Facebook launches camera app that’s totally different to Instagram, promise

It takes great photos that you can instantly share, comes with a range of cool-looking filters and is owned by Facebook. But it’s not Instagram.

The 900-million user strong social network today announced the launch its own social camera app, which it claims was built before it shelled out US$1-billion for Instagram.

According to Facebook the standalone app allows you to upload multiple photos to your albums rather than having to do them one at a time. You can also add a caption, say where you were and tag friends before you share.

As well as the aforementioned filters, you can crop and rotate pictures.

Despite assurances from the likes of Endgadget that the app can’t be as a result of Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram — the deal hasn’t gone through yet — any app with loads of filters and photos square photos is going to raise eyebrows.

Facebook’s marketing does however suggest that the social network might be trying to block off any associations with Instagram. Most of the photos on the Camera page for instance are of people doing adventurous activities, rather than food, and urban street scenes.

At present the app is only available for iPhone and the iPod touch. Like all of Facebook’s apps it is completely free.