The functionality of modern mobile devices on the Android platform has long gone beyond the scope of a standard phone (calls/SMS). Today it is difficult to imagine a smartphone without a camera, and the quality and capabilities of many built-in shooting modules sometimes exceed those of standard cameras. However, the presence of even the most sophisticated built-in camera does not guarantee the quality of the image. How to improve the camera on Android and how to configure it - we’ll talk about this in today’s material.
Footej Camera
Download: for Android
This application is well suited for replacing the standard Android camera. It has a simple and clear interface, made in a minimalist style. However, it has all the important features for a successful photo shoot.
The application allows you to adjust focus, sensitivity, shutter speed and exposure. The user will also be able to adjust the shutter, manually control ISO, shoot slow-motion video and work in DNG format.
This camera allows you to simultaneously take photos and videos. While recording a video, you can take pictures separately. And for lovers of high-quality selfies, there is a special Light mode in which the front camera works more efficiently.
Basic options are available for free. For those who need more detailed customization, there is a paid version that unlocks additional features. For example, in it you can shoot a video longer than five minutes, make animation in GIF format, and arrange burst shooting with very small intervals.
Advantages and disadvantages
Friendly interface.
Excellent quality of photos and videos.
Focus and expose different areas (optional, depending on device).
Own gallery and slider.
Shooting in series.
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How to improve the camera on your phone through settings
Any smartphone camera has a wide range of settings. This was done so that the owner could adjust the quality of pictures and videos at his own discretion. To get into the settings mode, you need to open the Camera application and press the gear-shaped button.
In the menu that opens, you will be able to change the resolution of photos and videos. Usually the default is set to average values. But the user can turn all the settings to the maximum to achieve the best image quality. Thus, the conventional 5 megapixels can be changed to 12, and the video resolution from HD can be increased to FullHD.
Also in the settings there may be a mysterious HDR item. This is a special function that adds clarity to a photo taken in too bright light or in the dark. Try enabling this option and perhaps the image quality will improve.
When shooting in HDR mode, the smartphone takes longer to process the image.
VSCO Cam
Download: for Android
The word VSCO has long become a trend among modern youth. For example, even the style of young girls who take pictures with the appropriate filter and follow a certain style is named after this company. In this case, we are talking about an application that is a camera and VSCO editor.
He has:
- possibility of shooting in various formats;
- adjusting color brightness and contrasts;
- adjusting highlights and shadow placement with a special tool;
- the ability to exhibit;
- shooting grid.
After taking a photo using this application, you can begin processing it in the editor. In addition to color correction with standard parameters, users can also use ready-made filters and presets. They are conveniently grouped into categories, and if desired, the user can create their own library with their favorite items.
To try out the VSCO camera, you can download a trial version of the app. It is active for seven days, after which access will need to be paid. An annual subscription is purchased immediately, which costs twenty dollars. If you want to continue using VSCO for free, you will still have access to the application without purchasing a subscription, but the feature set will be limited.
Even though this is a paid program, it is very popular. American and European bloggers use it especially often. Photos processed in the application and having the corresponding hashtag #vsco regularly appear on Instagram. To date, almost 200 million such posts have appeared.
Advantages and disadvantages
Free built-in photo/video editor.
A set of professional options.
Making collages.
An expanded set of options for a paid subscription.
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Manual camera settings for good photos
Average smartphone users are used to being limited to standard photo settings like changing resolution or switching between lenses. But the camera of most models allows the owner to feel like a professional photographer by setting the exposure independently.
This is done through a special manual mode. To activate it, you need to go to the appropriate section of the Camera application. There are a large number of settings available here, including:
- White balance.
- HDR.
- Excerpt.
- ISO.
- Exposition.
- Focus.
It’s easy for a beginner to get confused in this variety, but we will try to explain what each of these settings is. Such knowledge will help you take a truly high-quality photo.
We have already talked about the advantages of the HDR function. This mode should be activated in a situation where the frame is very light or dark. But the remaining characteristics require a detailed description. So, white balance involves changing the hue of a photo. Typically, the following options are available in the settings:
- Incandescent lamp.
- Fluorescent Lamp.
- Sunny.
- Cloudy.
This characteristic will be especially important if you are filming in a professional studio.
Shutter speed is the amount of time it takes to process a photo. The average smartphone allows you to set the value from 1/8000 of a second to 30 seconds. If your subject is in motion, you should choose the slowest shutter speed. The opposite situation is with a static frame. The experimenter can change this indicator at his own discretion to obtain a unique photograph. Shutter speed also affects the brightness of the frame. For the brightest possible shots, it is recommended to use the highest setting.
