Blackmagic has released Camera Version 1.1 to further align the Android app with the iOS variant of their successful, free cinema camera app.
The update for Android, adds several new features including video monitoring via HDMI, pull focus support, and expansion of the number of Android phones that can run the app.
Image Credit – Blackmagic Design
Mobile filmmakers can now connect a video monitor recorder to their Android device via a USB-C to HDMI connection, enabling users to have the option to monitor video from a secondary source via HDMI.
Using a monitor recorder, Blackmagic states that the Camera app can also record video externally, up to 8K resolution, and send those original camera files to Blackmagic Cloud Storage for instant post-production processing using DaVinci Resolve.
Image Credit: Blackmagic Design
Further adding cinematic tools, Camera version 1.1 now has focus transition controls, allowing shooters to set focus points within the app and then transition to those points while shooting.
Generating proxy files is also an option, but shooters can now disable that option to save storage space on their Android handsets when necessary.
Shooters can also save clips to an external storage option like a portable solid-state drive. To save to a drive, users need to go to the settings menu and select “Save clips to” (default: Gallery), and change it to the external drive attached to the phone.
Other features being added in version 1.1 include:
- HDMI monitoring.
- 3D LUTs for recording and monitoring.
- Pull focus transition controls.
- Blackmagic Cloud organizations.
- Login account within Blackmagic Cloud.
- Ability to dim the screen while recording.
- Optional image noise reduction.
- Optional image sharpening.
- Audio level pop-up.
- Japanese translations.
- Ability to not generate a proxy while recording.
- Save clips to any location including external storage.
- General performance and improvements.
Expanded handset support
Blackmagic has also tested the Camera 1.1 app on additional Android handsets and thus has expanded the number of models that the app can work on.
This includes the Xiaomi 13/14 mobile phones, the One Plus 11/12, Samsung’s Galaxy S21/S22, and the Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a models. As always, it is also best to make sure your supported Android device is up-to-date with the latest flavor of Android OS to ensure all new features are supported.
And while it’s a sure bet that these new features will be welcome to content creators on the Android platform, many are still complaining that BMD hasn’t made it a priority to bring LOG to the Bot. This continues to leave creators at the mercy of how well the native camera resolution of their mobile phones performs.
Download and installation
The free Blackmagic Camera 1.1 app can be downloaded from the Google Play app store.
[source: Blackmagic on X]
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
Claim your copy of DAVINCI RESOLVE - SIMPLIFIED COURSE. Get Instant Access!
