Blackmagic Design has launched the Blackmagic Camera app for Android, bringing professional video features to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel users. Following its initial release for iPhones last September, this app aims to transform smartphones into advanced video recording tools.
Bringing Professional Features to Smartphones
The Blackmagic Camera app offers a suite of professional features, enabling users to adjust frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO settings. Advanced monitoring tools, including focus peaking, zebra patterns, and false color, further enhance the app’s appeal for mobile filmmakers.
Recording and Cloud Integration
Users can choose to save recordings directly to their phone’s local storage, with options to export to external drives. Additionally, the app integrates with Blackmagic Cloud, allowing users to log in, select a DaVinci Resolve project, and have recordings automatically uploaded and synced with project members. Alternatively, users can manually upload selected clips to the cloud when connected.
User-Friendly Navigation and Settings
The app features a Heads-Up Display (HUD) for easy access to key settings:
- Lens: Select between front or rear, wide-angle, or zoom lenses.
- FPS (Frames Per Second): Adjust frame rates from 24fps to 60fps.
- Shutter Speed: Ranging from 1/24 to 1/8000, with options to set manually.
- Timecode: Display recording duration or time of day.
- ISO: Adjustable from 25 to 10666, depending on the phone model and lens.
- White Balance/Tint: Manual settings (2500°K to 10,000°K) or presets like Cloud, Shade, Fluorescent, Incandescent, or Daylight.
- Focus: Options for autofocus, tap screen autofocus, and manual focus control.
- Audio Meters: VU or PPM for monitoring internal or external audio sources.
- Storage Indicator: Shows remaining recording time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
- Upload Indicator: Displays clip name, upload speed, percentage uploaded, and remaining time.
Adjustments are straightforward, with most settings accessible directly from the HUD by tapping the relevant icon.
Availability and Compatibility
The Blackmagic Camera app for Android is available for free download. However, it is compatible only with select Android phones. For detailed settings and additional information, users can visit the Blackmagic Design website.
By bringing advanced video recording features to smartphones, the Blackmagic Camera app offers a powerful tool for both amateur and professional filmmakers, enhancing the flexibility and capability of mobile video production.
