CameraKit and LensKit developer Zak Ray has released FinderKit, a viewfinder app for iOS with exciting features for cinematographers and photographers. This is perfect for location scouting and the pre-production process in general.
In the past, when you needed to film or film a project on location, you usually had to bring along the cameras and lenses you might use. This was the only way to determine the ideal focal length for a particular shot, and the main way to match vision with reality. Not everyone can build a set according to their vision, so we had to make sure, for example, that the wide lens was wide enough to cover the establishing shots without any surprises.
Director’s viewfinders were also an option for visualizing shots, but their price was usually tied to high-budget projects. Luckily for us, app developers have introduced great tools during that time to make our lives easier. Sunseeker, Shot Designer, and Cadrage, among others, are well-known apps that filmmakers and photographers have been using since their release. Let’s take a look at what FinderKit adds to your game.
Customize the preview
At first glance, FinderKit isn’t revolutionary, since many of its features are also available in other viewfinder apps. However, it provides a complete list of cameras and features and is free to download with limited functionality. There is an in-app purchase to unlock all features.
Essentially, viewfinder apps like FinderKit use your phone’s screen to pre-visualize your shot before the actual shooting, simulating what a camera with a specific lens would fit in the frame. . One of the main things that differentiates all these apps is the number of camera and lens models they include. FinderKit provides him with over 100 cameras and his 1,000 lenses from manufacturers such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Arri, and Cooke. The app also includes accessories such as speed boosters, extenders, and custom crops to make your previews more accurate and complete.
The interface is user-friendly and easy, and includes tools like overlays and image appearance, allowing you to get closer to your final idea by changing color temperature, contrast, saturation, and more.
Organization and time management are essential for filmmakers and photographers, and Filmkit allows you to group individual lenses to create custom lens kits for each project. The Projects feature allows you to organize your settings and save shot lists containing metadata, videos, and photos for a specific project. Group your media by project or scene and create PDFs to view, organize, or share your vision with your team.
Overall, there are similar apps on the market with similar functionality, so whether you choose FinderKit or another of these apps depends on your personal preferences and the specific configurations available in the app itself. it’s different.
Price and availability
The FinderKit app is currently available for free in the Apple App Store, but it has limited functionality and is limited to models and lenses. To unlock all features, the app offers a $5.99 monthly subscription model, which also provides full access to the LensKit and CameraKit apps. FinderKit is also available as a one-time purchase for $29.99, which includes all future updates, but does not include CameraKit or LensKit.
What do you think about LensKit? Have you ever used a viewfinder app in a project? Let us know in the comments below.