Simul Studio

The best film camera apps in 2026

Film camera apps fall into a few camps: ones that imitate camera bodies, ones built on film stocks, editors for photos you've already taken, and social apps built around the wait. Here's how the popular ones compare.

40020 °Ctap every 30 s
Fig. 1 — Camera bodies, film stocks, editors and the wait

For camera-body fun on iPhone, Dazz Cam. For one-tap nostalgia, Huji Cam. For a subscription editor with a community, VSCO. For film-stock looks with a full darkroom on iPhone and Android, paid for once, Simul Studio, which we make.

AppPlatformsPricing (US)Approach
Simul StudioiPhone, AndroidFree to try; one-time unlock (US$9.99 App Store)Live camera and editor; film-stock looks; darkroom tools
Dazz CamiPhoneFree; Pro subscription or US$19.99 one-time Pro; some cameras sold individuallyLive camera imitating retro cameras; video
Huji CamiPhone, AndroidFree; US$0.99 extra options; ads on AndroidOne-tap 1998 disposable look with date stamp
VSCOiPhone, AndroidFree tier; Plus from US$39.99/yr; Pro from US$69.99/yrEditor and community; separate Capture camera on iPhone
NOMO CAMiPhone, AndroidFree; NOMO PRO US$24.99/yr; some cameras sold individuallyLive camera imitating named cameras; effects applied after shooting
RNI FilmsiPhoneFree; RNI Pro US$9.99/yr; film packs US$3.99Editor with RAW support; profiles from scanned film
OldRolliPhone, AndroidFree; subscriptions or a lifetime optionLive camera: instant, disposable, Super 8 video
1998 CamiPhone, AndroidFree; subscriptions or US$39.99 lifetimeLive camera and editor; 100+ filters
LapseiPhoneFreeDisposable-style camera and friends-only social app

Checked 12 October 2026 from each app's official store listing or website. Prices are US list prices and vary by country; apps change, so check the store before you buy.

How to pick

Start with what you want to imitate. If it's a particular camera, with its frame and quirks, the camera-body apps (Dazz Cam, NOMO CAM, OldRoll) are the most fun. If it's the colour and grain of a particular film, look at film-stock apps: Simul Studio and RNI Films.

Then decide whether you shoot in the app or edit photos you already have. Simul Studio and 1998 Cam do both; RNI Films and VSCO are editors first.

Finally, check how you'll pay. Several apps sell individual cameras or packs on top of subscriptions. Simul Studio, Dazz Cam and 1998 Cam offer one-time options, and Huji Cam's only purchase is US$0.99.

On Android?

Dazz Cam, RNI Films and Lapse have no official Android version that we could find. Of the apps here, Simul Studio, Huji Cam, VSCO, NOMO CAM, OldRoll and 1998 Cam are on Google Play. Watch out for look-alike apps with similar names from other developers.

Try it on your own photos

Simul Studio is on iPhone and Android, and the first five exports are free.

Free download

Questions

What is the best film camera app for iPhone?

It depends on the look you want. Dazz Cam is popular for imitating retro cameras, Huji Cam for one-tap disposable nostalgia, RNI Films for editing with film profiles, and Simul Studio for film-stock looks with a live camera and full darkroom, paid for once.

What is the best film camera app for Android?

Simul Studio, Huji Cam, VSCO, NOMO CAM, OldRoll and 1998 Cam all have official Android versions. Dazz Cam and RNI Films don't, as of October 2026.

Are there film camera apps without a subscription?

Yes. Simul Studio unlocks with a one-time purchase, Dazz Cam offers a one-time Pro option alongside its subscription, 1998 Cam has a lifetime option, and Huji Cam's only purchase is US$0.99.

Keep reading

Sources

Written by the maker of Simul Studio, so we're not neutral, but we've tried to be fair and stick to what each app's own listing says. Other app names and trademarks belong to their owners; Simul Studio isn't affiliated with them.