For this blog post, we are going to be talking about the best camera apps for Android that can help improve your mobile photography.
Many applications now have features comparable to those found on regular digital cameras: manual controls, advanced editing tools, various filters, and even artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements that work well for beginner as well as professional photographers.
When it comes down to capturing breathtaking scenery, vibrant portraits, or close-ups with amazing details, the right choice of camera app matters a lot. Some of the popular choices like Camera FV-5, Adobe Lightroom, and Snapseed will be discussed here among other equally competitive players in the market that offer unique functionalities.
Key Points & Features
| App Name | Key Points & Features |
|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | Professional-grade photo editing and organization<br>- Advanced editing tools (e.g., selective adjustments, healing brush)- Presets for quick edits- Sync across devices<br>- RAW photo support- Integrated cloud storage<br>- Camera feature with manual controls |
| ReLens Camera | Specialized for lens effects and bokeh, AI-based portrait enhancements, Manual control over focus and exposure, Variety of lens effects and filters- High-resolution output |
| Cymera | – User-friendly interface<br>- Beauty and makeup tools<br>- Real-time filters and effects<br>- Collage and grid features<br>- AR stickers and masks<br>- Simple editing tools (crop, rotate, adjust brightness/contrast) |
| SODA | – Beauty camera with real-time filters<br>- Skin enhancement and makeup tools<br>- High-resolution selfies<br>- Smart AI filters<br>- Simple editing options (brightness, contrast, saturation) |
| Koda Cam | – Vintage and retro filters<br>- 1998 film effect simulation<br>- Light leak and dust effects<br>- Basic editing tools (crop, adjust brightness/contrast)<br>- Easy-to-use interface |
| Manual Camera | – Full manual control over camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance)<br>- RAW format support<br>- Real-time histogram<br>- Exposure bracketing<br>- Customizable grid overlays |
| mcpro24fps | – Professional video recording app<br>- Full manual control over video settings (ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance)<br>- Support for LOG profiles and LUTs<br>- 4K video recording<br>- High bitrate options<br>- Real-time audio level monitoring |
| Open Camera | – Free, open-source camera app<br>- Manual controls (ISO, exposure, focus)<br>- Voice commands for hands-free operation<br>- Auto-stabilization<br>- Support for external microphones<br>- HDR and DRO modes |
| Camera FV-5 | – DSLR-like manual controls<br>- Long exposure support<br>- Intervalometer for time-lapse photography<br>- RAW and lossless PNG format support<br>- Built-in exposure bracketing<br>- Customizable settings profiles |
| Pixtica | – All-in-one camera app with multiple modes<br>- Manual controls (ISO, shutter speed, focus, white balance)<br>- Real-time filters and effects<br>- Panorama and time-lapse modes<br>- GIF recorder<br>- Built-in gallery with editing tools (crop, adjust, filters) |
10 Best Android Camera Apps
1. Adobe Lightroom
Technically, Adobe Lightroom is not a camera app but a photo editor. However, it has its camera app, too. The camera is pretty good and has many keyword functions like High Dynamic Range (HDR), RAW, other shooting modes, and presets.
Additionally, some standard manual camera controls are available if you need them. Moreover, the good news is that Adobe Lightroom is one of the best photo editor apps on mobile right now, so you can shoot with its built-in camera app and start editing instantly.
2. ReLens Camera
The most advanced AI is installed in ReLens, making it possible for you to convert your smartphone into a DSLR immediately. Its aperture, perfected to achieve a level above that of DSLRs, makes it possible to create attractive backgrounds and cinematic effects.
So, suppose you love photography as a hobby. In that case, this app is perfect for you with features such as f1.4 aperture mode for shooting portraits, classic SLR lens reproduction, various filters, and depth of field control, among many others.
Manual controls and 20x zooming are also supported by ReLens, along with other professional convenience tools. The program can also be called an image editor, which features AI zone adjustment, color grading tools, filters, and HDR enhancements within its range.
3. Cymera
Another one of the older and more popular camera apps is Cymera, which is biased toward mainstream features.
This indicates you will acquire several filters, stickers, special effects, and other similar additions to the program. In addition, it also has a beauty camera mode that supports adding or removing features in your face or body.
We’re not huge enthusiasts of such radical changes, but everyone can do what they like. There is also an image editor available for minor adjustments. It’s available as a free download. You can purchase more things through the app itself.
4. SODA
An Android beauty camera that has one-touch makeup and filter combinations is Soda. Still, there are real-time beauty effects and different skin-optimized color filters.
Furthermore, it also has a portrait effect through which you can adjust focus by tapping it once. However, the most excellent thing about the app is that you do not have to compromise quality because high-resolution pictures can be obtained.
5. Koda Cam-Photo Editor 1998
Koda Cam is an editor-camera app combination for those who prefer the retro photo effect. Here, you have an application that can make your photos look retro with film scratches, dust effects, and glitchy chromatic aberrations with just a single tap.
