Lights, iPhone, Action! Anyone can be a
filmmaker these days, and with the help of a handful of apps, the
results can be pretty amazing. Our No. 1 choice in this genre is Vine --
for those who want to leave a lasting impression with just 6 seconds of
footage. It can be art, politics, product branding, news reporting,
comedy -- the possibilities are endless.
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 the
video 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 on
4,740 ratings, and 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for the current version based on 1,364 ratings
in the iTunes App Store.
Twitter's Vine lets you create arty 6-second looping videos for distribution on
social 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.
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 trailers
with original scores, titles and transitions. Shoot directly into the timeline, or add videos
from your library.
Animations and sound effects are all precision-controlled.
While we ordinarily limit the All Things Appy selections to free apps, this is the
must-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 versions
based on 1,899 ratings, and 4 1/2 stars out of 5 for the current version based on
320 ratings in the iTunes App Store.
Smule's CineBeat lets you compose music to match your videos. Just record a video and
the 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 same
prosumer 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 the
iTunes 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 movie
victims by videoing them and superimposing effects like Texas Chainsaw 3D or slashing
LeatherFace. Direct your own horror movie.
Brought to us by Lions Gate, the indpendent movie distribution company, and great fun
for 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 App
Store.
The granddaddy of video calling lets you IM, voice or video call, bringing friends and
family together globally. The current version appears to be a bit glitchy, according to
reviewers, so consequently not higher in our positioning.
Still, Skype's massive user base and the likelihood of finding friends to video conference
with 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.
