How many filters do you really need?

Today saw the release of 101 Photo Filters from developer MacPhun LLC, but do we really need 101 filters, and are they any good?

Well today I bought this app, and below is what I think of it.

The App

Billed at "the biggest collection of photo filters on the AppStore", this app definitely wins that trophy, but the most does not necessarily mean the best.

Launch the app and when you have got past the loading/splash screen you are presented with the home screen where you load your photo, set the output size and then select and apply an effect.

After you apply the effect, you are presented with a preview with the option to save to the photo album. Also at this preview screen you have an option to set as current which will save the current effect, and then allow you to apply another effect so you can mix effects together.

Some of the available effects include False Mirror, Night Vision, Vintage, Ghost, Old Photo, Neon Light, Hue Green, Rainbow Palette, Scary Face, Broken Glass, Ancient Canvas, Old TV, Steamy Window, Stardust Frame, Mosaic, Pencil Paint, Burnt Paper, Explosion, Old Film Frame and Bumpmapping.

Above: Simmetry Vertical effectAbove: Vivid Colors effectAbove: Water Drops 2 effectAbove: Fire 2 effectAbove: Hearts effectSo What Did I Think?

This app may be simple, but for me it lacks real usability, with no quick preview of effects before applying, and the fact that you have to scroll through the filters (all 101 of them) and then apply them before you can see their effect. OK you can easily go back and apply a different filter and mix effects together, and the app may boast 101 different filters, but these consist of a handful of nice (useful) effects like Simmetry and Vivid Colors, some unusual effects like Water Drops and Fire, but a vast amount of useless effect like Hearts and Kisses.

For me this app boasts a lot, but delivers very little in terms of quality or value, and even at the introductory price of £1.19 ($1.99) is over priced, let alone at a regular price of £2.29 ($3.99).

The Bottom Line

Sadly my recommendation is spend your money on a much more worthy application, there are plenty of them.

AppStore Link: 101 Photo Filters