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Comparing Photo Apps on Android: Vignette and Retro Camera

Nov 13, 2011 05:04 PM

Although there are many great camera apps with filters for the iPhone, Android users should not feel left out. Apps such as Vignette and Retro Camera offer an exciting array of filters to complement any photograph. I've tested out different filters from both apps, and uploaded the samples below.

So Android users, with Vignette and Retro Camera, there's no need to feel down for not having Instagram available in the Android Market. Download these apps (which are available for free!) and enter your awesome camera phone filter shot into this week's Giveaway Tuesdays Photo Challenge for a chance to win these touchscreen-friendly Digits for your winter gloves!

Vignette

Coffee mug with a geometric design on a table.

Vignette is one of the most downloaded photography applications in the Android Market. You can try the demo for free or purchase the full application for $3.99. You can use the in-app camera to take a new photo or import a photo from your gallery to edit. Vignette a wide selection of filters and frames that broaden up the range of creative avenues that you can explore.

A side-by-side comparison of a coffee cup with normal and vignette effects.

Ceramic coffee mugs with distinct patterns in blue and white.

A comparison of two coffee mugs, one in black and white and the other in color.

Coffee mug with contrasting faded and color-enhanced designs.

A decorative mug displayed in two color variations: one with vibrant colors and the other in a monochromatic scheme.

A patterned mug displayed in sepia and platotype styles.

A side-by-side comparison of a coffee mug with normal and night vision imaging effects.

Coffee cup with contrasting color filters: tobacco filter and action movie.

A coffee mug with a colorful geometric design on one side and a monochromatic version on the other.

A coffee mug displayed in infrared and posterized styles.

Cup with geometric patterns in inverted and negative effects.

Vignette not only gives you the option to choose different filters, but you can also mix and match effects to make your own customized filter. You can also choose from a list of frames to add a finishing touch to your photo.

Colorful patterned coffee mug on a reflective surface.

Retro Camera

Retro camera illustration with floral background.

Retro Camera is available in the Android Market for free, but you can also purchase an ad-free version for $2.99. While Retro Camera offers less options than Vignette does, it's a lot of fun to use. Photos are taken through old-school camera interfaces that are inspired by popular analog cameras such as the Polaroid, Lomo, Holga and Diana, providing a warm, nostalgic feel to each photo. Each camera provides a label that describes the camera and the look of the photo it creates, as well as a black and white option. After you finish taking your photos, you can view them strung across your own personal digital darkroom.

Two stylish coffee mugs filled with dark coffee, one with a striped design and the other with a circular pattern.

Two coffee mugs side by side, one in color and one in black and white, both featuring a circular pattern.

Two cups of coffee in contrasting designs, one with blue and white stripes and the other in black and white stripes.

Cup of coffee with a patterned design, displayed in color and black and white.

Coffee cup displayed in color and black-and-white filters.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.