Camera Genius Review

We initially reviewed Camera Genius in August of 2009. Then, it was a fledgling app and received 3.5 stars out of 5. Since then, CodeGoo has updated Camera Genius to version 2.0, adding/improving new features in the process. So, how does it stand now?

As evidenced by the number of photography apps aimed at enhancing the iPhone's bare-bones camera, it's no secret that users/owners desire certain additional camera features that should be considered standard. While there are many applications currently in the app store devoted to resolving some of these issues, Camera Genius was developed to address all of these issues. It was also developed to provide users with additional functionality for their iPhone camera, such as burst-mode shooting, time and location stamp and anti-shake stabilization.

Recently, many new features have been added to Camera Genius, such as the ability to edit the location stamp and add captions, burst mode shooting (take 3 shots in rapid succession; 2 with the 3G and 1st Generation iPhone models), the ability to add a timestamp and location to photos, a Confirmed Saving feature, which allows users to decide which photos to keep/delete when taking them and the ability to share photos via email or by using the clipboard.

In addition, version 2.0 features a new Video Mode, which allows iPhone owners with any model to shoot videos using their iPhone.

Camera Genius' menu interface is clean and uncluttered, allowing virtually anyone to open the app and immediately begin using it, without any confusion regarding its features. It essentially consists of the viewfinder and three buttons located along the bottom of the screen: The Features arrow, the shutter button and a button which opens your Camera Roll containing your saved photos.

Tapping the Features arrow produces Camera Genius' features list: Video Mode, Zoom, Sound Capture, Anti-Shake, Big Button, Guides, Timer, Burst, Settings and Camera Manual. The Settings menu provides users with the option of showing their location and time stamp on photos, the ability to set the date and time and the option to confirm saving. In addition to containing extensive Help information regarding each of Camera Genius' features, the Camera Manual also provides advice and tips on taking good pictures, addressing and explaining such issues as perspective, contrast, focal point, lighting and so on. The information contained in the Camera Manual is surprisingly helpful and easy to use, containing photographic examples and language that is easy to understand and, more importantly, learn. Users can also visit Codegoo's Camera Genius website for a good video demonstrating its features.

Taking pictures with Camera Genius is easy, fun and very straightforward. Prior to taking a picture, simply select the/those feature(s) you want to use then commence snapping. Camera Genius uses the iPhone camera's built-in auto-focus and tap-to-zoom. I took great pictures using each feature and encountered no problems. The Big Button feature is a little misleading, as users can touch anywhere on the screen to take a photo; there is no "Big Button," per se. Taking pictures using the Zoom resulted in crisp photos, which is noteworthy, in that many applications I've used featuring zoom capabilities were sub-par. The Sound Capture, Anti-Shake, Timer and Burst also work as advertised. The Timer provides users with the option to take timed photos in increments of 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 300 second intervals and the timer can be restarted at anytime.

The Video mode also worked flawlessly, allowing me to take an 8 minute video while I waited for a time limitation, but none came.

The only issues I experienced using the app were slow saving times when taking several pictures. Aside from that, I could find no flaws with this application. At $1.99, it's definitely a bargain and worthy of anyone's photography application arsenal. I highly recommend Camera Genius and have designated a spot for it within my own iPhone real estate.