Frames Review

The App Store isn't short on video editing apps. Take out the Social Networking and Photo/Video apps and things would be a lot quieter on the store. So it's down to any new video editing app to really stand out from the crowd, either through offering huge wealths of functionality or by being exceptionally easy to use. Frames focuses on one very specific task but it does so by making it simple enough for pretty much anyone to master. That task? Creating time-lapse and stop motion videos.

It's an effect that frequently looks great when done professionally, and this inexpensive $3 app goes some way to bringing the concept to the masses.

Using Frames is as easy as taking a regular video. It's all just a matter of tapping a relevant button in order to take a snap of a frame before moving onto the next one. A slider function then aids users in setting how much time they want between frames. It's similarly easy with some great, near-instant results. Other more technical abilities are bundled in, such as locking the exposure and focus, being able to overlay the previous frame for consultation and adjusting the shutter settings.

Crucially though, it's so easy to figure out. For those with the artistic knowhow but limited technical abilities, Frames is an ideal way to create great results and fast. It's also excellent fun to use for all manners of things such as a sunrise or something frivolous like a pet running around playing.

The app does dispense with some regular inclusions such as social network sharing capabilities - the only way videos can be sent anywhere is by exporting to the camera roll and taking it from there. However, this all means that Frames focuses on the app's role though, without padding it with any filler that the iOS device can deal with elsewhere. It's a classic example of an app that just works.