In today’s world, the ability to take high-quality photos using a mobile device is becoming increasingly important. With the vast majority of people carrying smartphones on a daily basis, having a reliable way to capture and share images is essential. As such, there are many different apps available for Android devices that offer various features and functionalities for taking photos. However, selecting the best Android app for taking photos can be a challenge, given the abundance of options available. This article will explore some of the key features to look for and highlight some of the top contenders in this space.
First and foremost, a good Android app for taking photos should offer high-quality resolution and image stabilization. This means that the app should be able to capture clear, crisp images even in low-light situations or when the user’s hand is shaky. Additionally, the app should offer a range of editing tools and filters to enhance the image after it has been captured.
We have compiled a list of 8 Best Android App For Taking Photos for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
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8 Best Android App For Taking Photos
Navigation Gestures is an app that allows users to add swipe gesture controls to any Android device. It replaces the navigation bar buttons with gesture controls and can completely hide the stock navigation bar without root access. Users can customize the gesture pill and choose from a variety of gestures, including taps, swipes, and split pill. The app offers both free and premium actions, such as launching apps, pulling down notifications, and toggling WiFi. The app also provides appearance and behavior customization options, and troubleshooting tips are available on the XDA forum thread and GitHub page. However, the app is not compatible with Android 11 and later, and users should be aware that navigation gestures will not be receiving any more updates.
2. MotionCam: Camera & RAW Video
MotionCam is a camera replacement application that utilizes advanced computational photography algorithms to generate natural looking images. Its unique capability to stack multiple images helps in reducing noise, and it also allows for the capture of true RAW video at full sensor resolution on a high-end device.
One of the features of MotionCam is its ability to capture true RAW video with support for Cinema DNG. Additionally, it enables users to go back in time and pick images from the past. MotionCam also provides full customization of post-processing, including white balance, tone mapping, and sharpness, along with customizable advanced image stacking algorithms to reduce noise. Further, it allows full manual control of shutter and ISO.
It is important to note that MotionCam requires a high-end device with complete Camera2 API support to function correctly. For more information and support, users can visit https://github.com/mirsadm/motioncam.
3. Snapseed
Snapseed, developed by Google, is a comprehensive and professional photo editor that offers users 29 tools and filters, including Healing, Brush, Structure, HDR, and Perspective. The app is compatible with both JPG and RAW files, and users can save their personal looks and apply them to new photos later. The selective filter brush allows for precise control over all styles, which can be tweaked as needed.
Snapseed’s tools, filters, and face-enhancement capabilities are vast and include RAW Develop, which enables users to open and tweak RAW DNG files and save changes non-destructively or export as JPG. The Tune Image tool allows users to adjust exposure and color automatically or manually with fine, precise control, while the Details tool brings out surface structures in images. The Crop tool allows users to crop to standard sizes or freely, and the Rotate tool enables rotation by 90° or straightening of a skewed horizon. Perspective corrects skewed lines and geometry of horizons or buildings, while the White Balance tool adjusts colors for a natural look. The Brush tool allows users to selectively retouch exposure, saturation, brightness, or warmth, while the Selective tool uses Control Point technology to position up to 8 points on the image and assign enhancements. The Healing tool removes unwanted elements from pictures, and the Vignette tool adds a soft darkness around the corners. The Text tool adds stylized or plain text, and the Curves tool provides precise control over brightness levels.
4. Retrica – The Original Filter Camera
The Retrica app boasts over 190 filters and special effects to enhance photos and videos. Users can add retro touches like vignette, grain, and blur effects to their media. The app allows for real-time filter and effect selection as well as editing of existing photos and videos stored on the user’s phone.
5. Google Camera
Google Camera is a mobile app that enables users to capture high-quality photos and videos, thanks to its advanced features. With Portrait, Night Sight, and video stabilization modes, users can take pictures and videos of their experiences with ease.
One of the app’s most notable features is HDR+ with Exposure and White Balance Controls, which enhances images taken in low-light or backlit scenes. Additionally, Top Shot automatically recommends the best pictures by selecting the perfect moment when no one is blinking and everything looks just right.
