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Have an interest in the visual world but don't have the budget for a mirrorless camera? No problem. Today, the smartphone in your hand already has a very capable lens sensor.

The problem usually isn't with the lens, but with the default camera app. The default app is designed for quick use (point-and-shoot), so everything is set to automatic. As a result, you can't control how bright the picture is (ISO/Exposure) or how accurate the colors are (White Balance).

If you want to start learning how to use a camera like a professional without having to buy an expensive camera, the first step is to download a third-party app (third-party apps). The Berkah Abadi Studio team has some recommendations for camera apps that are feature-rich but still user-friendly for beginners.

1. Adobe Lightroom Mobile (RAW Photography Mainstay) You might know Lightroom as an app for editing photo colors. But did you know that this app has a built-in camera feature that's very solid?

1. Its advantages: The camera feature is free and already has a "Pro" mode. You can manually adjust Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance. Most importantly, you can take pictures in RAW (DNG) format. RAW files store more light data than regular JPGs, so when you edit the photo (especially when reducing overexposed skies), the image won't easily break apart.
2. Suitable for: Beginners who want to focus on learning the basics of the exposure triangle in photography.

2. Blackmagic Camera (Cinematic Video App) This is a free "treasure" for smartphone videographers. Made by a large cinema camera manufacturer, this app transforms your phone's screen into a professional camera interface similar to those worth hundreds of millions.

1. Its advantages: You have full control over Frame Rate (FPS), Shutter Angle (a replacement for shutter speed in video), and Focus Peaking (colorful lines to ensure your object is in focus). Additionally, you can choose the ProRes format (for certain iPhones) which is very much liked by video editors in our post-production room because the colors are more flexible during color grading.
2. Suitable for: Beginners who want to seriously learn how cinematic cameras work and advanced video recording settings.

3. ProShot (Complete Photo & Video Package) If you're looking for a single paid app that's affordable (usually under Rp 100,000) and can be used for both photos and videos with super complete features, ProShot is the answer.

1. Its advantages: The user interface is very clean and intuitive. You can adjust everything by sliding dials on the screen, similar to turning knobs on a physical camera. This app also has an audio indicator to ensure your video recording's sound isn't distorted (because the default camera app usually doesn't have a volume bar).
2. Suitable for: Daily content creators who need practical tools, not too heavy, but still want full manual control for photos and vlogging.

Tools are Tools, You are the Creator Downloading the apps above won't automatically make your visual work award-winning. These apps only unlock the limitations of your lens, giving you the freedom to adjust light and focus independently. The rest, composition, angle selection, and the story you want to convey, still depend on your instincts.

Just start with the tools you have in your pocket. When you feel that these phone apps can no longer keep up with your visual imagination, that's the right time to invest in a truly professional camera.