A DSLR Look on Your Smartphone? This App Gives It a Real Shot.
Introduction
Let’s face it — most smartphone cameras are great for quick snaps, but when it comes to capturing that creamy background blur or the nuanced feel of a vintage lens, they fall short. Even with portrait modes improving over time, it rarely feels like the real deal.
Enter ReLens Camera – Focus & DSLR Blur — an app that claims to bring the professional DSLR experience to your mobile phone using AI-powered computational photography and customizable lens simulations. From realistic bokeh to manual camera controls, ReLens is clearly built for mobile photography nerds — or anyone wanting more control and creativity than their default camera app offers.
But does it really get you DSLR-quality shots? Well, kind of. And sometimes, surprisingly close.
Key Features That Set It Apart
Simulated DSLR Bokeh with F/1.4 Aperture
The headline feature is the background blur (bokeh) that mimics the shallow depth of field of DSLR lenses. ReLens allows you to simulate shooting at f/1.4, giving portraits that creamy, cinematic look. And it’s not just blur for blur’s sake — you can customize the shape of the bokeh (hexagons, hearts, stars, etc.) for a unique creative touch.
Virtual Lenses, Real Nostalgia
This is where it gets fun. ReLens doesn’t just fake a DSLR — it simulates specific iconic lenses like:
50mm f/1.4 for classic sharp portraits
M35mm f/1.4 aka the “King of Bokeh”
Burn 35 for swirly, vintage-style background blur
These effects aren’t perfect replicas of real glass, but they offer a distinct character and feel — enough to make your mobile shots look refreshingly different.
Manual Camera Controls & Customization
For anyone who wants control over exposure, ISO, focus, or white balance, ReLens delivers. You can also:
Adjust sharpening, saturation, hue, and contrast
Shoot in manual mode, burst, or HD video mode (even 4K if supported)
Use overlays like histograms, level lines, and grid guides
Preview and tweak depth of field using a virtual depth brush
There’s also a beauty mode if you want skin smoothing or facial enhancements — offered in “Clear,” “Natural,” and “Ruddy” tones.
Built-In Photo Editor & AI Enhancements
This is not just a camera — it’s also a powerful editing suite:
AI-assisted background and foreground editing
Advanced grading tools: tone curves, shadows/highlights, color wheels
HDR enhancement and noise reduction
Portrait edits like acne removal, skin softening, jaw shaping, etc.
And yes — there are frames, watermarks, and filters galore (100+ of them)
All image processing is handled locally on your device, so privacy is respected — a nice bonus in today’s cloud-everything world.
Pros
Convincing DSLR-style bokeh with post-shot control
Manual camera controls for pro-level shooting
Simulations of classic lenses add real creative flair
Full editing suite built-in — no need to switch apps
Customizable bokeh shapes and textures
Local AI processing keeps your photos private
4K video support on compatible phones
One of the most complete DSLR-simulation apps available
Cons
Some features are likely paywalled (premium filters, HD exports, etc.)
May be overwhelming for beginners — lots of sliders and settings
Performance depends heavily on your phone’s camera and processor
AI blur isn’t perfect — edge detection can struggle in complex scenes
Video mode lacks advanced tools like LUTs or LOG recording
Battery drain and heating possible during high-load features
Final Thoughts
ReLens Camera – Focus & DSLR Blur isn’t just another camera app with a few gimmicky filters — it’s one of the more ambitious attempts at giving mobile photographers DSLR-style creative control without the gear. From customizable bokeh to virtual lens simulations, it manages to walk the line between fun experimentation and serious mobile photography tool.
Sure, it won’t replace a full-frame mirrorless setup anytime soon — but that’s not the point. ReLens gives you tools to express your vision, whether you’re snapping moody street portraits or stylized product shots for your small business.
If you’re the type who shoots in Pro mode instead of Auto — or just wants your photos to stand out from the usual phone-cam look — ReLens is definitely worth exploring.
TL;DR (Quick Recap)
App Name: ReLens Camera – Focus & DSLR Blur
Best For: Mobile photographers, portrait lovers, vintage lens fans
Top Features: DSLR-style bokeh, manual controls, lens simulations, powerful editing tools
Available On: Android (iOS availability may vary)
Pricing: Free with optional in-app purchases or Pro version
