Customer Reviews (106)

BadBull64 • 2025-03-04T16:14:55-07:00

Brilliant piece of software. Maximizes the potential of the iPhone camera.

ArtByte25 • 2025-02-09T09:01:21-07:00

Ver 15.8 iOS Camera features work, video does not appear to work, no saved videos , it acts like it’s recording but no video is actually made. I don’t think it asks enough permissions actually…or phone is no longer supported

RoseORAbu • 2024-11-13T13:46:44-07:00

The app came highly recommended but honestly I’m having issues that I feel people need to be aware of. I recorded a video on the app only to go back and the video was not there. I assumed maybe I forgot to click record although I was sure I did. There is a video on the app that refuses to open and allow me to see the data so I’m thinking that’s the video I recorded and it crashed somehow. Today again I recorded a video and during the recording I noticed my microphone wasn’t feeding in so I paused. As I fiddled with the screen the app then crashed and I lost that recording so that’s not great. On top of it, it refuses to allow me to download my videos to my phone saying not enough storage. My phone has over 1TB available so I’m confused. So now my edit is just stuck on the app. Maybe the app may work if you only need to take a couple minutes shots but I use mine to record long form videos so it’s clearly not made for that. I would probably give this app 0 stars if I could because right now I’ve not experienced any benefit to using it and in fact has caused me to waste time recording content I can never access

Summary of Key Insights

Beastcam - Pro Camera is a powerful iPhone camera app aimed at professional users seeking manual control over their device's camera. While the app receives praise for its intuitive interface, extensive features, and value for money, a significant number of users report experiencing crashes, bugs, and issues with file saving, particularly on newer iPhone models (especially iPhone 15 Pro Max). The app is often compared favorably to Filmic Pro in terms of UI and price, but falls short in stability and certain advanced features like Log profiles and reliable ProRes recording. Overall sentiment is mixed, with a high number of 5-star reviews balanced by a substantial number of 1-star reviews indicating significant usability problems for some users.

  • Overall Rating: Calculated from the provided score distribution, the approximate average rating is 3.68 stars.
  • Sentiment: Mixed. Positive sentiment revolves around the app's feature set and value, while negative sentiment focuses on stability and functionality issues.
  • Key Strengths: User-friendly interface, extensive manual controls, good value for money, support for anamorphic lenses and DOF adapters, effective file management.
  • Key Weaknesses: App instability (crashes, freezes), file saving issues (corrupted files, lost recordings), compatibility problems with newer iPhones (especially iPhone 15 series), missing features compared to competitors (Log profiles, Apple Watch remote).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star: 47.2%, 4-star: 15.1%, 3-star: 9.4%, 2-star: 7.5%, 1-star: 20.8%. This distribution indicates polarization, with many users either loving or hating the app.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 106 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span from at least a year ago to the present (based on references to iPhone models like 13, 14, and 15).
  • Analysis Methods: The analysis involved manual review and categorization of user feedback, identifying recurring themes, sentiment, and feature requests. No automated sentiment analysis tools were used.

