There are plenty of video related apps for the iPhone. Some are must-haves. Some are speciality apps. And some you might not always use, but you’ll be glad you have them when the need arises. Here are 3 of the most useful apps that fall into the last category:
Pocket Light Meter
This app essentially turns your iPhone into a light meter that you can use for photos or video. Of course real light meters are expensive, so don’t expect identical results from an app that ranges from free to $5. And most cameras these days do an excellent job of metering light to begin with. But a light meter can still be handy in situations when you’re working in bright light, low light or only care about the proper exposure of a persons face (while not caring about everything else in the shot).
Filmic Pro
This app is essentially a video Swiss army knife for the iPhone. With it you can control focus areas, exposure and white balance. It allows you to select variable frame rates, resolutions and you can meter audio with it. Plus, as an added bonus, it also works as a clapperboard or film slate. And when using it as a clapperboard/film slate, it offers syncing by both flash and sound. Plus it allows you to not only upload your footage to the usual suspects like YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook, but you can upload to Dropbox or an FTP server too. The only drawback? It’s currently not available as it’s being updated for iOS5 (note: this post was written on October 28, 2011).
Softsign
This app would be the least used of the three; but it would also be the one you’re most thankful for having when the need arises. What
does it do? Softsign offers a convenient, secure, green and legally binding way to sign and share PDF documents on your iPhone (or iPad). Why would you need it for video? Release forms. You see, if you’re out in public shooting videos…and you capture some bystanders in your video…in most cases you must get their permission to appear in your video (ever seen a video where people’s faces are blurred out? They didn’t sign release forms). Or if you’ve hired a model or actor to appear in your video, same thing, you need to have them sign a release form. But with all the stuff involved with producing videos, those pesky release forms can easily be forgotten. This apps makes it simple, clean and convenient to get them digitally signed.