I made an iOS Real-time Black Mist Filter Camera app
I built the MistLens iOS app that could render and capture Black Mist Filter at iPhone in real time
Everyone loves the Black Mist filter effect, right? Especially how it blooms highlights, creating that soft, hazy, dreamy look often seen in artistic films. It’s no secret that many filmmakers, YouTubers, and vloggers chasing a cinematic quality frequently use Black Mist filters. Think of it like butter on bread or that secret umami powder when cooking — it subtly smooths imperfections while adding a unique ‘flavor’ and atmosphere to the image, making it more appealing.
However, using a physical Black Mist filter on a camera lens isn’t always simple.
“Back in the day,” you had to buy specific filters for each lens diameter, choosing between different strengths like 1/4 or 1/2. Even later, with standardized threads or adapters, it remained a bit cumbersome. The effect is so sought-after that Ricoh even released a special HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) version of their camera, essentially building the effect right in! But that camera comes with a premium price tag. Couldn’t there be a way to achieve this coveted effect directly on our smartphones?
Yes, technically. I’d seen several photo editing apps capable of simulating the effect through powerful post-processing. The underlying principle is relatively straightforward: identify highlight areas, soften them, and apply some diffusion.
But when I searched the App Store, I couldn’t find a single camera app that let you see this effect live while shooting. Most Black Mist filter apps on the market are post-processing tools. You take the photo first, then apply the filter. This lack of immediate feedback, the inability to see how the filter transforms the atmosphere in real-time, felt unnatural and less authentic to me.
So, I decided to build it myself.
After a considerable amount of technical refinement and design work, MistLens was born. It stands as one of the very few mobile camera apps currently available that supports real-time Black Mist filter rendering. It allows you to see that cinematic, atmospheric look before you press the shutter, composing your shot with the final dreamy feel already in view. MistLens is a dedicated camera app designed for photography enthusiasts and anyone pursuing that distinct film aesthetic.
Achieving dynamic, real-time rendering wasn’t easy, though. I actually tried implementing it in a cinematic camera app project about a year ago, but the effect felt harsh and unnatural back then.
Thankfully, inspired by recent advancements in AI, I had a sudden insight not long ago. I experimented with a new approach, and the results were dramatically better — much, much closer to the authentic look of a physical filter.
We’ve now successfully implemented high-quality, real-time Black Mist rendering in MistLens. We’ve also wrapped it in a sleek, modern Neumorphic design aesthetic, which I think looks quite appealing.
Limited-Time Free Offer!
The app MistLens is free at limited time in AppStore now. Feel free to download and give it a try!
I’m actively working on updates. The next major features planned are video recording and support for the front-facing (selfie) camera.
Stay tuned, and happy shooting!