If you’ve ever lost twenty minutes scrolling through filters trying to decide if “C3” or “A6” is the perfect mood for your cappuccino shot, you’re going to like this.
VSCO—the photography app famous for its dreamy filters and art school aesthetic—just dropped something new: a stand-alone iPhone camera app called Capture. And the best part? It’s all about cutting out the fluff and getting straight to the good stuff. Think of it as the VSCO experience, minus the filter FOMO and editing rabbit hole.
Instead of the usual “snap now, edit later” routine, Capture flips the script. You can preview filters (or “presets,” for those deep in the VSCO lingo) live—as you’re framing your shot. So the look you want? You’ll see it before you even press the shutter button.
It’s like your camera suddenly knows your vibe.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Capture is totally free. No paywalls, no bait-and-switch trials. Just download and shoot.
True to VSCO’s DNA, Capture caters to both the casual point-and-shoot crowd and the detail-obsessed photography nerd. Here’s what’s under the hood:
First impressions? This isn’t just a pared-back camera—it’s a love letter to classic photography, designed for the modern era.
Here’s the catch: Capture is currently only available in a handful of test markets—namely Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. But don’t worry, it’s not staying exclusive for long. A wider release is on the way later this summer.
According to VSCO, the idea behind Capture is to blend “nostalgia, minimalism, and control.” Think old-school camera feels, without the clunk or kitsch. So instead of lenses that pretend to be rusty film canisters, you get a clean, simple interface that quietly gets out of the way and lets you focus on the art of the shot.
Let’s be real—VSCO isn’t the first to tap into the retro-photo lovefest. Apps like Dazz Cam and Nomography have staked serious ground with faux 90s camcorder vibes and filters that add light leaks, grain, and even mechanical whirring sounds. (It’s kitschy, it’s fun, it’s very TikTok.)
But Capture feels like a more elegant take—a Little Black Dress in a sea of sequin jumpsuits. It’s analog-inspired but not performative about it. More ”editorial chic”, less ”nostalgia for disposable cameras you weren’t alive to use.”
Bottom line: If you love photography but don’t want your camera app to feel like a toy, this one’s worth keeping an eye on.
So, what do you think? Is this the future—photography where style is baked in from the first click? Or are you still loyal to the ritual of editing after the fact?
Drop your thoughts—👇 We know you’ve got photo opinions.