ActionShot Review

ActionShot has the potential to be something pretty great. At its finest, it's an ideal way of creating animations rather than videos. It's a little awkward to get working effectively, however.

Like other similar apps, ActionShot is focused on creating animations that can be shared more easily than video creations while also adding a quirky sequence shot effect. A tutorial right from the start explains what's required of the user. It's almost just a matter of tapping and shooting. There's no need to move the device in time with the subject, just frame the action and keep the device steady. It's possible to adjust the delay and number of shots but it's not essential to mess around with these.

The more awkward part comes with getting the animation just right. The preview screen demonstrates what can be done but there isn't a magic button to actually implement this. Instead, it's a matter of highlighting the relevant subject with a finger in order to capture everything. This is where an auto button would have been very useful. Considering the rest of the app is so simple to use, it's a shame that actually editing creations takes a lot of practice. That practice might be worth doing but it's also likely to put some people off. Instant results are that bit preferable.

There's also the issue that ActionShot isn't as free as one would think. The basics are there but features such as the ability to edit later rather than straight away requires an in-app purchase of $0.99. To record in HD is the same price again. Neither are essential to the use of the app but it's worth taking note.

With an automatic animation button and a few tweaks to the UI to make it that bit clearer, ActionShot will do well. It is possible to make some great things from it. As it stands though, I fear that steep learning curve may put people off.