Massive Instagram update adds new effects

Facebook wants Instagram to be a serious photography app and is introducing new effects and filters in a massive update. You can now control the intensity of each filter, as well as the brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, and more.

You can even adjust the strength of a filter, which has been a long requested feature. Tapping on a filter brings up a slider to adjust the filter. You can change the look of the filter further by playing with contrast, brightness, and saturation.

Before today’s update, Instagram provided basic editing features like crop, straighten, frames, and simulated “HDR.” More seasoned photographers will enjoy the new editing features but I expect most people will stick to the default filters.

The update reminds me of VSCO Cam, another popular photography app for Android and iOS. Even after the update, Instagram falls behind VSCO in editing features. Still, Instagram has more users and VSCO users often post to Instagram using the hashtag #VSCOcam. Facebook undoubtedly took notice and has taken some of VSCO Cam’s best features.

The update will be rolling out today for Android and iOS. You can wait for the update in the app stores or download the apps below.

Download Instagram: Android | iOS

Source: Instagram

Follow Lewis on Twitter @lewisleong

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