9 Film Camera Apps (Mimic a Film Photography Look)

This guide to the best film camera apps will help you turn your smartphone into a retro camera!

There’s something about vintage film photos that makes them intriguing and unique.

If that’s what you’re trying to capture, you’re in luck!

Several great apps can help you achieve this classic film photography aesthetic through retro filters and visual effects that save straight onto the pics on your camera roll.

In this article, I’ll share my pick of the top apps that recreate analog film photos, as well as a brief overview of each one of them.

Let’s jump right in!

What is the Best Film Camera App That Recreates Film Photography?

Finding the best film photo camera app can be tricky with all the options out there.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best options that recreate those hipster vintage film effects!

1. Dazz Cam

 

Dazz Cam is one of the most popular digital film camera apps out there. In fact, this app is so popular that it already has plenty of knock-offs and copycats, such as the Daze Cam app.

The app can create various retro masterpieces with various film effects, especially the “Insta C” filter. These effects include light leaks, vintage lens flare, film grain, etc.

The app also allows you to superimpose photos for a double exposure effect and use flash to create more texture in the dark.

The regularly updated app is free in both stores but has a subscription-based plan that significantly expands your vintage filter variety options.

2. FIMO

You’ll love this one if you value simplicity and ease of use. FIMO is one of the most interesting camera apps that recreate the film aesthetic of cheap film cameras from a bygone era.

The app has a remarkably simple user interface that lets you choose your preferred film preset through a catalog of options that resemble real films.

All the buttons and features of the apps are clearly labeled to make it easy to navigate, and you can also use the app to add various effects to existing photos as well.

The only downside here is that it switched from one-time purchases to a subscription system, so you can’t buy the preferred filters separately anymore.

3. OldRoll

Next, we have another nice option to consider if you fancy those 80s-style camera filmstock.

OldRoll offers a large variety of presets and filters for vintage-style photography, including Polaroid, disposable, popular, and more.

Although the app is technically free, some of its best filters and film effects are unlocked through a monthly/annual subscription plan.

The good news, however, is that it’s remarkably affordable for the quality it offers!

If you’re keen to recreate that film look that’s so popular on Instagram and don’t have a digital film camera, this app is the next best thing.

4. NOMO CAM

 

NOMO CAM is an excellent mobile photography app that simulates the look and feel of shooting with an analog camera.

You can use the app as a point-and-shoot camera app that adds random analog effects directly to your photos.

Alternatively, you can use the app’s extensive library of effects and filters to turn your stored photos into vintage-style ones instantly.

Like other apps on the list, this one has a premium plan that unlocks all the app’s features.

However, it’s a fairly affordable one in comparison.

5. Huji Cam

 

If you’re looking for a camera app specializing in disposable camera photography from the late 1990s, you shouldn’t look further!

Huji Cam is one of the few film apps that mastered these effects so much that it needed to add a disclaimer that it isn’t an affiliate of Fujifilm!

The app has a variety of presets with precise light leaks and color fringing to give the iconic look of disposable camera photography.

That being said, the free version is limited only to point-and-shoot options. In other words, all other features of the app, including post-processing and importing photos, are locked behind a paywall.

6. Calla Cam

Calla Cam specializes in creating vintage and retro-inspired images through various carefully designed film effects.

One of the good things about Calla Cam is that you can watch ads to get paid filters for free, which is something none of the apps mentioned above offer.

The filters also have a good effect on photos, and you can adjust the intensity of the filters to your liking.

However, changing filters in Calla Cam can feel inconvenient, as you won’t be able to see what the filter looks like before taking the photo, which can be frustrating with so many filters to choose from.

That being said, it’s an excellent option with plenty of unique effects worth a spot on this list!

7. Rarevision VHS Cam

 

While most apps on the list specialize in vintage photography, this one focuses specifically on recreating the effects of vintage VHS camcorders from the 1980s.

The app is a perfect example of taking one specific feature and maximizing its potential. In fact, the results of this app are so professional-looking that many celebrities out there use it to record videos.

Rarevision VHS uses a variety of effects to give your videos a realistic VHS look, including tracking lines, grain, and color shifts.

You can also edit the timestamps on videos, although the editing feature is still quite lacking compared to other apps.

8. RetroCam

Last but not least, RetroCam is another excellent choice to consider if you like taking vintage-style photos.

The app features a variety of effects from both the 1980s and 1990s, which makes it an ideal one-stop shop for all your film app needs!

RetroCam also allows you to edit the photos to adjust the intensity of the effects, although this feature is exclusive to the paid version only.

9. Hipstamatic

Hipstamatic is one of the oldest film photo editing apps available in the App Store, where users can create images with retro and vintage finishes.

The selection of filters includes flash effects and analog film effects, where you can turn an ordinary photograph into something visually appealing.

Before taking a photo in Hipstamatic, you need to choose the filter (my fave is Lomography), which is automatically applied to your image when you click the shutter.

It has various one-tap preset filters and editing tools you can use to enhance and improve your photograph.

Frequently Asked Questions about Film Camera Apps

How Do Vintage Camera Apps Work?

Vintage camera apps work by applying a variety of filters and effects to your photos to give them a retro look that resembles actual film cameras.

These effects include film grain, light leaks, faded colors, dusty or scratchy look, or a retro-style frame like instant or disposable cameras.

Some vintage camera apps will also let you adjust various settings of your camera, such as the exposure, contrast, and saturation to mimic the glitchy rendering of older cameras.

What Is the Best Film Camera App?

Different film apps have unique features that make them stand out, so your choice here will depend on your preference.

However, if you’re looking for a great overall option with plenty of features, you might want to consider Dazz Cam.

This one offers a wide collection of filters to recreate various retro picture styles, especially if you don’t mind in-app purchases for the premium version!

Do Film Camera Apps Shoot Videos Too?

Many film apps work by adjusting the camera settings and applying special filters directly to the camera lens.

For that reason, you can use them to capture both photos and videos. Dazz Cam, OldRoll, and FIMO are among the apps that can do this.

Some apps specialize in film videography, such as VHS CAM and Filmic Pro, which are better options if you’re more into vintage-style videos than photos.