CameraFi

CameraFi is a video editor for Android, capable of processing videos from external cameras (UVC). With it, you can capture and import videos with endoscopes, webcams, microscopes and other devices. Download CameraFi for Android, and your smartphone becomes a dashboard for cameras!

Design 5/5

The app is designed in a very visual way. It shows you the instruction on how to use it and what it is for. When the external camera is connected, you see both the image fetched from it and the control elements. With accents put on real-time previewing, the app also lets you control the recording, manage records, share them, with accessible menu elements.

Usability 5/5

This application is a must if you need to control remote cameras with a smartphone. It supports a large variety of devices, including endoscopes, action cameras, drone onboard cameras, regular webcams, and so on. If equipped with an HDMI-to-USB converter, the list of available equipment must grow.

The list of supported smartphones includes 70+ models, of supported cameras – 37 models (as of October 2019), and this list must be expanded by similar models based on the same chipsets. As you connect the camera to the smartphone, it recognizes it with drivers included in this app. Then you can remotely record videos, play them, share, store on clouds.

It works better for long-time recordings if your smartphone can be charged wirelessly, as its USB port will be busy when the app is working. That won’t let you use a wired charger. It doesn’t matter, though, if you’re in for a short session.

Features 5/5

The videos you can record with this app are limited by the capabilities of the camera you use. The app can record sounds if the camera has no built-in mic, using that of the phone. It can automatically generate filenames with prefixes you set. To make the recording process easier, it can even use volume buttons for starting and pausing. In fact, it makes your smartphone the perfect remote for the plugged camera.

In-app purchases 4/5

The app is basically free, but it has some paid features. For example, the basic version is ad-supported, and the resulting videos are watermarked. Removing ads and watermarks will cost you $7.99. There is also a ruler plugin, similar to various ruler apps; it’s $9.99. You can preview paid features right from the app.

The Bottom Line

If you need to view places hard to access (for example, the engine of your car, or places under your furniture) with a camera, CameraFi is hard to beat. Its basic features are free, with paid extras; as for recording capabilities, they depend on the cam you use. Anyway, you need to install CameraFi and view the paid extras to decide whether you need them.

• Graphics 5
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 4

Pros

Compatible with various smartphones and cameras;
Doesn’t require rooting;
Lets you easily record in various resolutions and framerates;
Can be used for previewing places that can’t be accessed with a built-in cam;
Can use a built-in smartphone mic.

Cons

Only available for Android devices.