Magic Cinema ViewFinder vs BM Controller
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Magic Cinema ViewFinder
This tool simulates the field of view for specific camera and lens combinations, aiding filmmakers in preproduction. It offers precise framing previews and allows saving shots with detailed information. Users can adjust focus, white balance, and apply color presets.
- Precise framing preview
- Simulates camera/lens field of view
- Save shots with metadata
- Adjust focus and white balance
- Apply color presets (LUTs)
- Supports various Blackmagic cameras
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Magic Cinema ViewFinder presents you a precise framing preview for the real Blackmagic camera/lens combination you'll be shooting with, right where you stand with your iPhone / iPad. It simulates the field of view of any Blackmagic camera or lens and can help thousands of professionals in filmmaking at the preproduction. PLEASE READ: this app does not turn your Apple device into an external monitor, but operates as a stand-alone director's viewfinder. The app contains ad banners, which can be turned off with additional in-app purchase (in 'About the App' menu). The app is a digital directors viewfinder -- it helps you see the exact field of view for your future shot. Select the camera from the menu and rotate the wheel to select the focal length of the lens. Supported cameras: - Blackmagic URSA 4.6K / URSA Mini - Blackmagic URSA - Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro - Blackmagic URSA Broadcast - Blackmagic BMCC, BMPC 4K - Blackmagic Micro Cinema / Pocket / 4K Magic ViewFinder simulates using tele adapters or anamorphic optics on your camera (see menu). From the menu you can also select the aspect ratio of the frame guide overlaying your image. Magic ViewFinder also lets you apply some commonly used color presets (also known as LUTs) to the live picture, which brings you even closer to the final shot. When you have found the right view, you may save it for future reference, with additional data like the focal length, date and time and camera / lens information. While taking a photo, you may lock exposure and turn on and off the auto focus to better control the captured picture. You can set camera to work in constant auto-focus mode, or lock the focus temporarily. You can also tap the live screen to focus on particular objects (which turns on the focus-locked mode). White balance may work in Auto, Locked or Manual mode. If the field of view of your real camera is wider than your in-device camera, the app adds 'padding' around the image, since the device cannot 'see' what is beyond. It is the best solution that we developed first amongst other viewfinder apps. Please note that position of your iPhone/iPad should correspond to the 'nodal point' of your real lens, which is somewhere in the middle of the lens. Ad policy: The ads are designed to appear non-intrusively, and help me to develop. Additional info about the app may be read at: http://dev.kadru.net/index.php/magic-viewfinder/ If you have any issues please email us for a quick support: dev@kadru.net To activate additional settings (i.e. to use all available optical adapters and frame guides) and to turn off advertising, please subscribe to (Option #1) or purchase Premium Features (Option #2) in 'About the App' menu. In-App Purchase Option #1: - Title of service: Premium features: subscription - Length of subscription: a month (auto-renewable) - Contents of service: Turned off ads and additional options for frame guides, optical adapters, anamorphic indices, more LUTs - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase - Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Terms of Use: http://dev.kadru.net/tos.html In-App Purchase Option #2: - Title of service: Premium features: purchase - Length of subscription: once and forever - Contents of service: Turned off ads and additional options for frame guides, optical adapters, anamorphic indices, more LUTs Privacy Policy: http://dev.kadru.net/privacy_policy/Privacy_Policy_Magic_Cinema_ViewFinder.html
BM Controller
Wirelessly control compatible Blackmagic Design cameras using a dedicated API. Adjust essential camera settings like ISO, white balance, focus, and recording parameters in real-time for a streamlined video production workflow.
- Wireless camera control
- Adjust camera settings
- Real-time parameter adjustments
- Audio level monitoring
- Recording start/stop
- Visual feedback system
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BM Controller is a powerful utility that lets you wirelessly control supported Blackmagic Design cameras using the Camera Control API. Built for reliability and speed, it gives filmmakers and creators a clean, responsive interface to adjust essential camera parameters in real time. Designed specifically for iPhone, BM Controller communicates with your Blackmagic camera over the network. Once connected, you can remotely access and configure a wide range of camera settings — without physically touching the hardware. The following models implement the same Camera Control API version (v1.0) and are supported: • Micro Studio Camera 4K G2 • Cinema Camera 6K • Studio Camera 4K Plus • Studio Camera 4K Plus G2 • Studio Camera 4K Pro • Studio Camera 4K Pro G2 • Studio Camera 6K Pro • URSA Broadcast G2 Note: These models are supported by the API specification. BM Controller interfaces with any compatible device using the documented endpoints but does not perform additional validation per model. Certain features, such as zoom or autofocus, depend on the physical capabilities of the camera and lens. If a lens does not support electronic zoom, the zoom control will not produce any effect. Core Features - Free Edition Single Device Control • Control one Blackmagic camera at a time with direct network communication. Comprehensive Camera Settings • Adjust shutter speed (with Auto), ISO, white balance, tint, aperture (with Auto), focus, zoom, focal length, gain, device codec, frame-rate, and off-speed recording. Audio Control • View and modify levels for two audio channels, and choose from available audio inputs per channel. Recording Control • Start and stop recordings, monitor recording status, and view real-time media availability. Visual Feedback System • Tally indicators and lock states alert you to external recordings or missing media. Built-In Support Resources • Includes a connectivity guide, accessories reference, and device compatibility list — all available from within the app. BM Controller App for the Video Production industry BM Controller is ideal for mobile content creators, videographers, and technicians working with Blackmagic Design cameras in live production or studio environments. Whether you’re working from a handheld rig or managing a remote setup, BM Controller streamlines your workflow and enhances camera interaction. Future Development We are actively working on new features, including multi-camera support, simultaneous device. These will be part of our upcoming Studio Edition — a premium upgrade designed for professionals who require greater flexibility and control. Stay tuned via the Resources tab for updates. All existing and planned features can be reviewed in the Resources tab under Release Notes.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BM Controller at none against Magic Cinema ViewFinder's 2. BM Controller also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). Magic Cinema ViewFinder's advantage is ratings volume (81 vs 2) and device support (3 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Magic Cinema ViewFinder sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. BM Controller asks for nothing beyond the download.
BM Controller holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic Cinema ViewFinder has 81 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
| Parameter | Magic Cinema ViewFinder | BM Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (81 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 65.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 81 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | — |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 18 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Roman Medvid | Novaly Solutions |
Customer experience
Magic Cinema ViewFinder
BM Controller
In-app purchases
Magic Cinema ViewFinder
- Premium features: subscription1 Month trial$1.491 Month
- Premium features: purchase$4.99
BM Controller
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Magic Cinema ViewFinder free?
Is BM Controller free?
Which has better reviews, Magic Cinema ViewFinder or BM Controller?
Do Magic Cinema ViewFinder or BM Controller have ads?
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