6 iPhone apps to make your photos look like movies
The iPhone has made photography more accessible than ever before. The prevalence of this in society raises the question, how can I make my photos stand out? Film photography seems to be the answer. Thanks to technology, there are many apps that mimic this effect. The iPhone apps listed below look like a vintage movie.
1. Dazz Cam
Price: Free | $4.99/year
Dazz Cam is a relatively new photography app inspired by retro film cameras from the 80s. It claims to be the most realistic movie emulator as it is based on actual film tests and vintage effects. There are many options for both film and video editing, and developers want to update filters and launch new cameras from time to time.
Although the app is free, some cameras require a Dazz Cam Pro subscription to unlock. Still, the sheer quality of the photos’ texture, grain, and color reproduction makes this little pocket camera a must-have for any movie buff. Dazz Cam’s user interface is simple and inviting, ultimately making it ideal for casual iPhone users looking to take their photography to the next level.
When you’re done editing your photos, you can use collage photo apps for your iPhone to put them together into a stunning collage.
Professionals
- Simple user interface
- Lots of camera filters
- It supports video recording and photography
- New camera filters will be available in the future
Disadvantages
- A pro subscription is required to unlock all cameras
- Lots of ads
- Custom film kits are not available
2. VSCO
Price: Free | $19.99/year
No list of iPhone photography apps would be complete without VSCO. It is often considered the favorite mobile photo app for iPhone users due to its wide range of editing options. When it comes to film filters, VSCO has a line designed to emulate 35mm film. The amount of filters really sets this app apart from the competition. It’s clear that the developers have spent a lot of time creating a solid platform for users to express themselves through photography. Even though the app has a free photo editor, many movie filters require an annual membership.
With VSCO’s growing community and dedicated team, an annual membership is well worth it for those interested in taking their photography skills to the next level. In-app video editing makes VSCO an absolute game changer. If excessive photo editing is causing your device to heat up, read how to cool down an overheated iPhone
Professionals
- Various film filters
- Online community
- It supports video recording and photography
Disadvantages
- It is more for professional photographers
- The interface takes some 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 over 60 film profiles, from Kodak Vision to Portra 400. Dehancer offers extensive film editing tools such as halation adjustment and darkness to make your photos shine like real analog moments. However, the film printing option is the most innovative feature of the application, allowing you to select scientifically designed print profiles that embody their own unique width and characteristics.
It’s worth mentioning that Dehancer was originally a plug-in for Davinci Resolve, which means that if you’re a skilled editor, you can grade your video on a Mac. Unfortunately, the iPhone app isn’t the most user-friendly and can be a bit buggy at times.
Professionals
- More than 60 movie profiles
- Extensive movie editing tools
- Film printing option
- Gloomy and halation setting
- Works with photos and videos
- Davinci Resolve has a plug-in for Mac
Disadvantages
- It can be a bit buggy
- It is more for professional photographers
- The interface takes some time to get used to
- It is more aimed at professional color grading
Tip: For a super easy way to print your awesome photos like real film prints, learn how to print photos from your iPhone or iPad
4. Instagram
Price: Free
You probably know Instagram primarily as a social media platform—the place where you upload your great photos after you’ve edited them. Still, it’s worth noting that Instagram has its own set of tools for editing your shots. Along with a built-in photo editor, Instagram allows users to take photos using a variety of user-designed filters. These inevitably include a range of retro film features for both film and video. Despite being incredibly accessible to users, the downside is that filters must be used for photos taken live in the Instagram app, as opposed to photos in your camera roll.
By learning how to use portrait mode effects, you can get the most out of your iPhone’s built-in features.
Professionals
- Great community
- Intuitive social media platform
- Lots of filters
- User uploaded filters
- Works with photos and videos
- Simple design and interface
Disadvantages
- The sheer number of filters can be overwhelming
- Must be used with in-app photos
- Filters do not emulate specific movie files
- It’s more for the avid photographer
5. History
Price: Free 3-day trial, then $4.99/week
Prequel specializes in emulating vintage Polaroid photos, and thanks to its simple design, it quickly became a popular app among the younger audience on TikTok. The throwaway feature really kicks things up a notch — unfortunately, it doesn’t quite justify the $4.99 a week price tag to unlock additional filters. The app allows you to edit photos taken directly within the app and from your camera roll; however, the coolest feature is easily the AI photo generator. It’s worth noting that Prequel isn’t specifically designed for film filters, and there are some really interesting effects outside of the free three-day trial.
Professionals
- Emulates the disposable Polaroid
- Photo and video editing
- AI photo generator
- Edit photos taken in the app and in your camera roll
Disadvantages
- It is aimed more at a younger audience
- Filters do not emulate specific movie files
Spending too much time editing photos can really drain your phone’s battery. Learn how to set your iPhone to notify you when the battery reaches 80%.
6. TikTok
Price: Free
TikTok has truly taken the world by storm. Not surprisingly, this social media platform also offers its own movie filters. Since TikTok is primarily a video sharing platform, these filters can only be used to work with video. Fortunately, with the recent update to photo mode, you can use the effects on portrait posts as well. The filters appear to be similar to Instagram in that they are primarily aimed at giving your content a retro look through the use of flares and grainy textures. Right now, there aren’t many filters designed to emulate specific sets of movies, but since TikTok has such a large user base, it won’t be long before you have too many to choose from.
Professionals
- Lots of filters
- User uploaded filters
- Works with photos and videos
- Simple design and interface
Disadvantages
- Lack of professional film kits
- It is aimed more at a younger audience
- The sheer number of filters is overwhelming
- Designed primarily for video
Frequently Asked Questions
Why emulate film photography with iPhone?
In the 21st century, shooting on analog film is incredibly expensive. A roll of film costs more than $10. Then you have to work it out, which can cost an additional $5-$10 per roll. And if that’s not steep enough, better film kits cost more and are harder to get. Filmmaking is also very time-consuming as an exercise. If you take 28 photos, there is no guarantee that all of your photos will look good. It seems that using technology to replicate the effect is not only simpler, but also significantly more economical.
Why is the appearance of the film so popular?
The film look is obviously coming back into fashion, which can be for many reasons, primarily because the younger generation is chasing the nostalgia and retro aesthetics provided by the film. It is the same reason why the appearance of VHS and camcorder is also popular among them. Alternatively, using film filters is a very easy way to make your snaps and videos stand out from the crowd on social media platforms.
Can you really tell film from digital?
It is important to first identify the differences between film and digital. Digital photography is generally very sharp, highlights are excellent, and contrast is not too high. Film photography tends to be much softer with more contrast in the shadows and highlights are often washed out because of how the technology exposes the image. Another major difference is the color texture and grain present in film photography. While new technologies are fantastic at replicating these qualities, there still seems to be something irreplaceable about shooting on real film.
All screenshots and/or photos by Daniel Bott.
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