Magic Camera

Magic Camera adds borders and effects to video or still images, including video chat. It can capture screenshots and video, apply emoticons and objects, paint and draw, add text, record Webcam feeds, and apply a range of filters, masks, and effects. Unfortunately, an awkwardly designed interface, garish graphics, and greeting card style give it the look of a holdover from an earlier age of Windows. Magic Camera is shareware, but you can try it with limited features before buying it.

Pros

Pink icing: If you like it sweet, these designs will probably appeal to you. Not everything is on the too-cute side, but safe to say it's a recurring theme in the animated borders, heart designs, and other offerings to dress up your pics.

Includes a virtual Webcam: No Webcam? Magic Camera's virtual Webcam lets you display and record desktop video to embellish with cuteness.

Cons

Unattractive interface: Magic Camera's buttons and controls have a low-resolution look, and the layout has a slapdash feel.

Trial and adware: Despite being shareware with limited functionality, we were still subjected to adware when downloading Magic Camera.

Bottom Line

Magic Camera offers some decent features, but it is easily outperformed by similar tools, including some freeware. If Magic Camera's features sound appealing, you have nothing to lose by trying it. But better, more up-to-date tools are available.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Magic Camera 8.8.3.