taking the guesswork out of achieving a cinematic look.
AutoMotion: Effortless Cinematic Motion Blur
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Beyond color grading, motion blur plays a crucial role in achieving a film-like quality. Traditional video often looks overly sharp and digital, lacking the natural motion blur we see in movies. Kino’s AutoMotion feature addresses this by intelligently adjusting your camera settings to achieve natural, pleasing motion blur.
What sets AutoMotion apart is its reliance on “practical effects” rather than artificial intelligence. The app analyzes your shooting environment and automatically selects the optimal shutter speed and frame rate to create cinematic motion blur, giving your videos an organic, film-like feel.
A User Interface Designed for Filmmakers
Kino’s interface is a testament to the developers’ deep understanding of filmmaking workflows. Every element is thoughtfully positioned and designed to maximize efficiency and minimize distractions, ensuring that the focus remains on capturing the shot.
The app’s layout adapts seamlessly between portrait and landscape orientations, providing easy access to essential controls regardless of how you’re holding your phone. Kino also includes thoughtful touches like a “Swipe to Lock” gesture for the record button, preventing accidental stops and ensuring you never miss a crucial moment.
Advanced Options for Every Filmmaker
While Kino excels in its simplicity, it’s packed with advanced features for seasoned videographers. From manual exposure control to focus peaking and customizable aspect ratios, Kino puts a robust suite of tools at your disposal. The app also supports external hard drives and offers granular control over recording formats like HDR, SDR, and ProRes, catering to professionals with specific workflow demands.
More Than Just an App: A Filmmaking Ecosystem
Kino isn’t just a standalone app but rather aims to be a comprehensive filmmaking ecosystem. The developers have integrated free educational resources directly within the app, offering users practical lessons and guidance on maximizing Kino’s capabilities. This commitment to education underscores the developers’ vision of empowering users to unlock their filmmaking potential.
Pricing and Availability
Kino is available on the App Store as a one-time purchase for $19.99, a refreshing departure from the subscription model prevalent in many other apps. This one-time fee grants you access to all of Kino’s features, with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of iPhone Filmmaking
Kino represents a pivotal step forward in mobile filmmaking. By harnessing the power of Apple’s latest hardware and coupling it with an intuitive, feature-rich interface, Kino empowers users of all skill levels to capture stunning, cinematic-quality videos. If you’re serious about taking your iPhone videography to the next level, Kino is an essential investment that will undoubtedly elevate your filmmaking endeavors.