Say Goodbye to FiLMiC Pro: Discover These 4 Budget-Friendly Alternatives for iOS and Android
FiLMiC Pro has been the go-to pro camera app for both iOS and Android users for a long time. However, the recent announcement that the app would begin charging a monthly subscription has caused a bit of a panic.
While current users will still have access to the app without a subscription, new features will be locked behind a paywall. To access the latest version of the app, users must pay weekly when the new pricing goes into effect. To make matters worse, the app is being split into separate modules, each with their own subscription fees. For example, the Cinematographer Kit module will cost an extra $14 a week.
With an additional $5 per week to access the base app, you’ll be paying nearly $80 monthly to use FiLMiC Pro. Add in the other subscriptions for things like the infrared or charcoal film pack, and you’re looking at the price of a mid-tier cinema camera by the end of the year. So if you don’t want to hand over the equivalent of a new camera, it’s time to look for an alternative.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to FiLMiC Pro that are either free or cost a one-time fee of a few dollars. For iOS users, there are myriad options. Android users have fewer options, but there are still some gems. While these apps may not completely replace FiLMiC Pro, they come close and for a fraction of the price.
Beast Cam (iOS):
Beast Grip is a company that makes cages, lenses, and other mobile photography accessories. The company also makes Beastcam, a professional video app often recommended by FiLMiC Pro users. A big reason why it’s so popular is that it only costs $2, but if that’s not enough to convince you, maybe the features will.
Beastcam offers a lot to videographers. The app allows for manual control of every setting, from white balance to fps to shutter speed. You also get a good overview of your setup thanks to the histogram and audio level meter.
And to avoid incorrectly exposed or blurry footage, Beastcam has features like zebra stripes and focus peaking. I particularly like the anamorphic lens support, which is offered at a much lower price than the other apps on this list.
There’s no one thing that makes Beastcam special. However, its clean, intuitive design and features that streamline your workflow make it stand out. Features like file management and the ability to create presets for multiple shooting scenarios streamline the process, which can make a difference when you’re on a deadline.
Moment (iOS):
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Moment has a camera app. The company has been making quality mobile lenses for years, and it’s expanded beyond that to offer other mobile photography and videography accessories. What is a little surprising is that Moment’s camera app is good.
Moment Pro Camera isn’t free; it costs $7. However, that’s not a bad price considering you get complete manual control, a waveform monitor, RGB histogram, bitrate adjustment, and framerate control. The audio levels meter is another excellent addition, as is the support for color profiles like flat or LOG. Of course, because Moment manufactures anamorphic lenses, the app also offers anamorphic support.
While Moment may not have as many features as FiLMiC Pro, it’s still a solid alternative. The app’s interface is easy to use, and the manual controls are intuitive. Plus, if you already own Moment lenses, the app is a no-brainer.
FiLMakr (Android):
FiLMakr is one of the few Android apps that can compete with FiLMiC Pro. The app costs $14.99, but it’s worth the price if you’re looking for a professional-grade camera app.