While buying a smartphone, we take into consideration various features and specs and, for many of us, the most important of all is the camera. Cameras on today’s smartphones have advanced a lot, offering anywhere up to 41MP, and are capable of producing pro-quality pics and videos.
Along with the hardware, software has also become a lot more feature packed, and there is a multitude of apps out there to assist the amateur photographer/videographer. Here are six of our favourites.
ProCamera
ProCamera is a surprisingly simple camera app at the surface that also hides many advanced features.
In terms of shooting options, ProCamera has a full pack of manual controls available with an extremely intuitive and easy to use interface. You can set ISO, shutter speed, white balance and exposure compensation.
ProCamera can also be used to record video and it has the neat built-in option to scan QR codes. Its outstanding photographic capabilities, however, make ProCamera one of our top photography apps.
Cymera
Cymera is a popular android photography app which, along with powerful camera features, also brings a ton of editing features. The camera interface of the Cymera includes a number of powerful lenses like Focus, Anti-shake, Convex and more.
The app also has the ability to create collages along with various filters. There are a number of editing features like retouching options, beautification and more. Cymera is a must try if you want a simple yet powerful camera app.
Vignette
The Vignette app has a number of modes like time-lapse, touch to focus, photo booth, digital 10x zoom and more, as well as cool effects with 70 customisable filters and 50 frames. Advanced features include composition guides, remote shutter and more. A fun feature is that the app is optimised for taking pictures underwater, but for that make sure you have a water-resistant smartphone or appropriate housing.
Download for iOS or Android for R41,99
VSCO
VSCO is an app by the Visual Supply Company and supplies a collection of some amazing filters. The beauty of VSCO’s filters (or presets) is that they will help you get a sense of the right amount of touch-ups needed for a photo, and also help you avoid over editing your images.
Apart from its filters and effects, VSCO also comes with a ‘journal’ with ideas for shooting, and the apps get the job done as a camera replacement with separated exposure and focus controls, as well as tilt level.
MoviePro
MoviePro has just been updated with support for iOS 9 (including support for 4K video recording). It brings an all-manual video ride that will allow enthusiast smartphone videographers to squeeze the maximum out of the camera with high bit-rates. It comes packed with essential features for videographers: locking the exposure, focus, and white balance, and fully customisable zoom levels for slow, smooth zooming.
Download for iOS for R80.99
FxGuru: Movie FX Director
From werewolves and zombies to earthquakes and meteor strikes, FxGuru is a fun app for adding Hollywood-style special effects to your own clips. Filming yourself fighting off a giant robot was never so easy.
While some of these apps may be free to purchase, the data you need to download them is not. Check your current data rates and recharge with ease with the VodaPay App.
