EmuCam

EmuCam is a camera app that builds your photo into a ROM on the spot and runs it in an emulator built into the app.

BUILT INTO A ROM THE MOMENT YOU SHOOT

When you press the shutter, EmuCam converts your photo within the limits of the chosen machine (resolution, colors on screen, tiles) and assembles it into a program in the same kind of file format as ROMs and disk images for that machine. A build-log style animation plays while the ROM is made, then the built-in emulator launches it right away. What you see is not just a converted picture being displayed: it is the result of running the program that was just built.

WHAT YOU CAN SAVE (VARIES BY MACHINE)

• Cartridge-style machines (an 8-bit home console, two 16-bit home consoles, one 8-bit home computer): save as a ROM file

• A 16-color Japanese PC: save as a 5.25" 2HD floppy disk image

• Two 8-bit home computers and a 16-bit home computer: saved not as a ROM but as image data in the app's own format (played in the built-in emulator)

• For every machine, the converted picture can also be saved as a regular image

IMAGE INFO, INCLUDING ROM SIZE

Open "Image info" under the player to see resolution, colors on screen, palettes, sprite and tile usage, and the ROM size in Kbit. For the PC style it shows floppy capacity and usage; for the image-data machines, the data size.

OPEN-SOURCE EMULATOR CORES INSIDE

Each machine runs on an open-source emulator core built into the app. No manufacturer firmware or ROMs are included, and the boot programs are original. License notices for every core are in "About EmuCam" inside the app.

EIGHT MACHINES

• An 8-bit home console

• 16-bit home consoles (two machines)

• 8-bit home computers (three machines)

• A 16-color Japanese PC

• A 16-bit home computer

ANALOG FEEL, 8-BIT LOOK

Flip lever switches to change effects. Press the deep pixel-art shutter once for the preview and again to shoot: the preview flashes and freezes to a chiptune-style shutter sound (three standard sounds to choose from). Every control is drawn in pixel art. On supported machines, the ROM itself runs the effects you switch on.

A SHELF OF ROMS FOR THE TV

Each ROM takes the shape of its machine's media (cartridge, floppy disk or tape), lands on your Collection shelf, then slides into the slot on the TV and starts playing. Scroll the shelf, tap media to swap it in, or long-press to delete. Sample ROMs are on the shelf from the start.

FEEL IT IN YOUR HANDS

The shutter, media landing on the shelf, media sliding into the TV: each has its own vibration (on supported devices). Hold the player screen to magnify the pixels with a loupe and feel fine clicks as you drag. Sound and vibration can be turned on or off separately in Settings.

A MASCOT GUIDE

A pixel-art mascot reacts as you shoot. On first launch it walks you through a hands-on tutorial (camera access required). Tap it any time for help or to replay the tutorial.

SHARING

Shared images get a pixel-art paper frame with the machine name and EmuCam logo. The post text is copied for you.

YOUR PHOTOS STAY ON YOUR DEVICE

Conversion and emulation both run on your device. Photos are never uploaded.

FREE

Free with ads. Some machines and shutter sounds unlock by watching an optional rewarded ad.

Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), French, German, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean

Saved ROMs and disk images are intended for use in emulators. Operation on real hardware is not guaranteed.

EmuCam is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any console or computer manufacturer.