App Update: Hipstamatic
Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 11:49AM | Glyn Evans 
Hipstamatic has just turned 200, no not 200 years in age, but version 200, and with it comes a number of new features and improvements. Most notably, is the "Quicksta Snap film queue system", which lets you snap away, whilst the app processes and saves in the background.
Now despite the popularity of this app; the fact that it produces square format photos which I love, I just can't fall in love with Hipstamatic. Maybe it's the too samey look that the majority of Hipsta photos have, that just underwhelm me, or maybe I'm just not trying hard enough, but whatever it is, I find myself deleting the photos taken with Hipstamatic.
Anyway, that's my Hipstamatic negativity out of the way, and for those interested, here is the full run down of what is new in Hipstamatic 200.
- Quicksta Snap film queue system - as you shoot images are processed in the background, enabling you to rapid-fire up to nine images in a row without waiting for processing (requires iOS 4)
- Camera Bag organization system - rearrange and disable lenses, flashes, and films, as well as specifying ones for shake-to-randomize
- Improved HipstaMart, with shiny new FreePak products
- New limited edition FreePak: Fashion FreePak (Chunky Lens and Fashionista Camera Case)
- Other bug fixes and user interface refinements
Hipstamatic in App Update
Reader Comments (12)
I understand your frustration with the app. Frankly it really depends on how you visualize a photograph and whether the Hipstamatic is the 'right' app to bring your visualization to fruition. The sameness to me is because many just point and shoot. There is much, much more to taking a good photograph than having a 'cool' app. Sometimes the Hipstamatic is the absolutely perfect app to start with a visualization I might have about a particular subject. Other times it is definitely the wrong app for the image.
I have to say I have actually been finishing up a large body of work for a solo exhibition which is shot entirely with the iPhone and many with the Hipstamatic. I think much is about using the lens/film combinations that best represent your voice. Just like with DSLRs everyone has one now and just because there are great cameras, software and apps does NOT make one a good photographer. Which would probably address your 'samey' issues with the app.
No matter what equipment, software, etc. one uses you still have to visualize, frame and know how to use the tools available.
Try it again but knowing what it can and cannot do and how it represents your vision. On my website under You Want to Know>Contacts are 4 of my images taken with this app which are part of my exhibition.
You know come to think about it I think the Holga was mis-used just as much!
Hipstamatic is just a tool and like any other artistic tool, it can be overused. Photoshop is an amazing tool as well but in the wrong hands it can produced tired images from people who just don't know when to stop applying filters. The only difference is Hipstmatic is cheap while Photoshop is expensive. Truly great pictures come from the photographer knowing when (and more importantly when not) to use and effect.
My favorite Hipstamatic lens is Melodie (which came out around Christmas) because it doesn't really try to look retro (no faded film or light leaks). Instead it has a modern, bright and cheerful look. Its great for adding warmth pictures taken in cool lighting conditions (particularly under fluorescent lighting)
Have you checked out their rights grabbing TOS to download any of the FreePaks? Being required to create an account in addition to your already accountable iTunes acct, plus the TOS which states that they can sell and use any images they want to that have been taken with the app when you create an account should cause concern for everyone. Even if they say they aren't doing anything evil with your pictures, if you agree to their TOS it gives them full authority to do anything they want with the photos. So, everyone read those.
Thanks zkwc for the info! Gotta read those TOA.
Agree with Pam and minimalist. I am so tired of the 'Dragan' gritty effect, oversaturated, over sharpened, and over HDR'd photos. I agree with your point about the 'samey' effect Glyn but it is better I think now with the new lenses and film. In Hipsta's beginning the ina 69 with the John S lens was getting old with greenish cast.
A good picture is a good picture, but for instance, in the case of Damon Winter (New York Times reporter), his images of American soldiers, in my view, got brought down a level because of the Hipstamatic look/feel.
We don't simply recognize the Hipstamatic look/feel because it's ubiquitous. We recognize it because the app is a one size fits all- other filter apps give users control of post-processing to some degree or another. At the same time, this one size fits all is why Hipstamatic is so popular.
As iphoneography continues to grow, more serious advocates of the genre will steer clear of Hipstamatic.
Version 200 is great! I will admit I needed to "learn" its lenses and films, but that's part of its charm. Most apps let you shoot then think later, but Hipstamatic makes you consider the shot more since you cannot import photos. In that way, I'm more thoughtful when I shoot with Hipstamatic than with Cam+ or others.
Actually, you have to be a better photographer to get good shots with Hipstamatic.
@Edgar, I disagree with you: serious iPhoneographers do like this app, as well as casual shutterbugs. It is a true camera bag, so you need to know its properties to fully harness it.
As far as "samey"-looking feeling, I don't see Hipsta being any more ubiquitous than any other app. There are film/lens borders I could happily live without (wish I could disable the borders) but there are plenty of great combinations.
Personally, I really like their BlacKeys Supergrain (b/w) film. The frame is not obtrusive. Blanko is another (color).
@Pam, @minimalist: great points.
Overall, it's not the perfect app for everyone, but it's app store ranking is deserved. It remains a more unique app then others.
And yes: read the TOS. If you are copywriting your work, don't participate in their contests.
To sum it up, this app is a love or leave it deal, but I have grown to love it. And now it's even better!
Cheers
@Len I actually purchased every single Hipsta film and lens and while the app is wonderful and provides some really beautiful filters, I still maintain my opinion that its ubiquitous quality (you can spot a Hipsta shot photo immediately in many forums) is a drawback or will soon be. I'm not dissing it- I just feel that it's highly recognizable look/feel will become a turn-off soon.
The two films you like are actually ones that I also like very much- precisely because they don't have the immediate Hipsta look/feel (the frames, etc).
Good night! :)
@Edgar, cheers :)
I have been using a cropping tool to cut out frames, so this helps clean up Hipsta shots.
I also love using TiltShiftGen (updated today) to add depth of field, or full-blown tilt effects on Hipsta shots.
What I would really really love, is an app like Hipsta that has lenses and film choices (like the FilmApp, where you can use real film simulation) without frames. So basically, a "serious" Hipsta. You can't import, so you're compelled to "know your equipment" and take better shots.
Here's hoping :)
@len
Have you seen Cameramatic? You have "Film" options and "Frame" options including NO.
And you can use it for camera roll pics also.
@Tomba, nice suggestion :) I completely missed that app. Saw @Edgar's comment there, so I downloaded it on his word. I like it so far. It does import, so that's nice. But it doesn't restrict me enough. I'll mostly use that app for "after-thought" processing instead of a dedicated shooting app. But the interface is good. Thoroughly made app :)
Cheers
I will repeat myself - but I simply LOVE this app!!! it's locked on my main panel!! and the new updates with the chunky lens - just awesome!!