OpenCam for iPhone | First App with Apple Log + Open Gate Video
Share
If you’ve been dreaming of a true open gate video app for iPhone that supports Apple Log, ProRes, and full manual controls — with no subscription traps, no tracking, and a one-time purchase option — meet my new favourite full-sensor video app: OpenCam.
Developed by solo dev Richard Qi, OpenCam is the first iOS app to unlock full sensor recording with support for Apple Log.
What Is Open Gate Video — and Why Should You Care?
"Open gate" is a term borrowed from the world of film cameras which have a physical gate, and is used to describe capturing the camera's full sensor area, rather than cropping it to a standard aspect ratio like 16:9.
Most video apps crop your iPhone's 4:3 sensor to 16:9 when recording — throwing away valuable image data in the process. But with OpenCam, you can shoot at the sensor’s native 4:3 aspect ratio, giving you:
- More flexibility for reframing in post (e.g., landscape, portrait, square)
- A cinematic aesthetic reminiscent of films like The Lighthouse and The Grand Budapest Hotel
Why OpenCam is a Game Changer for iPhone Filmmakers
While other apps like Mavis Camera Classic offered full sensor recording years ago, they were limited to Rec.709 color in H.264. OpenCam is the first app ever to combine:
- Open Gate 4:3 Recording
- Apple Log gamma curve in 1080p (Apple does not support Apple Log open-gate at 4K)
- HEVC or 10-bit ProRes 4:2:2 recording
- Full manual controls (manual focus, exposure, white balance)
- Solid privacy policy with zero tracking
- One time purchase of $29.99 USD
Pricing & Privacy: A Breath of Fresh Air
OpenCam is available as:
- One-time purchase: $29.99 USD
- Monthly subscription: $2.99/month
- Annual subscription: $14.99/year
No account required. No analytics tracking. No shady privacy policies. Just a lightweight, respectful app made by a developer who clearly gets it.
Final Thoughts: The Best iPhone Video App for Full Sensor Recording
OpenCam is the only iPhone camera app with open gate + Apple Log making it the best option for filmmakers who want the flexibility and quality that Apple Log provides. The UX could be refined, but this app already delivers more than anything else out there for serious mobile filmmakers.
📥 Download OpenCam
Available on the App Store here
🎨 Want Better Colors?
Grab Epic LUTs built specifically for Apple Log:
👉 https://epictutorials.com/collections/epic-luts-for-apple-log
Have questions? Drop a comment or shoot me an email. If this helped, share it with someone who needs to see it!