It offers over 30 analog film filters, over 40 light leak filters, and a creative adjustment tool that automatically inserts vintage appeal into your images.
6. Manual Camera
A rather good camera app is Manual Camera. Its features contain but are not limited to manual controls such as exposure, white balance, ISO, focus, shutter speed, and support for RAW files. You can also record slow-motion videos if your smartphone allows it.
The application also throws in additional shooting modes like burst shots and 4K video recording, making the experience wholesome.
Although the post-processing does not compare with a stock camera app, it probably has some shooting modes that your phone doesn’t have. There has been no update since 2020, so we pray the developer will not cease maintaining it.
7. mcpro24fps
McPro24fps is one of the most powerful mobile video camera applications. This application has features like 10-bit video recording capabilities and HLG, among others. Furthermore, it has LUT readout, focus peaking metadata, and many more.
Therefore, to use some of these features, you must have a phone that supports them; otherwise, this is about as good as it gets for video. The only downside is that it’s pretty tricky until you get used to everything. In addition, it’s relatively expensive, but anything good comes at a price.
8. Open Camera
Serious photographers love Open Camera because it is one of the most used camera apps. Some basic features are exposure control, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
Also available in this app is a timer, support for external microphones, HDR, exposure bracketing, and so on. The program does not charge any fees or contain ads for promotions. Moreover, its open-source nature makes it even better.
9. Camera FV-5
The FV-5 Camera is the best option for amateurs and professionals in photography with its various functions. This app allows manual shutter speed, ISO, focus, and exposure control like a DSLR camera. The app supports RAW capture, thus ensuring maximum image quality.
Additionally, it allows photographers to do long exposures, which are great for capturing moving images. You can still make time-lapse videos seamlessly and beautifully with this application since it has an intervalometer feature.
Its broad range of tools and features makes Camera FV-5 stand out as the best companion for people whose photography they want to take to another level.
10. Pixtica
Among the apps in the list, Pixtica is one of the newest camera apps. It offers several cool things and some reasonable post-processing. The app also provides live filters, manual controls, exposure control, a GIF recorder, slow-motion mode, RAW file support, and a QR code scanner. Inclusive even is a very basic gallery and photo editor.
We appreciate that they have tried to cover everything under one roof and thus it has a wide range of features. Nevertheless, a subscription is required for certain features, while your default camera app can still do better post-processing than this.
Importance of having a good camera app on your Android device
It is imperative to have a good camera app on your Android device for various reasons, as it significantly improves both the functionality and quality of your photography and videography. The points below emphasize its significance.
- Quality of Images
Extra Features: Good camera applications usually contain additional features like HDR (High Dynamic Range), low-light enhancements, and AI-powered improvements to improve image quality.
Manual Controls: They possess manual controls for exposure, white balance, ISO, and shutter speed that enable users to make minor picture adjustments.
- User Experience
User-friendly Interface: Well-designed apps have an intuitive and user-friendly interface that newbies can use.
Quick Access: A good app gives you quick access to essential features and settings, thereby reducing time taken during capture.
- Customization & Flexibility
Filters & Effects: These cameras are equipped with a wide range of filters and effects that can be applied in real-time or post-processing, thus enhancing the look of your photos/videos.
Shooting Modes: There are several shooting modes, such as portrait mode, night mode, panorama mode, and time-lapse mode, which allows one to use a variety of shots based on different occasions.
- Enhanced Features for Creativity
Pro Mode allows photographers to experiment with different settings and techniques and have greater creative control over their photos.
AR & VR Capabilities – Some advanced camera apps support augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features, adding another layer of creativity to photography/videography.
- Editing Tools
Built-in Editors – Some good camera apps have built-in solid editing tools that allow users to edit their photos/videos directly within the app itself,
RAW Support – RAW format support provides higher quality images after post-processing them further using photo editors like Lightroom or Photoshop Express, among many others.
- Integration & Sharing
Social Media Integration – Seamless integration with social media platforms allows for quick sharing of photos and videos.
Cloud Storage – Some apps provide cloud storage facilities that ensure your pictures are backed up and accessed from anywhere.
- Performance & Stability
Optimization: high-quality camera applications are optimized to run without lags or crashes.
Regular updates by reputable developers might introduce new features, improvements, and security enhancements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good Android camera app can make a huge difference in your photography and videography endeavours by providing more advanced features, improved photo quality, and a better user experience. Google Camera, Adobe Lightroom, and Open Camera are some of the top options due to their robust functionality, user-friendly design, and practical editing tools.
When simplicity is required alongside high-quality photographs with minimal input from the user, the Google camera fits the bill perfectly with its HDR+ and Night Sight modes that impress. For those who want to improve their pictures in detail, Adobe Lightroom is just what they need.
The key audience for Open Camera players is serious photographers seeking greater control over their images through extensive manual controls and customization options. Therefore, if you choose one of these premium camera apps, your Android device’s entire picture-taking capability will be unlocked for every shot you take to become perfect.
