How to take 3D photos with your smartphone

Take three-dimensional photographs does not require special technological tools or powerful cell phones: all you need is to use the right app

We often talk about 3D, a term mainly associated with the latest generation of printers, televisions (which in truth have not had much success) and always with photography. In this regard, would you like to know how to take 3D images with your smartphone?

First of all, it's good to explain what we refer to when we talk about 3D photographs. Actually, they are normal two-dimensional images. The main feature, which differentiates them from a "traditional" shot, is that they contain elements that serve to deceive the human eye. It is not possible, in fact, to add a third dimension to a photograph. All you can do is create a three-dimensional illusion. This is called stereoscopy. So much so that, in order to see an image in 3D, the eyes need a special visor. And it was the need for glasses that put the brakes on both televisions and 3D cinema.

How to Take 3D Pictures

That said, let's get back to the original question. Although it may seem difficult, taking 3D photographs using your smartphone is very simple. First of all, you don't need any special device. Any cell phone will do. Then, you don't even need to buy an external optical device to connect to the phone: the built-in camera is enough. Obviously, the higher the resolution of the photographic sensor, the higher the quality of the shot. What do you need, then, to take 3D photographs? Just download the right applications.

3D Camera

3D Camera is one of the most popular applications available on Android for taking 3D photographs. The app offers numerous options and a high level of customization. With 3D Camera you can create animated stereoscopic photos that can be shared on social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The app, moreover, allows you to edit, after the shot, the image.

Cardboard Camera

As you can also guess from the name, Cardboard Camera is app that makes sense to download it only if you have the Google Cardboard, the cardboard visor for virtual reality from Mountain View. Among its many features, the app gives you the ability to take photos in 3D. Compared to 3D Camera, however, Cardboard Camera does not add the stereoscopic effect, but creates deep images that can be navigated in all directions using the virtual reality viewer.

3DSteroid

3DSteroid is very similar to 3D Camera. The main feature of the application is that it allows users to take pictures in 3D, through the stereoscopic method. Users, in fact, need a 3D viewer to be able to see the effect created by the application. There are two versions: a free one and a paid one. 3DSteroid Pro additionally offers image correction and editing features. Also with 3DSteroid you can share your photos with other applications.

Fyuse

Fyuse is probably one of the best applications for taking photos using 3D technology. Not only from a "technical" point of view. In fact, Fyuse is also remarkable in terms of the many features included. The application allows users to navigate 360 degrees through images, simply by moving the screen or tilting the smartphone.