But the main characteristic that affects brightness is ISO. Its values can range from 50 to 1600. The lower the value, the darker the frame will be. Exposure is somewhat similar to ISO, but this setting uses light received from outside. A high value takes the most light from the source, which can be a lamp or the Sun.
For those who take portrait or landscape photographs, focus adjustment will be important. Of course, we are all accustomed to autofocus, but professionals try to build this characteristic on their own. The minimum settings are for shooting very close subjects. On the contrary, a high value is suitable when you are photographing a subject at a far distance.
Some smartphone models are equipped with artificial intelligence, which independently adjusts the settings to obtain a high-quality photo. If manual settings seem complicated to you, use the Auto mode.
Camera FV-5
Download: for Android
By downloading this application, you will get an improved camera mode that is completely manually configured. You will be able to take professional photos because all the options will be available to you. For example, this is setting the focus, adjusting the exposure, various shooting modes, bracketing. Hints and detailed information about the frame are displayed on the screen for you to conveniently change settings.
By the way, you don’t have to work with the touch panel at all to set your shooting parameters. You can adjust the color and format using the volume buttons located on the side of the phone. This way you can stay focused on what's happening on the screen and better see what you need to get the perfect shot.
This application has additional features to take beautiful photos in night light conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
The application is available in more than 30 languages.
Quick access to photo settings.
Using the volume buttons to take pictures.
Night mode.
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Rules for taking a good photo
Before you start using your phone, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with several rules that will allow you to take a beautiful photo. First, you need to wipe the lens. This must be done with a special rag. A napkin for glasses or other optics is also great. Carefully monitor the condition of the lens to avoid scratches. Chips and fingerprints will turn a potentially good photo into a blurry one.
To ensure that the lens is always in excellent condition, use protective film or glass.
Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with the functionality of the camera. Advanced smartphones are equipped with multiple lenses. One is suitable for wide-angle photography, and the other for photographing objects at close range.
Perhaps the main advice is the correct use of light. Try to keep your subject facing the light source. Otherwise, individual elements of the photo will be overexposed, and this will directly affect the overall quality.
Another point regarding light involves avoiding the use of flash. Not every smartphone can boast of a high-quality LED. A bad flash will not only fail to cope with its main task, but will also cause an overexposed frame.
Finally, using the zoom is not recommended. Most models have a digital zoom feature, which reduces the image resolution. As a result, the photograph turns out to be far from ideal. However, some smartphones are equipped with optical zoom. This is a completely different matter, since the increase in this case occurs by rearranging the objective lens.
Camera ZOOM FX
Download: for Android
The creators of this application position it as the fastest camera created for Android devices. We can agree with them, because ZOOM FX is capable of capturing up to five dozen frames in one second. This is indeed a very good result for a mobile application.
For the convenience of users, the program has a simple and clear interface that instantly responds to commands. You can set various shooting modes using manual control. By the way, there is a very interesting possibility of “invisible” shooting, in which the camera disguises itself as a browser page, and no one around will understand that you are now taking a photograph.
This application differs from other programs that we describe in this review in its speed. At the same time, it has a wide range of functions for photography in various modes. You can set up manual control and set the desired parameters on the screen or using the volume buttons.
Advantages and disadvantages
RAW shooting mode.
Fine-tuning shooting.
Button customization.
Smart interface.
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Photographer tips
In addition to our recommendations, which were outlined at the beginning of the material, it would not be amiss to turn to the advice of photographers. Of course, these people rarely use a smartphone at work, but when professional equipment is not at hand, a mobile device can become an assistant in capturing a beautiful shot.
Of course, photographers advise carefully monitoring the condition of the lens. This is the first thing a beginner should pay attention to. Professionals also note the poor quality of the standard flash, which only spoils the photo. As an alternative, it is better to use a special night mode.
Separately, photographers speak out about smartphone cameras that shoot at 48, 64 or 108 megapixels. This is a marketing ploy by manufacturers that does not improve the quality of the pictures at all. On the contrary, turning on a special mode slows down the photo processing process.
Owners of Android devices are recommended to use special applications. For example, GCam, which was discussed earlier. Typically, such programs have more productive camera settings than the standard “Camera”.
In conclusion, photographers advise not to despair if you end up with a blurry or ugly photo. Firstly, defects add uniqueness to a photograph. Secondly, you can apply a filter to any photo, which will correct most imperfections.
Candy Camera
Download: for Android
And this application was created specifically for those who like to take pictures of themselves with the front camera. Unfortunately, on Android smartphones, standard selfies are often not of very good quality, since the front camera is always less powerful. But with the help of the Candy app you can make your photos very attractive.
