Croatian developer Sebastijan Grabar’s two iOS apps, RAW Cam: Open Gate DNG Video and Log Cam: Open Gate by RAW Cam, debayer the iPhone’s RAW sensor stream on device to record full-sensor CinemaDNG, MCRAW, ProRes and high-bitrate HEVC with industry log gammas, reaching back to non-Pro iPhones as old as the iPhone 13. Both are one-time purchases, and the developer claims they deliver “true” Apple Log 2 on hardware Apple never officially enabled for it, a claim worth examining closely.
Technical Pipeline: Bypassing the iPhone Image Signal Processor
Most mobile video capture relies on Apple’s finished video feed, which applies sharpening, noise reduction, and tone mapping before the file is saved. According to the developer, Grabar’s tools intercept the raw sensor stream before this “baking” process occurs. This allows users to record 10-bit HEVC or ProRes on standard iPhone 13, 14, and 15 models, circumventing the restrictions Apple typically reserves for its Pro-tier devices.
However, this technical bypass requires significant processing power. Transcoding up to 30 full RAW frames per second in real time can lead to dropped frames or system freezes on base-model hardware. Users should note that these apps lack autofocus during recording, and manual focus can prove unreliable at slower shutter speeds.
Pro Tip: For stabilization, record in “Open Gate” mode. Because these apps capture the full 4:3 sensor area rather than a cropped 16:9 frame, you gain extra margin for software like Gyroflow to perform motion correction without revealing black edges.
MCRAW Compression and Workflow Efficiency
A notable feature of RAW Cam is its support for MCRAW, a lossless compressed container originally developed for the Android app MotionCam Pro. Documentation from MotionCam notes that MCRAW can reduce file sizes by roughly 50 percent compared to uncompressed DNGs while retaining all original raw data. Metadata, such as white balance, is stored separately rather than baked into the image.
To integrate these files into professional editing suites like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro, the developer points users to the free MotionCam Tools companion. This software mounts .mcraw files as virtual CinemaDNG sequences, allowing editors to scrub through raw footage on the GPU without needing to perform a time-consuming conversion step first.
Evaluating “True” Apple Log 2 Claims
The marketing claim that these apps provide “genuine” Apple Log 2 has sparked debate among enthusiasts. Apple’s official Apple Log 2 White Paper (2025) defines specific encoding constants and gamut coordinates—including imaginary primaries designed to capture deep saturation—that are mathematically reproducible. While Log Cam can implement these curves, Apple does not disclose how it characterizes the native response of each specific iPhone sensor.
Consequently, while the math may be exact, the resulting color science depends on the upstream sensor processing. One reviewer’s blind test, which compared an iPhone 13 Mini running Log Cam against an iPhone 17 Pro shooting ProRes RAW, found that viewers preferred the older device’s output. This remains a subjective, non-controlled test and should not be considered a definitive benchmark for color accuracy.
Comparison: RAW Cam vs. srRAW
The primary competitor is srRAW Cinema Camera, developed by SWISS RIG FlexCo. The key differences lie in the business model and hardware support:
- RAW Cam & Log Cam: One-time purchase, compatible with iPhone 13 and newer.
- srRAW: Offers a lifetime purchase or subscription model, currently supporting iPhone 15 and 16 Pro models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these apps require a subscription?
No. RAW Cam: Open Gate DNG Video is a one-time purchase, and Log Cam offers a free trial followed by a one-time in-app unlock.
Can I use autofocus while recording?
No. Both apps currently lack autofocus support during recording, requiring manual focus adjustments.
What is the benefit of Open Gate recording?
Open Gate records the full sensor area, which provides more flexibility for reframing and allows for better stabilization results when using external tools like Gyroflow.
Did you know? Apple’s original Apple Log encodes in BT.2020 primaries, while the newer Apple Log 2 uses Apple Wide Gamut, which includes “imaginary” color coordinates to handle extreme lighting conditions without clipping.
Have you experimented with raw video capture on your iPhone? Share your experiences with these workflows in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into mobile cinematography technology.