Top 6 film photography applications for iPhone

iPhone has made photography more accessible than ever. With billions of photos taken around the world, how can your photos stand out? Film Photography seems to be the best answer to this question. Thanks to technology, there are many apps designed to mimic this effect. The iPhone apps listed below will make your photos look like they were taken with a film camera.

1. Cam Dazz

Price: Free | $4.99/year

Dazz Cam is a relatively new photography app inspired by classic film cameras of the 80s. There are many different options for both film and video editing, and the developers intend to Update filters and introduce new camera options over time.

Although the app is free, some camera options require a Dazz Cam Pro subscription to unlock. Even so, Dazz Cam's amazing ability to restore texture, grain, and color in photos makes it a must-have for any photography enthusiast. Dazz Cam's user interface is simple and attractive, ultimately making it ideal for casual iPhone users who want to take their photos to the next level.

Advantage

1. Simple user interface
2. Many camera filters
3. Supports video and photo capture
4. New camera filters will be available in the future

Defect

1. Unlocking all camera options requires a Pro subscription
2. Many ads
3. Individual film stocks are not available

2. VSCO

Price: Free | $19.99/year

The list of iPhone photography apps wouldn't be complete without VSCO. It is often considered the best mobile photography app for iPhone users due to its versatile editing capabilities. When it comes to film filters, VSCO has a range of options designed to simulate 35mm film. The number of filters really sets this app apart from the competition. It's clear that the developers have spent a lot of time building a solid platform for users to express themselves through photography. While the app has a free photo editor, many of the movie filters require a membership.

VSCO's growing community and dedicated team make membership truly worthwhile for those interested in taking their photography skills to the next level. The addition of in-app video editing makes VSCO an absolute game changer.

Advantage

1. Diverse film filters
2. Online community
3. Supports video and photo capture

Defect

1. Geared more towards professional photographers
2. The interface takes a long time to get used to

3. Dehancer

Price: Free | $149.99/year

Dehancer is by far the most interesting app on this list. The app boasts more than 60 film profiles, from Kodak to Portra 400. Dehancer offers rich editing tools, like adjusting brightness and shadows. However, the film printing option is the most innovative feature of this app, allowing you to choose scientifically designed print profiles that showcase their own unique characteristics.

It's worth mentioning that Dehancer was originally a plug-in for Davinci Resolve, which means if you're a skilled editor, you can grade your videos using your Mac. Unfortunately, the iPhone app is not very user-friendly and can be a bit buggy at times.

Advantage

1. More than 60 film profiles
2. Extensive film editing tools
3. Film printing option
4. Adjust the highlights and shadows
5. Works with photos and videos
6. There is a Davinci Resolve plug-in for Mac

Defect

1. Sometimes there are a few bugs
2. Geared more towards professional photographers
3. The interface takes some time to get used to
4. Aim more towards professional color grading

4. Instagram

Price: Free

Instagram is primarily known as a social media platform – it's where you upload your fun snaps after editing. However, it's worth noting that Instagram has its own toolbox of features for editing your snaps. Along with a built-in photo editor, Instagram allows users to take photos using a variety of user-designed filters. They certainly include a range of classic film features for both photos and videos. While very accessible to users, the downside is that filters must be used with photos taken directly within the Instagram app as applied to photos in your camera roll.

You can also take full advantage of your iPhone's built-in features by learning how to use effects in portrait mode.

Advantage

1. Big community
2. Intuitive platform
3. Many filters
4. Filters uploaded by users
5. Works with photos and videos
6. Simple design and interface

Defect

1. The sheer number of filters can be overwhelming
2. Must be used with photos taken within the app
3. The filter does not simulate a specific film stock
4. Geared more towards truly passionate photographers

5. Prequels

Price: 3-day free trial, then pay $4.99/week

Prequel specializes in simulating classic polaroid photos and has quickly become popular with younger audiences on TikTok thanks to its simple design. Unfortunately, you have to pay $4.99/week to unlock additional filters. The app allows you to edit photos taken directly in the app and from the camera roll. The coolest feature of Prequel is the AI ​​photo creator. It's worth noting that Prequel isn't designed specifically for film filters, and there are some really cool effects available beyond the free 3-day trial.

Advantage

1. Disposable Polaroid emulator
2. Edit photos and videos
3. AI Photo Maker
4. Edit photos taken in the app and camera roll

Defect

1. Aimed more at young people
2. The filter does not simulate a specific film stock

6. TikTok

Price: Free

TikTok has truly taken the world by storm. It's no surprise that this social media platform also offers many of its own film filters. Since TikTok is primarily a video sharing platform, these filters can only be used with videos. Thankfully, thanks to a recent update to photo mode, you can use effects on photos. The filters seem similar to Instagram in that they are primarily intended to give your content a vintage look through the use of flares and grainy textures typical of film photography. Currently, there aren't many filters designed to emulate specific film stocks, but with TikTok having a huge user base, there will certainly be many filters to choose from in the future.

Advantage

1. Many filters
2. Filters uploaded by users
3. Works with photos and videos
4. Simple design and interface

Defect

1. Lack of professional film warehouse
2. Aimed more at young audiences
3. The large number of filters is too large
4. Designed primarily for video

Micah Soto

Update 17 October 2023