By Angela Nicholson The camera is one of the iPhone’s most-used features, so any app that promises to improve its already strong output is sure to attract attention. Hydra is interesting because, as well as offering HDR modes to increase highlight and shadow detail in stills and video, it promises to boost image size to up to 32 megapixels — four times the 8 megapixels of the iPhone 6. There’s also a Zoom mode for capturing distant subjects without reducing image size, and a Lo-Light mode designed to reduce the amount of image noise.Just like the iPhone’s standard Camera app, Hydra is very easy to use. The shooting mode is selected by swiping between the options arranged along the bottom of the preview and the mode settings are accessed by tapping the icon in the bottom-right corner. You just tap where you want to focus as usual and then hit the large shutter button to take the shot — but Hydra doesn’t just take one image, it captures up to 60 (depending upon the mode) and combines them into one picture. While this image-combining technology is the magic behind Hydra, it can also be its undoing, because it’s important that neither the camera nor the subject moves while the images are taken, a process that can take up to almost 10 seconds. It does seem to be able to cope with a little camera-shake, but care is required to avoid getting a warning message or producing images with ghosting. A tripod helps, but how many people use one with their iPhone?The bottom line. Impressive detail in its high-res images — if you can keep the iPhone still.Review Synopsis
Product:

Hydra — Amazing Photography

Company:

Creaceed SPRL

Contact:

www.creaceed.com

Price:

$4.99

Requirements:

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 8.1 or later

Positives:

Really does let you take photos with extraordinary detail. HDR modes. Simple to use.

Negatives:

You have to remain very still for it to work.

Source: Maclife