Instant beauty. How to take stunning photos on Android smartphones
Optimize your Android camera for perfect shots (photo: Getty Images)
Do you want to take gorgeous photos on your Android smartphone without the need for long post-processing? It is possible if you use all the camera's capabilities correctly, states Lifehacker.
Switch to RAW photos (if available)
Similar to more expensive cameras, many smartphones can now take RAW photos. These are special versions of pictures that store all the data captured by the camera sensor uncompressed and in an easy-to-edit format. Some phones, such as Google Pixel devices, take a RAW photo and a processed JPEG at the same time, which gives you the best results from both.
On Google Pixel devices, you can switch to this mode by tapping the settings icon in the bottom left corner of the camera app, selecting the "Pro" tab, and activating RAW/JPEG. The setting may be different on some phones, so search within the app itself to see what's available.
Once you have a RAW photo, you can use apps like Adobe Lightroom to edit the photo as you see fit. You can adjust exposure levels, adjust highlights and shadows, or change the color tone to get a more realistic or stylized look.
Use ZeroCam for one-button simplicity
If your phone doesn't support RAW photos, or if you prefer a simpler camera experience, ZeroCam is a convenient alternative. This app has only one function: it takes photos without filters and post-processing. There are no sliders or settings, only a shutter button to take a picture.
If your phone has multiple lenses, you can switch between them, but otherwise, the app is very simple.
The main disadvantage of this app is that it is free only for a trial period (one week if you choose an annual plan or three days if you choose a monthly plan). After that, you will need to pay for the subscription.
The good news is that the service only costs $1 per month or $7.49 per year, which isn't a big expense, especially if the simplicity of the app helps you focus on the moment rather than what you're using to capture it.
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Get more control with Camera FV-5
Even when you shoot in RAW, your phone's manufacturer still makes some decisions about how your photos will look. This is because your camera automatically decides on the ISO level, shutter speed, focus, or even the lens choice. If you want maximum control, you should use an app like Camera FV-5 Lite.
This app gives you the ability to adjust ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and other settings to get the exact shot you want. It also offers some advanced features, such as burst mode and auto exposure.
Some features, including capturing photos in RAW format, are only available in the paid version, which costs $5 for a one-time purchase.
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Professional settings for video with Blackmagic Camera
Blackmagic is known for its great cameras and its free editing suite, Davinci Resolve. The software used in Blackmagic cameras is some of the best and most intuitive in the industry, and now you can use it on your phone. However, it doesn't work on all phones.
The Blackmagic Camera app is primarily video recording, so if your goal is primarily photos, you might want to choose one of the other apps. However, this app is considered ideal for videographers.
In addition to professional camera settings, it includes useful features such as an RGB histogram and image stabilization to get the perfect shot.
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You may also be interested in 7 easy ways to instantly extract text from photos on Android.
