VSCO, smartphone photographers' image tweaking app of choice, is letting iOS users tap into all the original image data captured on iPhone 6's and up. Alongside a host of new community features, it's offering full RAW image support on capture, importing and editing. This means photo editors will be able to access a wider range of colors and tones that are sometimes lost due to compression on typical JPEG photos. RAW support will even work on your must-share DSLR images too.
The update is also the culmination of the VSCO team's efforts to better showcase its community and editorial team content. This includes a machine-learning engine that surfaces related images of what it spots in images. There's also a new search and a discovery section specifically for notable community posts.
VSCO has introduced a new (invite-only, subscription-based) membership at an early-access price of $20 per year. This will give users monthly updates and early access to filter presets, particularly VSCO's new Film X interactive presets. These tap into SENS, its new imaging engine, and attempt to offer, according to VSCO CEO and founder Joel Flory: "a physical model of film and not just a static preset." New presets currently include the Fuji Pro 400H, and Kodak Portra 160 and 400. According to the team, they've tried to create a physical mode of film -- and that also includes real-time shaders that you can tweak during live capture.
If you're willing to subscribe, you'll net the entire preset library (over 100 of those), which total around $200 if purchased through the app. RAW support, at least, comes for free in the new update available now. Oh and for that invite-only membership? Add your name to the waitlist here, and get ready to feel exclusive.
Update: VSCO informs us that the RAW update is being gradually rolled out to users, so if you don't see it just yet, sit tight!