We’re always exploring ways to help you get the most out of your iPhone camera. Just like SANDMARC lenses and filters unlock new creative potential, these three apps will take your mobile photography and filmmaking to the next level, whether you're shooting pro-level content or capturing everyday moments.

Third-party camera apps enable users to take photos and videos resembling those shot on professional cameras. Apple’s native camera app does not offer independent control of each lens, often causing autofocus inconsistencies, unintended macro switching, or blackouts when using external optical lenses.

These apps give users more control over settings such as white balance, shutter speed, lens selection, and focus fine-tuning. These apps unlock quality that users may not have thought possible with an iPhone.

With VSCO Capture, you get access to 50 presets that range from timeless classics to modern aesthetics. Designed with input from photographers, these creator-inspired looks give you endless ways to experiment with your style. As you shoot, you’ll see a live preview of how each preset transforms your image. Adjust key settings like flash, exposure, white balance, and shutter speed on the spot for full creative control. Best of all, VSCO Capture is free to download.

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While Adobe Lightroom includes an in-app camera, its real power shines in post-shoot editing. The app offers professional-grade tools such as appearance retouching, advanced enhancements, and even generative AI for removing unwanted objects. If you want full creative control over your images, Lightroom is one of the best options available. For photographers who are serious about editing, Lightroom ensures you have every setting and option you’ll ever need.

The Lightroom iPhone app has a free tier offering basic editing tools, but you can upgrade to a paid plan, like the Lightroom Mobile Premium plan for $4.99/month with 100GB of cloud storage, or a full Lightroom plan for $11.99/month (annual, billed monthly) which includes desktop and web access and 1TB of storage.

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The best video camera app for the iPhone is Blackmagic Camera. This app offers extensive customization and control, similar to Pro Camera but tailored for video.

Users can control parameters like lens choice, shutter speed, frame rate, ISO, and white balance. The control panel, expertly laid out on the right side, integrates seamlessly with the app, allowing easy intensity adjustment with a slider. Users can toggle certain features on and off and activate helpful guides like grids or zebra stripes with a click.

The app also supports filming in different aspect ratios, showing users how much of their frame will be visible. Focus can be toggled between automatic and manual, granting users control over the sharpness of their subject. Additional features include stabilization for creating cinematic movements and an anamorphic desqueeze for anamorphic lenses.

The Blackmagic Camera app allows recording of 10-bit Apple ProRes files up to 4K resolution. Users can adjust the codec in the settings, offering options like Apple ProRes 422 or 422 LT, depending on desired detail and file size preferences. Users can shoot in Apple Log for a flat image, providing flexibility in post-production color grading.

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Utilizing iPhone camera apps for both capturing and post-editing can completely transform your iPhone photography and filmmaking experience. Whether you’re new to editing software or searching for an upgrade, these apps are some of the best tools to help your work reach its full potential!