iPhone cameras have come a long way, but a handy app like Pearla can help mobile photographers take amazing photos with more confidence. And now with a new update, Pearla gives users even more tools to achieve the perfect shot.
A new version of the camera app released Wednesday lets iPhone users take photos in “log mode,” taking advantage of a higher dynamic range. In addition, Pearla introduced “a color space transformation process into our image development pipeline (similar to Davinci Resolve) to allow users to transform our log profile (Pearl-Log) to Sony S-Log3, ARRI LogC3 or Blackmagic Design Film Gen 5, “, according to the company’s press release.
Usually, photos taken with smartphones have a distinct “this picture was taken with the camera phone” quality, usually due to digital over-sharpening. Because of this, they need a little more attention during processing. But with an app like Pearla, especially when using its updated “log mode”, there’s a better chance of getting solid presets.
Pearla says its best use is for those who want a “cinematic look,” content creators who want to color-match posts, those who want to create behind-the-scenes footage with the right feel, or filmmakers and photographers who want to test grade colors using their phones on location.
The app additionally tries to emulate a standalone camera by offering presets, which it calls “recipes.” They can mimic the look of a certain aesthetic. It also has “film simulations” that “simulate film photography inspired by popular film stocks such as Portra 400, Portra 800, Kodak Gold 200, Lomochrome 92, Lomochrome Metropolis and Fuji Velvia,” Pearl’s developer explains.
“It also includes two simulation profiles inspired by the ‘classic chrome’ and ‘classic neg’ looks,” the company continues.
In addition, there are the usual camera app features. Various aspect ratios, portrait mode, white balance and histogram adjustment are included. The interface can also be customized to the photographer’s needs, with Pearla saying that “every button in the interface can be mapped to most actions from the settings page.”
Pearla is available through a subscription that costs $3 per month, $7 every three months, or $15 per year. The app also offers a three-day free trial.
Image authors: Pearl