Camera Awesome - Take More Awesome Photos on iPhone

A New Contender in Mobile Photography: Camera Awesome

Despite the already extensive selection of camera applications available on the iTunes Store, innovative options continue to emerge.

These apps frequently expand upon existing functionalities and incorporate photographic capabilities often absent in traditional point-and-shoot cameras, and even some DSLR models.

Introducing Camera Awesome

Recently, I discovered a particularly noteworthy application: Camera Awesome.

Its designation as a “professional grade” app stems from its comprehensive feature set, although prior photography experience isn’t a prerequisite for its use.

The app distinguishes itself by offering a robust toolkit for mobile photographers.

It builds upon the foundations of established camera apps, adding unique features that enhance the creative process.

The app is designed to be accessible to both amateur and experienced photographers.
It provides a level of control and functionality not typically found in standard smartphone camera interfaces.

Camera Awesome aims to bridge the gap between mobile photography and the capabilities of more sophisticated camera systems.

This makes it a compelling option for anyone seeking to elevate their smartphone photography.

Core Functionality

Camera Awesome leverages and expands upon the capabilities present in the iPhone's native camera application as it existed in iOS 5. This encompasses features such as focus locking, a dedicated self-portrait setting, flash control, video recording, digital zoom functionality, and streamlined editing tools.

Furthermore, the application incorporates advancements inspired by other popular camera apps like Camera Pro, Best Camera, and FastCamera, building upon their strengths.

Key Features Included

Lock Focus: Ensures sharpness remains consistent even with subject movement.
Self-Portrait Mode: Optimized settings for taking pictures of yourself.
Flash Control: Adjust the flash settings for varied lighting conditions.
Video Cam: Record videos directly within the application.
Digital Zoom: Magnify subjects without physical zoom lenses.
Quick Editing Enhancements: Apply basic edits rapidly and efficiently.

The design philosophy behind Camera Awesome was to not reinvent the wheel, but rather to refine and augment existing, well-received features. It aims to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly photography experience.

Enhanced Camera Capabilities

For users who appreciate the grid composition feature within the standard iPhone camera, Camera Awesome introduces a wider array of composition guides designed to elevate photographic skill. Beyond the commonly used Rule of Thirds, it incorporates Golden Ratio, Trisecant, and Square guidelines.

Camera Awesome features a selection of shooting modes, including Stabilization, Slow Burst, Fast Burst (Low Resolution), and dual timer options. Given the iPhone camera’s lack of adjustable shutter speed, the app’s Burst functionalities can effectively capture moving subjects.

Selecting one of these tools allows image capture by simply holding a finger on the shutter button to initiate a burst of photos. While not as rapid as professional DSLR cameras, the Burst feature proves valuable when the iPhone is the sole available camera.

A Big Button shutter is also included within Camera Awesome, enabling picture-taking by tapping or sliding a finger across any area of the iPhone screen. This method promotes stability when the iPhone is held in one hand, with the other hand lightly interacting with the screen.

However, practical experience suggests the Big Button shutter can be somewhat sensitive, so familiarization through practice is recommended before utilizing it for critical photography.

While no camera application can fully compensate for limitations in flash photography, Camera Awesome provides an integrated flashlight that remains illuminated during shooting. This feature proves beneficial in extremely low-light conditions, aiding in framing and focusing, and is also useful for illuminating shadowed areas.

Within camera mode, simultaneously pressing the thumb and index finger on the screen reveals two tools: one for exposure adjustment on specific subject areas, and another for focus locking. These represent the kind of sophisticated shooting controls not typically found in basic point-and-shoot cameras.

Artistic Filters

Camera Awesome provides a rich artistic experience, featuring a wide array of retro and striking filters and frames. These effects can be effortlessly applied to your photos with a single touch.

The application initially offers around a dozen preset filters, each given a unique and engaging name such as Rubby Slippers, Trinity, Pillow Fight, and Bombshell.

Filter Complexity

Replicating these filter effects within a program like Photoshop would demand considerable expertise and a significant time investment.

Quick Effect Preview

Camera Awesome allows for rapid visualization of all effects applied to a single source photograph. This enables users to quickly select their preferred aesthetic.

A diverse collection of additional filters is available for purchase, grouped into packets priced at 99 cents each.

Ideal for Artistic Photography

If you have a passion for artistic photography, the capabilities of Camera Awesome are sure to impress.

Camera Awesome delivers a powerful and convenient toolset for enhancing images with artistic flair.

Photo Sharing Capabilities

The vast majority of sophisticated iPhone camera applications offer functionalities for exporting images to the iPhone’s camera roll and various online platforms dedicated to photo sharing.

SmugMug, a photo sharing and printing service and the developer behind Camera Awesome, encourages users to utilize its storage solutions. However, the application also facilitates sharing to popular social networks like Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter, alongside Picasa, Photobucket, and direct email transmission.

Simplified Sharing Options

A particularly convenient feature is the one-tap preset, which allows for immediate photo dispatch to a pre-selected destination.

Individuals unfamiliar with iPhone photography might initially find Camera Awesome’s interface somewhat complex. Nevertheless, for those aiming to move beyond simple point-and-shoot photography and delve into the realm of artistic image creation, this application provides a comprehensive, integrated workflow.

We are interested in your opinions regarding Camera Awesome and comparable applications. Are there any specific functionalities within this app that you believe would be beneficial additions to the default iOS camera application?

Consider the benefits of integrated sharing features. Would streamlined access to social media platforms enhance your mobile photography experience?

The ability to quickly export and share photos is a key component of modern mobile photography. Camera Awesome provides a robust set of options in this regard.