I’ve been using DaVinci Resolve for a while and Blackmagic’s editing tool always impresses me. So when I learned that the company had ported its Blackmagic Camera mobile app to Android, I was thrilled.
Blackmagic released this app in September 2023. After months of waiting, it is finally coming to Google’s mobile operating system.
But there is a catch. Currently, the Blackmagic Camera app can only be installed on Samsung and Pixel smartphones.
A serious application but not for just anyone
Additionally, you may need to install the app (like I did) from the web version of the Google Play Store. When I searched for Blackmagic Camera or Blackmagic in the Google Play Store, I found nothing. Luckily, I was able to click Install in the web version, then tell the Play Store which device to send the app to.
Once installed, the app allows me to control settings such as:
- The number of frames per second (FPS)
- Shutter speed
- ISO sensitivity
- White balance
- The tint
- The resolution
There’s even a histogram, volume indicator, optical and standard zoom, clip manager and many other settings. You can change codecs, resolution, color space, shutter metering (from speed to angle), etc.
In short, the settings alone will amaze you. This is a serious application intended for people who want to make videos on their smartphone.
But before you install this app, be aware that it is not designed for just anyone. You should be familiar with video editing before using this tool. It has nothing to do with the Google Camera application and its artificial intelligence functions.
Best for Pixel 8 Pro
Still, this application offers real digital cinema camera and image processing controls. This is serious. For those who understand the ins and outs of using such an app, the results can be truly impressive.
I’ll default to the Blackmagic Camera app when I need to shoot video with my Pixel 8 Pro, as this app gives me all the control I need. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this impressed by a mobile app.
Blackmagic Camera is free to install and use. Note that there are some in-app purchases (to unlock additional features).
