What it does

Most camera apps hand you a curated set of presets. Distorted Camera builds new filter chains on the fly — random combinations of CIFilter effects layered into something neither you nor the app has ever produced before. Capture live, or import photos from your camera roll and run them through the same engine in the post-capture editor.

Randomized filter chains

Every shot runs through a fresh chain of stacked image effects. Save the ones you love, regenerate the ones you don't.

Live + post-capture editor

Shoot through the chain in real time, or import from your camera roll and edit after the fact with adjustable filter parameters.

Built on Apple's CIFilter engine

Uses the same Core Image pipeline that powers Apple's own photo effects — fast, on-device, and high quality.

$2.99, not freemium

One-time purchase on the App Store and Google Play. No ads, no subscriptions, no upsells.

Frequently asked questions

What is Distorted Camera?

Distorted Camera is an experimental camera app for iOS and Android that turns photos into glitch art using chaotic, randomized chains of image filters. It is built for artists, designers, and anyone who wants their photos to look unlike anything from a default camera.

How much does Distorted Camera cost?

Distorted Camera is $2.99 — a one-time purchase on the App Store and Google Play. There are no ads, no subscriptions, and no in-app purchases.

What platforms does it run on?

iOS (iPhone and iPad) via the App Store and Android via Google Play.

How is it different from VSCO, Hipstamatic, or Instagram filters?

Most camera apps give you a fixed set of curated presets. Distorted Camera builds randomized chains of CIFilter effects on the fly, so the same shot is never the same twice. It favors chaos and experimentation over polished, predictable looks.

Does it work offline?

Yes. All filtering happens on-device. You do not need an internet connection to capture, edit, or save photos.

Can I edit photos from my camera roll?

Yes. Import any photo and run it through the same randomized filter chains used in live capture, then refine the result in the post-capture editor.

Who makes Distorted Camera?

Distorted Camera is made by Principal LA LLC, an independent studio based in Los Angeles.

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Notes & thoughts

Field notes on glitch, randomness, and the aesthetics of chaos.