The program has a built-in editor that will help you change your appearance. For example, you can change the shape of your face, whiten your teeth, correct your figure, etc. In addition, you can apply makeup directly on your smartphone screen. Now it doesn’t matter if you don’t quite know how to do make-up on your face!
There are also a large number of filters for color correction, shadows and highlights. They can be used directly during shooting to immediately see what your results will be.
Advantages and disadvantages
Lots of selfie add-ons.
A set of stickers for all occasions.
Built-in tools for creating collages.
Silence mode.
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Additional accessories for better photos
The smartphone attracts novice photographers because a person can start shooting by simply taking the device out of his pocket. But getting a good shot will be quite difficult if you don’t turn to the help of additional devices.
For example, selfie lovers use monopods everywhere. And although this element is gradually losing popularity, it can be useful for those people who do not have enough arm length to get into the frame of all people.
A stabilizer will be much more useful. This device is quite expensive and is most often used for shooting video. But shaking hands can ruin not only a short video, but also a photograph. Therefore, a stabilizer will definitely not be superfluous.
For people whose smartphones are not equipped with a wide-angle lens, the so-called “fish eye” will be useful. This additional lens is attached to the main camera, allowing the owner of a mobile device to capture the maximum number of objects in the frame.
For a person planning to take portraits or landscapes outdoors, a tripod will come in handy. The device eliminates the “shaking hand effect” and allows you to create a very beautiful shot. A tripod is a must-have in any aspiring photographer's arsenal.
And if you are going to shoot underwater, you cannot do without a special case. Protective boxes will prevent liquids from affecting the performance of the smartphone. So you can safely head to the seashore to photograph beautiful fish underwater.
In the case of some smartphones, using a special case for underwater photography is completely optional. When choosing a device, you need to pay attention to the presence of IP68 or at least IP67 protection.
Bonus: TOP 5 best programs for the camera on your phone
Advanced users have long been convinced that the standard camera application of any smartphone is significantly inferior to programs from third-party developers. Therefore, we decided to compile for you a rating of the best utilities that improve the quality of images in real time.
| Name | Description | Download link | Rating |
| Google Camera | A program that can do the impossible even on a cheap smartphone. | ★★★★★ | |
| Open camera | A very lightweight application with a lot of built-in features. | ★★★★★ | |
| Ucam Ultra Camera | A good solution for those who want to turn a photograph into a real work of art. | ★★★★★ | |
| A Better Camera | One of the best programs of this type, with night shooting and HDR modes. | ★★★★★ | |
| Line camera | A simple utility for beautiful selfies and collages. | ★★★★★ |
We've already said a lot about Google Camera, which is the best app for beginner photographers. Therefore, now we will dwell in more detail on other programs. But first there is an important note to make. GCam cannot be downloaded via Google Play. You will have to look for download links on specialized forums, where craftsmen adapt the application for each specific smartphone model.
Line camera is a very popular photo editor application. But the program also offers a photo shooting mode, which allows you to expand the capabilities of a standard camera.
A Better Camera is an extremely advanced program that will be quite difficult for a beginner to understand. But, if you are serious about taking up professional photography, the application will not disappoint you.
There is a paid version of A Better Camera for 49 rubles, which adds several new modes.
Ucam Ultra Camera doesn't have a very nice interface, but somehow the app manages to take pictures that are as good as GCam. But the main competitor to the Google camera still seems to be Open Camera. There is nothing superfluous here, only the basic functions that turn a beginner's photo into a professional photo.
4.3 / 5 ( 27 votes)
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Let's draw conclusions
Don't forget about such a parameter as ISO (light sensitivity). It can also be adjusted in the camera settings of smartphones. As a rule, the “Automatic” mode and several numerical values (100, 200 and more) are offered to choose from. A higher value allows you to take clearer pictures in low light. At Normal, it is recommended to use lower values to limit the appearance of noise and increase sharpness.
We told you whether it is possible to improve the camera on your phone. But I would also like to recommend not being shy about black and white photography, using filters and plugins. This is the only way to achieve originality, and eminent professionals take great advantage of this.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is a tandem of a good camera and a powerful image editor. You can select the “Auto” shooting mode and trust the quality to the automation, or “Pro” - to adjust ISO, shutter speed, focus and other parameters manually. The application allows you to change the frame proportions. There is RAW support.
As for the editor, it has tools for all occasions. Only the best of them are available by subscription - $5 per month. By paying, you can, for example, make precise edits to selected areas in the photo and even control the perspective.
Adobe Lightroom - Photo Editor
Adobe
Price: Free
Download
Price: Free
