Best Camera Apps for Mobile Phones
While stock camera apps have improved significantly, third-party camera apps offer advanced features, manual controls, and creative tools that can enhance your mobile photography experience. Here are some of the best camera apps available for mobile phones:
1. Google Camera (GCam)
Available exclusively for Pixel devices (and unofficial ports for other Android phones), Google Camera is renowned for its computational photography. Features like HDR+, Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Astrophotography deliver high-quality images even in challenging lighting. The app uses advanced AI processing to enhance clarity, detail, and color accuracy.
2. ProCamera (iOS)
ProCamera is a favorite among iPhone users for its DSLR-like controls. It offers manual adjustments for shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus. Additional features include RAW support, HDR, LowLight Plus, and video recording up to 4K resolution. Its intuitive interface and professional-grade features make it a top choice for serious mobile photographers.
3. Halide Mark II (iOS)
Halide is a powerful iOS app designed for photography enthusiasts who want full manual control. It supports RAW capture, manual focus peaking, histogram, and Smart RAW for better image processing. The app’s user interface is sleek and easy to use, with gestures for quick adjustments and an intuitive layout.
4. Adobe Lightroom Mobile (Android & iOS)
Though primarily known for photo editing, Lightroom Mobile includes a built-in pro camera mode with advanced controls. Users can capture in RAW, adjust exposure, white balance, and more. Combined with its robust editing suite and cloud sync, Lightroom offers an all-in-one photography solution.
5. Open Camera (Android)
Open Camera is a free and open-source camera app packed with features. It provides manual camera controls, auto-stabilization, HDR, exposure bracketing, and support for external microphones for video. It’s a great choice for Android users who want more than what their default app offers without paying.
6. Camera+ 2 (iOS)
Camera+ 2 enhances iPhone photography with manual controls, RAW support, slow shutter, macro mode, and portrait editing tools. The app is well-optimized for various iPhone models and includes post-processing tools for quick enhancements.
7. VSCO (Android & iOS)
VSCO combines a decent camera app with a powerful editing platform. While its camera interface is minimalist, it supports manual settings and RAW capture. What sets VSCO apart is its extensive collection of filters and community-based sharing platform.
8. Manual Camera DSLR (Android)
As the name suggests, this Android app brings DSLR-like controls to your phone. It Its clean UI and minimal lag make it ideal for serious photographers using Android.
Conclusion
Choosing the best camera app depends on your device and how you plan to use it. iPhone users may prefer Halide or ProCamera for precision, while Android users might lean toward Open Camera or a GCam port. For those looking for an all-in-one tool, Lightroom or VSCO provide both capturing and editing capabilities. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a mobile photography pro, there’s a camera app out there to elevate your shots.
