Filming and Editing Video on iPad Pro - Is It Any Good?
Education
Introduction
I recently excitedly acquired an iPad Pro, particularly keen about Apple's announcement of Final Cut Pro’s availability for the iPad. Since Final Cut Pro is my primary editing software, I was curious about the filming and editing experience on the iPad, and whether it could become a part of my workflow. This article aims to help those who have an iPad or are considering getting one to decide if it can be useful for their content creation.
Mobile Filmmaking Landscape
Mobile filmmaking has surged in popularity owing to its all-in-one system that simplifies the process of shooting, editing, and sharing quality video content on the go. Not long ago, I took the iPad Pro with me on a trip to Berlin with my brother. During this time, I filmed and edited a short video, with some parts also filmed on my iPhone. I'll be sharing that video with you later in this article.
Equipment and Setup
For my trip, I wanted to ensure I was adequately equipped for filming. The iPad Pro I’m using is the 6th generation, featuring an M2 chip and a 12.9-inch display. I also invested in the Magic Keyboard, which is great for editing, but not particularly well-suited for filming. Although you can hold the iPad to film, I highly recommend obtaining a rig for regular content creation. I bought a rig from Axon, which allowed me to mount two grips on the sides for a more secure grip. Although the iPad offers image stabilization, the handles provide steadier results.
In addition, I mounted a microphone on top of the rig, utilizing a windscreen to eliminate wind noise. Due to the lack of a headphone jack on the iPad Pro, an adapter is necessary for audio monitoring. This rig not only protects the iPad but also adds a professional touch to the setup. It can be customized according to your shooting needs and can be attached to a tripod for shots like my beautiful time-lapse of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
One significant benefit of this rig is the option to mount a battery to the back, allowing me to charge the iPad while filming or editing for extended periods.
Filming Features
While the rig has its flaws — like inaccessible buttons on the iPad and the requirement to unscrew the iPad for setup changes — it enhances the filmmaking experience. Additionally, I recommend checking out the Small Rig iPad holder, which offers quicker setup times but less protection.
Final Cut Pro for the iPad brings several advantages over the default camera app on the iPhone. It features the Pro Camera Mode, enabling manual control over white balance, exposure, and focus, which can significantly enhance video quality. During my Berlin trip, I set the resolution to 4K and the frame rate to 60 frames per second for smooth slow-motion footage.
Locking the white balance to 5600 Kelvin during daytime shooting helped avoid color shifts, while I also locked focus and exposure for better results. Enabling grids on the screen improved my composition, and I could monitor audio peaks by enabling audio level indicators.
Perhaps the most convenient feature is that recordings made within the Final Cut Pro app save directly to your project. The Pro Camera mode is somewhat limited compared to other apps like Filmic Pro, but it covers the basics necessary for casual content creators.
Editing Experience
Editing on the iPad is an enjoyable experience, thanks to the intuitive interface. Even though I'm accustomed to the desktop version of Final Cut Pro, adapting to the multi-touch interface and new features took some time. I particularly appreciated the jog wheel feature, which allows for precise scrubbing and trimming of clips.
Other features, such as pinch-to-zoom and drag-and-drop effects, work seamlessly. Using an Apple Keyboard for shortcuts and an Apple Pencil for quicker navigation further enhances the editing experience. The live drawing feature allows me to draw directly onto footage, making it easy to create titles and graphics.
Although Final Cut Pro's built-in asset library offers around 45 songs, the selection is somewhat limited in terms of music and sound effects, potentially leading to uniformity across users’ content. Expanding your library with resources from platforms like Motion Array can help add variety.
Using Motion Array, I quickly found and downloaded a bicycle bell sound effect to improve my bike scene, demonstrating the platform's utility for creators. Additionally, I used Motion Graphics elements from the site to create overlays for my footage, adding a unique flair.
Conclusion and Pricing
Final Cut Pro for iPad offers a one-month free trial, allowing potential users to test its capabilities before committing. After this period, pricing is set at $ 4.99 monthly or $ 49 for an annual subscription. For those who primarily rely on an iPad for filming and editing, the annual price is reasonable given access to valuable tools and features.
Despite its larger size making the iPad less ideal for spontaneous filming, especially in public spaces, it serves as an excellent editing station when combined with an iPhone for shooting.
Throughout my experience, I've found the iPad to be a versatile tool not just for filming and editing but for many different purposes in content creation, such as serving as a second monitor or creating shot lists. As Apple continues to evolve Final Cut Pro, I see great potential for iPad users.
I’m curious to learn how you might incorporate the iPad into your daily content creation workflow. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you're eager to enhance your mobile filmmaking skills, consider exploring the resources available at smartphonefilmmaking.com, where you can access my full course and future updates.
Keywords
iPad Pro, Final Cut Pro, mobile filmmaking, content creation, Berlin, rig, filming, editing, videography, apple pencil, Motion Array
FAQ
1. What is Final Cut Pro on the iPad? Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional video editing software now available for iPad, allowing users to film and edit video projects directly on their device.
2. What are the benefits of using an iPad for video editing? The iPad offers a portable solution for video editing with a user-friendly interface and features like the Pro Camera Mode for better filming control.
3. Is the setup for filming with an iPad Pro cumbersome? While the iPad Pro is larger and can draw attention while filming, using a rig can significantly improve stability and comfort during shoots.
4. Can I use my iPhone in conjunction with the iPad for filming? Yes, many users find that using an iPhone for filming provides better convenience, while the iPad can serve as a powerful editing station due to its larger screen.
5. What is Motion Array, and how does it help content creators? Motion Array is a platform providing royalty-free music, sound effects, and other creative assets to enhance video projects, helping creators add unique elements to their content.