Whether you’ve recently purchased an iPhone 5 or you’re holding out for a new model, you may have noticed that this product has evolved over the years to feature better and better cameras, partly due to consumer demands, no doubt, but also as a way to make iPhone the multipurpose mobile electronic that beats the competition. And rumors are swirling that there may be three new models hitting the market this year, including one that boasts a 12-megapixel camera as its major selling point. But if you’re not exactly impressed with the photo software Apple has provided for their devices, you may not be getting the most from your embedded camera. In this case, now is a great time to download one of the hottest camera and photo editing apps on the iTunes store so you can familiarize yourself with the features before the newly upgraded camera phone hits store shelves later this year (supposing there is some merit to the rumors). And Camera Genius seems to be at the top of user lists.

This app gained some acclaim after spending two weeks as the number one paid iPhone app, and now is a great time to check it out since it has apparently gone on sale (according to the iTunes description). For a limited time you can add Camera Genius to your iPhone desktop for a mere $2.99 (although there’s no word on when the price will go up or how much it will cost you down the line). But what do you get for your money? And what can you do with the app (or do better) that can’t be done with the iPhone’s original photo software? The answer to both questions is plenty.

The New York Times described Camera Genius as a “do-it-all app”, and for anyone who loves to snap pics on the go this is an apt representation. For starters, you’ll enjoy the photography features, including the 6X zoom, the full-screen capture that allows you to tap anywhere on the screen to get your shot (instead of trying to focus and find the photo button at the same time), anti-shake technology that ensures a clear shot, burst mode (3 back-to-back pics to ensure you get that action shot), a timer for group photos (although you’ll still need a tripod), and guidelines based on the principles of photography that will help you to capture the perfect composition. And if that sounds good, wait until you hear about the video and editing functionality.

The video mode offers you the ability to zoom in and out while shooting, but there is one caveat: this feature is only available on models up to the iPhone 4 at this point. However, it seems likely that they’re working towards a solution for newer models, so hopefully it’s only a matter of time. As for editing features, you’ll certainly enjoy the reviewing options, which include the ability to size thumbnails for easier viewing as well as a full-screen slideshow that allows you to pan and zoom through photos. From there you can apply any of 20 neat filters to your pics, with names like Cinema, Grunge, and ’70s. And of course, compatibility with photo sharing sites means that you can instantly upload finished pics to Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Picasa, and more. So whether you’re taking shots of downtown Manhattan or Raleigh, you want to chronicle a family vacation, or you’ve gained a following for your tantalizing food photos, Camera Genius can offer you the myriad tools that will help you to make the most of your iPhone camera. Just get this great app before the price goes up!

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