Kino

Kino is a pro-level camera app for iPhone, developed by Lux Optics, the creators of the popular photo app Halide.

When it comes to mobile filmmaking tools, we at FilmmakingTools.com are huge fans of the work done by Lux Optics. Kino caught our interest early on mainly because we were already using and loving Halide Mark II, another app built by the same company.

Looking at the current state of mobile filmmaking, Kino represents something we’ve been waiting for: a video app that genuinely understands what cinematographers need without drowning you in unnecessary complexity.

What Sets Kino Apart

The real standout here is how Lux Optics has approached the user experience. If you’ve used their Halide camera app, you’ll immediately recognize the clean, thoughtful interface design. Kino keeps your viewfinder clear while placing the controls you actually need within easy reach of the record button. It’s the kind of attention to workflow that shows the developers understand how we actually work on set.

The Instant Grade feature is where Kino truly shines. With iPhone 15 Pro users getting access to Apple Log support, you can shoot log footage and apply cinematic grades with a single tap. The app ships with seven grades (eleven if you’re on iPhone 15 Pro), and you can import your own .cube LUTs for complete creative control. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a practical solution for directors who need to see their vision in real-time.

AutoMotion deserves special mention. This feature automatically adjusts exposure to achieve that coveted cinematic motion blur, turning green when conditions are optimal. It’s not AI trickery — it’s smart engineering that helps you nail the technical aspects while you focus on the creative ones.

The Reality Check

Kino isn’t without its limitations, and it’s important to be honest about them. If you’re shooting on anything older than an iPhone 15 Pro, you’ll find yourself locked out of some key features. The grade selection is more limited, and you won’t get the full Apple Log experience that makes this app truly compelling.

For seasoned professionals, you might find yourself missing some bread-and-butter features. External microphone support isn’t there yet, and the manual controls, while improving with updates, still lag behind what you’d expect from a $19.99 investment. Some users have reported performance hiccups at high frame rates, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to capture that perfect 4K 120fps shot.

The pricing has sparked debate in the community. While the pay-once model at $19.99 is refreshing in a subscription-heavy world, some filmmakers question whether it’s worth it when Blackmagic Camera offers similar functionality for free.

Who Should Consider Kino

If you’re serious about mobile filmmaking and you’re working with an iPhone 15 Pro, Kino offers a compelling package. The combination of Apple Log support, intuitive grading, and AutoMotion creates a workflow that feels genuinely professional. For directors who need to move fast while maintaining quality, this app removes friction from the creative process.

Beginning filmmakers will find Kino particularly valuable. The included videography course covers essential techniques like focus pulling and shot setup, making it not just a tool but an educational investment. The interface won’t overwhelm you, but it won’t talk down to you either.

However, if you’re working with older hardware or need extensive manual controls for complex shoots, you might want to wait for future updates or consider alternatives like FiLMiC Pro.

The Bottom Line

Lux Optics has created something special with Kino — an app that respects both your creative vision and your time. Yes, it has growing pains, and yes, it’s not perfect. But when you see how seamlessly it handles log footage grading or how AutoMotion helps you achieve that film look without fuss, you start to appreciate what they’ve built.

The developers are actively listening to feedback and rolling out updates that address real user concerns. For a version 1.0 app, that commitment to improvement is encouraging.

At the end of the day, the best camera app is the one that gets out of your way and lets you focus on storytelling. Kino does exactly that, turning your iPhone into a surprisingly capable filmmaking tool that respects both your craft and your creative process.