Reviews

WHICH APPS DO I NEED?

All Things Appy: Top 5 iOS Video Camera Apps

Video cameras have been one of the killer hardware features in the smartphone revolution, and Apple’s iOS platform for iPads and iPhones has made an important contribution to thevideo camera app market.

This week, All Things Appy takes a look at key apps in this arena.

About the Platform: Apps are found in Apple’s iTunes App Store. Browse to the store from your device, and then perform a search for the app that you want to download.

No. 1: Vine

Vine from Vine Labs is rated 4 stars out of a possible 5 stars for all versions based on4,740 ratings, and 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for the current version based on 1,364 ratingsin the iTunes App Store.

Twitter’s Vine lets you create arty 6-second looping videos for distribution onsocial networks including Facebook, Twitter and the Vine network.

This clean-cut app — notably sans play and record buttons — allows you to make your own videos and see those created by others.

Uses include art, marketing and journalism.

Vine App

No. 2: iMovie

iMovie is rated 3 1/2 out of a possible 5 stars for all versions based on 12,844 ratings,and 4 stars out of 5 for the current version based on 503 ratings in the iTunes App Store.

This app has it all when it comes to high-definition movie making. Create movie trailerswith original scores, titles and transitions. Shoot directly into the timeline, or add videosfrom your library.

Animations and sound effects are all precision-controlled.

While we ordinarily limit the All Things Appy selections to free apps, this is themust-have iOS movie capture and edit app. It costs US$4.99 in the iTunes App Store.

No. 3: CineBeat Music Video Maker

CineBeat Music Video Maker is rated 4 1/2 out of a possible 5 stars for all versionsbased on 1,899 ratings, and 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for the current version based on320 ratings in the iTunes App Store.

Smule’s CineBeat lets you compose music to match your videos. Just record a video andthe app converts it into a pop video, which you can then share.

Free music filters include unplugged acoustic and rap. This app isn’t of the sameprosumer grade as iMovie, but it’s fun for the kids and will keep them occupied.

Not a bad introduction to filmmaking for them either.

No. 4: Horror Movie Maker

Horror Movie Maker is rated 4 out of a possible 5 stars based on 79 ratings in theiTunes App Store. There are not enough ratings to display stars for multiple versions.

Another movie maker app with filters. This time, turn your friends into horror movievictims by videoing them and superimposing effects like Texas Chainsaw 3D or slashingLeatherFace. Direct your own horror movie.

Brought to us by Lions Gate, the indpendent movie distribution company, and great funfor young adults.

No. 5: Skype

Skype is rated 3 1/2 stars out of a possible 5 stars for all versions based on 351,392 ratings,and 2 1/2 stars out of 5 for the current version based on 332 ratings in the iTunes AppStore.

The granddaddy of video calling lets you IM, voice or video call, bringing friends andfamily together globally. The current version appears to be a bit glitchy, according toreviewers, so consequently not higher in our positioning.

Still, Skype’s massive user base and the likelihood of finding friends to video conferencewith earns it a position in our top five apps for the iOS platform.

Want to Suggest an Apps Collection?

Is there a batch of apps you’d like to suggest for review? Remember, they must all be for the same platform, and they must all be geared toward the same general purpose. Please send the names of five or more apps to me, and I’ll consider them for a future All Things Appy column.

And use the Talkback feature below to add your comments!

Patrick Nelson has been a professional writer since 1992. He was editor and publisher of the music industry trade publication Producer Report and has written for a number of technology blogs. Nelson studied design at Hornsey Art School and wrote the cult-classic novel Sprawlism. His introduction to technology was as a nomadic talent scout in the eighties, where regular scrabbling around under hotel room beds was necessary to connect modems with alligator clips to hotel telephone wiring to get a fax out. He tasted down and dirty technology, and never looked back.

Leave a Comment

Please sign in to post or reply to a comment. New users create a free account.

How confident are you in the reliability of AI-powered search results?
Loading ... Loading ...

Technewsworld Channels