Right, I tested apps that make your photos look like film to see which actually work

Half of all Gen Z trends are a reiteration of something that was once popular – and film cameras are no different. Film photography has become yet another revival trend as an attempt to hold onto nostalgia of the 90s era. You snap 28 pics and wait days for them to get developed, only to find out that half of your roll is useless because the photos are all completely blurry or completely grey… or does that add to the effect?

It’s important to consider the hefty price tag that comes with this hobby. From first purchasing a variety of disposable cameras or dropping more money on a reusable point and shoot film camera that requires rolls of film (a whole separate purchase in itself, these rolls cost up to £9!), to the actual fee of getting your pictures developed – is it really worth it?

via Instagram @theresasfilmproject

We’re all short on time, and patience, so why not cut out the waiting period if you can’t guarantee the product will even be worth it?

There’s an array of film camera apps that claim to transform your pictures into film lookalikes, without having to spend all the extra money and waiting days to see the final product. So, let’s put these film camera apps to the test.

Prequel

via Instagram @theresasfilmproject

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A TikTok favourite, Prequel is an app that lets you take pictures and videos on the app directly, as well as editing pictures and videos from your camera roll with pre-made filter options. The “retro” category has 13 different options, which somewhat resemble the effect of disposables, although some filters are restricted and can only be accessed through paying a hefty subscription fee of £4.99/week.

We found that the most convincing filter option is “Teal #1”, although it really doesn’t replace the artsy vibe of real disposables. The edits are pretty minimal.

Overall, 7/10 and a bonus point because Prequel lets you edit videos as well, which most apps don’t offer.

Dazz Cam

This is one of the first search results when you type in “film” into the AppStore, but does it hold up? Dazz Cam is simple to use, you can either take pictures on the app directly or import them from your camera roll. The app then gives you different “camera” options, although you do need to purchase the pro version for £4.99/year to unlock further options.

TikTok users are pretty fond of this app, with the “Inst C” camera (which comes free with the app) being the strong favourite. The effect is subtle but convincing, adding a nostalgic hue that definitely would look good on the gram.

8/10 would use again.

Kamon – Classic Film Camera

This one is similar to Dazz Cam, as there are eight different vintage “camera” options including a polaroid setting, which are all free to use and don’t require the purchasing of a pro version. Kamon basically transforms your screen into an interface that resembles a classic disposable camera.

Using the “Kamon” option, we tested how much the filter resembles film and… meh, the light flare is very extreme and there is no option to go back and edit the picture once it has been processed by the app. The filter reminds a lot of HUJI and if you’re still using that app – why? It’s not 2018 anymore, grow up.

3.5/10.

Simple – Disposable Camera

Simple is another app like Kamon which imitates the look of a disposable camera. There’s no option to upload pictures directly from your camera roll and once you snap a picture it “processes” immediately. The effect? Shocking, not convincing at all. 12-year-old me would’ve done a better job on CamWow. The spontaneity of the app is arguably a bonus, but it’s also a bit chaos.

Overall 0/10, would not use and if you’re seriously considering downloading this app… don’t.

Modern technology is great and all, but will any app ever really replace the 90s feel of film photography? Probably not. Besides, there’s something fun about taking pictures without being able to see the final result straight away. Trying to recreate a vintage item using an iPhone 16 probably isn’t going to hit the same.

But if you do want to re-create the retro vibe on your phone with one of these film camera apps, DAZE CAM has officially passed the test.