Camera Noir: An Ultra-Simple, Minimalist B&W Camera App

Some might say that simplicity is a lost art these days. Where the digital realm is concerned, many of us judge a product based on how much it can do — and camera apps are no exception. We want myriad filters, editing options, the ability to comment and like other people’s photos in a social environment, and we want it all to be free.

Camera Noir is a new camera app that breaks every one of those rules including, unfortunately, the last one.

The app is so simple and minimalist it borders on feature-less, which is exactly why people have been impressed with it. It’s a black-and-white photography app that eschews your typical selection of filters, social functionality or editing options. Camera Noir’s saving grace is that the photos turn out very good.

Users have the option to select between lo, mid and hi contrast before snapping away. The only other features in sight are a shutter button (obviously), a button that allows you to import photos from your camera roll and share them through the major networks, square-crop marks and a level that turns green when you’re shooting straight.

Here are some sample shots from developer Pacific Helm’s website:

There’s not much else to tell about the app. Instead of doing many things decently, it does one thing very well — a fact that has already earned the 24-hour-old app praise. To pick up your copy, head over to the iTunes App Store or the Pacific Helm website and be ready to drop $2.

(via Cult of Mac)