Key User Pain Points

  • App Crashing/Freezing: This is the most frequently reported issue. Users experience crashes during recording, when switching modes, or upon relaunching the app. This leads to lost footage and frustration.
  • File Saving Issues: Many users report that videos are not saved correctly, resulting in corrupted files or complete data loss. This is a critical issue that undermines the app's core functionality.
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max Compatibility Problems: A significant number of users with the iPhone 15 Pro Max report specific issues, including crashes with the telephoto lens, non-functional ProRes recording, and macro mode not working.
  • Zoom Functionality Issues: Some users experience the zoom function freezing, particularly in video mode.
  • Lack of Clear Instructions/Documentation: Some users find the app's custom icons and verbiage confusing, highlighting a need for better documentation.
  • Export Issues: Some users report issues exporting videos to their camera roll.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Log Profile Support: Many users specifically request the addition of a Log or Flat color profile for greater flexibility in post-production color grading.
  • Apple Watch Remote Functionality: Several users desire the ability to control the app remotely using an Apple Watch.
  • Improved Stabilization: Some users desire more robust stabilization options, possibly gimbal optimization.
  • Time-lapse Mode: A few users specifically requested a time-lapse video mode.
  • Stereo Sound: One user requested stereo sound recording.
  • False Color and Timecode: One user requested false color and timecode features.
  • Pause Recording: A user requested the ability to pause video recording.
  • Clean HDMI Out: A user requested a clean HDMI output for streaming.
  • Lock White Balance on Record: A user requested the ability to lock white balance while recording.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Intuitive User Interface: Many users praise the app's user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy to access and adjust manual controls.
  • Extensive Manual Controls: Users appreciate the ability to control shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus, and other parameters independently.
  • Value for Money: Compared to competitors like Filmic Pro, Beastcam is seen as a more affordable option with a one-time purchase model.
  • Anamorphic Lens and DOF Adapter Support: The app's built-in support for anamorphic lenses and DOF adapters is a significant selling point for filmmakers.
  • File Management Features: The app's file management system, including project and scene organization, is well-received.
  • Cinematic Stabilization: The cinematic stabilization mode is praised for producing smooth results without the need for a gimbal.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address Crashing and Freezing Issues: Investigate and fix the root causes of app crashes and freezes, especially on newer iPhone models. This is the most critical issue affecting usability.
    • Resolve File Saving Problems: Prioritize fixing the file saving issues that lead to corrupted files and lost recordings. Implement robust error handling and data recovery mechanisms.
    • Improve iPhone 15 Pro Max Compatibility: Focus on resolving the specific compatibility issues reported by iPhone 15 Pro Max users, including problems with the telephoto lens, ProRes recording, and macro mode.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Implement Log Profile Support: Add a Log or Flat color profile to cater to users who require greater flexibility in post-production color grading.
    • Add Apple Watch Remote Functionality: Develop an Apple Watch app to allow users to remotely control the camera.
    • Enhance Documentation: Improve the app's documentation and tutorials to clarify the function of custom icons and verbiage.
    • Fix Zoom Functionality Issues: Investigate and resolve the reported issues with the zoom function freezing.
  • Low Priority:
    • Add Time-lapse Mode: Consider adding a time-lapse video mode.
    • Implement Stereo Sound Recording: Add support for stereo sound recording.
    • Add Clean HDMI Out Support: Add support for clean HDMI output for streaming purposes.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Crash Prevention: Develop an AI-powered module that predicts and prevents app crashes by monitoring resource usage and identifying potential conflicts.
  • Automated File Recovery System: Implement an automated file recovery system that can restore corrupted or lost video files.
  • Hardware-Software Integration Optimization: Create a service that provides in-depth analysis and optimization of camera apps for specific iPhone hardware configurations.

Trends and Observations

  • iPhone Model Specific Issues: Many issues seem to be tied to specific iPhone models, indicating a need for more thorough testing across different devices.
  • Comparison to Filmic Pro: The app is frequently compared to Filmic Pro, suggesting that users are looking for a more affordable and user-friendly alternative.
  • Desire for Professional Features: Users are increasingly demanding professional-grade features like Log profiles and reliable ProRes recording.
  • Importance of Stability: The app's stability is a major factor influencing user satisfaction. Even with a rich feature set, instability can drive users away.

Conclusion

Beastcam - Pro Camera has the potential to be a leading iPhone camera app for professional users. Its intuitive interface, extensive features, and affordable price point are strong advantages. However, the app's stability issues and compatibility problems with newer iPhones are significant drawbacks that need to be addressed urgently. By prioritizing bug fixes, improving device compatibility, and adding requested features like Log profiles and Apple Watch remote functionality, Beastcam can solidify its position as a top contender in the market. Overall, I would recommend that the developers focus primarily on stability and bug fixing before adding new features.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/beastcam-pro-camera/id1450650398?uo=2