With smartphone costs dropping as the devices become more readily available worldwide, it is easier than ever to have a reporting toolkit at your fingertips. It’s also easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of apps.

To simplify matters, here are four apps that fulfill most of a mobile journalist’s video, audio and language needs:

1. 1st Video – Video Editor

Slice, dice and edit your video or photos on the go with one of the top road-tested iPhone apps. This video editor was featured in a mobile reporting guidecompiled by UC Berkeley. It topped the list of video editor apps, even over Apple’s own iMovie app.

The app features two mixable video tracks and two additional tracks for audio or background music, with other features such as voice-over recording and script writing. Because the tool offers so many in-depth features, it takes a while to master, so check out these tutorials if you need help. Available for iPad and iPhone, this app costs $9.99.

2. SoundCloud

The iPhone and Android apps don’t offer as many uses for journalists as the desktop application, but if you want to capture a sound byte from the field or record your impromptu interview, this free app is ideal.

You can record, edit or upload a recording from your phone to social media accounts, or wait and upload later. SoundCloud recently added trim and edit capabilities, making the app a one-stop-shop for audio on the go.

3. Google Goggles

One of five augmented reality apps for journalists abroad featured on IJNet this year, this visual search app is perfect for journalists reporting outside their native language. This free app uses an iPhone or Android camera to translate texts and images, and even offers information about surrounding landmarks or artwork.

This app does require data, but since the app allows you save your search history, you can take a pic, perform the search and keep it stored for later when roaming charges won’t pile up.

And here’s one to look out for in 2013:

4. YouTube Capture

Try out YouTube’s new mobile video editing app for iPhone and iPad devices. You can record and edit your video via mobile and upload it directly to YouTube. Already hailed for its no-fuss features, the free app includes image stabilization, basic color correction, trimming and adding background music. Full editing isn’t available yet, and neither is an Android version, but this app seems poised to become a mojo favorite in 2013.

What are your favorite mobile reporting apps?

Image CC-licensed by Flickr via tim caynes.