Animal Vision Explorer
Explore animal-inspired camera simulations
Animal Vision Explorer is an educational camera app for iPhone and iPad that simulates how animals and people see, from compound eyes to a hawk's view. No ads.
Main features
Vision Camera modes
Honeybee, peacock mantis shrimp, hawk, cat, frog, mole, baby and elderly eyes. Each mode illustrates selected visual characteristics; it cannot reproduce actual vision completely.
Real time, in familiar surroundings
Simply point your camera at a room or a park and experience these different views in real time.
Photo and video
Take photos and videos in any Vision Camera mode. Save them to your photo library or share them with friends.
Eight display options, including Hiragana
Japanese, Easy Japanese (Hiragana), English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish and French.
Play ideas
- Explore the honeybee-inspired mosaic view or the Frog mode's emphasis on movement
- Compare camera simulations using the same scene in a park
- Read the field guide together and discuss the Baby and Elderly simulations
Designed for peace of mind
No ads. No sign-in required. After download, Vision Camera modes work without an internet connection.
Each mode is designed with reference to scientific knowledge, but the characteristics of cameras and displays make it impossible to reproduce actual vision perfectly. Please enjoy these modes as an intuitive, illustrative recreation of the differences in how animals and people see.
FAQ
Does it need an internet connection?
After download, Vision Camera modes work without an internet connection.
Is it free?
Free camera use is limited to 5 minutes a day, with a daily reset. You can always read the field guide for every mode for free.
Which modes need Premium?
Peacock Mantis Shrimp requires Premium. The version 1.1.0 notes say Baby Eyes and Elder Eyes became Premium for new users; existing users retain free access to those two modes.
Related articles
Animal Vision Explorer
How to Try an Animal Vision Camera on iPhone and iPad
Choose a view in Animal Vision Explorer, compare a familiar scene, and check camera access, daily limits and what the simulation can show.