Taking photos in a large group can result in some great memories, but it can also result in a chorus of “You have to send me that photo!” causing you email and text exhaustion. Hipstamatic’s new app Hipstamatic Disposable, for iPhone and iPod Touch, aims to take the work out of group photography by setting up an automatically shared camera — with a twist.
The app comes with two free camera styles, but you can pick up a third pack by liking the app on Facebook. Although you can use the cameras an unlimited number of times, this is a throwback app — each camera only offers 24 exposures (remember those days?). When you set up the camera, you can create a custom sticker (in case you have more than one camera working at once) and share the camera with other Hipstamatic Disposable-using friends — ideal for when you’re at a gathering and want to capture different event angles. Oh, and just like film, you won’t be able to see any of your images until the roll of 24 is complete. Some might consider this a frustration, but I think it’s an interesting concept in the land of digital immediacy. It also will cut down on the overwhelming “Let me see” chorus in group settings.
Once you’ve completed your camera roll, the images are automatically shared with all of the friends on the camera. From here you can share the images further with Twitter and email, or save individual shots to your photo library.
The biggest problem I see with Hipstamatic Disposable is its pricing model. Additional camera filters are available for in-app purchase, but not all of these are unlimited use. In fact, the company has already changed the model once, responding to public criticism, and added unlimited options to the Hipstamart. Caveat emptor, since some of the filters are still restricted; for instance, Dreamy includes nine cameras of 24 exposures each for a buck, and 99 cameras for $3.99. I didn’t buy in, but I’d be highly surprised if the filter is anything that special, and the idea of paying for something repeatedly should be a user turn-off.
I like Hipstamatic Disposable’s nostalgic quality and the group sharing is a big bonus, but I’d stick with the free cameras if you pick up this app.
