Filmmakers can never look at him ipad Or mac same way again after using cinnamon,
Field monitors have long been indispensable tools for filmmakers, providing a real-time view of what the camera captures. Traditionally, these monitors have been specialized devices, often expensive and heavy, associated with high-end camera setups.
first seen on CinedieCinnamon is a new app, currently in public beta, that aims to disrupt this paradigm. By turning iPads and Macs into professional-grade cinema monitors, Cinnamon promises to make high-quality monitoring accessible and portable. While similar products, such as orionHaving explored this area, Cinnamon aims to differentiate itself by offering a rich feature set and a focus on practical, business use.
Cinnamon positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional field monitors. The app works with a variety of devices, from iPad Pro to MacBook, and connects to cameras via affordable HDMI or SDI adapters. This flexibility, coupled with a robust set of tools, makes it an attractive option for filmmakers seeking a lightweight but capable monitoring solution.
Cinnamon believes that users will not factor the cost of their iPad or Mac into the affordability of the app. Given Apple’s premium pricing, this “affordable” solution falls far short for those who don’t already have the necessary hardware. Then again, many people already have a Mac or iPad.
The technology behind cinnamon
Cinnamon works on a simple premise: leveraging high-resolution screens and the processing power of modern devices to replace standalone field monitors. Connecting an iPad or Mac to the camera requires an adapter like Elgato’s Cam Link 4K or Blackmagic Design’s UltraStudio Recorder 3G. The first supports HDMI input, while the second offers uncompressed video capture.
a closer look
What sets Cinnamon apart is its wide range of tools to suit professional workflows. These features are designed not as novelties but as practical aids for accurate monitoring and decision making on set. To use Cinnamon with an external camera, users must have an iPad equipped with a USB-C port or a Mac with an HDMI or SDI-to-USB video adapter.
One of Cinnamon’s standout features is its image-based spot metering, a patent-pending tool exclusive to the app. This function allows users to place the moving probe directly over the live image, providing accurate brightness values ​​relative to middle gray in photometric units such as stops or EV. The tool is designed to work with log-encoded video signals and supports profiles from Blackmagic Design, Arri, Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic and RED.
Another useful feature is Image Overlay, which allows filmmakers to capture a frame from a live video feed or load a reference image. Using mix and wipe controls, users can compare the reference frame to the live feed to match camera position, object placement, exposure, contrast, and color.
For those working with green screens, the Color Key Preview tool provides a detailed assessment of background quality. Users can select target colors with the picker and refine the matte using adjustable sliders. This tool can be helpful in detecting hot spots, matching exposures for visual effects plates, or enhancing the final composite image.
Structure and Framing Tools
The app includes customizable overlays like grids, center icons, and safe zone indicators. Users can adjust the color, opacity, and layout of these guides to suit their specific needs. For example, framing guides allow precise aspect ratio adjustments, making it easier to compose shots for cinematic formats such as 2.40:1.
Focus assist and zoom
Manual focus can be challenging. Cinnamon’s Focus Assist highlights high-contrast edges to indicate the in-focus plane. Additionally, users can pinch to zoom and drag to re-frame the image, with a mini-map providing orientation.
false colors and zebras
Cinnamon offers false color overlays and exposure monitoring tools like zebras. These tools help spot clipping and ensure proper exposure for key areas such as skin tone. Cinnamon supports multiple zebra thresholds, enabling both highlight and shadow monitoring.
real time adjustment
The app includes sliders for exposure compensation, contrast, and saturation. This allows filmmakers to preview the effects of different exposure settings or simulate black and white imagery for focus evaluation.
LUT support
Cinnamon Cube supports the import of LUTs, enabling users to apply show-specific looks to the live feed. This is especially useful for productions that rely on consistent visual styles, as filmmakers can preview the final color on set.
video scope
Professional-grade scopes, including histogram, waveform, and vectorscope, are integrated into the app. These tools are GPU-accelerated to ensure minimal impact on device performance while providing critical insight into color and brightness.
practical applications
For many filmmakers, the question is not whether Cinnamon works, but rather how it fits into their workflow. There are obvious cost benefits in the app’s ability to convert consumer devices into cinema monitors, but its feature set makes it relevant for serious productions.
On smaller shoots, an iPad Mini mounted on top of the camera can serve as a lightweight and portable field monitor. For directors or DITs working in video villages, a MacBook Pro connected via SDI provides high-quality uncompressed monitoring. These setups reduce the logistical burden of traditional monitors while maintaining essential functionality.
One potential limitation lies in the app’s reliance on adapters, which vary in quality and price. While the developer has demonstrated compatibility with affordable options, professionals may prefer higher-end adapters for reliability. Additionally, features like uncompressed video monitoring are specific to Mac setups, which may limit some workflows.
Cinnamon’s capabilities invite comparison to existing solutions orionBoth apps aim to reuse the iPad as a field monitor. Still, Cinnamon differentiates itself with tools like image-based spot metering and customizable false colors. However, it remains to be seen whether these features work consistently across different setups and devices.
The public beta status of the app is another factor to consider. While early demonstrations highlight its potential, users may encounter bugs or incomplete features. Users can learn more about the public beta and sign up now Via Cinnamon’s website,
Image Credit: cinnamon
