The Video Assist iPad app has received a significant update at NAB 2026, adding several new features that enhance its functionality and appeal to professional filmmakers and video producers. This update introduces Advanced Masks, Record Trigger support for Canon C50 and C400 cameras, expanded Metadata Extraction for RED and Sony Venice cameras, and a new VTR Reports feature for generating end-of-day PDF reports directly on set.
One of the most notable additions is the Record Trigger feature, which uses computer vision to automatically start and stop recording in the app when it detects that the connected camera is rolling. This feature is now supported by Canon C50 and C400 cameras, in addition to ARRI, RED, Sony Venice, Sony Burano, Blackmagic, and DJI cameras. The developer has indicated that other Canon cameras using the same output system should also be compatible.
Another significant update is the expansion of Metadata Extraction to RED and Sony Venice cameras. This feature uses computer vision to read status information displayed on a camera's video feed, including clip name, frame rate, lens, iris, ND filter, exposure index, shutter, white balance, color correction, and timecode start/end. The camera file name can also be detected and automatically applied to clips recorded within Video Assist, keeping naming consistent between the original camera media and the app's recordings.
The Video Assist app also includes a comprehensive toolset, such as LUTs, Live Compositing, Focus Peaking, False Color, Zebras, Anamorphic Desqueeze, and Audio Meters. It supports clean video output via USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort adapter or AirPlay for driving a separate director or client monitor.
The new VTR Reports feature lets users generate PDF documents containing clip thumbnails, metadata, clip info, camera info, and notes for each recorded clip. This feature is designed for sharing selected takes with post-production or creating technical reports at the end of a shoot day, without needing a dedicated DIT handling this separately.
The Mask Effect has also been expanded to support three separate masks simultaneously, each with independent controls for shading, color, and line thickness. This allows users to overlay multiple frame line guides at once, for instance showing both a 2.39:1 theatrical crop and a 16:9 delivery format on the same feed.
Video Assist is available as a free download on the App Store, with the free version running in Demo Mode (with watermark) for hardware compatibility testing. The Base Subscription is priced at $129.99/year, while the Pro Subscription at $199.99/year adds LUTs, Focus Peaking, False Color, Zebras, Compositing, ProRes Recording, and Metadata Extraction.
In conclusion, the Video Assist iPad app has become a serious contender in the market for lightweight video assist setups. With its comprehensive toolset, expanded metadata extraction, and new features like Record Trigger and VTR Reports, it offers a powerful and flexible solution for professional filmmakers and video producers.
