Introduction
VSCO Capture app, the popular photo and video editing platform, is expanding its ecosystem with the upcoming launch of Capture, a standalone camera app designed exclusively for iPhone users. Known for its distinctive film-style presets, VSCO is now bringing its signature aesthetic directly into the camera experience, allowing users to apply presets before even taking the shot.
According to recent reports, Capture will soon roll out in select test markets, including Australia and New Zealand, with a global release expected to follow. Here’s everything you need to know about the highly anticipated VSCO Capture app.
What is the VSCO Capture App?
The VSCO Capture app is a dedicated camera application for iOS that allows users to shoot photos with VSCO’s renowned film-style presets applied in real-time. Unlike the native iPhone Camera app, which offers limited manual control, Capture aims to provide both automatic and manual shooting modes to cater to both casual photographers and enthusiasts seeking granular control over their shots.
Key Features of VSCO Capture
According to Bloomberg’s Chris Welch, Capture will introduce several exciting features that could make it a standout option for iPhone photographers:
- Film-Style Presets: Capture will offer around 50 VSCO presets, including classic film looks that users can apply before taking a photo. This eliminates the need for post-processing and allows for instant sharing on platforms like Instagram or VSCO’s own community.
- Two Shooting Modes: Users can choose between Automatic Mode for simple point-and-shoot photography and Manual Mode for advanced control over settings such as exposure compensation and shutter speed.
- Visual Effects: Unique visual effects such as bloom and halation will be available, adding a cinematic touch to photos directly during capture.
- Seamless VSCO Integration: Photos taken in Capture can be easily migrated to the main VSCO app for additional editing or sharing, offering a streamlined workflow for VSCO’s existing user base.
How Capture Stands Apart from Apple’s Native Camera
Apple’s built-in Camera app, while intuitive, lacks many manual controls that professional photographers and hobbyists often seek. VSCO Capture addresses this gap by combining creative presets with manual controls, offering users far more flexibility and artistic freedom directly within the shooting experience.
For example, users can adjust parameters like shutter speed and exposure compensation on-the-fly—features typically reserved for high-end third-party camera apps or professional DSLR equipment.
Login Requirements and App Availability
According to reports, Capture will be free to use but will require users to sign in with an existing VSCO account. This ensures seamless integration with the existing VSCO ecosystem and allows users to sync their work across devices.
The app is expected to launch first in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand as part of its initial rollout phase. A broader release, including a U.S. launch, is planned for later this summer.
Does VSCO Capture Include AI Features?
Interestingly, unlike many modern camera apps, the initial version of Capture will reportedly not include AI-powered features. While VSCO’s main app offers AI tools like Canvas (available via premium subscription), Capture will focus primarily on delivering high-quality film-style presets and manual controls at launch.
Why VSCO Chose to Launch Capture Now
Capture marks VSCO’s first standalone app launch in over a decade, signaling the company’s renewed focus on helping users capture stunning photos without requiring significant post-editing. By bringing its iconic presets into the camera itself, VSCO aims to reduce friction in the creative process and cater to the growing demand for instant, aesthetic photography among iPhone users.
In a market crowded with AI-enhanced photography tools, VSCO’s decision to focus on pure photography craftsmanship and its celebrated film emulation may appeal to creative purists who value manual control and artistic expression over automated filters.
Competition in iPhone Camera Apps
VSCO’s Capture app enters a growing market of advanced iOS camera applications. Recently, Adobe also announced a new camera app for iPhone offering full manual controls, adding more competition to this niche segment.
While Adobe focuses on professional-grade tools, Capture leans into VSCO’s strength: authentic, film-inspired aesthetics that resonate with millions of photographers and social media users worldwide.
Conclusion
With the upcoming launch of Capture, VSCO continues to evolve its platform to meet the changing needs of mobile photographers. By merging manual controls with film-style presets in a dedicated camera app, VSCO is poised to attract both seasoned photographers and casual users who want more creative control from their iPhone cameras.
As the Capture app rolls out across initial test markets, iPhone users eager for greater control over their photos will be watching closely. If the initial reception is positive, VSCO may find itself setting a new standard for creative mobile photography in 2025.
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