There are plenty of apps out there that you can use to turn pictures into comics or sketches, but there aren’t that many around that let you use these artistic filters on your videos in real time. Camera Boost was one of the first to offer real-time video filters, and now ToonCamera will let you turn real life into a Richard Linklater film.
The set up is simple. Just open the app and start shooting. You can either use the front-facing camera or the backside camera. To switch between the two, tap the icon that looks like Jeffy from Family Circus.
You can take still shots or start filming your epic animation. Toggle between the cameras to switch from one to the other. If you want to capture real time filtering, just tap the paintbrush icon at the bottom left side of the screen.
You can select a filter that fits the mood from the bottom of the screen. You can also adjust the thickness of lines or level of effect being used. You can even switch between filters while you are recording.
When you are done, tap the camera icon again and either save it or discard it. When you hit the save button, you’ll be given the option to save it to your device’s camera roll, send it through email, or upload it to a variety of social media sites, including Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr, YouTube and more.
The best part about this app is how easy it is to use. I brought it with me to a show I was playing on Friday night and captured live footage of one of the bands with just a couple of taps. I didn’t have to set anything up or rummage through too many options. I just picked the filter that looked the best and started recording.
ToonCamera may not have as many features as Camera Boost when it comes to filters and fine-tuning, but this app is about a third of the cost and works great for those with a very specific vision of turning real life into a cartoon.
What I liked: My favorite filter was the chalk filter. It makes everything look like a black-and-white dream.
What I didn’t like: I’d really like to see the ability to fine-tune each filter more. I’d also like to be able to add multiple filters at once.
To buy or not to buy: For the price, this is worth the download, even if you have a real-time video filter app like Camera Boost. It is so easy to use that it will be your go-to app for quick shots.
- Name: ToonCamera
- Version Reviewed: 3.4
- Category: Photo & Video
- Developer: Code Organa
- Price: $0.99
- Score:
New iPhone Geeks 