**Blackmagic Camera App Update 3.3: Improvements for Video Filmmakers Before NAB 2026**
In anticipation of NAB 2026, Blackmagic Design has rolled out a major update to its Blackmagic Camera app, improving the video recording experience on iPhones. Tailored for video experts, the app provides enhanced control over the iPhone’s camera features compared to the default iOS Camera app. The new version, 3.3, expands on the previous one with several thrilling additions.
**Main Features of the Update**
The highlight in version 3.3 is the new companion app for Apple Watch, enabling users to manage the camera straight from their wrist. This feature is especially beneficial for those filming selfie videos, as it offers a viewfinder display on the watch, which helps in framing better with the iPhone’s rear camera. Although it does not replace a dedicated monitor, it acts as a useful additional tool.
The Apple Watch app displays vital information above the viewfinder, such as timecode, focus settings, resolution, and battery status. Beneath the viewfinder, users can observe audio input levels and reach recording controls.
Users can conveniently toggle the visibility of information around the viewfinder by swiping up or down, ensuring a distraction-free filming environment. Furthermore, switching between the iPhone’s camera lenses is straightforward using the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown.
**Camera Control Features**
This update brings a range of camera control options, which can be modified in the app’s settings:
– **Camera Settings:**
– Auto Focus
– Auto Exposure
– Auto White Balance
– Lock All
– Stabilization
– Flash Light
– **Recording Options:**
– Timelapse
– Off / Speed settings
– **LUT (Look-Up Table) Options:**
– No LUT
– Preview Only
– Record to File
– **Live Streaming:**
– Start Stream
**Extra Enhancements**
In addition to the Apple Watch companion app, the Blackmagic Camera 3.3 update features several other enhancements and bug fixes:
– Support for full-screen portrait mode HDMI output.
– ProRes RAW stabilization support for iOS 26.1 and newer.
– ATEM camera control compatibility with the Blackmagic Camera ProDock.
– Compatibility with Blackmagic Focus and Zoom requests.
– Front camera support for both portrait and landscape modes without rotation on iPhone 17.
– Resolved issues regarding recording ProRes RAW from the front lens.
– Fixed preview delay when utilizing Blackmagic Camera ProDock as an audio source.
– Addressed bit rate problems with open gate H.264 and H.265 recordings.
**Availability**
The Blackmagic Camera app version 3.3, along with its Apple Watch companion app, is now available for free download on the App Store for both new and existing users.
This update fulfills a major request from users for Apple Watch control, enhancing the overall performance of the Blackmagic Camera app. With these new functionalities, video filmmakers can look forward to a more streamlined and effective shooting experience.