Another standout feature is Night Sight, which brings out details and colors that may be lost in the dark, making it unnecessary to use the flash. Super Res Zoom sharpens pictures when zoomed in, while Motion Mode captures life in motion and takes professional quality Long Exposure and Action Pan photos.
Finally, Long Shot allows users to take casual, quick videos by pressing the shutter key in the default camera mode. However, it’s important to note that the latest version of Google Camera only works on Pixel phones running Android 12 and above, and some features may not be available on all devices.
6. Picsart Photo & Video Editor
Picsart is an all-in-one editor and collage maker that provides users with a platform to showcase their creativity. With over 150 million creators around the world, users can create professional-level collages, add stickers, remove and swap backgrounds, apply popular filters like Golden Hour, Mirror Selfies, and retro VHS or Y2K filters. Picsart offers various features, including a photo editor, video editor, collage maker, sticker maker, photo effects and filters, drawing tool, and replay.
The photo editor includes various features like trending filters, background eraser, Remove Object tool, millions of curated images, designer fonts, hair color changer, makeup stickers, AI-powered smart selection tool, and the option to add stickers. The video editor allows users to create and edit videos with music, add trendy filters, trim videos, use smart video merger to blend videos, design a slideshow maker with music, and create a video collage. The collage maker provides users with the freedom to create on-trend photo collages, meme generator, scrapbook, and frames for pictures.
The sticker maker offers over 60 million Picsart stickers, the option to add stickers to pictures to turn up the fun level on your edits, download any sticker for free, and create unique custom stickers. Users can also apply photo effects and filters, such as sketch effects, canvas effects, dripping effect stickers, and magic effects.
7. Instagram
Instagram is a social media platform owned by Facebook that allows users to create and share photos, stories, and videos with friends and followers. Users can connect with others, view new content from around the world, and share their daily moments and highlights.
One of the features of Instagram is INSTA Reels, which provides users with a new way to create and discover short videos that are up to 15 seconds long. Users can add special effects, music, filters, emojis, and stickers to their videos to make them more creative. Videos can be uploaded to the Explore section of Instagram to reach a wider audience.
Another feature of Instagram is INSTA Story, which allows users to add photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Users can add text, music, stickers, and GIFs to their stories to enhance them. Memes can be shared privately with friends, and videos can be pinned to a user’s profile to highlight their favorite memories.
Instagram also offers Direct messaging, where users can chat with friends about content they see on their feed, stories, and INSTA Reels. Video chat is also available for users to connect with others, even if they are in different locations. Users can send messages to friends, share posts privately, and receive chat notifications.
Users can post photos and videos to their Instagram feed, which is visible to their followers. Notifications are sent when someone likes or comments on a user’s post.
8. ProShot
ProShot Evaluator is a mobile application that allows users to determine which features are supported by their device. It is available for download on the Google Play Store. Engadget notes that the app’s screen layouts are impressive, while Gizmodo states that ProShot includes nearly every feature imaginable.
ProShot offers a variety of camera features, including Auto, Program, Manual, and Custom modes. It allows users to control exposure, flash, focus, ISO, shutter speed, torch, and white balance in manual, semi-manual, or automatic modes. Users can capture images in JPEG, RAW, or RAW + JPEG formats, with RAW files in .DNG format. ProShot also includes a Light Painting mode, Custom Aspect Ratio mode, and Timelapse mode with manual controls. Zero-lag bracket exposure up to ±3, in 1/3 stop increments, is also available. Other features include manual focus assist, a live histogram, and a front-facing camera with exposure control.
ProShot’s video features include the ability to record up to 4K resolution at 60fps, with a bitrate of up to 175Mb/s. Users can control frame rate, bitrate, and resolution, and adjust any camera parameter during video recording. ProShot also offers Timelapse video, real-time audio input levels, and video light.
ProShot’s UI is considered to be the most innovative camera UI to date.