Karan Bajaj & Hitesh Raj Bhagat show you how to get started.
CREATING VIDEOS
Most experts agree that devices purpose-built for video (video cameras, DSLRs, prosumer cameras) can capture better video than smartphones. However, they are not always easy to carry and not as versatile when it comes to instant connectivity. This is where smartphones play an important role — the connected nature of a phone means that you can do a lot more than just capture video.
Cinema FV-5
This app offers complete control over settings while shooting a video. You can adjust exposure, ISO, white balance and even the metering mode for a video. There are multiple options for selecting video focus mode (autofocus, macro, face detection, touch focus). You even choose format, video resolution (depends on the phone capabilities), bitrate, frame rate and colour channels. Also, there is option to switch between audio sources for the video (built-in mid, external mic and Bluetooth mic). The Lite version of the app limits video resolution and recording time — this can be removed by purchasing the Pro version for Rs 150.
FXGuru
If you want to make creative videos and feel that the default camera app is limiting you, then this free app is the answer. The app lets you add cinematic effects to your video — there are over 90 special effects ranging from horror, sci-fi to disaster effects. The only catch is that you will have to individually download the special effect of your choice within the app first. The app requires you to align your camera with the layout of the effects (marked via red lines in the preview) for best results — you can even choose the effects accuracy, video filters and sound effects for each video. After the video is processed, you can share it with your friends from within the app or save it to cloud storage — a copy is automatically saved in your phone.
ProMovie Recorder
If you’re one of those who wants maximum control over the video being recorded, this app is meant for you. ProMovie Recorder gives you options to change resolution (it supports up to 4k), frame rates, aspect ratios and even video bitrate quality. You get onscreen controls for exposure, ISO, white balance and up to 3x digital zoom. It also includes advanced controls for audio recording such as input devices, audio gain and audio format. You can keep an eye on audio with the volume level indicator on-screen. The free version puts a watermark on the video. To get rid of the watermark, you pay Rs 250.
Clips
understood the user’s need for advanced effects andfor videos and hence launched their own separate app called Clips. This is for people who find the largerapps like iMovie too complicated.
It’s much more intuitive and takes care of the complicated stuff for you. There are various filters, effects, animated speech bubbles, emojis and stickers you can apply to your video. One of the things that sets Clips apart is the mode that automatically adds text subtitles to your video. You can even add background audio from a list of soundtracks or from your personal music collection.
EDITING VIDEOS
Editing a video might sound like a cumbersome task but thanks to the various apps available across platforms, it has become very easy. Editing post recording gives you more control over duration and placement of filters, transitions and other effects. Plus, you have the freedom to edit previously recorded videos, combine videos or combine a group of photos and convert them into a video.
Magisto Video Editor
Available free for both iOS and Android, Magisto is one of the easiest video editors available. It has a tile based interface which guides you through video editing with easy step by step instructions. You can import photos/videos from your phone storage or from Google Drive — choose a filter theme, select a soundtrack and leave the app to create the video. You can even crop the video length and add a title to the video. It will take between a few minutes to create the video and then give you the option to save it or go back to editing. If you want advanced editing features, you need the premium version which costs US$ 9.99/month.
Quik
This free app by GoPro is one of the highest rated video editing apps for iOS and Android. It gives you the option to import photos and videos from your gallery, Google Photos, Facebook and even from GoPro cloud storage (if you’re signed up). You can select a combination of videos and photos to create a combined video. The app shows you a preview of various filter effects to choose from and even sets a background audio track of your choice from its library. You can individually edit a photo or video within the app — rotate, crop, trim and even add text effects to make it stand out. You can choose whether you want a widescreen 16:9 or 1:1 square aspect ratio, choose from where the music will start and if you want the GoPro Quik logo to be visible or not.
Edit Videos in Your PC Browser
If you feel that editing a video on the small screen of your smartphone is difficult, you can choose to edit on a web-browser.offers a great built-in video editor — just upload your video and before posting it to the web, you can access the video editor. Magisto also offers an online video editor at www.magisto.com with similar features to the app. If you want a website that offers 4k video editing on the web, check out www.wevideo.com — the free account limits you to 480p video quality, but you can go for a paid account for more advanced features.