As you and my other Hipstamaticaddict brothers and sisters may have heard by now… The Hipstamatic D-Series just pushed it’s second update since the shiny new app was released last week. Not altogether surprising in the world of brand-new apps. Bugs happen of course and this app is no exception, however the updates we’re seeing are much more substantive than bug fixes. It seems the backlash has been heard loud and clear, and four new unlimited cameras and higher resolution images were added to the D-Series earlier today. (see notes below) This could have all been planned to grow the buzz, but I’d like to think they responded to customer demand in an honorable way.
As I relayed in a previous post, my initial reaction to the newest Hipstamatic family member was somewhat unfavorable. It would seem I’m not the only one. In fact, I’ve seen quite a bit of chatter on the web and honey… it ain’t pretty. I think by now it’s fair to expect any app with a following like Hipstamatic would have superfans. And the superfans of Hipstamatic are not afraid to speak their true feelings loud and clear. The most common complaints I’ve read focus on three areas:
Full resolution only available on additional paid cameras.
[Resolution issue was addressed on 12/20 after I had already queued up this original post. Yay, thanks D-Series Team!] Have to agree, this as a significant negative if you don’t have the cash/inclination to buy extra cameras and you want to save or print full quality images. Also, I suspect many of us with the 4S aren’t going to waste precious shots on 600×600 output. [as of 12/20 images now save in “high quality mode” for all cameras. Not sure if that means full resolution, but thats still awesome!]
On the other hand, these sample images shot with the free unlimited D-Fault camera are pretty decent for a casual user who is only posting to Facebook. I haven’t had a chance to get too creative with the holidays upon us here, but I think the following shots fairly represent the D-Fault camera’s capability. The requirement to take all 24 shots before you can view the photos means I wouldn’t use this as my go-to camera. As a casual or party camera, these limiting features won’t stop me from sharing a laugh or two with friends.
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 22.0
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 12.4
- Taken with D-Fault Camera, f/x level 22.0
Relatively high cost when compared to original Hipstamatic
I can see both sides of this one. I definitely had sticker shock when I first learned of the pricing structure: for the BlacKeys 44, each camera has 24 shots and purchase options are $0.99/9 cams, $1.99/36 cams and $4.99/99 cams. [pricing issue addressed on 12/20, four unlimited $0.99 cams were added to the Hipstamart. Thanks again, D-Series Team! Still no unlimited black and white option though. Boo.] It’s significantly inflated from the pricing structure of the original Hipstamatic camera, which I think explains the visceral reaction of Hipsta superfans. However as one of my Instagram colleagues pointed out on my last post; it’s not terribly out of line for a novelty camera and it isn’t outrageous to financially support the folks who created the original app which so many of us use on a daily basis. BlacKeys is notably the only black and white option so that does put Baby in a corner. And nobody puts Baby in a corner. Fortunately for the D-Series, it has one major redeeming quality; namely the ability to adjust effects on a sliding scale. The effects range is demonstrated in the following shots.
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 22.0
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 13.8
- Taken with BlacKeys 44, f/x level 2.8
Requirement to connect via Facebook
In order to take advantage of the D-Series ‘worlds first social camera’ feature, users must connect via Facebook authorization. Invitations to share a roll are sent by one user, and then that group cooperatively shoots all 24 photos of a disposable camera before anyone can view them. Once the roll is shot, everyone sharing has access to the entire roll of film which can then be saved to the camera roll or re-shared elsewhere. It’s a very cool idea.
As someone who values privacy and a certain level of anonymity, I understand and respect those who prefer not to filter every move they make through the Facebook machine. I understand the outrage here. There is something unsettling about requiring it in order to use the full functionality of the app. I’m no developer so I don’t know if there are other ways to accomplish sharing here, but logic dictates there would be.
I did link my D-Series to Facebook and have to admit; It’s actually pretty fun to see what my friends across the globe are shooting just for fun. I’ll definitely be taking more shots over the holidays and will post more examples here for those who are curious. Bottom line: D-Series has won me over. Will I buy every camera like I’ve collected every Hipstamatic lens, film and flash? Not likely. Will I use it for fun with friends and long photo walks? Absolutely. I like it.
So what do you think?
About Author
Latest stories
StoriesSeptember 8, 2014The Reinvention of Chloe: Chapter 9- Featured ArticlesApril 15, 2014A Passionate Woman in Seattle
- StoriesDecember 23, 2013[Tutorial] Mobile in Motion: FiLMiC Pro Video Series no.3
- StoriesDecember 16, 2013[Tutorial] Mobile in Motion: FiLMiC Pro Video Series No.2
I rather get a Ilfort 125 and put it in a old camera! then ever pay for an application. this is just a new way to milk the iphone user! dont’ be a cow. go and use a real old camera instead!
Ahh, Sebian of course I know you are right. The milk is so delicious though! 😉
And… I’m also going to get a real old camera soon. That will be glorious!
Xox-r
oke! can I recommend you a oldie? I got a wonderful Minolta X-500 (X-570 us market) this is an excellent camera easy in use and a good start camera for analogue 35mm photography. but if you want something that looks like the 6:6 shots you make with your Iphone you might be interested to get a Rolleiflex. but there very expensive. There are some replicas made. By far not as good as the real deal. a second-hand Hasselblad would also be possible. First always check what film is available around you. and where to develop. Always ask a test run with a old camera. you never know if there is something wrong with it.
This advice comes at a perfect time, Sebian. I do appreciate the recommendation as I’ve recently considered buying my first oldie. I had no idea where to start until now! Looked up the Minolta and I’m familiar with Rolleiflex; would absolutely adore one. Who knows, I may get lucky and find one that isn’t too crazy expensive. And I will definitely heed your good advice. Cheers, my friend!
Cool any question about the oldies are welcome. i can always have a search for more info.! Love to do it!
Nice update on the D-Series Rachel. The images do look good & I like the idea of the sliding scale to adjust effect intensity… Still, I’m not sold just yet. I’ll sit on the sideline & see how this one develops as I rediscover some of the lens/film combos on the original Hipsta. 🙂
Thanks, Nick! D-Series is nice, but could never replace our dear Hipstamatic of course 😉 Cheers!
I haven’t had a chance to test it out yet but plan to this week – if I get around to it! I’m curious but I know that the shots will go quickly. Thanks for showing the various scales, love the blackeys level 2.8 😉
Hey, B! Yes, I really love the quality of that 2.8 BlacKeys. I’m sure it will get used more than I want to admit. 😉
Rachel – do these images get saved to your cameras roll? – I have not yet finished a roll – got bored! – Graham
Hi Graham, yes they are automatically saved in the camera roll, but only after the roll has been completed. I am not the most patient person, but I also like surprises. What I basically did was take a ton of random photos with the free cameras just to see the effects. Now that I know how they work I’ll focus in on trying to shoot some more eye-pleasing shots.
Cheers, Graham!
Update: I noticed today after finishing three rolls (2 free 😉 that not all the images save to the camera roll. It seems to pick and choose what it wants to save. Annoying! At first I thought it was only shared rolls that didn’t save, but after examining rolls I took for myself… yeah there’s a bug. I’m sure they will fix it eventually but I might loose interest before they do. Too bad, really. Ah well.