Kino: A Revolutionary Video Camera App That Simplifies Pro Controls

Kino, the latest video-centric camera app developed by the creators of Halide, offers an innovative take on mobile video capture. Unlike Halide, which is known for its advanced yet complex features, Kino aims to provide a cleaner and more intuitive user experience without sacrificing essential pro-level controls.

The user interface of Kino is minimalist, resembling Apple’s native camera app, while still granting easy access to core functionalities like white balance, grid settings, stabilization, and focus. These options are presented in a streamlined format that both beginners and seasoned videographers can appreciate. Apple’s camera app, by comparison, falls short in offering the flexibility Kino provides, such as custom combinations of resolution, frame rate, codec, and color space, which are conveniently grouped in a drop-down menu in Kino.

Another standout feature is the “Swipe to Lock” function, designed to prevent accidental interruptions during recording. This lock system requires a swipe gesture to pause, adding a thoughtful layer of usability. Kino also impresses with its manual focus system, which utilizes a curved dial and offers real-time feedback with green highlights to ensure precision.

One of Kino’s most compelling features is the Instant Grade system. Shooting in LOG format often requires extensive post-processing to apply look-up tables (LUTs) for color grading. However, Kino simplifies this process by integrating LUTs directly into the capture workflow, showing the graded footage in real time. This is a game-changer for creators, eliminating the need for external editing software like DaVinci Resolve and providing over half a dozen built-in LUTs curated by respected artists, including co-founder Sebastiaan de With. Users can even import custom LUTs, enhancing their creative possibilities.

Kino’s features don’t stop there. It also offers flexible storage options, allowing videos to be saved directly to Apple’s Photos app or within the app itself, neatly organized in a Kino folder accessible from the Files app. For those pushing the boundaries of video quality, Kino supports external SSD storage for high-resolution video files, provided a suitable setup is used.

While Kino excels in many areas, it does have limitations. It lacks support for 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision, an exclusive feature of the iPhone 16 Pro, and cannot adjust LUT intensity or stack conversion LUTs. Lens switching introduces a brief delay, which the developers explain is necessary to maintain focus and exposure parameters. Additionally, Kino does not support digital zoom beyond the fixed 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x settings.

Stabilization remains inconsistent when shooting at 60 fps, particularly with zoom and ultrawide lenses. For action shots, the iPhone’s native camera app may still be preferable, but using Kino with a tripod or gimbal delivers impressive results. Users should experiment with exposure settings to achieve optimal footage quality.

At $20, Kino represents a significant investment for a camera app. Yet, for those frustrated by the limitations of Apple’s default options and seeking to elevate their mobile videography, it is a worthy purchase. The built-in LUTs, ease of use, and overall convenience justify the cost for many. As the developers continue to update the app, Kino’s impact on mobile filmmaking is expected to grow. Even now, it is a standout tool for creators seeking high-quality video capture with less hassle.