When comparing Instagram vs VSCO, the Slant community recommends VSCO for most people. In the question“What are the best photography apps for Android?” VSCO is ranked 3rd while Instagram is ranked 13th. The most important reason people chose VSCO is:
You can set up exposure, aperture, focus, warmth, brilliance, shutter speed, etc. before taking the shot. In other words, while there are great photo editing tools and filters available with maximum customization for creating great pictures, this is one camera app that is actually more of a camera app than a filter app.
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Pros
Pro Good platform for exposure
Instagram is the photo sharing app with the most users.
Pro Great photo filters
Instagram's adjustable filters can completely change the way a photo looks.
Pro Tons of editing tools
Instagram lets users adjust brightness, temperature, saturation, highlights, shadows, and sharpening.
Pro In-camera professional photography tools
You can set up exposure, aperture, focus, warmth, brilliance, shutter speed, etc. before taking the shot.
In other words, while there are great photo editing tools and filters available with maximum customization for creating great pictures, this is one camera app that is actually more of a camera app than a filter app.
Pro 15 in app tools
This app has many of the tools users expect and more. These include exposure, temperature, contrast, saturation, sharpening, and more.
Pro Option to tap any part of the screen to take a photo
With VSCO cam, a mode can be selected where a photo can be taken by touching anywhere on the screen, not just one specific button.
Pro In-app camera roll
The VSCO camera roll can be kept separate from the primary one, or combined.
Pro Adjustable filter intensity
Any filter can be applied on a scale of 1-12 and filters can be applied in layers over each other.
Pro Very clean feeling interface
The VSCO cam has a minimalistic approach to the interface. The color scheme is mostly black and grey, and many buttons don't have labels.
Pro Optional social network
VSCO Cam has an in-app sharing platform, but it doesn't force users to join. For those who opt in, the experience is much like Instagram but without spammy likes or ads.
Pro Social media integration
VSCO Cam integrates with Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and G+ for quick sharing.
Cons
Con Awkward framing
Photos shot in Instagram must be in a square format. Uploaded photos must be cropped to be square shaped.
Con Filled with children
Instagram is extremely popular with middle school and high school kids.
Con Lack of direction
Instead of doing a great job at one thing, this app spreads the focus over a number of mediocre features. Overall, everything is good, but this app doesn't stand out.