Essential Apps for Cinematographers
As a working cinematographer, my kit goes beyond just cameras and lenses and my light meter—apps have become an key part of my workflow. Whether I’m planning a shoot, tracking the sun’s position throughout the day, or fine-tuning settings on a gimbal on set, the right apps can streamline the process and help me work more efficiently. Over the years, I’ve used countless apps, but these are the ones I keep coming back to. Some are absolute must-haves for any cinematographer, others have become personal favorites that fit seamlessly into my day-to-day work, and others are more tailored for specific kinds of productions. From pre-production to post, here’s my go-to list of apps that every cinematographer should know about.
Apps I use in prep
I use this to break down every script I get. I'll add storyboards, camera movement ideas, lighting notes and overheads in for each scene. It can also sync all your notes between drafts, so you don't have to worry about losing any ideas when you get new revisions.
Cost: $89.99/year
This app is great for brainstorming and organizing visual references. I use it to collect inspiration, shot lists, and mood boards for my projects.
Cost: Free
Procreate is an invaluable tool. I primarily use it for creating lighting diagrams, and for doing lighting breakdowns.
Only available on iPad.
Cost: $12.99
A great app from Cinematographer Khalid Mohtaseb Lighting overheads and diagram on the web, iPad and Mac.
Cost: Free
Scans and creates 3D models of locations, useful for pre-vis, set planning and lighting diagrams.
Cost: $39.99/year for pro subscription
Shot Lister helps me not only create shot lists that can be shared with key crew, but also helps me keep my shooting schedule organized. I can create shot lists, track progress throughout the day, and adjust my shooting plan in real-time if things change on set.
Cost: $59.99/year
I use Shot Designer to map out complex camera movements and blocking diagrams. It helps me visualize sequences before getting on set, saving me time during production.
Cost: Free
Pro Version: $19.99
Reference Apps
A great resource when shooting with RED cameras for checking crop factor, recording time data rates, panning speed, exposure settings when using high frame rates and other great reference tools.
Cost: Free
I use CineLenses to look up specs on lenses. It’s helpful when deciding on the best glass for a project, and determining if it will cover the sensor size of the camera I am shooting on for that project. It also has a marketplace to purchase cinema gear.
Cost: Free
The industry standard calculator for depth of field, field of view, and exposure and more.
Cost: $30
Very useful tools for shooting on celluloid film including a footage calculator, depth of field calculator, and links to buy film stock.
Cost: Free
Great for determining your camera specs in prep, and knowing how much media you may need at different recording settings.
Cost: $4.99/mo or $59.99 for a lifetime purchase
The Arri Photometrics app is great for quickly checking light output and beam spread for ARRI lighting fixtures. It helps me choose the right lights for a scene based on technical specs.
Cost: Free
Director’s Viewfinder Apps
An industry-standard director’s viewfinder, allowing you to simulate different camera and lens combinations to compose shots. A must have for Directors, DPs and Camera Operators.
Cost: $30
A professional director's viewfinder app that helps cinematographers and directors frame shots accurately by simulating different camera and lens combinations.
Cost: $20
Weather & Sun Tracking
Similar to sun seeker in that it shows you the sun's path, but it also allows you to view street view, has 3D shadow maps for buildings and terrain shadows.
Cost: $17.99
Provides real-time weather tracking to anticipate lightning risks during outdoor shoots.
Cost: Free
Helps me plan shots by showing the sun’s path for any location and time of day. I use this on every location scout, and on set during production to track where the sun will be at any given moment.
Cost: $9.99
Essential for tracking weather during location scouts and on set. I use it to monitor forecasts, radar conditions, and sudden weather changes that could impact the shoot day.
Price: Free
Mobile Cinematography Apps
A great app that unlocks features of your iPhone to be able to shoot video similarly to a professional-grade cinema camera, offering full manual controls over focus, exposure, and color grading for high-quality mobile cinematography.
Cost: Free
Gives your iPhone similar control to a high-end cinema camera, great for quick test shots or b-roll.
Cost: Free
Camera Control & Wireless Monitoring Apps
A must have for working with any of DJI’s gimbals. You can fine tune your balance and refine your settings for smooth operating.
Cost: Free
Good for managing signals, pairing and troubleshooting connectivity issues of Teradek Bolt devices on set.
Cost: Free
Another app that you’ll just need. GoPros will pop up on set from time to time, and the app makes it very easy to monitor the image and change settings easier than doing it on the GoPro itself.
Cost: Free
When working with ARRI cameras like the Alexa Mini LF, this app lets me control camera settings remotely, adjust exposure, set focus marks, and tweak LUTs in real-time. It’s incredibly useful when I need to fine-tune settings without physically touching the camera, especially in complex rigging setups.
Cost: Free
Allows me to monitor camera feed wirelessly from my phone, making it easier to check framing and focus without being tethered to the camera. Works primarily with Teradek SERV Pro transmitters.
Cost: Free
Virtual Production Apps
For virtual production work, CamTrackAR lets me capture camera tracking data directly on my iPhone. It’s a game-changer for integrating real and digital elements seamlessly.
Cost: Free
Full features enabled for $4.99/month or one time purchase of $29.99
A great app for scanning objects to be placed in 3D modeling programs like Unreal Engine for Virtual Production and pre-vis. I will often scan items that I may be shooting and bring them in to Set.A.Light for Pre-Vis lighting as well.
Cost: Free
Lighting Control Apps
This app controls Aputure and Amaran lights remotely. I use it to adjust brightness, color temperature, and effects on the fly without needing to touch the light.
Cost: Free
A universal lighting control app that supports DMX-based systems for professional lighting setups. Mostly used by industry gaffers.
Cost for full functionality - Basic plan: $725
Premium plan: $1750
When working with Rosco DMG LED lights, this app lets me fine-tune colors and lighting effects with precision.
Cost: Free
The app for controlling Astera’s lighting fixtures and creating lighting cues and effects.
Cost: Free
Crew Apps
ICG Safety App
As a union member, safety is always a priority. This app provides industry safety guidelines, reports, and best practices for set safety protocols.
Cost: Free
Simplifies tracking work hours and calculating overtime on set. It's great to have a digital record of your time cards as well.
Cost: $4.99/month
ZoeLog is a simple but effective way for my ACs to create digital camera reports during a shoot.
Cost: Free
I use IMDb frequently to check crew credits, and research directors, producers, and production companies.
Cost: Free